There have been a couple of interesting posts on elders’ meetings over the last few days.
At theological college most of our training in leading elders’ meetings had to do with knowing how to use our rule book. (The pastor is the presiding member of elders’ meetings.) A good meeting was one in which no rules were broken and standing orders were followed (and didn’t run too late).
The following material would have been very helpful back then.
For those who do not know, Elders are identified as governors, or leaders, of local churches, They have particular responsibility for ensuring pastoral care is carried out and that group life is being expressed in terms of biblical imperatives and examples. In the Presbyterian system here in Australia they are elected by the church from among its membership with a continuing tenure. In most parts of the Australian church they are male.
For those who do not know, meetings are times when people get together to make progress toward shared goals. Sometimes meeting structure and conduct helps achieve outcomes, sometimes it doesn’t. Sometimes it makes matters worse. Elders’ meetings are not immune from a lack of direction, purpose or skill in keeping matters moving in a fruitful direction.
Firstly, Jim Elliff at the Christian Communicator’s Worldwide blog offers suggestions to facilitate ‘Elders’ Meetings that Do Something’.
Among the suggestions he makes, I like incorporating some form of shared meal before doing business; meeting in each other’s homes; and having more prayer throughout the meeting.
The other suggestions are provocative and challenging.
Here’s one: Challenge each other spiritually.
Again, if you only meet a short time, you will miss this important element. We sometimes ponder six characteristics of leadership: Character, knowledge, skills, affection, faith and enthusiasm. Give an honest report of your lives. Challenge each other with insights from Scripture and experience. Be honest. Repent in each other’s presence. Be direct with each other. Good men will love it. Petty men cannot stand it. But petty men are not to be elders.
Secondly, here is a pdf summary of 16 Keys to Effective Elders’ Meetings, summarised from Alexander Strauch’s ‘Meetings That Work’ by the author. You’ll find some overlap between these points and those of Elliff. Strauch’s list has some helpful points that would also serve any meeting that seeks to be purposeful and effective.
Strauch’s first summary point is: Don’t underestimate the significance of your meetings. Elders’ meetings are the critical nerve center of the local church. They have a profound effect on the spiritual health of the church. Meetings refine Christian character, build group morale, provide pastoral accountability, sharpen leadership skills, ignite the power of prayer, and provide a training ground for future elders.
Those are the sort of meetings that I’d like to attend.
Meetings That Work is unbelievably cheap on ABE.com, so I’ve got a copy coming my way.
HT: (Elliff) Challies
HT: (Strauch) Justin Taylor
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