|
An Overview of the Process
BACKGROUND
The word covenant has broad meaning. It is traditional religious
language that refers to a "solemn agreement" or "promise
from the heart." The roots come from the covenants of the Hebrew
scriptures, and later in the Christian scriptures, as a means of describing
the relationship between God and God's people. Covenantal relationships
were established by early Protestant congregations and their clergy, including
Unitarian congregations. Today, our association of Unitarian Universalist
congregations covenant together to affirm and promote a set of principles
and purposes that represent the core values we share. Many of our congregations
enter into covenantal relationships with their ministers.
Developed by the Unitarian Universalist Association in the early 1990's,
Covenanting for Excellence in Religious Education is a facilitated
process between a religious educator and a congregation for purposes of
identifying a set of mutually agreed-upon commitments. In its current
incarnation, this covenantal process considers present expectations of
the congregation and outlines mutual hopes for the future of the program.
It may be used as a tool for growth and deeper understandings for the
congregation and religious educator, with identified resources, mutual
commitments, and support systems. It can specify results expected and
how these results will be achieved. The covenant should be a living document
that represents more than a list of objectives and aspirations; it reflects
a commitment to ongoing congregational transformation. A covenant reflects
the quality of the relationships involved, rather than the contractual
dimensions of employment.
THE PROCESS
This is the first major revision of the Covenant for Excellence in
Religious Education process since its inception. Along the way, the
process has been adapted and improved by including the wisdom and insights
of experienced facilitators. This facilitator handbook will include many
of the materials generated by these facilitators over the past decade.
The Covenant process is a part of a professional development "career
cycle" of religious educators in a congregational setting. This career
cycle includes:
- Search process and hiring
- Start-up process for newly-hired RE Professionals within three months
of hire
- Facilitated "Collegial Dialogue" between Parish Minister
and Religious Educator
- Facilitated Covenant process approximately one and a half years after
hire
- Follow-up assessments at regular intervals
- Ongoing professional development and goal-setting
- Exit/Transition process upon departure/retirement from a position
Setting the stage for congregational change and transformation, a Covenant
for Excellence in Religious Education deepens and strengthens the bonds
of Unitarian Universalist community through intentional commitment to
the common vision, awareness of faith development, and growth and change.
The covenanting process is conducted by trained facilitators, and includes
the religious educator, parish minister and other church staff, lay leaders,
and other interested congregants. It involves individual and group theological
reflection and exploration of the congregation's history and culture,
clarifying and prioritizing goals and expectations, articulating a common
vision, and celebrating the accomplishment in a special service.
THE CONTEXT
A Covenant for Excellence in Religious Education invites us to
place lifespan religious education and faith development at the center
and heart of congregational life. In this context of religious community,
all aspects of congregation life are interconnected and are affected by
the changes in priorities and ways in which leadership is shared.
Maria Harris, esteemed religious educator, offers us the philosophy
that everything we do is educating religiously. Harris views
the entire course of the congregation's life as its curriculum, the context
for its life-long creative and educative processes. Within this framework
of Congregation as Curriculum we can identify five central aspects of
Unitarian Universalist faith communities:
Social/Community - the people and relationships of the church,
pastoral care networks, social events and community celebrations
Social Justice- service projects, social justice activities
in the wider community
Worship - worship services and rituals practiced in the congregation
Learning- the more formal learning context of Religious Education
classes, workshops, adult programs, as well as the informal learning
that comes from engaging in the other aspects
Leadership - opportunities for all ages to learn and practice
leadership skills; also the coaching and mentoring practices of professional
staff and congregation leaders in empowering others
The Covenant for Excellence in Religious Education process is
a steppingstone in the larger process of congregational transformation.
Once created, the covenant is intended to be a vital and sacred part of
an intergenerational faith community--a true "promise from the
heart." |
