A) PURPOSE

1) Learn to witness to others through personal storytelling, which reveals firsthand life experiences, shows the power of God and affirms the presence of the Holy Spirit.

2) Provide an atmosphere conducive to personal growth, especially of confidence and self esteem.

3) Provide an environment of unconditional love and a fellowship of mutual empathy.

B) GOALS

1) To develop speakers who effectively witness the “real life” intervention of Christ in their lives.

2) To inspire the creation of other classes to perpetuate this ministry.

C) MEETINGS

1) The class meets each Wednesday in the Beauchamp Library at HOCC, beginning promptly at 5:50 PM and ending promptly at 7:00 PM.

2) Visitors are welcome at the meetings.

D) STUDIES

1) Each student will do the assigned out-of-class preparation for in-class participation.

2) Each student will prepare and deliver an 8-25 minute speech, at three different meetings, for a total of three speeches.

3) Each student will provide a 2-3 minute critique of each presentation.

4) The schedule of speeches will be published 2-3 weeks in advance.

E) PRIMARY VALUES

1) Priority: This class is a priority in my life. While I am a member of this Class, I will give the class work and meetings priority.

2) Participation: Individual participation is critical to the success of the class. I will provide an honest and sincere critique of other speakers’ presentations, and will deliver it in love and respect. When I am the speaker, I will work to prepare my presentation and will be open to receive others’ critiques.

3) Allow Feelings: Expression of emotion is acceptable in the class setting. I will avoid minimizing hurts, explaining them away or ignoring them.

4) Regular Attendance: Regular attendance of each student is important to the class. I will attend every week, unless there is a genuine emergency. I will contact the host member to explain when I cannot attend.

5) Listen: Individual attention and listening is respectful of the speaker. I will avoid cross-talk and give each person speaking my undivided attention.

6) Prayer: Outside the formal opening and closing class prayers, the prayer life of the class is important. I will continually participate in the prayer life of this group to support and encourage the members who will speak next. I will also pray for those who have revealed their individual hurt, issues and challenges.

Agreement

I agree to uphold the Articles of this Covenant, and I will seek to serve the Class by my intentional participation and sharing of my own witness.