UUSM Covenant Groups/Small Group Ministry - Elements of Small Group Ministry
Covenant Groups/Small Group Ministry - Elements
 Size
The ideal covenant group size is eight to ten people. The group should have
at least three or four people plus the facilitator and never more than twelve,
including the facilitator.
Frequency of meetings
The group should meet at least once a month and may meet twice a month or even
weekly in someone's home (if a quiet, private, living room-like setting is regularly
available), or at church.
Format
The format must combine readings or rituals and personal check-in periods at
the start and at the end. (See the recommended format below.)
Facilitators
A facilitator is a woman or man who has been chosen and trained by the minister(s)
(or in societies with no minister, by someone chosen by a small steering committee).
The minister (or designated leader) then facilitates a covenant group for facilitators
so that the training is ongoing and shared.
Empty Chair
Always keep at least one chair empty, to symbolize those not yet reached who
need us and to suggest the expectation that a new group will be “born from”
this group when membership gets to ten or so.
Covenants
During the second meeting, agree on a behavioral covenant-on how members wish
to be with each other. Later, agree on at least one service to perform for both
the church and the larger community each year.
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