Covenant Presbyterian Church - Charlotte, North Carolina

Covenant Small Groups are one way in which ordinary people can cultivate caring relationships and invest in one another’s journeys of faith.

It can be hard to find and form relationships that will last and be life-giving. Perhaps you’ve wondered, "Who will talk about and listen to the realities of my life and faith?”

The Covenant Small Group ministry seeks to help members of the church, their families, friends and neighbors take a leap of faith and begin conversations with one another that will lead to mutual support and discoveries of God in their midst.

We hope that through Covenant Small Groups, you’ll find friendship and a meaningful exploration of life and faith.

This spring, two types of small groups are offered:

1) Hope in the Hard Times, with conversations related to the sermon series, meeting once a week between April 16 and May 22 ; and

2)Christianity After Religion, with discussion based on the book by Diana Butler Bass, meeting once a week between April 30 and May 23.

A variety of times and locations are offered. You can register here.

What else do you need to know? 

How many people are in a Small Group? Generally 6-10. Groups may begin small and invite new members. After a group grows beyond 10 members, it may divide into two groups!

How often do Small Groups meet? Either once a week or once every other week, with regular breaks to rest and start fresh. We suggest that your group meet in three seasonal sessions, Fall: September – November, Spring: Advent, January, Lent and Summer. We also suggest that your group meet weekly for at least three months before considering whether to meet weekly or every other week.

What happens in a Small Group meeting? Small Group meetings include time for checking-in about life, discussion or activity relating to the group’s chosen material for faith formation (scripture, books, art, video, etc), discipleship questions and commitments, and prayer.

How long are Small Group meetings? Generally, small groups meet for an hour and a half. This allows groups to dig deep both into the lives of one another and the content they are studying. Groups may add a meal and informal time together, as well.

Who leads Small Group meetings? Small Groups begin with a facilitator, perhaps one who has been trained in the Refresh Retreat and who attends monthly Refresh gatherings for leaders. If groups continue to meet for more than six months, group members are trained to facilitate, so that no one gets tired and everyone learns to lead. All small group facilitators, members, and those interested in small groups are invited to attend Refresh offerings.

What kinds of Small Groups are there? Small Groups may be organized around common interests, neighborhoods, ages and stages, or any number of other reasons why people tend to connect with one another. If you are interested in being part of a group for a particular purpose that isn’t represented in our Small Groups Registry (coming soon), please contact Jessica Patchett at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) .

How long do Small Groups stay together? As long as they are healthy and continue to have a common purpose. Small Groups are asked to complete a Group Health Evaluation near the end of each seasonal session to determine whether or not the group will continue into another season.

What if I don’t want to continue with my Small Group? Be honest! Express your feelings and concerns to your group and let them know when you plan to leave the group.

How do I become a Small Group facilitator for a new group or a group that splits from a larger group? Contact Jessica Patchett to begin your journey as a facilitator.

How can I join a Small Group? Small Groups form through both personal invitation and responses to church publicity. If you would like to join a group or start a group, contact Jessica Patchett.