Holy Bible on a wooden desk in church

Is a formal D-Group Covenant really necessary? This question can stir some spirited debate. In many cases, however, when leaders evaluate the reasons a D-Group has failed, issues go back to things that could have been covered in some type of written or verbal covenant between the members of the group. Whether there is a formally signed covenant or simply a conversation about making a verbal covenant with one another, a D-Group Covenant can help build a foundation for a true disciple-making small group experience. Essential elements for a covenant can be summarized in three categories: goals of the group, expectations concerning commitment level, confidentiality.

Goals of the Group
The purpose of the D-Group sets the stage for everything that happens in the context of the group. It is vitally important that individuals in a group understand the purpose or goals of the group. For example, if a primary goal of a church is to use a D-Group structure to multiply disciples, then letting participants know from the outset that a goal is for them to be a leader of a group in the future will help them prepare for this next step. Communicating a clear purpose in a written or verbal covenant will also keep a group focused on a path toward discipleship and will help avoid wandering in wilderness of proverbial “rabbit-chasing” or becoming a social gathering with no spiritual growth among the participants.

Expectations of Commitment Level
The success of a D-Group is in part based on active and consistent participation by the members of the group. A covenant should outline expectations for the group member’s commitment. There may be time expectations that let members know how much time they need to commit for the regular meetings. If the plan is to meet weekly for one hour, then the members need to know this and the leader must honor this commitment and the time of the members by managing time well during the meetings. People are often reluctant to sign up for indefinite involvement in a group in terms of how many weeks/months the group will meet. If the intent is to meet for one year, specifically outline the start and end dates in a D-Group Covenant. Expectations in terms of the work load could also be clearly communicated in a verbal or written covenant. If participants are asked to do certain things in advance so that group meetings are meaningful times of spiritual growth then these tasks should be outlined in the covenant. The tasks may include Scripture reading, journaling, reading other books/resources, sharing a testimony with someone, Scripture memory, and more. D-Group leaders can facilitate a successful group by communicating the expectations in a covenant.

Confidentiality
When a group is meeting together, learning together, sharing stories of personal growth or possibly some personal struggles, and praying together, it is important for participants to commit to confidentiality. The group will remain superficial and deeper authentic relationships will not develop among the participants if they are fearful that information they share may become public knowledge. Hold individuals accountable to this commitment more consistently by including it as a clear expectation in a verbal or written D-Group Covenant.

There are many variables that may create an environment for a thriving D-Group Ministry. A written and/or verbal covenant is one that should considered.