Vision for Renewal
What drew you to the Covenant?
I was initially drawn to the Covenant because of its commitment to women in leadership, justice, racial righteousness, community, denominational relationships and accountability, scholarship, and global footprint. What keeps me engaged are the relationships. I know enough to realize our institution is imperfect, and I also know there are Christ-seeking people longing to be faithful in the ways we live into Christ’s mission on earth as it is in heaven.
How are you experiencing God’s renewing work in your life?
I am noticing renewal in the work God is doing through the church to connect with people traditionally considered “outside of” the church. Many conversations that I have had recently seem to coincide with the Spirit’s work and Gospel-centered messages, which are being received with excitement and hope.
“An unchurched couple showed up because three of their favorite people 'have a hope that compels us to want to learn more.' 1 Peter 3:15, come to life.”
Where do you see the Holy Spirit breathing new life into your ministry?
Recently, an unchurched, anti-church couple, drowning in despair with where the world seems to be going, came to a Sunday service because three of their favorite people attend All Things New and “have a hope that compels us to want to learn more”—literally 1 Peter 3:15 come to life.
Our student ministry, the Intergenerational Justice Initiative, brings a wide variety of generations together to learn about and teach our congregation about biblical justice issues. Once per quarter, they lead our worship service through experiential teaching and challenge us toward greater expressions of justice.
We recently raised funds for a new playground at the facility we rent. Kinship is a core practice of ours—we challenge our community to recover Christ’s description of kinfolk, which goes beyond the nuclear family to include “those who do the will of my father in heaven.” What confirmed that we are indeed practicing kinship was seeing that most of the funds came from households with grown or no children. They funded a playground for our collective children.
On International Women’s Day, seven women and youth led our Sunday service—without even planning it that way. Our associate pastor carried on the tradition of women being the first to proclaim Christ’s resurrection by preaching on Easter Sunday. And we’re currently discerning next steps after a recent Sankofa trip, so it can bring substantial change to our culture rather than being a one-off experience.
Be Part of What God is Doing
Join a growing movement of churches and leaders committed to renewal across the Covenant.
