At Holy Covenant, vocation takes many forms. For some, it’s teaching, caregiving, or art. For others, it is the sacred call of leadership — guiding, listening, and discerning for the good of the community.

As we explored Live with Purpose during September, we sat down with Terry Raley-Dennis, President of our Consistory, to learn more about what it means to lead with faith, courage, and purpose.

“Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care… eager to serve.”

— 1 Peter 5:2

“It takes the whole congregation to be involved in supporting the foundation of this church.”

— Terry Raley-Dennis

Why “Live with Purpose” matters for Leadership

• Shared Leadership: The Consistory reminds us that no single person owns leadership — it is a collective trust and responsibility.
• Foundation of Care: Deacons and Elders embody care for both the building and the spirit of Holy Covenant.
• Vocation as Service: Leadership is not about power but about creating pathways for the Spirit’s work among us.

The Interview

🌱 Personal & Vocational Journey

What first called you into church leadership, and how did you become part of Holy Covenant’s Consistory?

When Jean and I joined Holy Covenant in 2005 I was active in the LGBT and Room In The Inn ministries for several years. I was asked to become a Deacon around 2010  and I was involved for my three-year term. I didn’t become interested in serving again until 2022. Then I approached nominations and submitted my name to become a Deacon again. It is a challenge and a blessing to hold this title. It takes the whole congregation to be involved in supporting the foundation of this church. Consistory members are the foundation that allows our church to thrive by supporting Pastor Chris as he shepherds us forward in this community.

How has your own vocation—your sense of purpose—been shaped by serving as President of the Consistory?

I came into Holy Covenant as a champion of what this church means to the greater Charlotte area. Our mission to Charlotte can be seen by looking at the demographic make up of where our members live in this region. People come to us from a large geographic area around Charlotte. They have looked for and found a church that supports the ministry of how Jesus calls us to be to society. We walk the walk and talk the talk of how Christianity should be to the world.

🕊️ Vocation with Purpose

How do you see church leadership as a form of vocation?

Wow, this is a challenging question. Some folks are comfortable in being the leaders and some are comfortable with being the workers behind the scenes. Our consistory has both types of folks. I’m not a particularly political type of person and that is how I view vocation in this question. But I feel that to be a good Stewart of Holy Covenant we have a responsibility to this church to contribute to its foundation. So, my take on this question is that I feel that it is our responsibly to be a part of this leadership group. No matter how up front or behind the scenes you feel comfortable you are needed to help strengthen the foundation of this church.

What does it mean to you personally to “live with purpose” in the context of guiding the Consistory?

I view my role as President of consistory as a guide to the members serving their duties as Deacons and Elders. This isn’t “my show” I feel it’s my responsibility to look at all the various opinions and concerns and with the help of Pastor Chris and the Vice President direct us in constructive decision-making paths. Ultimately it is the collective decisions of all of us on consistory that propels Holy Covenant and our purpose to this community forward.

How do you discern when the Consistory is aligned with God’s abundance and call?

By paying attention to what God is placing in our path.

❤️‍🩹 Leadership & Mission

For those who may not know: What is the Consistory, and why is it central?

Our Deacons and Elders are the foundation of this church. They are the eyes and hearts of helping Pastor Chris as he leads Holy Covenant forward. Deacons are the caretakers of the physical structure of Holy Covenant. They are responsible for the physical building and grounds of this church and they also have a responsibility to encourage the stewardship that monetarily helps this church grow and thrive.( My take on being a deacon is that we are the worker bees of Holy Covenant.) Our Elders are the spiritual side of Holy Covenant. They help Pastor Chris with pastoral care and spiritual care of both Pastor and our congregation. They are the ones who are spiritually inspired to be they right arm for our ministry team.

Who serves on the Consistory, and how are members selected?

Anyone can be called to serve… Our Nominations Team identifies and invites members into service for a three-year term.

How does the work of the Consistory connect to Mission & Justice?

By having a diverse group of people serving, we remain in tune with Holy Covenant’s ministry and values.

🧘‍♀️ Wellness & Wholeness

Leadership can be joyful, but also challenging. What practices keep you grounded?

I pray constantly. I am a “Jersey girl” and sometimes my assertiveness flies out before I can temper it. I also have a great support team with Pastor Chris and my VP, Dawn Robinson. They keep me grounded and sane.

How can shared leadership foster a healthier, more balanced life for the congregation?

It takes all types of leaders to keep our church moving forward. My view of this leadership collective is that this church can’t be anyone’s proprietary responsibility. We need people to be collectively working together to make sure all concerns are addressed and resolved. From my viewpoint there isn’t room for someone who feels that they are solely responsible for the leadership of Holy Covenant. It has to be a collective responsibility.

💬 Reflections & Invitation

What advice would you give to someone discerning a call to leadership?

Let someone on the current Consistory know. They can forward your name to the Nominations Team.

What dream or hope do you carry for the future of Holy Covenant?

From my vantage point right now we have a strong, developing group of people serving as Deacons and Elders for both Pastor Chris and Holy Covenant. It is my prayer that this group has vision and courage to enable Holy Covenant to be a beacon to the Christian community of Charlotte.

Any final reflections?

We have many new faces joining us as members and I encourage you to find a team here in Holy Covenant that nourishes your soul, get to know the congregation of Holy Covent and eventually decide to contribute to stepping into the foundation of Deacons and Elders to help Holy Covenant and Pastor Chris grow and succeed.

“Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace.” — 1 Peter 4:10

Reflect & Respond

1. How might you serve Holy Covenant through leadership, care, or behind-the-scenes support?
2. What practices help you stay spiritually grounded in busy seasons?
3. Where do you see God calling our Consistory to lead with courage and faith today?