Leadership Really is a Covenant

July 14, 2016

Observing Covenant

I used to think of leadership as the person in charge. However, my notion changed in the early 1990s when I began studying both the concept of and close, dynamic and highly productive relationships called “covenants.” Like most people, I understood covenant in the context of marriage, but I was fascinated to find examples existing in just about every kind of organization I examined.

Though the evidence was less obvious than in marriage, when organizations applied the principles of covenant in relationships, the results were highly beneficial for everyone involved. That really is when I began realizing both that covenants are the result of leadership and that leadership itself is a covenant.

As I studied I found that throughout history and in just about every culture known to man, people have committed themselves to each other in relationships called covenants. The concept applies everywhere, in community life, sports, business, religion, fundraising and just about any kind of organization one could imagine.

Rituals Communicating Covenant

Like they do in marriage, in many cases people have also established and participated in rituals that communicate their covenant commitments publicly. In fact, throughout history there have been multiple forms. For example, karat berît was an ancient near eastern ritual, consummated when individuals seeking to unite for a common purpose, walked through two columns of animals that had been slain. Though primitive, the pieces of the animals to the right and to the left signified the gravity of the commitment. In essence the participants would be saying, “May the fate of these animals be my lot if I do not fulfill my oath.”

Literally translated, “To cut a covenant”, karat berît was both an irrevocable pledge and a joint proclamation of mutual commitment between parties.[i] (Hillers 1969). Although cultural expressions of this ritual have evolved into less graphic forms, the fundamental underpinnings of covenant still exist today. However, that begs a question. Are the covenants we see merely the faint residue of what some may consider to be an antiquated and barbaric tradition, or are they still relevant and vital to society today?

Covenants in Business Relationships

The more I discussed these concepts, the more they resonated with people. Granted, while covenants between leaders and followers do promise to maximize potential, in business or any other kind of organization; covenants cannot by themselves guarantee success. True, covenants can greatly enhance the likelihood and the degree of success, but they are not a remedy for product or service deficiencies, ineffective planning, lack of church financial stewardship or other shortcomings. That point aside, I’ve also found it to be true that where covenants flourish in organizations, deficiencies are likely to be fewer.

To date, I’ve had hundreds of discussions about covenants, some in the form of church leadership consulting others in interviews with individuals from all walks of life. This includes business executives, politicians, ministers, police officers, a fire chief, distinguished educators, sports figures, authors, laborers and just about anyone who would talk about the concept with me.

Defining Covenant

Simply defined, a covenant is a reciprocal relationship based on mutual trust, respect, and commitment where two or more people are willingly bound together by a common and ethical purpose. That purpose is bigger and more important than any one individual’s interests, and it provides meaning and hope for everyone involved. Interestingly, the results of covenants and effective leadership are the same. Hence the title of this article and my book emerged naturally from my studies of both leadership and covenant.

“I really support The Covenant Group’s strategic planning process because their approach encourages staff-based support with board buy-in, and I felt that was important given what we were trying to achieve. The outcome is an effective plan that builds consensus and provides a clear sense of direction.”
- Jennifer Scott, Director of Development - The Cabbage Patch Settlement House

“The Covenant Group is highly competent, very experienced and knowledgeable. They provided a broad perspective by equipping us with useful data…and best practices in the field. All in all, they are excellent.”
- Dan Jones, CEO - 21st Century Parks

“The campaign has truly been a miracle. People were committed from the beginning, but…even raising $650,000 seemed like a stretch. To nearly double that amount is incredible! When the plan they developed allows you to hit a goal like that, it builds such a sense of community. The momentum built by the campaign is spilling outside the walls of our church and benefiting others in the process.”
-Father John Hollowell - Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary Catholic Church

“For those of us who don’t do this everyday, The Covenant Group instilled confidence in us. They helped us get through the fear and apprehension by providing us with a process, training and motivation. They taught us and helped us plan in a way that was for the better. We have built lasting relationships with donors and we will continue to steward these relationships long into the future.”
- Sue Finke, Director of Institutional Advancement - Covington Catholic High School

“No one anticipated we could raise this amount. Even the Archdiocese is surprised. The funds raised represent about 15 times our annual giving. But it’s not just the financial results. People stand around talking more than they did before the campaign. There is also a renewed and energized spirit among the parishioners. It’s the most exciting thing to happen in our parish in the last 100 years.”
- Gary Libs, Campaign Co-Chair - St. Mary of the Knobs Catholic Church

“The Covenant Group’s process involved a lot of people in our congregation doing small tasks … that built ownership. They took our vision and put it into a concrete plan. They helped us understand the importance of making our vision clear and laid out the steps to make the vision a reality. Their process built consensus and showed people how they could help. Their methods are based on a solid theological foundation that includes key documents, prayer support, and requisite training … all of which were invaluable.”
- Daniel Montgomery, Pastor - Sojourn Community Church

“Everything The Covenant Group did to help us…in the initial stages was helpful…the development of the case statement; our materials; the training of our Board members; strategies; all these steps laid the foundation for eventual success. They brought such a high level of professionalism, a wealth of experience and a strong track record of integrity and success… just being associated with The Covenant Group helped us.”
- Nancy Doctor, Development Director - Wellspring

“The structure The Covenant Group provided was excellent. It allowed our members to use their God-given talents to benefit the church community They helped us develop a plan and identify key leadership candidates to chair the effort, as well as engaging between 80 to 100 people to carry out the work of the campaign. It was truly a whole congregation effort and The Covenant Group helped facilitate that. They helped us reach our full potential as a congregation.”
- Ron Poisel, Pastor - Christ Lutheran Church

Leadership Really is a Covenant

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