Ever wonder how an organization like a church is run? How are decisions made and who makes them? What does the board do? What do the elders do? How can I make my voice heard? The Church has launched a series of informal gatherings to increase and improve communication between the congregation and the leadership of the church.
On Sunday, January 22, 2017, we held the first informal gathering called “Coffee with the Board.” Each board member sat at a table with members of the congregation, and the groups got to know one another a little better. It was fun, lively and engaging, and met the goal of increasing communication between the congregation and the board.
We started out with a general “get to know you” icebreaker at our tables; this included introductions and sharing how we were connected with the Church. From there, we let the conversations take their course and used a guiding set of questions if needed. These questions included:
- What do you do for a job and for fun?
- What nudged you to come today?
- In what ways are you engaged in the Church? (worship time, do you serve, lifeGroup)
- What are some of the strengths you see in this Church?
- What one thing would you need to feel even more supported as you grow and follow Jesus?
Personally, I was able to sit down at a table with eight other people whom I hadn’t had the opportunity to chat with before. I learned about their lives and what was important to them, and took notes on their comments and concerns.
Other board members also reported that at their tables, in addition to getting to know each other better, they enjoyed in-depth conversations about policy-based governance, communication methods and styles of the church, Pastor Jeff and Amy’s sabbatical, and other church issues.
Why is it important to have these conversations? How does the church benefit from them? God’s word has some insights for us:
As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another. (Proverbs 27-17).
And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching (Hebrews 10:24-25).
Conversations were amiable and supportive, and lines of communication were opened. Praise God for his goodness, mercy and grace extended to all of us.
The next informal gathering is Sunday, February 19, at 9:15am, with the staff of the church. As owners of this missional congregation, please put it on your calendars to attend this “Coffee with the Staff” and get to know the staff who serve us and each other a little better. There will also be a “Coffee with the Elders” on Sunday, March 19.
In February, the Board will be creating their goals for 2017. Those goals and objectives will be shared with the congregation in March through the bulletin and on the website. As always, if you have any questions or concerns please feel free to contact me or any board member.