Covenant Church

For months God has been saying "NOW" in my spirit. The NOW we have been anticipating is NOW. We have been working a long time to establish a foundation. Carefully we have written down a plan, trained workers, and prayerfully sought to prepare for a greater harvest.

In a recent conference Laila and I were pleased to realize that the administrative structure of Covenant is compatible with the structure necessary for growth. Research affirms that Vision and Relationship are front-seat companions. Programs and Ministries are back-seat anchors. These four components must work in harmony.

Three services yesterday with a surge of attendance...1,050 and some count to come in...happened with excellent management. I am proud of the Covenant team, united with a heart and vision to reach the lost and disciple people to realize their full potential.

We had an angel in the parking lot welcoming children. You would have to have been here to fully understand.

Our Greeters and Ushers were most efficient. Fine Arts, drama and music, covered all their bases with excellence.

We had a large number of guests come to the Hospitality Room, beautifully decorated by volunteers. The hospitality team has established a new practice of following newcomers for one month in an effort to connect them to ministry. Other changes are being made to insure transfer of information for database.

We are a blessed congregation in that the Lord sends to us new opportunities on a weekly basis. Yesterday several of the first-time families were looking for a new church.

Here is my hunch. While there is always some restlessness, while the tendency of people over the last 20 years has been to be independent and choose a church based on personal whims, the Spirit of the Lord is at work in a fresh new way. I am convinced that God is working among people to settle down, to connect, to establish roots, to be less selfish, to hunger for a home where the gospel is preached, children are taught the Word of God, and ministry is driven by the Great Commission to go into all the world.

Ask yourself: "What kind of Church will Jesus return to take with Him?" When you think this through it may occur to you that your personal choice in music or some other elective taste of the buffet will be pretty low in priority. The real question is whether you know Jesus in the power of His Resurrection. Are you being obedient to live a holy life? Are you manifesting a servant-heart? Are you walking in unity? Are you being a faithful steward? Are you reading the Word? Are you faithfully gathering with others of like faith to encourage each other?

It is clear from a study of Christ's life that He came not to be served but to serve. Too many have ego tripped and come to believe their ministry should be the focus of the Body. "My" ministry is a solo venture of pride that expects others to support "Me." Gently as I know how to say it: Building a personal kingdom based on selling "MY" ministry is foolish, doctrinally in error, and doomed to failure.

At Covenant we are a Body. Check the parking lot. Where are the special signs for the PASTOR and Pastor's Wife to park their cars. Staff parking. First Chair of Elders. Elders, Deacons, Secretary.

I have been to church that 20 to 30 car spaces nearest the entrance were marked for dignitaries. Guests had to park at a distance.

At Covenant, the pastor and all staff and leaders are urged to park the furthest away, unless physically challenged. We practice servant-hood. The marked spaces are for the handicapped, the first-timers, and the volunteer of the month.

We believe everything we do is about exalting Jesus. It is His Church. We are privileged to serve.

I am expecting God to open doors, not because we are great, but because we have prepared to serve!

Now for a testimony. Yesterday morning before service I spoke to Mike Kneller, facilities manager, that a bolt would be needed on Monday to correct a problem. "Just make a note."

He had a moment and went to the mechanical room looking for the bolt only to discover that a water pipe had just broken. If he had not gone until Monday the entire gym floor (very expensive) would most like have been totally destroyed.

God's timing is so wonderful! There are too many stories similar to this speaking to God’s favor and providence to tell in this venue. He is telling us in so many ways that He is at work among us! Praise Him!

Thank you for loving Jesus.

Pastor Bare