Where There’s Blayze

At the start of every new year, Methodists around the world participate in something called a Covenant Service. It’s a tradition unique to Methodism, where we pause to renew our commitment to God, to reorient our hearts, and to acknowledge our need for His grace. But if we’re being really honest with ourselves, if you’re not a regular churchgoer, the term Covenant Service probably doesn’t mean much to you. It might even sound a little intimidating or overly formal.

Aware that I did not actually explain what a Covenant service is in my last blog, let me unpack what it’s about, why it’s important, and why it might just resonate with you more than you’d expect.

What Is a Covenant Service?

A covenant is a special kind of agreement or promise, but it’s more than a handshake deal. In the Bible, it’s the deep, binding relationship between God and His people. The Covenant Service is a time for us to reflect on that relationship, to recognise how we’ve fallen short, to commit ourselves afresh to following God, and to embrace His promises to us.

It may sound overly serious, and of course it is! But it’s also deeply meaningful, like renewing wedding vows. And, like any meaningful tradition, it can feel a little… intense, especially if you’re unfamiliar with it.

The Struggle of Tradition vs. Accessibility

That tension, between the depth of the tradition and the need to make it accessible, is something I’ve been thinking a lot about lately. A couple of weeks ago, I led a Christmas service at a pub for one of my churches Carol service. (Yes, at a pub!)

The vibe was joyful and relaxed: quizzes, jokes, conversation, and great food. Thirty people showed up, a big deal for a church that usually sees fewer than ten at its services. I talked with people who’d never been to church before, and they told me, “If this is what church is, I’d come every week!”

But then came January and the very next service for that church was the Covenant Service. I couldn’t stop wondering, what if those same pub attendees walked into this service? What would they think of the formal prayers, the declarations of sin, and the promises to “wholly submit” to God? Would they find it moving, or just mystifying?

My Own First Encounter with Church Tradition

I think about this because I’ve been there. When I first started exploring faith, I had a lot of preconceived ideas about church. One Sunday, I worked up the courage to walk into a grand old Methodist church in my town of Market Rasen. The building was imposing, the pews had locks on them, not something that distils confidence in a first time attendee, and I felt completely out of place.

But the people? They were warm, welcoming, and friendly. The preacher was engaging and funny. I started to think, Maybe I’ve misjudged this whole church thing.

Then we got to communion. Suddenly, we were reciting unfamiliar prayers, and the preacher was talking about bread as Jesus’ body and wine as His blood. I didn’t understand any of it, and honestly, it freaked me out a little. But even in my confusion, I could see that it mattered deeply to the people around me.

Over time, the church walked with me, helping me understand the traditions and the language. What started as alien became deeply meaningful. But I never forgot how hard that first experience was, and how much courage it took to come back.

The Covenant and Malachi’s Challenge

One of the Bible readings I’m using in a Covenant Service today comes from the prophet Malachi, who was speaking to the priests of his day. These priests had a special covenant with God, but they weren’t living up to it. Malachi said:

“The lips of a priest should guard knowledge, and people should seek instruction from his mouth, for he is the messenger of the Lord of hosts.” (Malachi 2:7)

That’s a high standard, and it reminds me of my own responsibilities as a minister. To live a life of peace, to uphold truth, to guide others in God’s ways. It’s humbling because, like those priests, I fall short.

But the beauty of the covenant isn’t that we have to be perfect. It’s that God is perfect. It’s about recognising that we need Him, His love, His grace, His justice and choosing to abide in Him, as Jesus puts it in John’s Gospel:

“Abide in me as I abide in you… apart from me, you can do nothing.” (John 15:4-5)

Why It Matters

The Covenant Service is about choosing to live in that relationship with God. It’s not about being guilted into promises you don’t understand or declaring things you don’t believe. It’s about being honest, with yourself and with God.

If you’re someone who’s unsure about faith, or about what this whole “God thing” even means, then you don’t need to make promises you’re not ready for. But you can start asking questions. You can start exploring.

And if you’re someone who knows you need God, who feels that pull to live a life of purpose, love, and justice, then the Covenant Service is a chance to recommit. To say, “Yes, I need God. Yes, I want to follow Him.”

A Challenge for All of Us

Malachi warned the priests not to listen to God only when it suited them, not to turn away when things got hard. That’s a challenge for all of us, not just ministers, pastors or church leaders, but anyone who calls themselves a follower of Jesus.

Let’s not settle for half-hearted faith. Let’s be people who live with authenticity, who abide in God and bear good fruit.

Whether or not you’ve ever attended a Covenant Service, the heart of it is something we all need: a reminder to live fully for what matters most.

So, this year, take stock. Where are you in your relationship with God? What steps can you take to live more authentically, more purposefully?

And if you ever find yourself in a Methodist church in January, don’t be afraid to join in. The words might feel strange at first, but the promise behind them is life-changing.

Let’s commit to being people who live the covenant, not perfectly, but authentically. That’s a promise worth keeping.