A Message from our Transitional Pastor, Dr. Rev. Steven Ingram, about Covenant Presbyterian Church.

From Pastor Steven Ingram

Many years ago, Elton Trueblood suggested that the Church should function as a kind of “spiritual first-aid station” for people trying to make their way in a complicated and often wounded world. I have kept that image close at hand throughout my ministry, and it has shaped my understanding of pastoral work here at Covenant Presbyterian Church. If nothing else, the year just past has reaffirmed for me that this congregation takes seriously the ministry of care, compassion, and encouragement. Of all the things I am grateful for, I am most proud of the pastoral care that happens here—not simply from the pastor or the deacons, but among the congregation itself. It is apparent to me in hospital rooms, phone calls, the funeral, emails, coffee gatherings, and quiet conversations after worship. Covenant continues to be a community where burdens are shared, grief is honored, and hope is sustained.

I am also deeply encouraged by the ways in which people are speaking aloud about spiritual formation and transformational moments arising from the life of the church. The Cloud of Witnesses program has invited a new level of vulnerability, reflection, and testimony. The sermon feedback sessions have nurtured a culture of theological curiosity and honest engagement with Scripture. Even lighter endeavors such as the youth/adult improv classes have revealed a joyful willingness to explore communication, imagination, and trust across generations. Taken together, these experiences suggest that the congregation is not content merely to observe faith from a distance, but to practice and embody it.

George Bernard Shaw once quipped that many people die when they are thirty and are buried when they are seventy. I have often felt the sting of that observation, particularly as we consider the challenges facing the church in North America. Our own denomination, the Presbyterian Church (USA), along with other mainline traditions, has endured a steady decline in participation over the past several decades. Churches that were once central in the cultural imagination now often struggle for relevance or stamina. It would be easy to surrender to resignation, repetition, or passive maintenance.

To my delight, Covenant Presbyterian Church has refused to settle for such a fate. A significant portion of our members continue to press deeper into the experience of life with God and neighbor. There is an appetite here for meaning, for connection, for spiritual depth, and for practices that awaken compassion and joy. It reminds me that faith is not simply assent to beliefs but a form of aliveness—an orientation of mind, heart, and body toward the world.

I remain in profound gratitude that my life and ministry have intersected with the people of Covenant Presbyterian Church in Springboro. I continue to rise each morning with energy and enthusiasm for what this gratitude makes possible. The Session and I continue to discern the goals and priorities before us, both as we build upon the vitality of the present and as we prepare for the future.

Pastor Search Covenant Presbyterian Church
Springboro, OH

We are currently searching for our next Pastor. We seek a pastor called by God who will shepherd the congregation of Covenant Presbyterian Church through Spirit-led leadership, scriptural preaching, pastoral care, and faithful oversight. If you would like to know more about the position, email us at covpnc.fc@gmail.com. If you would like to apply, please do so through the Church Leadership Connection (CLC) website or contact us directly.

Please be in prayer with us as we search for our next Pastor.


Nursery Aide
Covenant Presbyterian Church
Springboro, OH

Purpose: To provide dependable, safe, secure, and nurturing care to the children while at our Church, in a clean environment - ages 0-3 years during Sunday service. Some older children, up through age 9, may also be in attendance during other events/times.

Pay: $20/hour

Responsibilities:

  • Responsible for providing age-appropriate care which includes: feeding, changing diapers, escorting to the bathroom, maintaining a safe environment, holding, or sitting with and cheerfully interacting with children through games, stories, play and prayer. Universal precautions should always be used while changing diapers or time of body fluids.

  • Be polite, friendly, and courteous to all children, parents, and volunteers.

  • Child care hours include every Sunday 9:30 AM to 11:30 AM. You are expected to work all Sundays even if it falls on a holiday. Willingness to work other church events, i.e. Pub Theology, Study Groups, etc. is also expected. Times and schedule will be made known in advance. There will always be services on Ash Wednesday, Maundy Thursday, and Christmas Eve.

  • Stay until the children are secured with a responsible adult

  • In the event of an emergency, notify the parent via text, using the number on the sign-in sheet.

  • Straighten the room and clean any toys before leaving. All toys that have had contact with saliva will require special attention. A sanitizing solution will be available to use in the nursery.

  • Attend an evaluation after a 90 day probationary period and thereafter annually.

  • Report to the Personnel Committee any issues which are hindering the carrying out of the duties or responsibilities.

  • Communicate in advance, by phone to the Personnel Committee: 1) any planned absences with an advance two week notice, or 2) any unplanned absences at least two hours prior to the shift.

Qualifications:

  • At least 16 years of age

  • Satisfactory completion of background check

  • Satisfactory completion of First Aid/CPR training for infants and children. Will be provided by the church if not already held.

  • Experience in caring for children between the ages of 0 to 3 with the ability to adapt and interact with a variety of personalities is a plus.

Termination Policy:

  • There will be a 90 day probationary period where either party may terminate employment without cause. Beyond this a two week notice is expected.

  • Dependability is essential. Tardiness and excessive absences cannot be tolerated and will result in termination of employment.

  • Immediate termination will occur in cases of intentional verbal, physical, or emotional abuse or neglect of any child, parent, or church member. Termination may occur for failure to carry out job duties as described above.

To apply: Contact us at covenantspringboro@gmail.com.