Covenants are agreements that express group values, expectations or behaviors for accountability. Covenants are based on love and loyalty and are only valid if all parties seek to fulfill their obligations. Not all groups create a written covenant, but most groups have at least unwritten values or expectations that are understood by the group.

Forming Covenants

The values around which a group makes a covenant must be generated by the group, not imposed by the leader. They should be reaffirmed on a periodic basis so that members remember their commitment to one another.

Some values to consider when developing your group covenant include:

• Make small group meetings a priority within reason, and call someone if unable to attend.
• Begin and end on time.
• Everyone participates, as comfortable; no one dominates.
• Respect that everyone has a right to their own opinion.
• Discussions in meetings are to be confidential unless given permission otherwise.
• Support each other; make ourselves available as needed between meetings.
• Unsolicited advice is not allowed; if you want advice, though, please say so!
• Empty chair concept means we are open to new people.
• Be open to breaking into groups of 3-5 people for some of the discussion questions.
• Always allow ample time for prayer requests and sharing of joys and concerns.
• Take turns providing snacks.