What is a small group covenant?

A small group covenant is a simple written agreement that establishes the shared expectations of a small group. It covers five areas: purpose (what the group is for), attendance (how often and what is expected), confidentiality (what stays in the group), participation (what is expected of each member), and care for one another (how the group will support members in need).

Why do small groups need a covenant?

Small groups need a covenant because most groups fail not because of bad curriculum or poor leadership, but because expectations were never clearly established. A covenant prevents misunderstandings about purpose, attendance, confidentiality, and participation before they become problems.

How do you create a small group covenant?

Create a small group covenant by letting the group help write it rather than presenting a finished document. Ask: "What do you need from this group to feel safe being honest?" Cover the five elements: purpose, attendance, confidentiality, participation, and care for one another. Keep it to one page. Review it at the beginning of each new series.

Small Group Covenant: How to Set Expectations That Make Groups Work

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By Brent Lacy

Most small groups fail not because of bad curriculum or poor leadership. They fail because expectations were never clearly established.

Someone thought the group was a Bible study. Someone else thought it was a support group. Someone thought attendance was optional. Someone thought everything shared was confidential. Someone did not.

A group covenant prevents these misunderstandings by establishing shared expectations before they become problems. Here is how to create one and why it matters.

40%

of small groups dissolve within the first year (Barna Group)

reason small groups fail: unclear expectations from the start

1 page

is all a group covenant needs to be effective

What a Group Covenant Is

A group covenant is a simple written agreement that establishes the shared expectations of a small group. It is not a legal document. It is a relational commitment, a way of saying “here is what we are agreeing to as a group.”

A good covenant covers five areas: purpose, attendance, confidentiality, participation, and care for one another.

The Five Elements of a Group Covenant

1. Purpose

What is this group for? A Bible study? A support group? A missional community? A discipleship group? Be specific. “We exist to study Scripture together and support one another in living it out” is better than “we exist to grow in our faith.”

2. Attendance

How often will the group meet? What is the expectation for attendance? “We commit to attending every meeting unless there is a genuine conflict, and to letting the leader know in advance when we cannot come” is a reasonable expectation. Groups that do not establish attendance expectations end up with inconsistent attendance that undermines community.

3. Confidentiality

What is shared in the group stays in the group. This is the most important element of the covenant. Without confidentiality, people will not be honest. Without honesty, the group will stay on the surface.

Be specific: “What is shared in this group stays in this group. We do not share each other’s personal information, prayer requests, or struggles with people outside the group, including our spouses, without permission.”

4. Participation

What is expected of each member? “We commit to coming prepared, engaging honestly in discussion, and contributing to the group rather than just consuming from it.” This sets the expectation that the group is not a spectator sport.

5. Care for One Another

How will the group care for members in need? “We commit to praying for one another, reaching out when someone is absent, and showing up for each other in times of crisis.” This establishes the group as a genuine community, not just a weekly meeting.

A Sample Group Covenant

Our Group Covenant

Purpose: We exist to study Scripture together, support one another in living it out, and grow in our relationship with God and each other.

Attendance: We commit to attending every meeting unless there is a genuine conflict. We will let the leader know in advance when we cannot come.

Confidentiality: What is shared in this group stays in this group. We will not share each other’s personal information, prayer requests, or struggles with anyone outside the group without permission.

Participation: We commit to coming prepared, engaging honestly in discussion, and contributing to the group rather than just consuming from it.

Care: We commit to praying for one another, reaching out when someone is absent, and showing up for each other in times of need.

Duration: We will meet for [X weeks/months] and then evaluate whether to continue.

How to Use the Covenant

Introduce the covenant at the first meeting. Read through it together. Invite questions and discussion. Ask each person to sign it, not as a legal commitment, but as a relational one.

Review it at the beginning of each new series or semester. Groups drift from their covenants over time. A brief review reminds everyone of what they committed to.

Practical Tip: Let the group help write the covenant rather than presenting it as a finished document. When people help create the expectations, they are more likely to honor them. Ask: “What do you need from this group to feel safe being honest?” The answers will write the covenant for you.

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