The Covenant Companion
Features
Scripture Matters—So Does Our Approach to It
Scott Rice shares how a Spirit-led approach to Scripture fosters deeper connection, authenticity, and theological growth.
Following Christ’s Way in a Complex World
Explore how Christian values challenge us to prioritize character over compromise, even in difficult choices.
Embracing Faith and Unity: Filipino Pastors and Young Leaders Pursue Justice
A community gathers in Portland, OR, blending faith and a shared longing for justice, as young Filipino Americans reclaim their cultural roots and embrace their commitment to seeing a more caring and just world.
Art and Dialogue Spark Up in Upsala
A community art gallery in Upsala, Minnesota fosters conversation, creativity, and connection among its residents.
Faith in Action: A Call for Justice and Change
Dr. Dennis R. Edwards reflects on how Christians can live out their faith through justice and advocacy for meaningful change.
Who Really Chooses the President?
As election day approaches, one Covenant pastor explores the challenging idea that God appoints all leaders—good or bad—and what that means for how we, as people of faith, can respond.
Featured story
Paul Carlson Partnership Celebrates Lasting Legacy
News
Covenanters Band Together for Hurricane Response
Covenant pastors in North Carolina, Florida, and Georgia reflect on the toll of Hurricanes Helene and Milton.
Paul Carlson Partnership Celebrates Lasting Legacy
Paul Carlson Partnership celebrated 60 years of ministry, highlighting healthcare advancements, training, and partnerships with the Congo Covenant Church.
A Testimony from the Ground in Florida
Recently retired global personnel Pete Ekstrand traveled to Sarasota, Florida, to help Covenanters with the hurricane recovery.
Miracles Abound at the Healing Cove
Dawn Choate serves a group of Covenanters finding new beginnings in Paducah, Kentucky. She leads by example, navigating a new home of hope and healing, helping people find triumph in the face of tragedy.
Covenant Doings
Short stories, activities, and events from various points around the Covenant.
Youth Gather at Unite 2024
Finding rest, belonging, and purpose in Jesus through worship and meaningful connections.
Announcements
Paul Lessard to Resign as Vice President of Mission Priorities
Paul Lessard announced he will resign from his position as vice president of mission priorities effective January 1, 2025. He leaves the role to become vice president of business development with Covenant Trust Company.
Canada Conference Announces Search for President/Superintendent
The Evangelical Covenant Church of Canada has begun the process of nominating its next president/superintendent.
Nominations Now Being Accepted for the 2025 T.W. Anderson Award
For over 40 years, the T.W. Anderson Award has honored lay leaders’ commitment to Christ. Nominate inspiring Covenant members today!
Heather Hernandez to Serve as Vice President of Mission Services
Heather Hernandez will join the Covenant denominational team as vice president of mission services.
Brian Nanninga to Serve as Senior Director of Church Development and Evangelism
Brian Nanninga, the associate superintendent of the Alaska Conference, has been appointed the new senior director of church development and evangelism for the Evangelical Covenant Church.
Glenn Peterson to Serve as Senior Director of Church Planting
Glenn Peterson, president and superintendent of the Evangelical Covenant Church of Canada, is transitioning to the role of senior director of church planting for the Evangelical Covenant Church.
Commentary
Do What You Can
Preach the gospel by doing what you can and trust God to make it sufficient and maybe even extraordinary.
Olympic Controversy: Exploring Art, Faith, and Reaction
The 2024 Olympics sparked controversy with a scene resembling Da Vinci’s Last Supper. Cheryl Lynn Cain and Jelani Greenidge discuss its impact on faith and culture.
Is It the Church’s Job to Teach History?
Considering how the past shapes the structures of our society can be an act of spiritual formation.
The Nutritional Value of Beef: Lessons from a Hip-Hop Feud
A hip-hop feud and a Netflix drama illustrate the value of working through conflict to win a greater sense of peace.
Download That New Pentecost When It Drops
How the Holy Spirit is the firmware that gives me a “plug-and-play” kind of faith.
Changing the Culture of Abuse Starts at Home
I thought I was pretty good at advocating for the rights of women—until I wasn’t.
Featured story
Scripture Matters—So Does Our Approach to It
Arts & Culture
Divine Comedy in Your Toolbox
Jelani Greenidge’s Undercover Prophets equips readers to integrate stand-up comedy into ministry, emphasizing storytelling, laughter, and impactful communication.
Becoming Conscious of Our Political Formation
A review of “The Liturgy of Politics”, by Kaitlyn Schiess, examining how spiritual formation influences our political views and community engagement in voting.
Life-Giving Entanglements
Unpacking economic disparity, “Ecosystems of Jubilee” inspires communities to rethink justice and interconnectedness through faith.
“Sing Sing” Sings Redemption’s Song
Jelani Greenidge offers a compelling review of Sing Sing, a powerful film about incarcerated men finding redemption, echoing Christian themes of restoration and beloved community.
Rooted in Mutuality
In his book, Humility Illuminated, Rev. Dr. Dennis Edwards redefines humility as submission to God, fostering mutual empowerment and communal healing.
Engaging the Seat Fillers
Find practical strategies to engage churchgoers and improve volunteer recruitment in Angela Yee’s newest book.
Weekly Devotions
Home Altar
In Memoriam
Arthur Stenberg
Retired Covenant pastor Arthur Stenberg died March 31, 2023. He was 89.
Onni Putikka
Retired Covenant minister Onni Putikka died on December 26, 2021, in Eveleth, Minnesota. He was 94.
Harry Westberg
Retired Covenant minister and global personnel Harry Westberg died in North Oaks, Minnesota, on September 3, 2024. He was 100.
Howard Redman
Retired Covenant minister Howard Redman passed away on February 18, 2024, in Yakima, Washington. He was 95.
Ingrid Newlin
Ingrid Newlin, spouse of retired Covenant pastor Ron Newlin, passed away on September 21, 2024, in Saukville, Wisconsin. She was 78.
Ron Gelaude
Retired Covenant minister Ron Gelaude passed away on October 10, 2024, in Brighton, Michigan. He was 75.
Arleen “Joy” Robertson
Arleen “Joy” Robertson, wife of Covenant pastor Joseph Robertson, passed away on July 8, 2024, in Turlock, California. She was 67.
Nancy Sassaman
Nancy Sassaman, wife of Covenant pastor Marcus Sassaman, passed away on October 10, 2023, in Elkhorn, Nebraska. She was 85 years old.
Love the Cov
Podcast
Sankofa: Join Us on the Bus
Hear from leaders and participants, as well as Sankofa veteran Nilwona Nowlin, who walks us through the journey—and shares her reflections after years of getting on the bus. For more information visit covchurch.org/sankofa
We Are a Multiethnic Mosaic
Mary Chung March outlines our history of becoming a multiethnic mosaic, growing from our roots as a Swedish immigrant church. And Steve Wong, pastor of the first Asian American church plant in the Covenant, reflects on his journey into the Covenant, how he has seen the denomination change, and our
We Seek Racial Righteousness
Covenant historian Hauna Ondrey and Dominique Gilliard join us to talk about the end of the 1960s, the Black Manifesto, the Covenant’s unique response to this call to white churches and synagogues—and where we witness similar themes in our culture today.
We Make Affirmations
In the Covenant we identify as non-creedal, meaning we do not adhere to a specific creed. But non-creedal does not mean we are without theology. The six Covenant affirmations address the question, “What does the Covenant believe?” Retired North Park Theological Seminary professor Klyne Snodgrass joins us.
JANUARY 20 - 24 | DENVER
Midwinter 2025
Five Questions with Jason Brown
Jason Brown, a former NFL lineman, founded First Fruit Farms, which aims to share the love of Christ and assist with hunger relief in eastern North Carolina.
Five Questions with Greg Jao
Greg is senior assistant to the president and director of diversity and external partnerships at InterVarsity Christian Fellowship/USA. He is also a member of the Covenant Executive Board.
Five Questions with Sanetta Ponton
Sanetta Ponton is the associate pastor of justice, advocacy, and compassion at Metro Community Church and executive director of Metro Community Center, both in Englewood, New Jersey.
Five Questions with Tony McNeill
Tony McNeill, affectionately known as “Dr. T,” serves as an affiliate professor of worship and seminary musician at Columbia Theological Seminary in Decatur, Georgia. He is a sought-after workshop clinician, lecturer, consultant, mentor, and choral conductor.
Five Questions with Shirley Yang
Rev. Shirley Yang serves as an associate pastor at Metro Community Church in Englewood, New Jersey, focusing on Special Needs and Women’s Ministries.
Five Questions with Matt Markins
Matt serves as the President and CEO of Awana, a global leader in child discipleship. Matt and his wife Katie have been involved in children’s ministry for more than 25 years and spend their time in Nashville with their two sons.
Five Questions with Paula Dannielle
Paula Dannielle is the lead pastor of Cohesion, a church plant in Charlotte, North Carolina. Having been in ministry for over 25 years, she is passionate about leadership development, empowering women leaders, and preaching and reconciliation.
