Covenant Groups

Covenant Groups are at the heart of who we are as United Methodists!

"Until Christ is formed in you."

--Galatians 4:19 NRSV

Our denomination first took shape in small groups of Christians who met weekly for prayer and Bible study as well as mutual support and accountability. In that spirit, covenant groups are three to five people of the same gender  who meet on a weekly or bi-weekly basis.

Covenant groups are not closed to others in that members discuss, agree and invite others to join them.   When in a Covenant Group, members are also serving others in a CommUNITY group or ministry team so that others may be mentored. 

What are Covenant Groups?

Covenant groups are formalized small groups that meet and create a covenant statement. In the biblical tradition,

     "covenant" is a sacred and binding agreement with God and one another.

A covenant group agrees to meet together to focus on Loving God Fully and Loving Others through six spiritual practices of Personal Devotions, Corporate Worship, Sacrificial Giving, Serving & Witnessing, Vital Connections and Personal Development.  In these ways, members lives are deepened in a holistic way through spiritual formation. In the Christian tradition,

     "spiritual formation" is all that forms us into the likeness of Christ.

Jesus yielded himself to the rhythms of spiritual formation. Spirit flowed through Him in compassionate acts of healing and justice because of His intimate, prayerful oneness with God. Members of a Covenant Group support one another in learning and living a Christ centered life just as we were shown by Jesus.

Covenant groups provide a place where questions and doubts can be raised in an environment of acceptance and trust, and where experiences and insights can be shared in such a way that new aspects of faith, belief, and obedience to Christ may be revealed.

How Are Covenant Groups Different From CommUNITY Groups?

An important part of the covenant experience is the undertaking of spiritual disciplines. Regular times for prayer, meditation, contemplation, and study are frequently used disciplines to name a few. Accountability to the group for maintaining disciplines is a key component for spiritual growth.  Honest, loving communication and accountability is characterized by openness and confidentiality. When you experience struggles in faith and in life, your fellow covenant group members will be there to lend support, encouragement and loving accountability. You will be able to grow deeper in your faith as you grow closer to your fellow covenant group members.