05.07.08
Regarding “Of business meetings and family forums”
For fifteen years we experienced a strong leadership presence from our senior pastor, including as church business moderator. Now, while in transition, we have held five business meetings in less than three months, more than in an entire year previously, and voted to meet in such parlimentary forum monthly. Clearly, we have a need to talk, air concerns, frustrations, and offer good ideas; some have even returned from deserting or vacating the body for several years.
The inclusion of all member towards accomplishing the purpose and mission of this new testament church is appropraite, even essential. In I Corinthians chapters 13 and 14, the Apostle Paul instructs the believers at Corinth that all done in public forum should be for the glory of the Lord, framed in love and unity, and to edify the body. Specifically, in chapter 14 verses 29-33, Paul states all can prophesy or speak so that everyone is instructed and encouraged, but must be done orderly and with accountability. With some 250 families in our church body, this can only be accomplished through family forums, not parlimentary procedure.
Our pastors, with the training and more that forty years of combined experience, those we elect to serve on committees and as church officers, deserve our attention and support in leading this body orderly and with accountability. Following the lead of those minimally involved, invested or even familiar with the current vision, mission, and needs of the church is gravely dangerous.
I urge the body to support with your presence our family forum discussions. Show up ready to listen and share. Only then can we appropriatley and effectively meet in parlimentary forum and expect to move forward.
