A space for people to gather around mutual topics and shared experiences, these groups are led by Faculty and Staff members and meet weekly during the semester. Descriptions of each group offered for this semester are listed below. There are both in-person and virtual groups to attend. Sign up is strongly encouraged so that leaders are able to plan accordingly and communicate any necessary changes. Please note that some groups have a limit to participants and/or close after the first or second session.
The Beautiful Community Formation Group
These are challenging times: national and international political unrest, issues of social justice, systemic oppression, and more. The Beautiful Community formation group, created primarily for Covenant's African American student population, will reflect on what it means to navigate these spaces as students of Covenant Seminary and God's church. We will reflect on how God is using us and what it means to be seen and heard within the context of the seminary, the church, and within our communities. We will encourage and spur one another on as participants in God's beautiful community.
When
Fridays 10-11 am
Starts Friday February 6th
Where
Group Room in Community Center and via zoom (contact Suzanne for the link)
International Women’s Fellowship (IWF) meets on campus weekly during the fall and spring terms for prayer, fellowship, support, and culture studies that will give you practical help to adjusting to life in the States. We create a safe place to discuss some of the challenges with this new culture and be a support to one another as we live together in community. IWF also helps to host special events for the campus and has occasional parties off campus. IWF is for all women students and women spouses who grew up in another global culture or who have been living outside the USA for more than two years before coming to Covenant. Please contact Terri Ryan (terri.ryan@covenantseminary.edu) for more information.
When
Thursdays 9:45 - 11:00 am, starting January Thursday 29th
Where
Group Room in Community Center (the small room to the right of the Community Center's main entrance)
Facilitators
Terri Ryan (International Student Coordinator)
Children In The Midst
Jesus set a child "in the midst" of his disciples for them to observe and even learn from (Mark 9:35-37). In most ministry settings today, children reside "in our midst." This Covenant Group will consider issues related to ministry and life with the children among us. We hope to explore a topic each week guided by short readings, experienced guest speakers, Bible passages and incorporating both facilitated discussion and practical exercises. Topics will relate to a wide range of students and spouses who will minister to children as parents, teachers, counselors, children's ministry workers, and other ministry staff members. This group will be led by Annalisa Smith (MAM in Educational Ministries '25) who serves as Covenant's Family Nurture Coordinator and Children's Coordinator at Crossroads Presbyterian Fellowship.When
Fridays 12:30-1:30pm
Starts Friday February 13th
Where
Log Cabin, kids are welcome!
Facilitator
Annalisa Smith, (MAM in Educational Ministries '25) who serves as Covenant's Family Nurture Coordinator and Children's Coordinator at Crossroads Presbyterian Fellowship
Systematic Theology Reading Group
The scope and pace of study is one of the perennial challenges of seminary life. Sometimes students have doubts about *what* they’re learning, but sometimes they wish they could pause and *ponder.* To make space for this kind of reflection, the Systematics faculty lead a covenant group focused on discussing classic and contemporary works of theology. The goal will be to slow down, take manageable sections, and engage in friendly dialogue around an important text. Join Dr. Griggs and Dr. Martin as we read and discuss Augustine’s On the Trinity. (Please purchase the New City Press edition, with ISBN: 978-1565484467).
When
Thursdays 10-11am
We will begin on Thursday February 12th
*Space is limited
Where
3rd Floor Conference Room (304) in Founders Hall
This group will be open to Zoom participants. Contact Dr. Robbie Griggs for zoom link.
Facilitators
Dr. Drew Martin and Dr. Robbie Griggs
Theological Fellowship
This student-led group is open to any and all. Many group members are exploring a sense of call to academic ministry, as in teaching at a college or seminary and the pursuit of a PhD in preparation. We discuss important readings and issues, hear from Covenant grads now doing PhDs, sponsor major speakers on our campus, and host an academic conference showcasing student scholarship each January. The president is currently MDiv student Mitchell Dixon. Faculty sponsors are Dr. Aucker, Dr. Griggs, and Dr. Yarbrough.
In person in FOU 341- as well as the option to participate virtually through zoom (contact Mitchell for the zoom link)
Facilitators
Dr. Bob Yarbrough, Dr. Brian Aucker, Dr. Griggs and Mitchell Dixon (President of Theological Fellowship)
Spiritual Formation Group
While grad school can shape us in profound ways over time, you may have found it difficult to cultivate your daily life with God during these years. It can be hard to slow down to create space, not for more study or information intake, but for sitting in God’s presence and letting his love work on your soul. If you are feeling weary or in need of rest and refreshment, then consider showing up to this Spiritual Disciplines themed formation group. The table will be set each week for you to experientially learn various spiritual practices that help you respond to God’s invitation to slow down and enjoy his anchoring presence. Each week I will introduce a spiritual practice and then we will engage in it with each other right then and there. This time is meant to provide rest for you as we learn and experience rich spiritual disciplines together. This group is open to both men and women.
When
Thursdays 10-11am
Starts Thursday February 12th
Where
Fishbowl (Edwards Hall)
Facilitator
Melissa McKinney (Covenant Alumn'22 MDiv and MAEM and Certified Spiritual Director practicing at Revision Christian Counseling)
Writers and Writing: Toward the Cultivation of Beautiful Words
A formative space for men and women to grow in the craft of creative fiction and non-fiction. Through technical study, goal-setting, and writing exercises, we move beyond inspiration to the cultivation of habit. We focus on how our time together sparks a disciplined, individual writing life that integrates theological depth with creative excellence.
When
Tuesdays 10-11am
Starts Tuesday February 10th
Email Dr. Joel Hathaway for potential zoom options