Covenant Groups

Covenant Groups are a type of Small-Group Ministry, a small facilitator-led group designed to deepen and expand the ministry of the congregation.

Covenant Groups are comprised of 8-10 people who meet monthly to interact and share reflections on various themes and readings. Members and friends might be grouped randomly to form a Covenant Group, or they may be organized around a specific interest. Their “ministry,” a process or act of caring or being present, relates to the spiritual as well as the emotional well-being of the group participants. Each group’s discussions are confidential. Although there is no charge, registration is required.

Typical Meeting Schedule (approximately 90 minutes)

  • Opening Chalice reading 
  • Check-in where each person briefly shares what is on her/his mind.
  • Time for the focus or theme of the meeting with shared reflections from personal stories, guided by written questions.
  • Check-out where each participant relays how the meeting was for him/her.
  • Closing Chalice reading

Small-Group Ministry Covenant

  • Treating each other with respect
  • Listening with our hearts
  • Respecting confidentiality (what is said here, stays here)
  • Avoiding “cross-talk” and giving advice
  • Allowing others to speak without interrupting
  • Going deep and sharing what is there
  • Allowing space for everyone who wishes to speak
  • Using this as a deep listening group, not as a therapy or discussion group
  • Welcoming new members, when space is available
  • Holding each other accountable for honoring these covenant behaviors

We currently have two covenant groups: Covenant Group I meets in the evening and Covenant Group II meets in the afternoon. If you would like to participate, please contact Nancy LaGrave

For more general information about Small Group Ministry or Covenant Groups, visit www.smallgroupministry.net.