by Emilia Deem
On Sunday, August 22, after a lovely brunch from Wes and Crew, we gathered as a congregation to discuss our congregation’s history and how to find our way to our future. Our transition team and Pastor Becky have been working together to help the congregation heal, and grow as we take our next steps towards life together in Christ. As a congregation, we brainstormed in small groups (6-8 people at a table), and then a delegate from each small group shared with the group as a whole.
Our first topic of discussion was what “bad behaviors” have we witnessed in meetings (not necessarily at church). The following list was compiled:
Disrespectful Behaviors
Bad Leadership
We then went on to discuss what things are helpful during a meeting. Pastor Becky reminded attendees that no one will get their way on every topic of discussion, so we need a plan to work with each other when differences occur. The group listed the following as items that help make productive meetings, even when working on sensitive topics:
Purpose
Structure
Individual ownership
The conversation then moved to how do we ensure we see less of the negative and more of the positive things that we discussed? We discussed some basic ground rules that everyone in the room could agree upon.
Ground Rules:
In a nutshell, learning how to have productive and respective conversations will benefit every individual in the church, and the church as a whole.
Communication Issues
Combative Behaviors
Leadership
Motivation
Behavior