Leaves ABC LEADERSHIP TEAM COVENANT (25/3/2003)

For the health and growth of the congregation and its ministry, and in order to facilitate their individual and collective ministries, the leaders (deacons and pastoral team) make the following covenant or statement of understanding:

1.. We will love God and encourage and pray for one another in our faith and Christian maturity. 2.. We will try to live balanced lives; working responsibly and hard as leaders; caring for and nurturing family relationships; and not neglecting playfulness, humour and rest. 3.. Before any action we will think how it will appear to God, our congregation and to our fellow leaders. 4.. We will view ourselves as trusted supporters of each other, brothers and sisters in God’s family, and colleagues in the work of ministry. 5.. We will carry out our responsibilities and tasks with diligence and close collaboration with each another, communicating regularly, sharing both the joys and stresses of our ministries. 6.. We welcome open communication, constructive criticism and courteous disagreement as part of healthy decision-making. 7.. We will view as sacred, all confidences shared with us or discussed in meetings. 8.. We will refrain from criticizing another leader to someone else, and will seek to put the best construction on what other leaders do (i.e. believe the best of each other.)

9.. We will refrain from commiserating with persons who complain about another leader. Instead we will encourage the person(s) to go to the other leader with the complaint. In either case, we will share the information with the other leader. 10.. As members and leaders of ABC we will actively and enthusiastically attend and participate in: – Leadership team meetings

– A small group

– Sunday worship

– Other important meetings especially Catch-Up meetings

11.. At least twice each year we will discuss what we like about our teamwork and what we would like changed. At least once each year we will review this covenant, changing and renewing it as we mutually agree.

I commit myself to you

We are all different and unique individuals – loved by God.

I will honour and accept you, recognizing you have gifts and abilities that are needed individually to make up the whole.

I will support you in your weakness and your strength.

I will not knowingly put you down but rather seek to build you up.

I will be open and honest before you, giving you the right to speak into my life.

Together we shall seek to do this in service of others.