We are and will continue to be a Christ-centered church, obedient to Christ through the Scriptures. In order to assure the integrity and continuity of our MVV and “to further the peace, purity, and unity of the church", the Staff, Elders and Deacons of BPC hereby resolve to adopt the following Commitments to support, guide and characterize our continued interaction with and support of the PC(USA).

Accordingly, the Elders and Deacons of BPC jointly resolve and adopt the following Commitments:

1. We will, at all times, seek the reasoned and God-inspired voice that will make us effective in our service for Christ and his Church - both at BPC and within the PC(USA). In so seeking the Lord’s guidance, we will always seek to further the peace, purity, and unity of the church” as mandated by the Book of Order and will conduct ourselves individually and collectively in a manner that is compatible with the letter and spirit of the Guidelines for Presbyterians During Times of Disagreement.
2. We will pray regularly and continuously for BPC and for the PC(USA) so “that they may be one” and that we may be faithful to our high call in Jesus Christ.
3. We choose at this time to remain within the PC(USA) and to actively participate in the government of the denomination. We will do so for as long as we are able to speak and be heard in support of a denomination that remains Christ-centered, obedient to the authority of Scripture and true to its historical roots and standards of confession.
   1. We have and will continue to respond to issues that we believe conflict with our MVV and appropriately express our views to the PC(USA). We wish to remain in the PC(USA); however, we recognize that there have been actions taken and decisions made to date by the denomination (General Assembly, Synod or Presbytery) that, if unchecked, have the potential to fundamentally and irreconcilably conflict with the basic beliefs stated in our MVV and may in time threaten the integrity of or seriously harm the efforts of our ministry to become more fully and faithfully a large, mainline,’’ Christ—centered church.
   2. In response, we will first do everything possible to promptly and decisively overturn these actions. Among the actions we will take are making overtures to the General Assembly; seeking requests for judicial rulings; and/or reevaluating our financial support of the PC(USA).
4. We currently expect to continue to pay our per capita apportionment and maintain our current level of financial support of PC(USA) mission (both designated and undesignated).
   1. We will, however, continue to insist that the PC(USA) exercise proper stewardship of its funds, including those contributed by BPC. If the integrity of the PC(USA)’s funds is not maintained, funds are used for a purpose that is in conflict with our MVV or with the confessional standards, or if there is inadequate attention to preventing in the future past abuses, we will give due consideration to reallocating our denominational mission giving or otherwise change the method or the extent of our financial support of the PC(USA), whether alone and/or in concert with other like-minded churches.
   2. In evaluating our financial support of the PC(USA), we are mindful of and sensitive to the welfare of the PC(USA)’s critical mission work being conducted throughout the world. We will endeavor to not disrupt or jeopardize the execution of the PC(USA)’s overall mission ministries which are, on balance, sound and effective uses of the church’s financial resources. We will explore appropriate alternatives such as but not necessarily limited to forms and methods of “designated” giving.
5. As we continue to evaluate our relationship with the denomination, we will continue to network and affiliate with other PC(USA) congregations that are “like-minded” for mutual support and encouragement; for strategy, planning and consultation; and for the purpose of forming alliances in the event we are no longer able to stay within the denomination.
   1. In addition to networking with other like-minded churches, we will actively support with our time, talent and treasure the many like-minded organizations which are closely aligned with and supportive of our MVV.
6. In an effort at all times to be forthcoming with the members of BPC and to endeavor at all appropriate times to inform the congregation about issues and developments within the denomination, we will communicate regularly through the Bay Press; letters from the Pastors; and such other means as may be appropriate under the circumstances.
   1. We will develop, in conjunction with input from members of the congregation, “pastoral letters” designed to reflect and communicate the views of the leadership of BPC (both staff and elected officers) in areas where there are matters of significant disagreement and divisiveness. The purpose of these “letters” is not to create spiritual or religious “litmus tests” or to legislate specific theological positions but rather to inform, educate and communicate on matters that may arise from time to time that involve significant and challenging issues and questions relating to the ministry of BPC or the PC(USA)
7. If the PC(USA) continues to run counter to its historical roots, traditions and confessional standards and is, therefore, no longer sufficiently in line with the MVV of BPC such that we are unable to effectively pursue our ministry, we will actively consider a decision to leave the denomination. Such a decision will be considered with openness, grace, and integrity.
   1. Consideration of any decision to leave the denomination will be done openly with staff, officers, the congregation, and the Presbytery sharing in discussion and appropriate decisions.
   2. If we have come to the place where we are engaged in such considerations, it is likely that there will be dozens, if not hundreds, of other congregations in the PC(USA) who are also considering decisions to leave the denomination. It would be extremely unlikely if we were to consider a unilateral withdrawal from the denomination.
   3. In the event of a decision to leave the denomination, we will negotiate in good faith concerning the continuing use and ownership of our facilities, properties and assets.
8. If affiliation with the PC(USA) is no longer possible, we will seek affiliation with the Christian body that is most closely aligned with the theology and polity of the Presbyterian Church as it has been known historically. It is likely that this affiliation would be with other Presbyterian churches which are of like-mind and belief and are in similar circumstances.
9. We also believe in the providence and mercy of God who is far greater than any person, any church, and any denomination. We praise God that both through our efforts, and in spite of our efforts, His Kingdom is being built and will come into fullness at His return.

Adopted March 19, 1994

Revised and Reaffirmed by Session March 19, 2001

Reaffirmed with approval of specific action to be taken relating to Section 4 by Session on July 17, 2006

MISSION STATEMENT (Adopted 1985)

“Our second priority is to call people to a commitment to the Body of Christ.

We are committed to the vitality, health, and growth of the Church of Jesus Christ. Together we find strength, share joy and sorrow, and are challenged to serve.”

VISION STATEMENT (Adopted 3/15/93)

MINISTRY VALUES (Adopted 5/13/91)

“Connected”

We are called together to be the church and without one another our life and ministry is incomplete. Not only are we connected with one another at BPC, but we are a part of the PC(USA) and called to responsible participation in the denomination of which we are a part. Finally, we are connected to all who worship the Triune God and proclaim Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. Within the Christian family, however, we share a special bond with those who pursue a Christ-centered ministry.”

PROGRAM STAFF TEAM COVENANT (Adopted 9/29/92, Revised 9/7/93)

“...We covenant to support the ministry of the Christian Church; and as members of the Presbyterian Church (USA), we are governed by its Book of Order and, where possible, seek to work actively and faithfully within the denomination.”

SESSION COVENANT (Adopted 8/16/93)

“...We covenant to exercise leadership in equipping and renewing the congregation for service and ministry; by developing and nurturing relationships, by being wise stewards of our gifts of time/talent/treasures, and by establishing church policy that will meet the needs of this congregation and help us to live out the Great Commission.

STRATEGIC PLAN (Adopted 3/27/93)

Strategic Thrust - “Pro-Active Futuring”

“To extend into the future a vibrant ministry consistent with our mission, vision, and values, we must identify critical areas where plans need to be developed to insure success of our future ministries.”

DIRECTIONAL GOAL V. (Adopted 5/17/93)

“Goal - Have a plan adopted by Session that has the confidence and commitment of the covenant community that would assure the continuation of our ministry that is consistent with our M/V/V should our denomination choose to go in a direction in violation to these.”

Meeting with "Vision Team" to draft position paper to begin consideration of a "plan." - Held 10/26/93

BPC "Leadership Team" Meeting ( Deacons , Elders, Staff) - Held 11/20/93

Consideration of issues involved and value of a plan.

Preparation of "Safety Net" document by Planning & Policy and Denominational & Ecumenical Committees of Session – January - March 1994

DIRECTIONAL GOAL #2 (Prepared 2/94, Adopted 5/16/94)

"By January 1, 1995, have a plan adopted by Session that outlines strategy for B.P.C. being a witness and source of renewal within the PC(USA) consistent with our MVV and provides confidence that our ministry will continue into the future consistent with our MVV regardless of the direction chosen by the denomination. After, its adoption, work the plan!"

BPC "Leadership Team" Meeting ( Deacons , Elders, Staff) - Held 3/19/94 Agreement in principle on "Safety Net" plan.

Adoption of "Safety Net" Resolution by Session - 3/21/94

Communication with Congregation

Letter from Pastor - 4/4/94

Bulletin Announcements of Availability of "Safety Net" Resolution -

2/27/94, 3/20/94, 4/24/94

Bay Press Articles - 4/20/94, 5/25/94