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About Us

Staff

Pastor Evan Image

Pastor A. Evan Westburg

Senior Pastor

Pastor Evan is a Lincoln native. A graduate of North Park University (Chicago) and Regent College (Vancouver, Canada), Evan has served in college, hospital, and church settings (youth, associate, and senior pastor).

Evan is married and enjoys reading, drinking coffee, and spending time with his three kids.

Garrett Hope Image

Dr. Garrett Hope

Director of Worship

As a Colorado native, Dr. Garrett Hope, spent his vacations at Covenant Heights Bible Camp and spending time in the mountains. He was heavily involved in the music and worship leadership of his home church, Christ Community Covenant Church. In 2011 Garrett graduated from UNL with a Doctor of Musical Arts degree in music composition.

Garrett is an active composer of concert & film music, public speaker, podcaster, business owner, and teacher. He enjoys living in Lincoln with his wife and daughter.

Beliefs

We have been in Lincoln since 1892. First Covenant is a part of the Evangelical Covenant Church which unites around six Biblical affirmations (below). 

1. The Centrality of the Word of God

We believe that the Bible, the Old and New Testament, is the word of God and the only perfect rule for faith, doctrine, and conduct. (2 Timothy 3:16-17; Psalm 19:7-11; Hebrews 4:12; Isaiah 55:11)

2. The Necessity of New Birth

God desires a relationship with us. We believe that only comes by committing ourselves to Jesus Christ and receiving forgiveness, acceptance, and eternal live. Salvation is only found through Jesus. (2 Corinthians 5:17; Romans 10:9-10)

3. A Commitment to the Whole Mission of the Church

We believe that our faith in Jesus Christ is to be shared in word and deed. We follow Christ’s two central calls: The Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20) and the Great Commandment (Matthew 22:36-40). We seek to make disciples and we seek to share in God’s mission to love our neighbor here and around the world. (Acts 1:8; Micah 6:8; Colossians 1:28; Matthew 10:39)

4. The Church as Fellowship of Believers

Membership in the Covenant Church is by confession of personal faith in Jesus Christ and is open to all who make this confession. We observe the Sacraments of Baptism (infant and believer) and Communion. We believe in the priesthood of all believers which means we affirm the call of God on both men and women in church ministry at all levels. (Galatians 3:28; 1 Peter 2:9; Ephesians 4:11-16; Hebrews 10:24-25)

5. Conscious Dependence on the Holy Spirit

We hold a trinitarian understanding of God as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit (nicely in the Apostles’ and Nicene Creeds). We believe the Holy Spirit instills in us a desire to turn to Christ and also gives us gifts to continue Christ’s mission in the world. (Ephesians 3:16-19; John 15:5)

6. The Reality of Freedom in Christ

We are a grace-filled people. We live under the authority of God’s Word and we value right relationship as God’s people. United in Christ, we offer freedom to differ on issues of belief and practice where the biblical and historical record seems to allow a variety of interpretations. In that freedom, our conversations are always centered around the question: Where is it written? We are people of the book. (Romans 12:1-2; Galatians 5:1, 13; 1 Corinthians 9:19)

First Time at First Cov?

Common Questions Answered

Worship

At First Covenant, we exist for God’s glory. A typical service may include modern worship songs or hymns with a band. We use the gifts God has given us to worship in Spirit and in truth. Our attire is casual.

Parking

Parking is available in our lot or on “L” street. There are marked handicap parking spots available and we have a lift (like an elevator) for all-weather access to the entire building. Use the office entrance to access the lift.

Nursery

Nursery care is offered during worship and is located on the main level (same level as the Sanctuary).

Kids Welcome

We think children are great and believe families should be able to worship together. Activity bags are available near the Welcome Center and we try to add kid-engaging components to the worship service regularly (such as children’s sermons, activity pages, prizes).

We offer Children’s Worship for children ages 3 to grade 2. On the 2nd and 4th Sunday of each month children are invited to Children’s Worship after the offering. After the offering, a leader will stand at the back ready to lead the children to their class area. This is a time when children can learn about what it means to worship God through teaching and active play. Children may be picked up on the lower level after worship.

Communion

We receive communion on the first Sunday of the month. The table is open to all believers. If you are a disciple of Jesus Christ, you are welcome to receive communion at First Covenant.

Hearing Loop

For in-person worship, switch your hearing device to T-coil mode for full sound (main-level of sanctuary only).

Contact Us

Ask Questions

Schedule a visit before Sunday