A41 Going deeper into meetings

2: People issues

First published on this website in June 2017 and last updated in July 2023

Synopsis

This two-part article moves beyond the basics of meetings, such as agendas, minutes and seating arrangements, to think about some new ways of creating effective business gatherings in churches.

Part 1, as Article A40, looks at three planning issues that may be new to many.

• Plan the year - the idea of a big-picture agenda for the whole year to come with both major and cyclical items in place
• Think three tenses - how considering issues of the past, the present and the future can help build a coherent approach to business
• Welcome review - whether of the group, each meeting, one item of business, the chairing, etc.

Part 2, as Article A41, follows on to cover three people issues.

• Keep it small - most church groups for business have too many people on them to be effective, so take a risk and lower the numbers
• Watch the context - this point covers venue, space, equipment, layout, timing and faith
• Play like a team - everything is seen in a different light if, instead of focusing on meetings you consider the group as a team that exists 24/7.

Both parts stand on their own but, put together, they offer six creative ways of rethinking meetings of your Church Council, Kirk Session, Diaconate, Trustees, Finance Team or whatever.

This article was updated in July 2023 with minor amendments to the layout.