On November 2-4, 2000 more than 80 people gathered at Duke Divinity School to celebrate 25 years of Covenant Discipleship. The ministry was started by David Lowes Watson when he was doing his doctoral studies at Duke and serving as pastor of Holly Springs United Methodist Church in Holly Springs, North Carolina. We've come a long way. Covenant Discipleship groups, Class Leaders, Sprouts, Branch groups, and campus groups have helped people around the world witness to Jesus Christ in the world through acts of compassion, justice, worship, and devotion under the guidance of the Holy Spirit.

In 1999 The Council for Accountable Discipleship (CFAD) was organized to advocate for, train, and support congregations to start and sustain Covenant Discipleship groups for people of all ages. In the pages that follow, Bishop Ann Sherer, David Lowes Watson, Marigene Chamberlain, Aileen Williams, Steve Manskar, Edie Harris, Vicky Brendler, David Sutherland, Eugene Matthews, Phyllis Tyler, and Bill Pyatt share their thoughts and visions for Accountable Discipleship ministries. The mutual support and accountability of their Covenant Discipleship groups have helped each to grow and mature in holiness of heart and life. We invite you to read and think about what they have to say. We also invite you to share your story with us.

This issue also brings a new look. We are always interested in ways to improve the Quarterly. Let us know what you think. Please send us your ideas.

The Council for Accountable Discipleship Watson Endowment

In honor of Dr. Watson's ministry, the Council for Accountable Discipleship has established this endowment, with an initial goal of $250,000. The mission of the endowment is to support the continuing development of Accountable Discipleship through:

• Frequent regional training events;
• An Accountable Discipleship network that will connect congregations with CD groups for continuing support and training;
• Support of the work of the Director of Accountable Discipleship at the General Board of Discipleship and the Development of Spanish, Korean, Russian, and other language Accountable Discipleship resources.

Your gift of $50, $100, $1000, or more to the CFAD Watson Endowment will honor our good friend and provide continuing support for forming disciples of Jesus Christ through mutual accountability and support. You may make your tax-deductible gift payable to the Council for Accountable Discipleship (CFAD), c/o Mark Wethington, Southern Pines United Methodist Church, 175 Midland Road, Southern Pines, NC 28387-3311.