Start & Strengthen Churches
Start & Strengthen Churches
We start dynamic new churches and help existing churches thrive.
The Evangelical Covenant Church believes the local church is God’s foundational strategy to carry out mission in the world.
We tend to the health and well-being of the local church from conception through the many phases of congregational life to end-of-life and legacy opportunities.
Start & Strengthen Churches
How We Support the Local Church
Church Planting
Have you considered starting a new church with us? We welcome you into our thoughtful process that equips you on your journey from discernment to deployment.
Missional Vitality
Our hope is for every local church to thrive. We partner with existing churches through events, training, coaching, and resource creation to help every church remain vibrant.
Coaching
It can be difficult to start or strengthen a church, and you’re not alone. We’re here to provide the coaching and training you need to flourish.
Resources
Everything a new church needs to become a member congregation.
Everything an existing church needs to be adopted as a member congregation.
Recordings, slides, and handouts that introduce a values- and mission-based process for intentionally re-launching a church.
A Soulcare Workshop with Ruth Haley Barton.
Events
Our Stories
Room at the Inn
The Covenant church in Joliet, Illinois, is learning to do the right thing—even when it feels like the wrong time.
Paul Lessard Nominated for Second Term as Executive Minister of Start and Strengthen Churches
The Covenant Executive Board (CEB) announces the nomination of Rev. Paul Lessard to serve a second term as executive minister of Start and Strengthen Churches. He will stand for election at the denomination’s 137th Annual Meeting.
Five Myths About Covenant Church Planting
Executive Minister of Start and Strengthen Churches Paul Lessard highlights the range of church planters and kinds of churches the Covenant has been invited to start.
Seven New Churches Join the Covenant
Today delegates to the 136th Annual Meeting of the Evangelical Covenant Church voted to welcome seven new churches into membership.
Building More Than a Home
How a rural community came together to offer hope to families experiencing housing instability.
Food Donations from an Unlikely Source
Debbie Montzingo, pastor of Bethany Covenant Church in Lyndhurst, Ohio, experienced a well of generosity for her church’s food pantry.
