Introductions can carry the power to change a person's life. It did mine. I can't believe it's already been 20 years since I was introduced to the Covenant by a colleague in my seminary. Coming back home from the mission field and fresh into my studies, I felt a bit anxious about my future. Why had God opened this door in Phoenix? Would I continue on as a missionary? I hungered to be part of a community, a family where I could grow as I followed Jesus. And there it was. A friend said, "Let me introduce you to a friend who goes to the Covenant Church, I hear they encourage women in ministry and have an intern position open." I doubt if we think about the profound significance of introductions, yet I've come to be more aware of just how God uses these times of connection so we can come to know him, be like him and do what he did.
This has been the story of my journey with the Covenant and like someone who has found water in the desert, I can't help but share the goodness of what I have found in my life as a Covenant pastor.
As many of you are aware, we are currently considering whether to stay nondenominational or transition to an Evangelical Covenant Church. Similar to any relationship, understanding someone requires time and sharing experiences to determine if there is a compatibility that encourages us to move forward together.
Over the coming month, I will provide you with details about the Evangelical Covenant Church via a weekly email, during worship, and through links to the ECC website, which contains articles and videos to familiarize you with this community I have been part of since 2005. A frequently seen mission statement of the ECC is,
We’re here to engage more people in a personal relationship with God through Jesus Christ, across more populations, in a more caring and just world to make more disciples. We do this through a growing, multiethnic, intergenerational mosaic of churches with ministry partnerships in nearly 40 countries.
And how did this all begin. Here's a bit of information you can also find on the ECC website:
How was the Evangelical Covenant Church founded?
In the mid-1800s people began immigrating to the United States from Sweden where some had experienced intense spiritual renewal. Seeking vital faith and church reform, they called themselves Mission Friends, and they focused less on the doctrinal arguments of the day and more on personal faith in Christ and Scripture as the center of their life together. They gathered in small groups to read the Bible, sing songs, and encourage one another in faith.
The Covenant was founded by some of these adventurous Swedish immigrants in 1885 and has become one of North America’s most diverse racial and ethnic denominations.
It looks as though we have much in common with the ethos of the ECC. We encourage you throughout this season to ask questions, wonder with us and pray, especially pray with us. Our desire is to be led by the Spirit of God, just as our Swedish Mission Friends did so many years ago.
It is encouraging to see what God can do through a group of people intent on seeking first the kingdom of God and his righteousness. May we be inspired by the stories we listen to in the next many weeks as we lead up to our time with Superintendent Danny Martinez on March 9th. You will have the opportunity to ask questions and be present on a journey, that no matter what is decided, will encourage and strengthen our faith.
Praying with you,
Pastor T
Click the links below to lead you to the ECC website:
Comments