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  Confirmation 2012 Youth Missions Covenant Groups Middle School Leaders

  High School Leaders About Us
 
 
What is a Covenant Group?

Simply put, a covenant group is a relationally-based, same-gender small group that meets once a week for about an hour.  It will be led by an adult or student leader, whom has felt God's call in their lives to invest in students.  There are several components of a covenant group:

  1. Fellowship:  students are able to come together on a regular basis in order to experience authentic community.
  2. Accountability:  by sharing struggles, students are able to help one another to stay on the right path.
  3. Prayer:  the group prays for one another and the concerns each one brings to the table.
  4. Vulnerability:  students are able to be completely honest and open, knowing that it is a safe, confidential place for them to share their lives and hearts.
  5. Bible:  students study the Bible and learn how to apply it to their daily lives.

Covenant groups are a foundational part of our student ministry here at St. Andrew.  Currently we have about 25 covenant groups meeting weekly.  These groups are a powerful way God can move in your student's life.  If you'd like to be a part of this ministry, please contact Michelle McClure at mmcclure@standrewumc.org or 214-291-8047.

 
Ideas for Your Group

HOT TOPICS

  • Dating
  • Idols
  • Self-esteem/beauty
  • Sex
  • Success
  • Family
  • Friendships
  • College Prep

HOLIDAY IDEAS

October

  • Carve pumpkins/pumpkin prayer
  • Make masks/talk about the masks we wear
  • Gather to watch a football game

November

  • Attend Soup for the Soul
  • Month of Thanks/Tree of Thanks
  • Talk about gratitude
  • Serve at The Samaritan Inn

December

  • Attend Hanging of the Green
  • Make an Advent wreath/Talk about it each week
  • Adopt a Star Tree child
  • Talk about The Greatest Gift

ADDITIONAL IDEAS

  • Ask another adult/older student to come speak to your group about a specific topic
  • Encourage students to pray for their parents
  • Open up your home for a gathering
  • Draw names for a gift exchange around Christmas
  • Bake/decorate cookies
  • Call Jay to arrange taking your group to his house for dinner/fellowship on Thursday night
  • Go to Yogurtville (new place across from Prestonwood)
  • Go online and look at search-institute.org

BEST PRACTICES

  • 6 week study + celebration
  • Set a schedule/expectation for time together(with flexibility)
  • Balance of fun & seriousness
  • Be consistent
  • Keep them busy with their hands (play dough, beading, etc.)
  • Find a unique place to meet
  • Incorporate games
  • Share meals
  • Sunshine & Cloud
  • Meet on Sunday before Youth Group
  • Hand out with verse/prayer requests
  • Question box
  • Make Journals
  • Make Scripture Books
  • Take a trip
  • Watch competitions/games together
  • Stay connected after they graduate

 

 
Additional Online Resources

www.smallgroupministry.com

www.gbod.org/smallgroup

www.youthspecialties.com

www.group.com

 
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We commit ourselves to the practice of 5 Holy Habits, in order to equip others to grow, to reach, and to serve for Christ.  We will love, worship, learn, invite, and give.