Hello!
I am Jeff Palmer, the Progressive Worship Director at Covenant and I would like to personally welcome you to our loving and compassionate church. Our common goal at Covenant is to spread the Good News of our Savior to the world starting right here in Dothan! While none of our worship services are in competition with one another, we understand that many people choose to worship and relate in various ways. Therefore, the main purpose of our progressive worship services is to meet folks where they are in life with familiar music styles and life applications that are easily understood in today’s world. Basically, we will do whatever it takes to make the Gospel understood and accepted. I believe Paul said it best:

19 Though I am free and belong to no man, I make myself a slave to everyone, to win as many as possible. 20 To the Jews I became like a Jew, to win the Jews. To those under the law I became like one under the law (though I myself am not under the law), so as to win those under the law. 21 To those not having the law I became like one not having the law (though I am not free from God's law but am under Christ's law), so as to win those not having the law. 22 To the weak I became weak, to win the weak. I have become all things to all men so that by all possible means I might save some.
1 Corinthians 9:19-22

I hope you find your worship experience at Covenant to be exciting and uplifting but most of all, glorifying to God!

Blessings,
Jeff

Schedule:

10:40am Progressive Service – a casual but reverent worship service lead by a high-energy praise band and modern format and preaching styles. Services held in the main worship center.

6:00pm (aka - Sunday@6) Progressive Service – a relaxed worship atmosphere lead by a high-energy praise band and modern preaching styles. Services held in the Fellowship Hall. Snacks and refreshments are provided!

* Nursery care provided at both services

FAQ

What is PROGRESSIVE WORSHIP?
JP: Progressive Worship is a post-modern style remaining open to change or "progress" in technology and life application, always looking for new ideas that could help spread the Gospel. IMPORTANT!! THE MESSAGE OF THE GOSPEL REMAINS THE SAME! The difference is in the delivery, not the message! The world is constantly changing around us and so are its people and mentality. We have to understand that what may have worked yesterday may not work tomorrow, so we have to keep the devil in retreat!

Why PROGRESSIVE and not CONTEMPORARY?
JP: There’s nothing wrong with the word ‘contemporary' although it's possible that it may insinuate a “new age” overtone, and we are NOT a "new age" church nor do we harbor "new age" beliefs. The word ‘contemporary’ also tends to be more associated the modern (today) world. We want to be modern and beyond in our approach and make sure we are constantly 'progressing', taking every approach possible to spread the Word!

Can a Progressive Style of worship be justified?
JP: God made use of the advanced trade routes (roads) and shipping routes of the Romans to start spreading the Gospel. He also used the spoken and written language of the Greeks to do the same. Much more, both Romans and Greeks were pagan civilizations! Today we use cell phones and email to share the Word and we send our missionaries into the field on jet aircraft! Yes, I believe its justified for us to use any means necessary to continue the spreading of the Gospel – refer again to Paul in 1 Corinthians 9:22.

What do I wear?
JP: We do prefer that you wear SOMETHING! ☺ Attire for both Progressive services are casual (although the 6:00pm service tends to be a little more laid back than the 10:30am service). In the 10:30am service, expect to see khakis, jeans, polos, button-downs, nice t-shirts, some with shorts in the summer, and the occasional suit (mostly from the folks that get lost and end up in the wrong service, ha!). In the 6:00pm service, expect to see some of the same above with a lot more shorts and t-shirts! In case you’re wondering, I'm a blue jeans guy…

What should I expect?
JP: First, expect to have a great time in the Lord with many more wonderful people. The atmosphere is always friendly and relaxed with a live band. Expect a lively and energetic praise service that encourages you to worship however you feel moved – clap, dance, raise your hands, but most of all SING TO THE LORD! The worship is for Him and Him alone. The band isn’t there for entertainment, we are there to worship with you – trust me, we’ll be singing and dancing along! The messages are delivered by our dynamic pastor – often with a bit of humor – in a way that meets everyone on their own personal level. The same message is delivered at all services, so don’t think you may be missing out somewhere else. We often use video illustrations to enhance the messages and we always provide an outline of sermon notes for you to follow along and jot down important points along the way.

What about my children?
JP: We highly encourage families to worship together. What better way to teach your children to worship than for them to witnessing YOU worship! For children under the age of 5, a nursery during the worship hour is provided.