Church Meetings That Matter

Is this true for your church???

I recently led  a workshop on " Church Meetings That Matter" at the PRC. Participants shared what they enjoyed about  serving on a church board: know what is going on, sense of excitement as we move forward, sense of accomplishment, becoming better acquainted with the ministry and workings of the church. Frustrations were: lack of discipline on the part of some board members, long meetings, slow or lack of decision making, too much reporting, lack of enough prayer, being caught off guard or blind sided, lack of funds, and the disconnect of what the Board is doing and the congregation- communication.
While we did spend time on the nuts an bolts of an effective meeting
( agenda, reports  sent out ahead of time)  a major focus was on the  importance  of leadership development. Time  needs to be spent on building relationships,learning, and the spiritual growth  of leaders. Several recent studies on effective congregations point out that leaders who are growing spiritually and boards that are focused on prayer and discernment  are keys to effective ministry.

Below is a summary check list for key items for effective boards and meetings: How would you rate your church?

Trust among members

Unity

In Essentials -Unity ; In non Essentials-Freedom

In all things- Love

Willingness to deal and accept conflict

Common Vision &  Direction

Board Membership is about leadership

People serve out of their spiritual gifts

Building Relationships

Spiritual Growth

Training

Fun ,Drama, Excitement

Clear Agenda and Purpose

Accountability and follow up

Honest Participation and Sharing

Discernment

Major issues not voted on first time

Decisions Made

Permission Giving

Inclusion ages, long time members, newer members, gender, race

Consistency  -not major turnover

Length and number of meetings

Setting conducive fo rmeetings

Board Size   12-14     Committees  5-7

Appropriate organization for size of congregation  WHAT IDEAS DO YOU HAVE FOR EFFECTIVE BOARDS AND MEETINGS??