The Purpose of Covenant Groups is to support connections between participants, thereby strengthening congregational community. In the Covenant Group, individuals and groups explore questions of meaning and purpose that we do not often have opportunity to talk about. One does not have to consider one’s self to be especially “spiritual” in order to participate, but be willing to engage with others as you witness and affirm each other’s journeys. Participants grow in their understanding of what is personally meaningful to them, while building a caring and supportive church community.
Service is also an essential aspect of covenant groups. Each group performs some kind of service for the congregation and/or the greater community. Such service highlights the interplay between giving and receiving in the development of spiritual growth.
The structure of Covenant Groups is also different from other groups. They are not like a class, they are not like the Round Table and they are not a replacement for the Sunday Service. The groups and their interconnections are unique in the life of the church. Here are some of the characteristics.
- Size: Groups are intentionally small, 6-10 members.
- Structured Format: The structure of the group sets a tone for personal sharing beyond ordinary conversation or communication. Gathering, Opening, Check In, Topic, Sharing, Check Out, Closing. Listening and non-judgment are critical aspects of the sharing time.
- Frequency: Groups are encouraged to meet twice a month, and no less than once a month. The more frequently the groups meet, the more effective they are.
- Setting: Groups are encouraged to meet in private homes.
- Covenants: Each small group is responsible for establishing a behavioral covenant specifying how members will be with one another. Each covenant includes the group’s commitment to community service. Each group will determine to do one act of service each year that is beneficial for the church and/or the larger community.
- Duration: Groups stay together for about a year. At that time new people may join the program, and participants may decide whether they want to continue with their group, join another group, or move on to something else.
- Empty Chair: Covenant groups often include an empty chair to symbolize that there are others who need inclusion. It is also a reminder of the expectation that a new group will develop (be “born”) when membership in a group expands beyond 10 or so. The initial groups for UUCLC will each determine through their covenanting process, whether or not to include an empty chair.
- Facilitators: Volunteer congregants who are trained to guide the process of covenant groups.
Covenant Groups are one more way we share the ministry of our church, helping each
other and making our church stronger.
