SMALL GROUP COMMITMENT AND COVENANT

SMALL GROUP COMMITMENT

This commitment communicates what every small group member commits to maintaining, and
defines the guidelines for our community.

* I will make my small group meetings a priority. This means that I will attend at least 75% of the meetings. If I’m unable to attend or am running late, I will call ahead

* I will come to my small group meeting prepared and ready to participate

* I will commit to my small group to focus on the application of God’s Word to my life

* I will maintain confidentiality of the personal information that is shared within my small group. I understand my small group leader may communicate appropriate information to those in leadership as necessary, and I trust his or her discernment in this

* I will be accountable to my small group concerning my personal and spiritual goals

* I will commit to a small group that is open to new members, and as it grows we will seek to multiply to further God’s work

* I will encourage other members to cultivate a daily quiet time with God

* I will pursue opportunities to share what God has done in our lives with those who do not know Jesus Christ

* I will pray and support the leadership of Harvest Bible Church to continue to seek God’s direction for our Small Group Ministry

* I will commit to living out spiritual community as laid out in the social covenant included in my welcome packet.

SOCIAL COVENANT

This covenant communicates how every small group member commits to living, and defines the spirit of
our community.

Love One Another-Care Intentionally (John 13:34; 1 Peter 4:8; Eph 4:15)

Be earnest in love always; speak the truth in love; listen to understand; don’t assume or accuse; pray for
one another with compassion.

Forgive One Another-Pursue Unity (Eph 4:1-32; 1 Cor 1:10; Mt 18:15-20)

Be quick to forgive and ask forgiveness; let personal offenses roll off my back or to God in prayer; model
unity by resolving conflict quickly; get the whole story, including both sides in personal conflict.

Serve One Another-Minister Actively (Gal 5:13; Ex 17:11-12; Prov 19:20; 1 Cor 12:21-26)

Be intentional in blessing others; stay reachable and show deference; be flexible to meet situational
needs; maximize my strengths and recognize my constraints; be committed to the whole, not just the
part.

Submit to One Another-Esteem Others Highly (Eph 5:21; 1 Peter 5:5; Phil 2:3-4; Mt 7:3-5)

Be the first to lead in humility and honour; serve others’ interest before my own; check my motives and
expectations before speaking; know my limits and respect the boundaries of others.

Encourage One Another-Cultivate Redemptive Relationships (1 Thess 5:1; Rom 1:12; Eph 4:29)

Be a safe person to get real with; seek to build up and not tear down; compliment another person’s
character when it comes to mind; value the person more than their performance; always point to Christ
for hope and help.

Be Devoted to One Another-Commit Wholeheartedly (Rom 12:5-10; Prov 17:17; Prov 13:3)

Be there in the difficult times; seek reconciliation between others; guard relationships with truth and
love; be willing to correct gently when needed, and be open to correction when needed.

To protect this community, I will avoid both speaking or listening to unhealthy criticism of others and will solve conflict biblically

Specifically, I will be discreet in my communication, correct slander and gossip immediately, and speak directly with those involved.

Matthew 18:15; Galatians 6:1

I am committed to living out the values outlined above and will seek to model Christ-like character and build up the church for Christ’s glory

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