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