statement of faith

The Bible

We believe that the Bible, consisting of Old and New Testaments, is the inspired Word of God. It is without error in its original writings. It is the complete revelation of the will of God concerning salvation and all matters of life. (2 Peter 1:21, 2 Timothy 3:16-17)


God

We believe in one God, the Creator of all things. Yet this God is manifest in three Persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. God has limitless knowledge, limitless power, and limitless presence. In His holiness He shares with us His grace and mercy. (Genesis 1:1, Psalm 90:2, Psalm 139:2-4, 7-12, Deuteronomy 6:4)


Jesus Christ

We believe that Jesus Christ was conceived by the Holy Spirit and was born of Mary who was a virgin. He is both fully God and fully man. He came to die, purchasing our redemption upon the cross, being crucified by Pontius Pilate. He was buried and then arose on the third day, ascended into glory and is now seated at the Father’s right hand interceding for us. (Matthew 1:18, Luke 1:27, John 1:14, John 1:29, Hebrews 7:25)


The Holy Spirit

We believe the Holy Spirit is the third person of the Trinity. He glorifies Jesus Christ in all that He does. He convicts the world of sin, bears witness to the power of Jesus Christ, intercedes on our behalf before the Father in heaven and gives us gifts for the common good. He indwells, guides and empowers believers so that effective service for Christ can be accomplished. (Acts 5:3-4, John 16:7, John 15:26, Romans 8:26, 1 Corinthians 12:4-7)


Man and Sin

We believe that man was created in the image of God. Being tempted by Satan, man sinned and was cast out of the Garden of Eden, thus infecting the entire human race with sin, resulting in our being separated from a holy and just God. (Genesis 1:26-27, Genesis 3:1-19, Romans 5:12, Isaiah 59:2)


Salvation

We believe that it is only through believing in the sacrificial death of Christ Jesus that one can experience salvation. In Christ we are set free from those sins that once enslaved us. We know this as “being born again.” We are adopted into the family of God. (John 14:6, John 1:12, John 3:16, 17, Romans 5:1, Ephesians 1:4-5)


The Universal Church

We believe the true Church is made up of those who have experienced the forgiveness of sins and received the gift of God’s eternal life. They are empowered by the Holy Spirit to testify of Jesus Christ and to make disciples. (Romans 6:23, 1 Corinthians 6:9-11, Matthew 28:19, Acts 1:8)


The Local Church

We believe that God works today through the local church, carrying out the Great Commission and the Great Commandment in communities around the world. It is through the local church that God’s compassion is shown to those in need. Through the celebration of baptism and the Lord’s Supper, we declare a relationship with Jesus Christ, remembering Him until He comes. Membership in the local church is through a profession of faith in Christ Jesus. (Matthew 28:19-20, James 1:27, Romans 6:1-11, 1 Corinthians 11:23-26)


The End Times

We believe in the personal and bodily return of Jesus Christ. We believe that only God knows the moment of Christ’s return, but the Scriptures clearly state that we are to joyfully anticipate His coming with watchfulness and careful living. (Acts 1:11, John 14:2-3, 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18, 1 Corinthians 15:51-55, Matthew 24:42, 1 John 3:2-3)

covenant affirmations

The Evangelical Covenant Church seeks to form and nurture communities that are deeply committed to Jesus Christ and passionately engaged in Christ’s mission in the world. 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. For an in-depth look at our affirmations - Covenant Affirmations.


We affirm the centrality of the word of God.

We affirm the necessity of the new birth.

We affirm a commitment to the whole mission of the church.

We affirm the church as a fellowship of believers.

We affirm a conscious dependence on the Holy Spirit.

We affirm the reality of freedom in Christ.