Covenant Church

When I saw Laila I was captured. I do not know that it was love at first sight. But it was something that has not turned me loose.

I remember after weeks of talking with her she became willing to hold hands as we walked. What a surprise to me when she said: “You do not know how to hold hands. Let me show you.”

I did not know there was art to holding hands. But for sure it was more casual and comfortable with her design.

Pardon a romantic application, but it is important that your attention be captured. Having lived a lifetime in a pastor’s home, being married to a pastor’s daughter, and now with 35 years of experience as a pastor it is becoming very clear that folks who say they love Jesus cannot do the work of the kingdom---without training.

There is a reason why God gave skill to Bezaleel and Aholiab, and He gave them ability to teach others.

There is a reason why Elijah started a school of prophets.

There is a reason why Jesus spent most of his ministry time training 12 men.

There is a reason why Jesus said that part of His mandate for us is to “make disciples” (Matthew 28:18-20).

Remember the Disciples coming to Jesus and saying: “Why can’t we do some of the things you do?”

Jesus explained that some things need skill, along with prayer and fasting. Skill is more than knowledge and understanding. Skill is practice.

Paul spent lots of time with Timothy and Titus to train them to be pastors. Paul stayed in touch with them to encourage and advise.

Congregations can have lots of commotion…energy…but if no disciples are being produced the waters remain shallow, division will happen, error will worm its way in, and self-centeredness will become endemic.

A congregation must will to grow up, to be mature, to be spiritually sound, to produce disciples, and to serve the Body. This is not by accident, or as a result of one charismatic individual---even a pastor. Teachers must be taught how to teach. And those who would learn must be willing to sacrifice time to be taught.

England has just suffered terrible riots. Social theorists and politicians are trying to figure out how this could have happened. No sensible answer. Not about people being hungry. Even children of millionaires were part of the shop-lifting and mayhem. Reports are that parents are turning in their own children. Looters are feeling guilty and carrying merchandise back. What is going on?

Begin with the fact that 15% of England goes to church one time a month. Study that England has removed values from education. End up with folks are doing what feels good and brings a thrill (Judges 23:25).

If we are not careful the church will find itself in the same condition. We will have folks who do not know scripture, never read their Bibles, never pray, never develop skills for witnessing and living powerful Christ lives---and these folks will call themselves “Christian”, even while they live to their own pleasure. They will just run around looking for excitement, only go find themselves in quiet moments with guilty consciences---having failed to fulfill the Great Commission.

My passion is that folks would become disciples. My passion is that Covenant Church will be a congregation that loves to learn and practice the Word and work of the Church, being empowered by the Holy Spirit.

I believe God has helped us to build a congregation prepared for warfare in these times. Skilled laborers/ministers are needed to rescue the perishing and disciple them in the Body of Christ. We cannot miss the opportunity. Time is pressing us to bring people to Jesus and prepare for the return of Our Lord for His Church.

Check out our 8 wonderful Bible classes for adults on Sundays. Bible study on Wednesdays at 6:30 PM---and home groups. Our youth and children’s ministries are powerful and formed for discipleship. Our teachers/facilitators are volunteers who have prepared to skillfully share knowledge and engage folks in interactive learning.

Covenant is the place to be, to grow and serve Our Lord!

Pastor Bare

For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do [Eph. 2:10 NIV].