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Tammy Brown, Jim Singleton Visit Covenant

Rev. Dr. Tammy Gregory Brown, Covenant Associate Pastor (1996-2000), gave an educational presentation at Covenant on Monday, April 16. She offered her perspectives on the state of the Presbyterian Church (USA). Tammy is senior pastor of Westminster Presbyterian Church in Charleston, S.C., executive director of Hands of Christ, and former moderator of the Charleston Atlantic Presbytery.

Former Senior Pastor Dr. Jim Singleton led a a similar forum on March 19, offering his perspective on the Fellowship of Presbyterians, which he leads. He also shared information about the Fellowship's new reformed body, the Evangelical Covenant Order (ECO).  

Both presentations were offered to Covenant members and visitors to provide information about the denomination and the different ways it is being handled and discussed.

Town Hall Meeting Recap

Last fall, Covenant held three rounds of Town Hall Meetings to share information about what's happening within the denomination and within our church. We identified markers and talked about times of pain throughout our 50-year history. During the final round, we worked together to begin to figure out the identify of Covenant. All meetings incorporated small group discussion, and time for prayer and hymns. The following are some of the questions asked at the meetings. If you have specific questions, contact our session members at session@covenant.org.


Town Hall Questions

This section will share some of the top questions we have received at the Town Hall Meetings as they come up. Session is working hard to answer your questions from the Town Hall meetings.

The following is a question that we received at each of the September Town hall meetings.

Q: How do we engage in conversations about these tough issues and stay in loving relationship with one another?

A: The following Seeking to be Faithful Together: Guidelines for Presbyterians During Times of Disagreement was adopted by the 204th General Assembly (1992) of the Presbyterian Church (USA) for use by sessions and congregations.

In a spirit of trust and love, we promise we will:

  • Give them a hearing ... listen before we answer – John 7:51 and Proverbs 18:13
    1. Treat each other respectfully so as to build trust, believing that we all desire to be faithful to Jesus the Christ;
      • We will keep our conversations and communications open for candid and forthright exchange,
      • We will not ask questions or make statements in a way which will intimidate or judge others.
    2. Learn about various positions on the topic of disagreement.
    3. State what we think we heard and ask for clarification before responding, in an effort to be sure we understand each other.
  • Speak the truth in love – Ephesians 4:15
    1. Share our concerns directly with individuals or groups with whom we have disagreements in a spirit of love and repsect in keeping with Jesus' teachings.
    2. focus on ideas and suggestions instead of questioning people’s motives, intelligence or integrity;
      • We will not engage in name-calling or labeling of others prior to, during, or following the discussion.
    3. Share our personal experiences about the subject of disagreement so that others may more fully understand our concerns.
  • Maintain the unity of the spirit in the bond of peace – Ephesians 4:3
    1. Indicate where we agree with those of other viewpoints as well as where we disagree.
    2. Seek to stay in community with each other though the discussion may be vigorous and full of tension;
      • We will be ready to forgive and be forgiven.
    3. Follow these additional guidelines when we meet in decision-making bodies:
      • Urge persons of various points of view to speak and promise to listen to these positions seriously;
      • Seek conclusions informed by our points of agreement;
      • Be sensitive to the feelings and concerns of those who do not agree with the majority and respect their rights of conscience;
      • Abide by the decision of the majority, and if we disagree with it and wish to change it, work for that change in ways which are consistent with these guidelines.
    4. Include our disagreement in our prayers, not praying for the triumph of our viewpoints, but seeking God’s grace to listen attentively, to speak clearly and to remain open to the vision God holds for us all.

We are encouraged to include our disagreement in our prayers, not praying for the triumph of our viewpoints, but seeking God’s grace to listen attentively, to speak clearly and to remain open to the vision God holds for us all.

For other common questions, please visit our Session FAQ.

 

Notes from Previous Town Hall Meetings

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