Thank you so much for your desire to use your time, talents, and passions to serve the mission and vision of River House as a school of ministry student! We are grateful to have the privilege of partnering with you as we serve God by serving others. Due to the diverse life experiences present in the Body of Christ, we understand that we may possess differing ideas about how to best serve and love others in the context of Christian community. For this reason, we ask students to commit to the following standards to ensure unity in pursuit of our vision.
- I commit to pursuing a growing relationship with Jesus Christ through regular Bible study and prayer. I recognize that I never outgrow my need for further emotional and spiritual maturity. If my emotional needs are too great or have gone unattended, the focus of ministry will be on myself rather than the needs of others.
- I recognize that gathering together in worship is essential to growing my personal faith making me available to be used in the lives of others. I commit to regularly attending worship services at River House.
- I agree to guard the unity of River House by refraining from gossip, slander, or divisiveness. I will be intentional about working through conflict with other believers and seeking resolution and reconciliation.
- I recognize the leadership of River House is accountable to God to oversee this faith family. I commit to regularly praying for our church leadership and the mission of River House. As a person of influence, I commit to being a voice of support.
- I commit to attending any necessary meetings and training sessions, as well as communicating regularly with leadership. If I say I will be there, I will be there. If I cannot attend, I will let leadership know.
- I commit to serving others with compassion, recognizing the Holy Spirit is the One who transforms lives. My job is to love people. The Holy Spirit’s job is to lead people into all truth and to set them free.
- I acknowledge the Bible as the written Word of God and final authority in matters of faith and morals. I commit to embody the core beliefs and values of River House and lead an exemplary Christian lifestyle. As a student, I agree that I will be a witness to the good news of salvation with the way I live my life (Matthew 5:16). Activities that would constitute violations of this standard would include drunkenness and drug abuse, sexual immorality (including adultery, fornication/cohabitation, homosexual behavior, same-sex marriage, bisexual conduct, bestiality, incest, and the use of pornography), criminal conduct, and physical or verbal abuse. If I find myself struggling with any personal sin, I will seek help, be accountable, and commit to recovery. I also understand that I may be asked to step back from my ministry position for a time in order to focus on my own spiritual health.
I covenant to do my best to honor God and others as a faithful River House School of Ministry student. I commit to the above standards, staying especially mindful that people will look to me as a leader.
