Why Do We Have C-Groups?
Children know that “C is for Cookie", right?
In LOG, the C in C-Groups is not for Cookie (even though team members often bring yummy cookies for our snack time).
LOG C-Groups began in the fall of 2017 during the LOG #93 and #94 team process. A couple of LOG adults suggested an idea to build stronger relationships between the youth and adults in LOG; and out of that conversation C-Groups were born.
Initially, the C in C-Groups meant Covenant. We had LOG Covenant Groups.
A covenant is a promise – an agreement between two or more parties. In the Old Testament, God makes a covenant with – a promise to Noah, then to Abraham, Moses and eventually the whole people of God:
This is the covenant I will make with the people of Israel
after that time,” declares the Lord.
“I will put my law in their minds and write it on their hearts.
I will be their God, and they will be my people.
Jeremiah 31:33
Ever since LOG #43 in 2010, team members have been asked to agree to and live by a LOG Team Covenant – to promise God (and the others on team) that if God was going to be our God, then we would be God’s people. The LOG Team Covenant was an effort to describe what it might look like to “be God’s people” while serving on LOG team. The covenant went through a number of iterations but always centered around the promise that we would “strive to live a lifestyle that is pleasing to God – both in and outside of LOG”.
So when we started C-Groups in 2017, in addition to the Team Covenant, each C-Group had their own covenant – agreeing with God and each other about what their group would be like – how they would treat each other and work with each other while they were serving on LOG team.
So what’s this about no Team Covenant this season? I’m getting there.
First, you need to know that we still have C-Groups. And, as I explained to the teams at our most recent meetings, the “C” in C-Groups can mean Connections, Conversations and Covenant.
Connections: C-Groups are our main way of making connections within the LOG team. You may know a lot of people or maybe you only really know a few but in your C-Group, you have the opportunity to develop deeper connections and friendships with a number of teenagers and a couple of adults. It is our hope that your C-Group will help you enjoy Christian community.
Conversations: C-Groups provide a safe place to share what you are thinking and feeling with others who care about you. It is our hope that you will experience the love of God through deep conversations about the devo focus for the meeting and/or the things that are going on in your life – finding both comfort and challenge for your journey.
Covenant: C-Groups still create a covenant with each other and with God that is at the foundation of who they want to be as a group and as people of God. I have had the opportunity to look at the C-Group covenants created at the team meetings this past week and have been glad to see such promises as:
See the image of God in everyone and love others
Show up, have integrity and do what you’re supposed to do
Being intentional about personal spiritual growth
Be good listeners, fun and accountable
Living the way God wants us to - WWJD
Trust in God – Trust in each other – Trust in ourselves
Help each other be better people
Show God’s love – here and outside
Find a verse in the Bible daily and share it
Respect privacy, keep things confidential, no judgment, have an open mind
That all sounds like a lifestyle that is pleasing to God, right?
“I will put my law in their minds and write it on their hearts.
I will be their God, and they will be my people.”
It’s not about a sheet of paper that I hand out for everyone to sign – or even a covenant that your C-Group creates and everyone signs. It’s about having God in your mind and on your heart – and visible in your life and lifestyle choices. It’s about promising God and yourself and those you love that you want God to be your God and you want to be part of God’s people. That’s what really matters.
And that’s why we do what we do.
Thanks be to God!