Getting Off to a Strong Start…

Set the starting date for your group yet? When you hold your first meeting, will you involve your members in working on a covenant? A “covenant” is a plan! If you have never designed a covenant that paints a picture of who you are and what you are about, now’s the time to do it. When members participate in the ownership of the group particulars, the group becomes more healthy. Every group has a covenant, or agreement, whether you realize it or not: either the agreement is “negotiated” or “assumed”! Why not take the time to review your goals and purposes, get them on paper (helps with evaluations) and create an environment where everyone is on the same page and knows what’s “in” and what’s “out”.

Some basic questions to start your thinking might be… 

• Why do we want to have this small group?
• What do we want to see happen during our time together?
• What are our goals and purposes?
• What will make our group worth our time?
• What do we want to see happen through us, to us, as a result of this group?

“A small group covenant is not a statement of what an ideal group is. It is the steps this group is willing to take for the growth and edification of the members or for the accomplishment of a mutual goal.”
                                                                                 (Dan Williamson: Seven Myths About Small Groups)

Reasons for creating a covenant…

• Provides group intentions
• Creates a center of accountability
• Sets group direction
• Establishes group boundaries
• Defines group expectations
• Reflects hopes and fears
• Articulates group purpose, goals and mission
• References and guides group evaluations

Give it a try! Your group will participate in the process with enthusiasm and the rewards will be significant.