OUR VISION AND MISSION
OUR VISION is to grow as a multi-generational church family that is actively involved in reaching out to our neighbors and the world, striving to provide effective youth ministries, and building up one another through large and small group experiences.
OUR MISSION as a family of believers responding to the call of God, is to freely share our new life in Christ and to live in ways which help our neighbors turn or return to a transforming faith in Him. To make our Mission Statement come alive, we will strive to:
Understand our purpose as a church family in terms of Christ's great purpose--to seek and save lost people, making them His disciples.
Offer a grace-filled atmosphere where people can discover God's love and where prodigals can come home.
Provide a warm, authentic atmosphere of vibrant worship that is both accessible to the unchurched and meaningful to believers of all ages.
Include newcomers in our life together; our fellowship and traditions, and our ministry and dreams.
Express our faith to our neighbors and to the world through ministries of mercy and compassion.
Grow together as disciples of Jesus Christ; in faith, in the knowledge of God, and in maturity under the authority of the living Word of God, and to nurture our young people as they develop in their faith.
Honor our past while we focus on our future.
Exercise our responsibility as stewards; of the resources, the talents, the energy, and the time God has placed in our care.
COVENANT AFFIRMATIONS
Consistent with both its identity in classical Christianity and its own historical experience, the Covenant Church affirms six “affirmations.” These statements guide us in our mission and ministry as a “non-creedal” fellowship.
1. The Centrality of the Word of God
From the beginning, Covenanters have been known to ask each other a question of utmost importance: “Where is it written?” This question guides our personal conduct, our theology, and our mission to the world around us. We believe wholeheartedly the words of the Apostle Paul, who writes, “All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness” (2 Timothy 3:16, ESV). What’s more, not only is the word of God “profitable,” it will never fail us. Therefore, in the Covenant we believe that the Word of God – the Old and New Testaments – are the only perfect rule for faith, doctrine, and conduct.
2. The Necessity of the New Birth
In John chapter 3, Jesus announces to the Pharisee, Nicodemus, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God” (John 3:3). This is a great mystery, but it is not a surprise! Through the Prophet Ezekiel, God promised to give His people “a new heart” made of flesh in place of their heart of stone (Ezekiel 36:26).
In the Covenant, we believe that the sign of a follower of Jesus is transformation. The old has passed away and the new has come (2 Corinthians 5:17). When this transforming work takes place in our lives, we repent of our sins, and we walk in the light of the Gospel.
The Christianity of 19th century Sweden had reduced God to an idea contained in a creed. One’s faith was determined by whether they agreed with a confession (a statement of beliefs about God and the church). It was in this context that our Covenant ancestors looked to the Scriptures, and learned that God cares deeply about the heart. Knowledge about God is not enough; one must meet Jesus, and be wholly changed.
3. A Commitment to the Whole Mission of the Church
In the beginning, Covenanters called themselves, “Mission Friends.” They were inspired by the words of David, who declares to the Lord, “I am a friend of all who fear you” (Psalm 119:63). Today we continue the tradition of joining alongside all who seek to share the name of Jesus and the Good News of the resurrection to their neighbors.
We believe that the Christian Church is bigger than one denomination. This is why we joyfully partner with brothers and sisters from other Christian traditions, both locally and abroad. It is our privilege and calling to join God in His mission to redeem a world that has been broken by sin.
Our commitment to “the whole mission of the church” means that we are devoted to evangelism and acts of mercy. In fact, we do not see them as mutually exclusive. We are committed to feeding the hungry and inviting them to know our Savior. What’s more, we believe that this work is as important in our own neighborhoods as it is on another continent.
4. The Church as a Fellowship of Believers
Covenanters believe that “the Church is a gathered community set apart for involvement in Christ’s mission to the world.” We are a new people whom God has called to be agents of change in His world.
Among the many images Scripture provides for this new community of God’s people is that of a body. Or, more specifically, Christ’s Body. The Apostle Paul writes that all who are in Christ are distinct, yet interconnected. Together we form “the Body of Christ,” and it is when we work together that we most resemble Jesus (1 Corinthians 12:12-30).
We are also keenly aware that the Body of Christ does not look like one ethnicity, class, or gender. Worldly classifications no longer hold sway for those undergoing the transforming work of Christ (Galatians 3:28).
Therefore, we recognize that the Church of Jesus Christ is called to look, think, and act differently than the society around us. We are committed to modeling the radical love of God as we love each other and the community surrounding us.
5. A Conscious Dependance on the Holy Spirit
Jesus promises the gift of the Holy Spirit to His disciples (John 14:17). Though we certainly see the Spirit of God at work in the Old Testament, the indwelling of the Spirit in all of God’s people is not a reality. That does not occur until the Day of Pentecost (Acts 2:1-11). We live in an age when God’s Spirit is poured out on His people, the Church. This Spirit is transforming us within (Romans 8:28-29) and drawing all peoples to God (Acts 1:8).
The first Covenanters were keenly aware of their need for the Spirit of God. At the same time, they understood that God’s Spirit cannot be directed by the Body of Christ. Rather, it is the Spirit who directs God’s people! It is therefore our aim to follow the Spirit’s lead (John 3:8). For wherever the Spirit is moving, there God is inviting His people into His mission.
6. The Reality of Freedom in Christ
The first Covenanters lived in an environment marred by conflict. Religious disputes were normal (and had been for centuries). It was in this context that our Covenant ancestors began speaking of the “freedom” they had found in Jesus. In their eyes, Christian groups spent far too much energy debating and even fighting! The result was a loss of mission and division in the Body of Christ.
As a Covenant, we are committed to the truth, which sets us free (John 8:31-32). We believe, wholeheartedly, that Christ has freed us, not only from sin and death, but for a life of devotion to God. We welcome all who earnestly desire to find this true freedom.
We recognize that there are many matters in which Scripture does not offer clear guidance. On some matters of conduct and belief, Scripture is silent; other times, it gives us options! In such matters, we discuss our opinions charitably. Why? Because Christ makes room for us all at the Table. In His own life, Jesus modeled radical grace toward those of different ethnicities, classes, opinions, and lifestyles. We do, too.