Who we are
Our Church
New York Covenant is a community of individuals who live in the real world, but we are not from the world. That means we don't think the way the world does. We're learning together to think the way Jesus does. Every time we gather, our views about the world we live in mature - they become more like His. And our perspectives become sharper and our choices become clearer. New York Covenant helps you navigate this world.
Our Denomination
The Evangelical Covenant Church was founded in 1885 by Scandinavian immigrants. Today we are one of the most ethnically diverse denominations in North America. We are a fast growing denomination in the United States. We have more than 850 congregations throughout the U.S. and Canada. We are organized into 11 regions called conferences. We have mission partnerships around the globe in Africa, Asia, Europe, Latin America, and Middle East North Africa, joining the global church in extending the whole gospel across cultures and around the world. Our denominational offices are located in Chicago.
Where we came from
New York Covenant opened its doors in the July 1998 with just four people who knew literally no one in the surrounding area. Pastor Holder had a vision to start a "New Church for Today's World." It was a church that was unusually authentic and welcoming - where there was today's music and all the performing arts at every gathering. It was a church whose greatest mission was to love God and love the poor and oppressed - to advocate for them at every point in life - for jobs that pay a living wage, affordable housing, for justice in the streets, all of that and more. That's who New York Covenant is and that's who we are becoming more of, a Church for Today's World. If that sounds like a community you want to be a part of, welcome!
Where we're headed
New York Covenant is committed to be a church for today's world. We have plans for a new church building that will put the community first and the church second. There will be New York Covenant Academy - preschool to fifth grade, a full-court basketball auditorium to run leagues for all ages, a culinary kitchen that teaches how to make flavorful healthy meals, a Starbucks-like place where you can plug-in and "work from church" during the week, and a community theater for the performing arts that will house our Justice Conservatory of the Arts, and a recording studio. That's where we're headed.
What this means for you
What does this mean for you? Most importantly, you're always welcome at New York Covenant. We're saving a seat for you. Wherever you're at in your faith journey, you'll always be accepted as part of the New York Covenant family.
Beyond that, if you're ready to plan your first visit, click here. If you want to learn more about our beliefs as a church, click here. Or if you'd simply like to get in touch with a person on our Embrace Team directly, click the button below.
