What We Believe

From the very beginning of Covenant’s life as a congregation in 1984, one set of principles has stood at the center of our identity and the core of our gathered life: 

  • In Essentials, Unity: “There is one body and one Spirit … there is one Lord, one faith, one baptism, and one God and Father of us all.” Ephesians 4.4-6

  • In Non-Essentials, Diversity: “Accept the one whose faith is weak, without passing judgment on disputable matters … who are you to judge someone else’s servant? To their own master they stand or fall … so then each of us will give an account of ourselves to God … so whatever you believe about these things keep between yourself and God .” Romans 14.1, 4, 12, 22

  • In Everything, Love: “If I hold in my mind all human knowledge and the very secrets of God, and if I have the faith to move mountains … but have not love, I amount to nothing at all.” 1 Corinthians 13.2

  • Identity statements

    We are: Rooted in God's Word. Growing in Christ's love. Branching out in the Holy Spirit.


    We will: Include, Connect, Love, and Restore.


    We value:

    We value community as shared life, where all are welcome, embracing compassion, curiosity, love, and acceptance; we show up, lean in, connect, and support each other. Galatians 6:2

    We value generosity as a reflection of God's love for us and an expression of our love for God and others through our thoughts, words, and actions. 2 Corinthians 9:7–8; Luke 6:38

    We value service as an opportunity to share God's love and to multiply His blessings, partnering with God in the restoration of all things. Acts 20:35

    We value discipleship as a journey together of lifelong growth in Jesus Christ to live in the Word and be a witness to others. John 8:31–38; 2 Timothy 2:1–2; Acts 1:8

    We value next generations by caring for creation, listening and learning together, walking beside each other, and mentoring bold and courageous followers of Jesus. Deuteronomy 6:7–9; Joel 1:3; Matthew 19:13–15


  • Our Essentials

    THE APOSTLE'S CREED

    We view the faith expressed in the Apostle’s Creed as illuminating the essentials of the Christian faith:


    I believe in God the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth. And in Jesus Christ his only Son our Lord; who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary; suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead, and buried; he descended into hell; the third day he rose again from the dead; he ascended into heaven, and sits on the right hand of God the Father Almighty; from where he shall come to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit; the holy catholic church; the communion of saints; the forgiveness of sins; the resurrection of the body; and the life everlasting. Amen.


    THE LORDSHIP OF JESUS CHRIST

    It is Jesus Christ who is at the heart of our gathered life together. It is Jesus Christ to whom the whole of Scripture points us. It is Jesus Christ who redeems us, making us new and making us right with God. It is Jesus Christ who calls us together for worship, for ministry, and for life.


    THE AUTHORITY OF THE SCRIPTURES 

    The Scriptures of the Old and New Testament are the authoritative witness to Jesus Christ. There we find guidance for our life and mission as a church. In the Scriptures, we discover God, for there God makes himself known to us. In the Scriptures, God speaks to us by his Spirit, answering with authority our every question about himself, about humanity, and about the life God has for us. It is in the Scriptures that we find our final authority for all of life and faith.


    RELATIONAL QUALITY OF THE LIFE OF FAITH

    God calls us into a relationship with Himself, through faith in Jesus Christ. He sends his Spirit to live in us, to gift us, empower us, and guide us for life and ministry. It is in relationship that we live out the Christian life together. God places us into a relationship of loving acceptance and caring service with each other and sends us into the world with grace and compassion.

Everyone is Welcome

Our faith in Jesus Christ, our confidence in the Scriptures, and our emphasis on relationships are primary for us. They are the essentials, the center of our belief as a church. Everything else is secondary. In other areas of conviction, we celebrate a diversity of perspectives. Covenant is made up of people who come from a variety of backgrounds and life experiences, including different religious traditions. This diversity has been an intentional part of Covenant since its inception in October of 1984. The diversity of backgrounds has been complemented by a diversity of gifts, skills, personalities, passions for ministry, and perspectives. We celebrate this diversity as an expression of God’s varied grace in its many forms, revealed through his church, and we are committed to creating a climate of affirmation and acceptance in the midst of our differences.


Covenant Presbyterian Church is part of the PC (USA).