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What does the Covenant Church believe?

On one level, the answer is quite simple. When new members join a Covenant church, they are asked two questions about belief: “Do you confess Jesus Christ as your Savior and promise to follow him as Lord?” and “Do you accept the Holy Scriptures, the Old and New Testaments, as the word of God and the only perfect rule for faith, doctrine, and conduct?” They are then asked if they intend to live as faithful followers of Christ and members of the church and denomination.

That’s all. That is enough.

But on another level, of course, the answer is a good deal more complex. While the Covenant Church does not require adherence to any written creed, we take our theology very seriously, and our history as well. We are a Reformation church, a part of the Church universal, and an evangelical church. In that heritage, we share certain central beliefs, which draw us together in faith and fellowship and make possible a freedom among us on more widely ranging issues.

We describe those central beliefs as “affirmations,” and they are outlined in the document available for download below.

We hope that as you read these affirmations you will find yourself identifying with them in your own faith experience. If they raise questions for you or you would like to read further, we would encourage you to ask your pastor (if you are already in contact with a Covenant church) or any Covenant pastor for more suggestions.

May God bless you as you seek to learn more about him through his Church.

Glenn R. Palmberg, President
The Evangelical Covenant Church

Covenant Affirmations

The purpose of Covenant Affirmations is to make clear the values and principles that have guided the Evangelical Covenant Church since its founding in 1885.

Other Identity Documents

Click here for all denomination or identity materials.  

• Constitution of the Evangelical Covenant Church
• Constitution of the Covenant Ministerium
• Rules for the Ordered Ministry
• Ethical Principles for Covenant Ministers
• Policy on Baptism
• A Theology of the Child
• A Biblical and Theological Basis for Women in Ministry
• Called and Gifted
• Divorce and Remarriage: A Policy Statement