What Are Covenant Groups ?

So What Are Covenant Groups and Why Do We Want Them At Live Oak?

A while ago, Donna and I attended a meeting of the new South Austin congregation that is being formed. Their plan is to grow a congregation of 100 - 150 before chartering as a full service (Minister, RE Director, etc.), mid-sized church. Key to this plan is the formation of covenant groups as a way of building a strong community during (and after) their pre-church growth. Gerry King, one of the covenant group leaders in south Austin, made a presentation at a recent Steering Committee meeting. This article, which was requested at the meeting, is a follow up to the presentation.

Live Oak already provides a community for those who stay. However, I have often wondered why people drift through. Obviously our church is not for everyone, but what is it that visitors (and friends and members) seek? I have come to the conclusion that there are two primary desires - spirituality and community.

Covenant groups are a way to connect members and strengthen and grow a congregation, not only in numbers, but in faith. Live Oak already has a few 'informal' covenant groups. My personal desire is that we become more overt in forming many more covenant groups. Covenant groups are small groups of people with shared interests who meet regularly. Meetings should be at least every two to four weeks. Maximum membership is about 14. Each group should have an appointed leader and assistant leader who are in regular contact with the minister. This maintains the church connection, which is essential. Meetings begin with a reading and may include chalice lighting or singing, etc. and a brief check-in for members to say what is going on in their lives. Meetings end with a reading and brief checking-out. The central part of a meeting may focus on any topic of interest to the group. At one end of the spectrum are 'spiritual direction' groups who share their spiritual journeys. At the other end of the spectrum are recreational groups for hiking or card games, etc. In between may be support groups for men or women, religious interest groups for (Buddhists, pagans, bible study, etc.) and social justice and social action groups. Almost any shared interest is acceptable.

People want a place to be seen, heard and appreciated. The Sunday service may be wonderful, but people seek small, more close-knit groups. This is why size is important. While the group should be open to new members, it must also be committed to splitting into two groups should it grow too large, hence the need for an assistant leader, ready to take over one of the groups.

The growing church should always be forming new covenant groups. Covenant groups should also be easily accessible (a list of the various covenant groups with their time and place of meeting and leader contact published regularly, posted on the bulletin board, etc.) New friends should be invited (encouraged) to join a group. However, joining a group is never mandatory. Nor is joining only one group.

Covenant groups are not work groups nor are they committees. While some may orient themselves towards service, that is not their intention nor primary purpose. Successful covenant groups strengthen the bonds of friendship while providing a spiritual or social alternative.

Comments? Action!

Jon Durbin