What is "covenant community" and why is it part of our vision?
You have probably heard, "Christianity is not a religion. It is a relationship." This is true. But it is not just a relationship; it is a relationship with a special structure.
1. Sworn loyalty. It involves a vow of commitment before witnesses. This commitment provides a solid foundation on which the relationship can grow and flourish.- 2. Deep intimacy. The security and exclusivity of the covenant allow a unique vulnerability and transparency.
- 3. True accountability. Blessings and curses come with the covenant; covenant-keepers enjoy unique privileges, while covenant-breakers suffer unique penalties.
In other words, God's personal relationship with us takes the form of a covenant. The covenant structures His relationship with us. Moreover, as God's covenant people, it also structures our relationship with each other.
A covenant relationship differs from other relationships the way a marriage differs from a mere business contract: one relationship is based on promise (the "I do" of the wedding vows), while the other is based on performance ("If they do X, then I'll do Y"). One relationship rests on commitment ("for better or for worse"), while the other appeals to consumerism ("What do I get from this? How does this benefit me?")
Consequently, covenant community undermines the programmatic mindset that leads to consumerism and individualism. We don't see the church as an ecclesiastical Wal-Mart providing a number of specialized programs for different customer "ages and stages." Instead, the covenantal view of the church sees the church as a family--a more committed, holistic approach that transcends generation and gender gaps and answers the heart cry of most postmodern people.
