2026 COVENANT PARTNERSHIP UPDATE
As many of you know, we have been in a multi-year process of reviewing, refining, and now implementing a membership model that reflects the heartbeat of discipleship, the tone of our denomination, and the ethos of our local church. Our goal has been—and continues to be—to create a pathway of commitment at the local church level that inspires people to become whole and connected followers of Jesus alongside one another.More than a duty or a membership perk, Covenant Partnership is our way of expressing commitment, belonging, and a lifelong journey of following Jesus within the context of the local church.Below are the key features of this renewed membership model, which we are calling Covenant Partnership:
- Shared Commitments – Covenant Partners are invited to articulate commitments to the church and to their own walk with Jesus across four categories: Participation, Generosity, Growth, and Service.
- Annual Renewal – Each year, individuals are invited to review their commitments from the previous year and prayerfully update them as part of renewing their Covenant Partnership.
- Legacy Status – Covenant Partners who choose not to renew their commitments will move to a “Legacy Member” status. Legacy Members are always welcome to renew their commitments and re-enter Covenant Partnership at any time.
- Care and Encouragement – Each Covenant Partner will have the opportunity to meet annually with the Covenant Partner Care Team for encouragement and prayer. These gatherings are designed to provide personal, in-person care and support.
Following Sunday’s vote—where the proposal passed with over 90% approval of members present—this new model has officially been adopted as our practice of membership here at Hope.As with any significant change, the transition from one system to another will take time. We anticipate using this next year to address unforeseen challenges, patiently walk alongside those who have further questions, and navigate any confusion that may arise during this process.We have several supporting documents available below that provide additional information about Covenant Partnership and the reasons behind this change.Our staff, Covenant Partner Care Team, and Leadership Team are all available to answer questions and help make this transition as smooth as possible. If you have a specific question or would like to schedule an in-person conversation, please reach out to the church office.Important Note Regarding the Upcoming Covenant Partner Introduction Class: If you are already a member of Hope and would like to become a Covenant Partner, you do not need to attend the orientation class. We simply invite you to complete the Covenant Partner Commitment Form and begin mapping out your commitments for 2026.If you are not currently a member of Hope and would like to explore becoming a Covenant Partner, we will be offering an orientation class on March 8 from noon to 2:00 p.m. Register HERE.Our sincere prayer is that this intentional process will not only help you grow in your walk with the Lord, but will also help our entire church unite around a shared vision of being Hope for the life of the world.
