Resource Book for Covenant Groups
Purpose
A covenant group is a small relational group made up of six to eight
people who meet regularly to establish and nurture themselves in their
own beloved community. Covenant groups provide an opportunity for group
members to build strong relationships with each other and with the
larger organization of which the small group is a part.
Covenant groups encourage people to talk, learn, work and play
together over time. Members may tell their life stories, offer support
and engage in work to serve the larger community. Covenant groups offer
expanding opportunities for growth, caring and connection within a
congregation. Covenant groups offer caring affirmative networks, mutual
responsibility, leadership opportunities and a way for people to build
and strengthen their communities.
In a covenant group, people experience a relational
individuality
which affirms the inherent worth and dignity of every person. People
experience themselves and each other as part of the interdependent web
of existence in which we are all a part. Together, people establish
communities which embody the values of justice, democracy and human
dignity. Each person is treated equitably. Each person has a voice and
is heard. And each person is respected for his or her own intrinsic
humanity. The defining purpose of a covenant group is to bring people
into the right relationship with each other and with the larger world.
Covenant groups are supportive and can be therapeutic.
However,
covenant groups are not therapy groups. Covenant
groups are not a
substitute for appropriate professional care.
Facilitators
Each covenant group will have a trained facilitator to lead the
sessions. The role is specifically one of facilitator, neither teacher
nor minister. The facilitator will act as part of the group. Apprentice
facilitators are not in charge of the group, but work with the
facilitator, learning how to be a group leader.
Selecting Facilitators:
There will be a general call for facilitators. Facilitators must have
prior experience with group dynamics (for example, previous chair of a
committee) and have strong relationship skills: the ability to listen,
to include everyone in the group, to handle awkward situations.
All those interested in being facilitators or apprentice
facilitators
will meet with the minister and Covenant Group Committee.
Training
The Covenant Group Committee will coordinate training to be led by the
minister and other appropriate trainers. Continuing facilitator
education, perhaps once a year, is desirable.
Facilitators may apprentice with another leader until they
feel
comfortable leading a group on their own or until another Covenant
group
forms.
Support
Facilitators will meet monthly with the minister and other
facilitators.
This will provide a forum for evaluating how the groups are doing,
discussing problems, generating new ideas and sharing learning.
Commitment
Facilitators will be committed to the group they lead for the same
period of time as all members, one year. At that point they may choose
whether or not to continue in the role of facilitator. Facilitators are
expected to make every effort to attend all meetings of their group.
Administrative Committee
The Administrative Committee, made up of two members, will perform
administrative functions. They will be responsible for matching group
members with facilitators.
The Administrative Committee will maintain a revolving list of
people
who are interested in joining a group. When there is a sufficient
number
(probably six) of people, a new group will be formed. The
Administrative
Committee will also maintain a list of volunteers who want to be
facilitators and will match them with a group. Facilitators, however,
will be responsible for contacting group members.
Discussion Topics
Initially topics will be chosen from two sources:
- A resource guide, "Transforming Our Churches with Small
Group Ministry" by Rev. Glenn Turner
- A sampler from the UU Community of Augusta, Maine, by Rev.
Calvin Dame.
As groups develop, other topics may emerge from either sermons or
suggestions from group members. The proposed topics will be discussed
by the minister and the facilitators group before being prepared for
the catalogue.
From time to time, all groups will be encouraged to explore an assigned
topic in conjunction with a sermon preached by the minister.
Each group will decide what topics will be discussed. Topics
may last
for one session or for several depending on the wishes of the group.
Current Discussion
Topics
Rules, Regulations and Guidelines for Development of
Coventant
Groups
Although the structure and format of individual covenant groups may be
modified to meet the needs and interests of group members, each
covenant
group will need to follow these basic principles and guidelines: