The Covenant Community

One of the first things that is emphasized at Covenant Seminary is the Covenant community. And by that, I am not referring to the students and professors at Covenant (though they are a part), but the one universal Church. We don't talk about this enough, even though beyond his son, the community is one of God's greatest gifts to his people.

In individualist America — or really, simply, the individualist world of today — it seems unnatural to worry too much about community. Doubly so to applaud and yearn for it. But, it is natural and, more importantly, it is Biblical. The community, the Kingdom of God, is not only something we talk about and look forward to as a future hope, but a present reality. It is the communion of saints, living and dead, who hold us up and show us the way. It is the body of Christ.

Sometimes, it exemplifies God's love (as in Acts 6.1-7), such as when the church sets apart people to care for the downtrodden. Sometimes, the community stumbles terribly, as the Corinthian church did. But, it is always an undeniably special blessing. Even with regards to seriously messed up Corinth, Paul offered sincere thanks for the people and the fellowship established there by the Spirit (1 Cor. 1.4-9).

During my first year in seminary, I found I was repeatedly assigned projects that sent me to the book of Hebrews, a book I had far less familiarity with than I should have. It has become a very refreshing book to me, because it reminds me of the support God offers us through his covenant community. We do not run the race alone, but with a faithful cloud of witnesses provided by a gracious God (Heb. 12.1-3).

Seminary is a hugely humbling, sometimes painful experience. That's why more than ever, upon entering it, I needed those words. Those experiences remind one to lean on and rejoice in the support that God has provided in his community. And, when things are going well, all the more to rejoice in his bountiful provision.

A few weeks ago, I was having coffee with a dear friend from seminary. We talked about this very subject and rejoiced over the community God gives us. We both noted how we had come to realize how important the close friendships we have from seminary are as we seek to do ministry. They insure we will always have people to turn to for prayer and advice. I am awed by the amazing support God offers me — my family, my mentors, my church family, my friends — and how he has worked in sometimes surprising ways to place them in my life. Why should I receive such wonderful blessings?

Of course, this extends as well to those who went before us — both in Scripture and church history — leaving treasure troves of faithful acts and writings to encourage us to faith. We would be remiss to forget those whom God has sent before, scouts leading the way as we move forward. God sends us out to do his work, but not without enforcements.

Sure, everyone yearns for the rightness of Eden. Everyone yearns for the day when God will restore the world to his creational intent. But, in the mean time, it is pure joy that we experience a very real part of that intent through the communion of saints.