ABOUT

Our Leaders, Our Beliefs, Our Culture

NWCC Leadership

Pastor Keith Graham

Pastor Keith Graham also known as PK, is the Pastor of NOW WORD Covenant Church. Under the Pastorate Leadership of Bishop David M. Copeland, PK was ordained a minister in 1983, and as an Elder in 1990.  After serving honorably for 12 years in the United States Air Force, and 14 years of faithful service at New Creation Christian Fellowship, the Spirit of God directed PK to another career move – as Pastor and Founder of NOW WORD Covenant Church in January 2000.

Pastor Keith is happily married to the love of his life, Denetrice, for 41 years, and they have three adult children, one son in-law and two daughters in-law, and seven precious grandchildren.

It is PK’s desire for the world to be connected to Jesus Christ, so they can grow in personal relationship with God and do life together in Christ through the church.

First Lady, Denetrice Graham

First Lady, Denetrice Graham also known as “Lady D”, is the wife of Pastor Keith Graham A devout woman of God and loving wife, Lady D supports her husband tirelessly both in marriage and in ministry. She is the epitome of a Proverbs 31 woman – a wife of noble character, her husband can trust her and she greatly enriches his life; she brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life.

Our Doctrine

Our desire is not to have an endless theological dispute about the essential truths of the gospel. We understand that through Christian history, there has been diversity in doctrine, and it will continue to be so until that which is perfect (Jesus Christ) comes to complete what we know and practice in part. Therefore, with that in mind here is an overview of the doctrine at NWCC:

About God – We teach God is the creator and ruler of the universe. He has eternally existed in three persons – Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. These three are co-equal and are one God. References: Genesis
1:1, 26, 27, 3:22; Psalms 90:2; Matthew 28:19; I Peter 1:2

About Jesus Christ – We teach Jesus Christ is the Son of God. He is co-equal with the Father. Jesus lived a sinless human life and offered himself as the perfect sacrifice for the sins of all men by dying on a cross. He arose from the dead after 3 days to demonstrate His power over sin and death. He ascended to
heaven’s glory and will return again to earth to reign as King of Kings and Lord of Lords. References:
Matthew 1:22, 23; Isaiah 9:6; John 1:1-5, 14:10-30; Hebrews 4:14-15; I Corinthians 15:3-4; Romans 1:3-
4; Acts 1:9-11; I Timothy 6:14-15

About Holy Spirit – We teach the Holy Spirit is equal with the Father and the Son as God. He is present in the world to make men aware of their need for Jesus Christ. He also lives in every Christian from the
moment of salvation. He provides the Christian with power for living and understanding of spiritual truth
and guidance in doing what is right. Christians should seek to live under His control daily. References:
II Corinthians 3:17; John 16:7-13, 14:16; Acts 1:8; I Corinthians 2:12, 3:16; Ephesians 1:13; Galatians
5:25; Ephesians 5:1

About Eternity – We teach man was created to exist forever. He will exist eternally separated from God by sin or in union with God through forgiveness and salvation through Christ. To be eternally separated from God is hell. To be eternally in union with Him is eternal life. Heaven and hell are real places of eternal existence. References: John 3:16; I John 2:25; I John 5:11-13; Romans 6:23; Revelation 20:15;
Matthew 25:31-46

About Man – Man was made in the spiritual image of God to be like him in character. He is the supreme
object of God’s creation. Although man was made in the spiritual image of God, he has become marred by sin through Adam and stands in a state of sin before God. References: Genesis 1:27; Psalm 8:3-6; Isaiah 53:6a; Romans 3:23; Isaiah 59:1-2

About Salvation – We teach salvation is a gift from God to man. Man can never make up for his sin in Adam by self-improvement or good works – only by trusting in Jesus Christ as God’s offer of forgiveness can man be saved from sin’s penalty. Eternal life begins the moment one receives Jesus Christ into his life by faith. References: Romans 6:23; Ephesians 2:8-9; John 14:6, 1:12; Titus 3:5; Galatians 3:26

About Church – We teach Christ is the Head of the church, and all Christians should belong to a local church in order to be accountable for their spiritual growth in Christ. The church baptizes new believers,disciples them in the word to be more like Christ, and joins the members together in covenant relationship
to continue the work of Christ as the church. References: Matthew 16:18; Ephesians 1:22, 4:12; Romans
12:5

About Baptism – We teach baptism is by immersion, which symbolizes the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus and is your public declaration that you have accepted Jesus Christ as your personal
Savior. Baptism does not save you, but shows the world that you have already been saved. And while baptism is not required for salvation, it is a biblical command and demonstrates your love and obedience
to Christ. References: Colossians 2:12; Acts 2:14; Ephesians 2:8-9; Matthew 28:19-20.

About Marriage – We teach that marriage is between one man and one woman. It should be held in honor by all and is more than partnership it is a sacred union joined together by God. Marriage models the union of Christ relationship with the Church. Procreation and maturation for children should take place in the context of a marriage covenant built upon: love, identity, provision, security and discipline. We seek to serve to restore those who have been touched by divorce, and preventively in the lives of those who are joined in marriage “Let marriage be held in honor among all.” Reference: Hebrews 13:4

About Communion – We teach communion – or the Lord’s Supper – is an ordinance given to all believers by Jesus Christ to remember His sacrifice for us and to symbolize the new covenant. The
elements of bread and wine (or juice) are symbols of Christ’s broken body and shed blood. Communion is not a means of salvation. Rather, it is a testament of a believer’s faith in the atoning work of the cross.

About Eternal Security – We teach God gives man eternal life through Jesus Christ; the believer is secure in salvation for eternity. Salvation is maintained by the grace and power of God, not by the self-
effort of the Christian. References: St. John 10:29; I Timothy 1:12; Hebrews 7:25, 10:10, 14; I Peter 1:3-5

About Sanctification – We teach a Believer is commanded to pursue a life of becoming like Christ through their obedience to the will of God. This is done through a progressive work of the Holy Spirit working with the obedience of the Believer to mature them into becoming like Christ. References: Hebrews 12:14; I Corinthians 3:18

About the Bible – We teach the Bible is God’s Word to all men. It was written by human authors, under the supernatural guidance of the Holy Spirit. It is the supreme source of truth for Christian beliefs and living. Because it is inspired by God, it is truth without any mixture of error. References: II Timothy 3:16; II Peter 1:20-21; II Timothy 1:13; Psalms 119:105; 106; Proverbs 30:5

About Death – We teach that physical death involves no loss of our immaterial consciousness (Revelation 6:9-11), that there is a separation of soul and body (James 2:26), that the soul of the redeemed
passes immediately into the presence of Christ, (Luke 23:43; Philippians 1:23), and that for the redeemed, such separation will continue until the Rapture, which initiates the first resurrection (Revelation 20:4-6).

At that time, our soul and body will be reunited to be glorified forever with our Lord (I Corinthians 15:25-44, 50-54). Until that time, the souls of the redeemed in Christ remain in joyful fellowship with
our Lord Jesus Christ (II Corinthians 5:8).

About End Times – We teach the Lord Jesus Christ will personally and visibly return to earth and establish His kingdom. We believe in the resurrection of the body, the final judgment, the eternal joy of
the righteous, and the endless suffering of the wicked. References: Matthew 16:27; Mark 14:62; I Thessalonians 4:15

Our Culture

Our Mission – We want everyone to know God through an ever-growing relationship with Jesus Christ.

Our Message – We’re teaching a biblical worldview, so we can see life from God’s viewpoint.

Our Membership – We’re united in agreement to  promote, protect and prosper our church family.

Our Money – We bring God a tithe [first ten percent of our income], and give a offering [$100 monthly], so we can worship God, and support the Prosperity Plan of our church family.

Our Marketing – We’re a relevant, relational, passionate, and innovative church, so the gospel will remain applicable

Our Motto – All that the Lord says, we will do and be obedient.” (Exodus 24:7).

Our Model – We’re conforming our behavior after our beliefs in Jesus Christ.

Our Magnification – We’re seeking closeness with God through corporate worship.

Our Ministry – We’re using our natural and spiritual gifts to help with the works of ministry.

Our Movement – We’re called to share our witness of Christ and the gospel, so we can reach the lost to increase Christ.

Our Motivation – We no longer live for ourselves. Instead, we live for Christ, who loved us, died for our sins and was raised to make us right with God.

Frequently Asked Questions
Our Denomination – We’re a non-denominational congregationalist church. This means we have no governing denominational body over us such as an Episcopal led denomination. We’re locally governing by our church constitution, pastoral leadership and congregation.

Our Worship Style – Our style is predominately vertical corporate worship. Our songs and music are primarily contemporary that encourages everyone to participate in worshipping God along with our worship team. Our style of worship freely allows the demonstrative and the less demonstrative to worship God together in harmony.

Our Message DeliveryStrong emphasis on teaching and not preaching from the Bible to provide a clear interpretation of the Scriptures to know God, and make it understandable in a relevant way so you can apply the message to your life to prosper in whatsoever you do. Our messages on Sunday makes the difference in your life on Monday.

Our Dress – There is no emphasis on a particular way of dressing; people at NOW WORD generally dress casual but you’re welcome to dress up if that is your tradition.

Our Titles – “Recognized” titles are Pastors, Associate Pastors, and Elders who oversee our Pastoral Ministry and Lay Leadership that have specific leadership titles according to the ministries they oversee.

Our Timeliness – Timeliness emphasized in all services; we do not believe in “stopping the flow of the Spirit” but we do generally operate according to a time standard of less than 90 minutes.

Our Giving – We teach generosity. Giving should be done from a generous heart, not out of an obligation but in response to God giving us His only Son for our salvation.

Our Youth Ministry – We offer a full service youth ministry (Pre-K through High School)

Benefits of Membership – You will learn your purpose to live for, have a Pastoral covering to live under, people of the same faith to live with, learn the principles of success to live by, receive power by the Spirit to live on, use your profession to serve with us, and have the corporate presence of God’s Spirit to worship in. All of that while having fun and excitement!!!!