Covenant Partnership is what we call our formalized membership. While most avenues of fellowship, discipleship, and serving are open to all, we limit leadership positions to Covenant Partners only. CPs also are those we trust to speak into the growth and direction of the church. If elders are called to shepherd the local church (Acts 20:28; 1 Peter 5:2) and equip the saints to do the work of ministry (Ephesians 4:12), Covenant Partnership helps answer the question, Which particular Christians do the Elders of TPC shepherd and equip?

We could just call this process membership, and many incredible churches do. But words matter, and these two words are rich with meaning.

A covenant, unlike a contract, is not about defining the terms of mutual self-interest (“What do I get out of this?”) but about defining the terms of mutual self-giving (“What will we commit to give each other?”). It pushes against our tendency to be me-focused and instead reminds us to be other-focused.

Similarly, the idea of partnership, as opposed to membership, contends with our tendency to be passive consumers. Rather, it implies active involvement towards a shared goal. It reminds us that we are committing to come alongside and encourage each other to submit to the King, seek his Kingdom, and serve the common good.

Read this Essay (coming soon!) to understand more about why we believe Covenant Partnership, by whatever name, is important for wherever you decide to call your church home.