Welcome to New Covenant Church!

We are so glad you have joined us to celebrate the Risen Lord! This week, we welcome Bishop David Saunders and Bishop William Mugenyi.  Here are the scriptures for this week:

Scriptures
Psalm 84:1-6
2 Timothy 4:6-8, 16-18
Luke 5:17-26

We look forward to seeing you online with us!

Hear Bishop David Saunders' sermon now.

“The Glorious Company of Stretcher Bearers” – Bishop David Saunders

In a powerful and heartfelt sermon, Bishop David Saunders addressed the New Covenant congregation with a message centered on transformation, mission, and the call to courageous compassion. Drawing from Luke 5, the story of the paralyzed man lowered through the roof by his friends, Bishop Saunders invited listeners to consider their role in bringing others to Jesus in a rapidly changing world.

A Church in Transition

Bishop Saunders began by acknowledging the significant shifts occurring within the global and Western church. He praised the growth and vitality of the Diocese of Boga, where new churches are being planted and people are coming to Christ in large numbers. This movement, he said, is not isolated. Across Europe and North America, younger generations—especially Gen Z—are seeking authentic relationships and community. They are turning away from large, impersonal church models and returning to neighborhood churches where intimacy and connection thrive.

He emphasized that the church must adapt to these changes. Traditional structures may no longer meet the needs of today’s seekers. Instead, the church must become more relational, more local, and more Spirit-led. He cited examples of churches repurposing buildings in urban centers to serve young families and communities better, reflecting a shift toward accessibility and relevance.

The Story of the Paralyzed Man

The heart of the sermon focused on Luke 5, where a paralyzed man is brought to Jesus by friends who tear through the roof to reach Him. Bishop Saunders used this story as a metaphor for the spiritual and emotional paralysis many people face today—addiction, depression, shame, or simply the weight of life’s struggles.

He highlighted three groups in the story: the Pharisees, who sat and observed, the crowd, which came to witness, and the friends, who acted. It was the third group—the stretcher bearers—who demonstrated faith, compassion, and determination. They refused to be passive. They tore through barriers to bring their friend to Jesus.

This, Bishop Saunders said, is the call for every believer: to be a stretcher bearer. To be someone who brings others to Jesus, not just through words, but through action, prayer, and presence.

Courage Through Intimacy

A key theme of the sermon was the importance of courage. Bishop Saunders reminded the congregation that courage is essential to the Christian life, especially in times of transition and uncertainty. But courage, he said, is not something we muster on our own—it flows from intimacy with God.

He outlined a spiritual progression: intimacy with God leads to purity, which in turn leads to unity, which ultimately leads to power. Many seek spiritual power, but without intimacy, it is unsustainable. True transformation and effective ministry begin with a deep relationship with God.

Everyday Evangelism

Bishop Saunders shared personal stories to illustrate how everyday moments can become divine appointments. One such story involved a spontaneous encounter at a Starbucks in Orlando, where he and his wife, Joan, prayed for a young woman and shared the gospel with her. Another story took place in France, where Joan prayed for a sculptor who was on a spiritual journey. After receiving prayer, the woman experienced peace and clarity, and later discovered a miraculous cross-shaped mark on a sculpture she had created—an unintentional but powerful symbol of Christ.

These stories served as reminders that ministry doesn’t only happen in church buildings. It happens in coffee shops, stores, and casual conversations. All it takes is a willingness to be used by God.

A Call to Action

The sermon concluded with a passionate call to become part of what Bishop Saunders called “the glorious company of stretcher bearers.” Whether through hospitality, prayer, worship, or simply being present, every believer has a role in bringing others to Jesus.

He encouraged the congregation to be willing to listen, to pray, and to act. “If we can do it,” he said, “you can do it.” The message was clear: the church is being reshaped, and every believer is invited to participate in that transformation by carrying others to the feet of Jesus.

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