90+ years on
the South Side.
New Covenant Missionary Baptist Church (The Cov) has stood as a beacon of hope and faith on Chicago's South Side for four generations, nurturing disciples and serving the community through preaching, teaching, and compassionate outreach.
Thurston Leadership
Awarded
Where it all
started.
New Covenant traces its roots to the mid-1950s, when God stirred the heart of Rev. Elijah Thurston to plant a new work on Chicago's South Side. In 1934 he founded what would become New Covenant Missionary Baptist Church: a congregation known for strong biblical preaching, vibrant worship, and a deep commitment to urban ministry.
As the church grew, it quickly became known for its live radio broadcasts, extending its reach beyond the walls of the building. Expanding membership necessitated a defining move in 1956, from the Bronzeville neighborhood to Chatham, and a new name: New Covenant Missionary Baptist Church.
The church established a permanent home in the Grand Crossing community near 77th Street and Cottage Grove Avenue, where it continues to serve today.
A legacy told
in chapters.
God stirred the heart of Rev. Elijah Thurston to plant a new work on Chicago's South Side. The congregation quickly became known for strong biblical preaching, vibrant worship, and its pioneering live radio broadcasts, extending its reach across the city.
Growing membership led to a leap of faith: a move from the Bronzeville neighborhood to Chatham, and a new name: New Covenant Missionary Baptist Church. This pivotal moment marked the start of a vibrant legacy rooted in Chicago's South Side.
Following in his father's footsteps, Rev. John L. Thurston served as pastor, leading the church to become a civil rights stronghold, a gospel music powerhouse, and a vital community resource.
Under Rev. Stephen J. Thurston's leadership, New Covenant witnessed exponential growth in membership, ministry, and outreach. He also served as president of the National Baptist Convention of America.
In August 2023, Rev. Stephen Thurston Sr. announced his retirement, setting the stage for Rev. Stephen J. Thurston II to assume the mantle of leadership, ushering in a new era of innovation and community engagement.
Now known as The COV, the church continues to expand its impact across Chicago and beyond, through digital innovation, faithful stewardship, and a commitment to doing "Great Things" within and beyond the four walls.
Four generations.
One mission.
From its earliest days, The Cov has been marked by a unique legacy of family leadership, each generation carrying the baton further.
Answered God's call to organize the congregation on the South Side, laying a strong spiritual and organizational foundation rooted in community and outreach.
Faithfully pastored the church through significant seasons of growth and neighborhood change, establishing New Covenant as a civil rights hub and community stronghold.
Led New Covenant for 45 years, growing the congregation to thousands, completing a 1,400-seat worship center, and serving as president of the National Baptist Convention of America.
Carrying the Thurston legacy into a new generation, with innovation, a church rebrand, the COV Care Foundation, and a bold vision for community transformation.
Beyond the
four walls.
Our story is not only about pastors and buildings: it's about people transformed by the Gospel and mobilized for service. From its location in the Grand Crossing community, the church has ministered to generations of Chicagoans.
In partnership with civic, educational, and health organizations, The Cov has engaged issues of justice, health, and economic uplift on the South Side, reflecting a conviction that the Gospel speaks to both soul and society.
Licensed clinical therapist on staff providing mental health counseling and grief support for congregants and the community.
A separate 501(c)(3) focused on HIV/AIDS resources and LGBTQ+ housing initiatives, extending care beyond the congregation.
Partnerships with Rush University Medical Center, Howard Brown Health, and Advocate Healthcare for both insured and uninsured congregants and community members.
Weekly food pantry serving 150–200 families, with plans to expand through micro-markets and food trucks across the South Side.
We walk alongside survivors of trauma—especially gun violence—with compassion, respect, and care. Our trauma-informed, culturally competent services help individuals and families heal, rebuild, and reclaim their sense of safety.
Great things
ahead.
The COV continues to build a future focused on impact and innovation, expanding its reach on the South Side and around the world.
The next chapter
starts with you.
Join us Sunday at 10:00 AM and become part of a 90-year legacy of faith, service, and transformation.