Meetings
There are many different kinds of meetings: some are formal gatherings, others can be informal.
A business meeting usually follows a standard procedure with office bearers exercising particular functions. The Chair of the meeting and the Secretary carry out determined and determining roles. That is, their responsibilities are clear; the way they carry out their responsibilities has a major influence on the quality of the meeting.
A good meeting is a source of energy.
A bad meeting is a cause of frustration.
A meeting to plan and supervise business, of one kind or another, is not the only form of meeting. In church circles we can have prayer meetings (of various kinds), meetings to reflect on the scriptures, meetings with a specific education or personal-or-group-formation purpose, review of life meetings, meetings to investigate spirituality, meetings to listen to those with problems, evaluations, and probably many others.
The procedure followed at a meeting depends on the nature of the meeting. Oftentimes, for example, there is no need to have a secretary who records minutes. But the leader or facilitator of a meeting nearly always has an important role. (Some very informal meetings may have no designated leadership, though some kind of leadership is probably in operation even there). Good meeting facilitators offer a valuable service, but they don’t necessarily need to be high profile.
Many church meetings include different segments. A business meeting might have time set aside for prayer, or study, or gospel discussion, or something else.
The community gathering for Sunday Liturgy is a meeting. It is important that all members of the community attend this meeting because it is vital to the wellbeing of the community and of its individual members. It is important that the church community gathers every Sunday to give thanks and praise to God as well as to listen to God’s Word and to discern our response.
From the earliest times inspired teachers in the church community have emphasised the importance of the Sunday community meeting. “Do not stay away from the meetings of the community, but encourage each other to go”. Hebrews 10:25
The meeting for Sunday Liturgy does not require a secretary but it does need good leadership and other ministries to the community such as readers and leaders of music and singing who exercise a very important function. Those who prepare the venue must not be overlooked; just as gratitude is due to those who might provide a cuppa at the end of the formal meeting.
The informal meeting over a cuppa, or in the shade of a tree outside, is often a very important part of the Sunday Gathering. In such informal times friendships and networks are developed, maintained and strengthened.
Another kind of meeting happens in the family.
How do they happen in your family?