Communications Covenant for the Federated Church of Norfolk

As part of the Federated Church and a faithful follower of Jesus Christ, I live my life in accordance with His Will through the constant guidance of the Holy Spirit. With an eye toward doing God’s work and following his commands, I commit my heart and mind to this Communications Covenant:

When I Speak:

• I will speak to include my perspective as a valued part of God’s mosaic.
• I will speak with openness, honesty, kindness, and sensitivity.
• I will speak from factual information, and refrain from hurtful gossip.

When I Listen:

• I will listen attentively, being mindful not to interrupt or prejudge as the speaker’s thoughts develop.
• I will listen carefully and thoughtfully in order to understand the speaker’s perspective.
• I will listen with grace, forgiving when the sentiment is heart-felt but the wording is lacking.

When I Respond:

• I will affirm the merit in the speaker’s ideas, focusing first on the positive.
• I will ask questions to better understand their perspective.
• I will refrain from responding with offensive, hurtful or dismissive language.
• I will seek common-ground solutions which bring us together.
• I will take responsibility in our communication and share in the actions.
• If necessary, I will respectfully disagree, knowing that some time and space may be all that is missing for a resolution to emerge.

God supports loving relationships. Through His good grace and our sincere efforts, we shall fulfill his purpose.