WHAT WE BELIEVE

Who We Are

Our Mission

“Covenant of Grace is a fellowship of Christ-followers committed to knowing God, becoming like Jesus, and serving His world.”

Our Vision

“Covenant of Grace will be recognized as a welcoming, gospel-centered fellowship. We will pursue our passion for following Jesus Christ by: caring deeply for people of all backgrounds; actively engaging in the life of our neighborhood through the use of our facilities; intentionally equipping our people; and empowering our members for service.”

Core Values

We value applying the gospel in all that we do.

We believe that in order to please God, we must receive the new life that comes from placing our trust in Jesus Christ alone as our Savior and Lord.  We are able to grow and mature in faith only through the power of the gospel. 2 Cor. 5:17; 1 Cor. 15:2;  Eph. 2:8-9;  Rom. 1:16-17;  1 Thess. 1:5

We value Bible-centered preaching and teaching.

We believe that we are to faithfully proclaim the whole counsel of God from pulpit, and classroom, and in small groups.  God’s Word, accurately taught and applied by the Holy Spirit,  equips  followers of Jesus to know God and do His will.   Jam. 3:1;  2 Tim. 3:16-17;  2 Peter 1:20, 21;  Mt. 28:20a;  Jam. 1:22

We value worship that effectively engages multiple generations.

We believe that worship with the heart and mind can be expressed in a variety of cultural and generational ways.  We will strive to make our Christ-centered worship lovingly include a variety of styles that will unify and enrich worshippers.   John 4:24; Heb. 13:15;  1 Cor. 9:12b, 22b

We value authentic Christian fellowship.

We believe that through our common faith in Jesus Christ, we are united as brothers and sisters in God’s family.  We strive to apply God’s truth in our daily lives, by encouraging one another.  Together in our worship, service, and small groups, we seek to build each other up in faith, love and good deeds.    Acts 2:42-47; Eph. 4:16;  1 Peter 1:22

We value equipping disciples.

We believe that we equip one another to grow in maturity as members of Christ’s church through teaching, preaching, small groups, service and fellowship.  In these things we seek to emulate Christ’s love in concrete actions through the knowledge of God and service to His world.  Eph. 4:11-16; Phil. 3:10;  1 Tim. 1:5;  Eph. 2:10

We value sharing the gospel with our communities and the world.

We believe that to be faithful to Christ, we should share the good news of salvation from pulpit and classroom, organized activities, and by personal witness.  We will use programs and real life opportunities for training in outreach skills.  We also seek to spread the gospel by serving in and supporting local, national and global missions.   Mt. 28:18-20; John 20:21b;  Acts 1:8

We value encouraging Christ-followers to use their gifts.

We believe that all who have received the gospel are given spiritual gifts through the Holy Spirit to build up the church and give glory to Christ.  We enable Christ-followers to recognize and use their gifts and talents, and provide opportunities for use in the world and community.  We strive to encourage believers to be involved in works of service and in initiating new ministries as a demonstration of God’s creative power.   Rom. 12:4-6; 1 Cor. 12:7-11; Eph. 4:11-12; Phil. 2:13

We value grace-oriented ministry style.

We believe that we are to be gracious in welcoming visitors, and in providing a safe place for people to ask questions and seek God.  We strive to help believers grow closer to God,  recognizing that people are at different places in their walk of faith.  We seek to enable all to experience God’s forgiveness, mercy, love and truth by respecting people where they are and modeling Christ through a patient, encouraging and winsome ministry style.  Acts 19: 22-23; Col. 4:6; 1 Thess. 5:14;  1 Peter 3:16;  Phil. 2:12-13

Our Beliefs

We believe the Bible to be the inspired, authoritative, infallible Word of God and stand in the heritage of the historic Christian faith which traces back to the Reformation.

We believe that the best human summary and interpretation of Scripture is found in the Westminster Confession of Faith, with its Larger and Shorter Catechisms.

We believe the Bible is the written word of God, inspired by the Holy Spirit and without error in the original manuscripts. The Bible is the revelation of God’s truth and is infallible and authoritative in all matters of faith and practice.

We believe in the Holy Trinity. There is one God, who exists eternally in three persons: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.

We believe that all are sinners and totally unable to save themselves from God’s displeasure, except by His mercy.

We believe that salvation is by God alone as He sovereignly chooses those He will save. We believe His choice is based on His grace, not on any human individual merit, or foreseen faith.

We believe that Jesus Christ is the eternal Son of God, who through His perfect life and sacrificial death atoned for the sins of all who will trust in Him, alone, for salvation.

We believe that God is gracious and faithful to His people not simply as individuals but as families in successive generations according to His Covenant promises.

We believe that the Holy Spirit indwells God’s people and gives them the strength and wisdom to trust Christ and follow Him.

We believe that Jesus will return, bodily and visibly, to judge all mankind and to receive His people to Himself.

We believe that all aspects of our lives are to be lived to the glory of God under the Lordship of Jesus Christ.