Barnabas File

For three years, I served as moderator of our church’s business meetings.   For the most part, this was a rewarding experience and I must have done something right since I received a standing ovation when I stepped down (or maybe they were just glad to see me go). In churches with a congregational polity, the church business meeting is where important (and sometimes unimportant) decisions are made.  As moderator, participant, and observer, I have seen people at their best and at their worst in church business meetings. Let’s consider potential negative aspects of such meetings. Very often, those participating are not prepared to make decisions.  They come to the meeting with little or no information and are asked to vote on the spot.  To have more informed body, church leaders can use town hall meetings and small groups for discussions about a topic before it comes to the floor for a vote.  Often, consensus can be built in this way. ...