Accountability
Last evening Elders of Covenant Church met together. Our resolve is to prayerfully, biblically, and with courage lead in challenging times, changing what needs to be changed, never changing for change sake, distinguishing between necessity and dream, having courage to be bold for the future--while respecting values and traditions, and always keeping a servant heart.
We assume responsibility for the work of the Lord in the Body of Covenant Church, in our community, and unto the uttermost. We seek to be diligent in all matters that pertain to those who are part of our congregation. We labor and pray for the Lord to send to us those who have not heard the Gospel, and those who need a biblically solid, Christ-centered, and loving Body of believers.
We recognize that Covenant Church is in a growing urban community. Transition is a variable that requires the constant of consistent and cyclical training. We hold dear to doctrines and teachings of Christ that guide us in living to exemplify Christ and working to glorify Christ's Church. We believe that evangelism is driven by the Holy Spirit. We believe this is a great season of harvest. We desire that the Body of Covenant Church be a useful tool to serve and speak into the lives of those who have not been saved, and those who walk with Jesus but need to grow in their faith.
As senior pastor it is my heartfelt desire to walk humbly before the Lord. I ask others to hold me accountable to scriptural standards. I regularly ask Elders to speak into my life and hold me accountable. "You have the right to ask the church accountant if I tithe," I said to the elders. "Hold me accountable to Scripture. Do not let me get by with anything that would negatively affect my testimony or be contrary to Christian character."
Authority is too often objected to as "evil." Styles of music, clothing, and religious values lacking doctrinal integrity are creating a buffet spiritualism. Paul wrote in II Timothy 3 that the time would come when individuality would cause false doctrine to flourish.
We ambition to serve. If we will serve, we must be accountable to God, to each other and to those we desire to serve. Our plans to improve our buildings for better people flow must be carefully considered with prayer and strategy that is about ministry. We see a harvest. We have prepared for a harvest. This is the time. We trust to have the NEW YOUTH CENTER open for the January 31 meeting of youth. Every thought of improving facilities is people focused.
As Elders it is our responsibility to minister in fear of God, knowing that we will be held accountable to God. We believe that those who are elders/rulers must live by a higher standard. We practice what we preach. We know that unity of Spirit and faith is stronger than all the forces of hell.
As Elders we carefully and prayerfully make decisions about finances, building programs, ministries, and the general work of the church. We look back at what God has done as a reference of faith for where we believe God wants us to go. We know that visionary planning must continue even in times of challenge. We are to occupy until Jesus comes (Luke 19). There will be a tomorrow.
As Elders we are grateful for our facilities and ministries. Yet, all that we have and are we freely place before Our Lord for His will to be performed.
As we pray and fast as a congregation we humbly ambition that our hearts may be pure in motive and diligent in spirit. May the spirit of the people in Nehemiah’s campaign give us courage to build our part of the wall!
We are not divided in doctrine. We believe the Bible is God’s Word, Jesus was born of Virgin Mary, Jesus was crucified for our sins, gave his life for our redemption, died, was buried for three days, arose, and is seated at the right hand of the Father. We believe that every person must come to a saving knowledge of Jesus, be born again of the Spirit of God, and walk in newness of faith.
We believe Jesus will come for his Church. We believe in the Resurrection of the righteous first to eternal life, and later the resurrection of the wicked to judgment and eternal separation from God.
We are moved to evangelism in our passion. We must tell. First, the joy of our salvation through Jesus Christ is too great to keep. Second, we want others to know our Gracious Lord. We tell the Story wherever we go. We live the Story wherever we go.
Much love,
Pastor Bare
I Corinthians 14:40 Let all things be done decently and in order.
Colossians 2:8 (We are warned not to be deceived by false teachers and doctrine.)
Honoring God's House
We are moving rapidly to close in the Prayer Room and new Youth Center with an accessible restroom and kitchenette. We recovered an area that had not proper access which can now be used as a conference room.
Great ideas are being shared about careful and limited projects that will help with people flow and save in cost of utilities. Thank you for prayerfully and generously giving to these improvements. You will be excited for the product, and you will be rewarded when you see new people who will come because of improvements.
Every dime of cost is prayerfully considered. It is good to remember that in previous building improvement projects we walked by faith. Yet, we see how the Lord has blessed our faith.