CHICAGO, IL (January 31, 2011) – The recently released book, Living Faith: Reflections on Covenant Affirmations, will help Covenanters grow in their faith and further connect readers with the rest of the Evangelical Covenant Church.

The book was published by Covenant Publications, a part of the Department of Communication.

“The book ultimately serves to call out the best in us for what it means to die to self and live instead with our hearts set on God,” writes President Gary Walter in the foreword.

Living Faith is a series of reflections by North Park Theological Seminary professors on the denomination’s six affirmations: The centrality of the word of God, the necessity of new birth, a commitment to the whole mission of the church, the church as a fellowship of believers, a conscious dependence on the Holy Spirit, and the reality of freedom in Christ.

The affirmations have guided the Evangelical Covenant Church in its understanding of who God is and a life of faith since the denomination was founded, writes Walter. “Its double meaning pulls us into the two-step rhythm of being alive in Christ.

“When we understand ‘living’ as an adjective, we are called beyond an intellectual acknowledgement of a set of theological propositions into an actual engagement of living with God. When we understand ‘living’ as a verb, we are called to put what we believe into practice as we live for God.

Each chapter begins with a historical perspective written by Philip Anderson, professor of church history. Members of the faculty then offer reflections on the affirmation and what it means for the church today.

Living Faith is designed to be used by individuals and small groups. Questions for reflection and discussion are included for each chapter.

The book was funded through the Making Connections Initiative Grant funded by the Lilly Endowment, Inc. The initiative is designed to bring the seminary into closer contact with churches, pastors, youth groups and students of North Park University.

Registrants for the Midwinter Conference will receive a free copy of Living Faith. Click here to purchase the book online from Covenant Bookstore.