Covenant-Making in 2025 by Rev. Nikki Stahl
As the calendar turns to a new year, we are invited into a season of reflection, renewal, and intentionality. The New Year is more than just a date on the calendar; it is a symbolic threshold, a moment to pause and consider the year behind us and the one that lies ahead. It allows us to ask meaningful questions: What have I learned? Where have I grown? What needs to change? Are there new promises that I need to make? Or old ones that I need to revisit?
In many faith traditions, covenants are central to guiding relationships with God, one another, and ourselves. A covenant is more than a resolution; it is a sacred promise and a commitment rooted in trust and purpose. Unlike fleeting resolutions often abandoned by February, covenants are built on reflection, accountability, and grace.
At the heart of the United Church of Christ's identity is the understanding that we are a covenantal people—bound together not by rigid creeds but by promises made in love and mutual care. Covenants guide relationships between individuals, congregations, and the wider church. They are sacred agreements rooted in trust, accountability, and a shared commitment to follow Christ's call to love God and neighbor.
Within UCC polity ("rules"), expectations for ministerial standing are provided by the Committee on Ministry when they grant ministerial standing in its Association (or, in KO's case, Conference Acting as an Association). According to the Manual on Ministry (MOM), those expectations are included in a Three- and Four-Way Covenant. A Three-Way Covenant outlines expectations for the Local Church, the Ordained Minister, and the Association in relationship to each other. The Four-Way Covenant outlines expectations for the Local Church of membership, the Ordained Minister, the Association, and the ministry setting (when not the Local Church) in relationship to each other (Manual on Ministry (MOM) pg. 52-53). Note: You can have x-Way Covenant; x = number of covenantal partners.
Three- and Four-Way Covenants are distinct from call agreements/employment contracts. Covenants outline the ecclesial (“church”) expectations to foster healthy relationships and communication among the covenantal partners and with God (MOM, 89-90). They are sacred promises to walk together in faith, grace, and mutual respect.
Although part of the 2018 Manual on Ministry, COM-A historically has not required Covenants as part of standing requirements for Authorized Ministers. Because the KOC COM adopted the Manual on Ministry years ago, COM A has decided to live into this requirement for all Authorized Ministers starting in 2026. During the following year, we will focus on learning more about 3-/4-Way Covenants, how they function, and how they can be applied to all Authorized Ministers regardless of setting or employment status.
The New Year is not just about setting goals but about shaping a life anchored in meaning and intention. The 3-/4-Way Covenant is one tool that helps us define ecclesial expectations and align our actions with our values. So, as we live into this season of reflection, renewal, and intentionality, may we also consider how covenants may strengthen our relationships with God, our ministry setting and/or the church we serve, the Conference (acting as an association), and ourselves.
May we be blessed in the upcoming New Year and empowered to love even more!
'See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?' (Isaiah 43:19)
Rev. Nikki Stahl
she/her/hers
Associate Conference Minister