Thirty-five students at Hendrix College, Conway, Arkansas, organized Covenant Discipleship groups on campus during a meeting on September 25, 2001. Dr. David Sutherland, Associate Professor of Mathematics, led the session. Sutherland is the author of Together in Love: Covenant Discipleship With Youth (Discipleship Resources, 1999). The five student Covenant Discipleship groups at Hendrix are led by Dr. Sutherland and senior United Methodist Youth Fellowship Leadership Scholars. The following is a covenant written by one of the groups:

Covenant Preamble
"I love you, O LORD, my strength. The LORD is my rock, my fortress, and my deliverer, my God, my rock in whom I take refuge, my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. I call upon the LORD, who is worthy to be praised" (Psalm 18:1-3a).

In gratitude for the grace of Jesus Christ, in whose death and resurrection we have found new life, we pledge to be his disciples. We recognize that our time and talents are gifts from God, and we will use them to search out God's will for us and to obey. We will do our best not to compromise the will of God for human goals. We will serve both God and God's creation earnestly and lovingly. We humbly offer our time, abilities, resources, brokenness, and will to God in order that God's kingdom may bear fruit in us and in the world. We covenant together to exemplify Christ's vision for the church, reaching out to everyone as a sign and servant of Christ.

Acts of Compassion
I will participate in a volunteer or service project each term.
I will practice listening to other people as a ministry of grace.
I will express genuine appreciation to at least one person each day.
I will be alert to reflect Christ to those with whom I come into contact.

Acts of Justice
I will express disapproval of racial, social, and sexual prejudice among my relatives and friends.
I will practice responsible stewardship of the world's resources in the context of my personal life and communal commitments.
I will pray for world peace.

Acts of Devotion
I will pray each day, privately and publicly (such as during meal times and covenant meetings).
I will read the Bible each day as a devotional exercise.
I will pray each day for my enemies.
I will consider my body the temple of God and treat it as such.

Acts of Worship
I will participate in weekly corporate worship, striving for true involvement.
I will receive the sacrament of Holy Communion at least once a week.

Spiritual Promptings and Warnings
I will not let the sun set on my anger.
I make this commitment, trusting God's grace to work in me.
If I fail, I trust God's grace to forgive me and to help me have the strength to grow in my faith.

Dr. David Sutherland, Associate Professor of Mathematics at Hendrix College, leads a session for students interested in participating in Covenant Discipleship.