"You are talking about changing the entire culture of the church." Those words were spoken at a Session meeting. They described the response to the idea of becoming Purpose-Driven. Covenant has joined a growing group of Presbyterian churches seeking Purpose-Driven ministry.

The Session began by reading Rick Warren’s book, The Purpose-Driven Church. Additional copies were ordered for members. If you wish to read one, copies are still available.

On August 28, 2003, the Session approved CPC becoming a Purpose-Driven Church. To facilitate the transition, the following steps were taken.

First, the pastor preached a series outlining the five purposes. Copies of those sermons are available.

Second, the first Covenant group began meeting in September, 2003. A second group began meeting in early 2004. More groups will be formed as interest is shown.

Third, using a grant from the Presbytery of St. Augustine, materials were ordered to help begin our CLASS program.

Different levels of commitment are evident at Covenant. These levels are represented by the diagram above. At each level, folks have a different set of needs, motives, problems, and potential. The goal is to move folks from the outside in.

The Community is composed of those living around Covenant who never or occasionally attend.

The Crowd is composed of those who attend Covenant, but are not members.

The Congregation is composed of those who are committed to Christ and to membership at Covenant.

The Committed is composed of those who are serious about growing to spiritual maturity.

The Core is composed of those members who are actively serving in ministry and mission.

In Acts 2:42-47, Luke identifies five purposes of the church. These purposes help move people from the outside in. The five purposes are as follows:

Worship which is the most visible of the five purposes. It is to be contemporary and seeker-sensitive.

Fellowship which is the major focus of Covenant groups. These groups exist to help folks develop relationships with others. CLASS 101 encourages this commitment.

Discipleship which is the encouragement of spiritual growth among members. CLASS 201 is designed to encourage spiritual growth.

Ministry which is the use of spiritual gifts and talents to encourage people. A variety of ministries can and will be developed. CLASS 301 supports this purpose.

Mission which is the means by which the Core reaches the Community. CLASS 401 addresses this purpose.

Christian Life and Service Seminars (CLASS) are developed to support the five purposes.

CLASS 101 is designed for new members. It meets in a four-hour seminar setting. Its content includes 1) a presentation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, 2) an explanation of the Purpose-Driven Model, 3) a brief history of the Presbyterian Church, 4) a presentation on Covenant Groups with an opportunity to join a group, and 5) an offer to become members. CLASS 101 will begin in 2004.

CLASS 201 is a four-hour seminar experience. Its primary focus is developing the habits of disciples. Those habits are 1) a daily quiet time, 2) praying, 3) tithing, and 4) fellowship. CLASS 201 will begin in 2004.

CLASS 301 and 401 will be added later. CLASS 301 prepares people for ministry and CLASS 401 prepares people for mission.

One of the five purposes is Fellowship. Our small group ministry called Covenant Groups, exists to support this purpose. Why was the name selected? First, there is the similarity with the church’s name. Second, each group develops a covenant which governs how the group will act.

Covenant Groups involve a study. We are currently studying One Anothering. It is important to recognize that study is not the prime reason for gathering. The primary reason is to increase fellowship. The study is intended to facilitate this purpose.

Covenant Groups are also a significant part of our pastoral care. Group members support and encourage each other through the ministry of presence and prayer. A Covenant Group becomes like family.

The first Covenant Group began meeting in September, 2003. A second group began meeting in January, 2004. Other groups will be created as folks show interest and as leaders are available.

A Covenant Group has a limited time of existence. In most cases, the group will meet weekly for three to six months. At the end of that time, the group can commit for an additional time together. Members are may also shift to another group or day.