Covenants

I was recently reminded that it was 40 years ago this month that a group of 130 of us came together to worship for the first time as a new congregation in Fairfax, Virginia. I do not remember the exact timing, perhaps it was when we were officially organized as a congregation, but at some point each and every member signed a covenant. By signing the covenant we were committing ourselves to supporting the mission and ministry of the congregation. The covenant was framed and displayed prominently inside the front door of the church building. It was a visual reminder of the promises we made. New members were invited to sign it as they joined.

The act of signing that covenant made quite an impression on me as a 14-year-old. In my years of ordained ministry, I have made a few people nervous along the way by suggesting that membership in a congregation should be for a period of one year and that a covenant be signed annually. Most congregations ask members to pause each year to consider their financial support of the church. Some congregations have members periodically participate in affirmation of baptism. I think it would be a great idea to stop each year to recommit ourselves to the mission and ministry of the congregation, pledging our time, talents and finances, and to sign on for another year.

It was my joy to preach for the 115th anniversary of Zion Lutheran Church in Belvidere this past Sunday. Imagine my delight as Pastor Karl Otto invited his congregation to come forward to sign a covenant. This covenant calls for a recommitment to Christ and the mission of the Christian church. By signing it, the people of Zion were also committing themselves to add “one more action to my faith life.” It was such a joy to watch as young and old alike affixed their names!

Comments? Go to: http://niselca.blogspot.com/. --JC