We are part of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). Click here for more information about the PC(U.S.A.).
History 101
Presbyterians trace their history to the 16th century and the Protestant Reformation. Our heritage, and much of what we believe, began with the French lawyer John Calvin (1509-1564), whose writings crystallized much of the Reformed thinking that came before him.
Calvin did much of his writing from Geneva, Switzerland. From there, the Reformed movement spread to other parts of Europe and the British Isles. Many of the early Presbyterians in America came from England, Scotland and Ireland. The first American Presbytery was organized at Philadelphia in 1706. The first General Assembly was held in the same city in 1789. The first Assembly was convened by the Rev. John Witherspoon, the only minister to sign the Declaration of Independence.
Beliefs 101
Some of the principles articulated by John Calvin remain at the core of Presbyterian beliefs. Among these are the sovereignty of God, the authority of the scripture, justification by grace through faith and the priesthood of all believers. What they mean is that God is the supreme authority throughout the universe. Our knowledge of God and God’s purpose for humanity comes from the Bible, particularly what is revealed in the New Testament through the life of Jesus Christ. Our salvation (justification) through Jesus is God’s generous gift to us and not the result of our own accomplishments. It is everyone’s job — ministers and lay people alike — to share this Good News with the whole world.
Presbyterians confess their beliefs through statements that have been adopted over the years and are contained in The Book of Confessions. These statements reflect our understanding of God and what God expects of us at different times in history, but all are faithful to the fundamental beliefs described above. Even though we share these common beliefs, Presbyterians understand that God alone is lord of the conscience, and it is up to each individual to understand what these principles mean in his or her life.
Structure 101
In the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), the Pastors (called “Teaching Elders”), The Session (made of “Ruling Elders”), and The Diaconate (made of “Deacons”), are the governing bodies of the church. Working together, these groups guide the church using the Presbyterian Church Book of Order..
(sources: www.presbyterianmission.org/ministries/101 and www.pcusa.org and St.Lukes Presbyterian, slpres.org)
Covenant 101
How are we different than other options on Peachtree?
We are a small congregation without all the bells and whistles of the bigger churches on Peachtree. We have 170 members and receive 50% of our income from rental revenue. As a neighborhood church in the city, we focus on caring connections with a vibrant small groups ministry.
We focus on women. Blessed by a legacy gift from two spit-fire sisters of Atlanta’s Mitchell family, Covenant offers specialized formation options dedicated to women’s issues and gender identity.
We do NOT focus on families. While families of any iteration are welcome, we do not invest in weekly programming for children and teens. We believe other churches on Peachtree do this better than we would. Instead we focus on families who aren’t looking for more programming, whose children need more specialized treatment, who do not want to be partnered or procreate.
We could use your help. As a small church, we welcome your participation. Whether you are in your ninth decade or your first, you will have an impact here. Alongside our pastor, our volunteers lead all aspects of our life together: worship, formation, service and administration. 60% of our membership is over 60 while 60% of our new member classes in recent years have been 45 years and younger.
We have always had a progressive outlook. We were a Cumberland Church waiving strict education requirements for pastors. We opened a youth group that danced when that was anathema in Atlanta. Rev. Dr. Turner penned the Minister’s Manifesto leading area white clergy to support integration in Atlanta schools and churches. Covenant was at the forefront of inclusion for LGBTQIA members. Members of the queer community have been serving in the highest leadership positions at Covenant since 1990s.
Covenant has always questioned faith. During a time of zealous evangelism, Rev. Dr. Steve Goyer led the congregation to question faith. Bulletins opened with quotes from philosophers and the mission statement included this phrase: Faced with personal tragedy at the tragic death of his wife Rev. Goyer led the congregation to be comfortable expressing doubt as an invitation to deeper relationship with God.
Covenant Presbyterian Invited to Participate in YA Bridge Grant with Candler School of Theology
Thank You Karen Turney for our New Banner
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