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 Small Groups Covenants
What is a small group covenant?
A covenant is list of agreements, achieved through consensus, between the small group members. These agreements or ground rules ensure that the small group is a safe place for the group to develop and grow and that the five habits are practiced.
Some Tips for Creating A Small Group Covenant:
- Collectively determine the mission statement or purpose of the group. It can be as simple as to promote the spiritual growth of each member in the group.
- Go around the group and ask each person to list 1-2 values/needs they feel would be important for this group to work well.
- Come to a consensus as a group.
- The group leader types up and makes a copy for each person (and each member signs it).
- Make sure to include agreements about:
- logistics (meeting start and end time, commitment, attendance), and
- values in the group (confidentiality, service, silence, talk time).
Make sure to review the covenant 2-3 times a year or when anyone new joins the group. Make changes as necessary to the covenant.
Further Resources and Sample Covenants:
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Arnold, Jeffrey (1992). The Big Book on Small Groups. Illinois: Intervarsity Press.
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St. Mark’s Coptic Orthodox Church, Washington D.C. http://www.stmarkdc.org/en/smallgroups
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