Relational Covenant of the Connectional Table
As disciples of Jesus Christ and as members of the Illinois Great Rivers Conference, we believe that we can change the church and the world through honest conversation on matters about which we deeply care. We, therefore, covenant to be a worshiping community, which provides a safe sanctuary open to dialogue: a welcoming environment full of grace. To do this we further covenant to:
■ 1. Center on God as we come to the table, anticipating a holy and healthy experience and being prepared spiritually, emotionally and mentally
■ 2. Pray constantly for God’s wisdom to understand God’s will, trusting and believing that God works with and through us
■ 3. Welcome, honor, and respect each individual as a unique child of God
• Affirm each individual’s gifts and ministry and help everyone see the need for cooperation and connection among our ministries
• Be patient and kind with each other, realizing that we all bring a history
■ 4. Listen to each voice at the table, respecting the viewpoints, opinions, communication styles and perspectives
• Invite and welcome people of all viewpoints to the table, respect the cultural and ethnic differences
• Believe that the Holy Spirit speaks through each person at the table
• Be engaged, not distracted or distracting
• Keep an open mind and open heart
• Show that you have heard and understood the other
• Hear the truth in love
■ 5. Speak respectfully
• Take holy pause before speaking or voting – invite the Holy Spirit into your speech
• Be honest, genuine and transparent
• Honor time constraints
• Speak the truth in love
■ 6. Commit to work through differences
• Hold one another accountable to this relational covenant
• Keep the decision-making process at the table
• Honor all decisions and participants after the conversation concludes
• Follow up with each other in regard to any resolution
• Leave with an understanding of next steps where there is no resolution
■ 7. Allow the Peace and Word of Christ to rule in our hearts