Covenant Relationships

Our approach to life and ministry is based on covenantal relationships. God is a God of love. Therefore relationships are of highest priority. Covenant is the framework to build relationships of trust. In fact the Bible itself is a covenant document.

Since we have a covenant with God, our relationships with one another should be based on covenantal principles. The two primary principles of covenant are loyalty toward people and integrity in our actions. Biblical values of covenant include right attitudes toward authority and order.

We also must learn to communicate in a way in which our words build trust. We "speak the truth in love" – Ephesians 4:15; making sure that every word "is good for edification" – Ephesians 4:29; without any gossip, so that "if your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault between you and him alone. If he hears you, you have gained your brother " – Matthew 18:15. This type of covenantal dialogue is designed to preserve friendship and protect us from hurting one another.

Our purpose is not to make projects but to build up people. We place a higher value on character than upon charisma. The kingdom of God is a network of friendships. The final goal of discipleship is to be friends. John 15:15 – "No longer do I call you servants… but friends." People come before projects. 

Covenant is to be committed to life-long relationships. We are committed to building those kinds of friendships; therefore we invest much time to developing teamwork relationships in every ministry project. At the end of a lifetime of serving the kingdom of God, we should share the fruit of overlapping circles of friends who will go with us on into eternity.

More information on this subject can be found in Asher Intrater's book "Covenant Relationships."