Q & A
Q & A Discussion: Rick Howerton
Should we sign a covenant at the beginning of a new group, or does that scare people away?
Rick Howerton responds in our Q & A discussion.
| Topics: | Connecting, Covenant, New groups, New leader |
| Filters: | Group Leader, New leader, Train |
| Purpose: | Fellowship |
| References: |  |
| Date Added: | June 08, 2009 |
In Luke 14, Jesus establishes the principle of counting the cost before getting involved in the Kingdom agenda. Signing a covenant allows small-group members to weigh the cost and expectations of group membership, and then to discern whether they are willing to commit at the levels of responsibility necessary to be part of building a healthy small group.
So yes, your group should covenant no later than three weeks into the life of the group. Only those who are hesitant about commitment will push back on agreeing to a covenant. And those persons will most likely inhibit the group's progress if they continue, so it's not much of a loss.
We are made for covenants. The American Heritage Dictionary describes a covenant as "A formal binding agreement." Without such agreements, such covenants, many people would never understand that they are joining a community of safety and security. Just as in marriage, all parties agree to some basic responsibilities and expectations. Only after all parties are in agreement will the group be able to become a family.
When covenanting, we pledge our lives to one another—we tell one another we are willing to do the Christian life deeply together, really. Second, when small groups covenant, they agree to meet one another's needs. This is unveiled in Acts 2 and is an expectation of all believers. Third, people need to go in to group life fully realizing that, as they do life together, they need to commit to "loving-kindness." That is, giving and receiving grace as necessary. Fourth, their agreement should be permanently visible to the world because, as Jesus said, "By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another" (John 13:35). Pre-Christians will see the marks of our commitment to one another. As they see how we prove our love for each other, they will consider a relationship with Jesus. Agreeing to a covenant will be a witness to the world.
Each of these expectations are the biblical responsibilities of all believers. Covenanting merely establishes what we believers should be doing already.
One final thought: Covenanting in small groups is essential in getting everyone to commit to equal levels of responsibility and activity. Some of the benefits of covenanting as described by Serendipity by LifeWay are:
- It will give the group an agreed upon purpose and vision
- It is a road map to arrive at a desired destination
- It is a framework for managing potential conflict
- It creates healthy boundaries to function in
- It eliminates unspoken expectations
So again, by all means and without apology, ask group members to join you in a covenant that will make it possible for the group to become more than just a Bible study.
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oh I love God's timing. I just created a covenant for my small group and sent it to them by email yesterday, asking them to print it and bring to our first meeting of this year next week. We have been together for 2-3 years and I want to ramp things up, challenge them to work harder on their spiritual growth. I printed this and will take me and use as "back up" if needed! thanks!!
Wonderful comments from each of you... I have worked with people who didn't want to sign a covenant. In these instances I suggest a group leader simply sit with the individuals who would rather not sign a document and ask them if they will adhere to what is in the covenant. The individual unwilling to sign the document can then tell the group that they are in on every aspect of the covenant but that they simply have a slight cringe factor to signing documents. The ultimate goal is everyone in the group being on the same page, not everyone signing a document.
I am struggling with this at my church. I am an adult volunteer for our youth group and have been for 8 years. This year as we begin a new year, the leaders are asking the kids and adults to sign a covenant. There are many upset youth and adults. Me being one of them. If we don't sign it, we will be asked to leave the group. I feel it is putting humans between God and me. I only need to answer to God and be responsible in living a Christian life. i do not need a piece of paper telling me that. In John 13:5, it simply says by loving each other this shows you are a disciple of Christ. I feel it is putting politics in the church. The covanent that we are being asked to sign is written horribly. it tells these young people that if they cannot live up to their responsibilities, they will have to resign. what message is this telling them? that if they fail or fall short, they do not belong here....
I agree with Juno - I think it's incredibly important to lay down ground rules and expectations early on, but I don't think it's necessary to sign a paper. Does anyone have experiences good or bad with not signing a covenant but making it clear to everyone in the group?
I would say they don't need to sign a covenant, but have a shared understanding of what they are about to enter... There should not be a 'bait and switch' on what they signed up for and what the 'leaders' or the organizations hidden agenda is... Simply have a conversation about where you are at and where you want to go....
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