Pastor Ken
In my twenties, as I pondered my life’s mission, I believed that God had called me to serve as a pastor, focusing on preaching and shepherding. When I was about to graduate from seminary, I sought advice from an alumni pastor on how he managed his time. His response was surprising—he spent around 80% of his working hours in meetings. While this may not be the norm for every pastor, it highlighted the essential role that meetings play in various forms of ministry.
Today’s Christian churches are diverse in denomination, each operating under unique by-laws. The role of the pastor varies within the churches, from an ex-officio leader presiding over various meetings to an observer in meetings without voting rights. However, the title of the pastor is not the defining factor in church leadership. Rather, integrity and influence are built through daily interactions and relationships. When you have earned others’ respect, your words will carry the weight. It is important for pastors to offer opinions that align with the best interest of the church and biblical teachings, even if they are not always accepted.
The United States adheres to the Robert’s Rules of Order (1876) in government meetings at all levels, from Congress down to every state, county, and city. Business organizations and churches also frequently utilize these rules as a guide, adapting them as needed for their specific circumstances. By following these comprehensive guidelines, meetings can run smoothly and productively, provided that all participants understand and agree to abide by them.
In addition to meeting formalities, achieving a clear consensus on the meeting’s purpose is essential for a successful gathering. For example, I’m familiar with certain church meetings that open with the eight attendees providing updates on their lives, followed by prayers. Overall, these meetings typically span at least three hours, which can be overwhelming for working folks with family obligations. Regardless of the meeting’s content—be it for discussion, worship, prayer, or sharing—it is necessary for all participants to be in agreement to prevent any confusion or miscommunication.
A significant drawback in meetings is the inefficiency caused by unprepared proposals. For instance, suggesting a full-church outing without specific details such as the date, location, and estimated attendance can lead to a prolonged discussion with no resolution. A well-prepared proposal should include crucial information like potential venues, expected turnout, and necessary resources. Presenting multiple options with advantages and disadvantages, along with a clear recommendation, can expedite the decision-making process significantly, potentially leading to a conclusion in a matter of minutes.
In small church gatherings of fewer than 12 people, it is truly beautiful to seek common consent without the need for voting. This approach signifies that a consensus has been achieved through discussion. If a vote becomes necessary, it is important to consider and respect the opinions of the minority. In the biblical story of the scouting mission to Canaan sent by Moses, the Israelites only heeded the majority opinion, resulting in losing the opportunity to enter the Promised Land. In similar situations during meetings, it may be wise to postpone voting, conduct further research, and make a decision later. Remember, service in a church is a voluntary commitment. Christ would desire to see His followers living in harmony and loving one another.
