Theological & Practice Distinctives of Covenant Church
Covenant Church is a multi-site, evangelical, Scripture-based church with contemporary worship and a Wesleyan heritage. The purpose of this document is to clarify what we at Covenant mean by Wesleyan and how Covenant is distinct from some other types of evangelical churches.
I.
We view the Christian faith as more than a list of specific doctrines. Theology is the story of God’s grace and our response to that grace through disciplined practices of discipleship and worship. We believe that Christianity is more a life to be lived than a set of beliefs to be affirmed (Colossians 3:17).
II.
We believe all people can be saved. We do not believe God has predestined some people to go to Heaven and others to go to Hell. We take John 3:16 literally—that God loves the whole world and is willing to save “whosoever” believes in Jesus. God is not willing that any should perish (1 Timothy 2:3-4); He has made no decision that would exclude anyone from the possibility of being saved. Jesus died for all. No one need miss abundant life now or for eternity.
III.
We believe people can know they are saved (1 John 5:13). We believe in assurance. Assurance is not a presumption of the future; it is confidence in God in the present. Assurance is not saying, “Look what a good Christian I am;” it is declaring “Look what a great Savior I have.” Assurance is also the source of a seminal sign of our salvation: joy. Wesley was convinced that true holiness would be accompanied by deep happiness. Therefore, the Christian life is a “blessed” life (John 10:10b).
IV.
We hold to a high view of scriptural authority. We believe the Bible is one unified story that points to Jesus from start to finish. We believe that the Old and New Testaments of the Bible are inspired by God’s Spirit, and we read them as God’s word revealed to us about His nature and will for our lives. They were inspired by the Holy Spirit and without error in the original manuscripts. These holy Scriptures are entirely trustworthy and are the final authority as to matters of faith and practice (2 Timothy 3:16-17).
V.
We practice believer’s baptism by immersion for those who consciously choose to follow Jesus. (Romans 6:4) We also encourage parents to dedicate themselves and their children to the Lord, seeking His guidance in raising them. We recognize the tradition of infant baptism and will offer it upon request.
VI.
We believe that the Communion Table is open to all. One need not be a member of Covenant Church to participate in the Lord’s Supper. While we urge all to ponder I Corinthians 11:27 and to examine their hearts before God, we offer communion to anyone desiring to draw closer to Jesus.
VII.
We are inspired to help fulfil the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20). We are a missional church desiring to communicate the Gospel in ways that enable all races and cultures to respond to God. We share Christ through evangelism, leading to new life, and through discipleship, leading to transformed living. Our mission cares for the whole person - body, soul, and spirit - as we serve others.
VIII.
We pursue faith-filled relationships with other believers outside of our church. While we hold a Wesleyan view of theology, we seek fellowship with all who call on the name of Jesus, seek to follow Him, and acknowledge His Word as authoritative (John 17:20-21).
IX.
We have a high view of the Church. We believe that followers of Jesus are called to live in Christian community for encouragement, teaching, accountability, discipleship, and corporate worship (Hebrews 10:24-25). We reject the notion of “lone wolf” Christianity but rather acknowledge that Christian fellowship is God’s highest and best plan for His people.
X.
We believe the Holy Spirit is actively at work in the world today. The gifts of the Spirit are alive and operating in the Church and its members, strengthening the body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12:4-11; Romans 12:4-8). A Spirit-led life will bear the fruit described in Galatians 5:22-23. We reject the idea that the Spirit’s work was limited to the Apostolic era.
XI.
We believe human sexuality is a sacred gift from God. He created both male and female in His image (Genesis 1:27), each reflecting His design and purpose. We also believe God ordained marriage as a union between one man and one woman, a covenant of physical and spiritual oneness (Matthew 19:5-6).
XII.
We believe that men and women can serve in all areas of the church from leadership to the teaching office. We agree with Galatians 3:28: “There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.”
XIII.
We have three primary leadership teams that function collectively and collaboratively to make the major decisions of our church. We do this by consensus, not voting.
- Elder Team: Comprised of six to eight lay members and the Lead Pastor, the Elder Team provides spiritual oversight and strategic leadership. This team safeguards theological integrity, ensures mission alignment, supports pastoral health, and guides the church’s long-term direction.
- Church Council: Currently comprised of twelve lay members, the Church Council provides operational and financial oversight, ensuring integrity, accountability, and wise stewardship. It offers guidance on legal, financial, and risk-related matters and consults on issues related to spiritual leadership.
- Directional Team: The executive staff team is currently comprised of five director-level leaders. The Directional Team oversees daily operations and ministry execution. This team implements the church’s vision and mission by aligning ministry strategies, goals, and culture in coordination with the Elder Team and Church Council.