Making meetings work From page 13


introduced, the tendency will be for each group to grow in number. This may happen in a number of possible ways:


• People will suggest the names of those who might have a valuable contribution to make (which may well be true).


• Someone will point out that if A and B are members it would be a good idea to have P and Q as well to balance the group for (take your pick of) theological viewpoint, age/ gender, views on this issue, and so on.


• Someone will point out that a small group is not representative enough.


• Strong characters will seek to engineer themselves a place on the group.


In a church many people are happy to serve on decision-making groups because it gives them standing in the church or because it lets them off having to serve in more demanding ways. Being a member of the Evangelism Committee can, sadly, be a let-off for doing the work of evangelism.


So if you agree with the principle of this article, you will need to defend the idea with vigour. Resist the inevitable attack – but be ready for it first.


Example: ad hoc group To make these ideas work, first ensure the group has a crystal-clear purpose and well- defined terms of reference. Then find three or four people who are enthusiastic for the topic you are looking at. Ensure one of them can be trusted to co-ordinate the group with drive. Make their accountability clear, give them dates to report by and tell them they will be trusted to deliver on time. Their findings will be taken seriously, but the senior group will not rework the discussions the group have had. Talk to the leader about these outcomes but give him or her permission to work out how best to let the group function and who else they might consult. Some meetings might be after church on a Sunday, some more formal


Part 4


at a time and day of week to suit the group, but much of the day-to-day work can be done by email and one-to-ones provided the whole group stays closely in touch with each other. After delivery on time, thank the group in any tangible way and, resisting all calls for it to continue, disband it forthwith.


Example: PCC


I will take this as an example of a denominational and official body where there are rules that have to be adhered to. For non- Anglicans you will need to apply this section in a way that is appropriate for your legislative systems.


1. Forget what the standard texts expect (that the larger the church the larger the number of elected members on the PCC) and seek to have a maximum of six or nine elected members. To effect a change you will need to do this via the APCM and it only comes into force the year after the decision is taken. That’s sad.


2. Ensure Readers/LLMs do not have ex officio places on the PCC. The APCM takes this decision. They can stand for election in the normal way.


3. Ask your synod reps (if more than one) to have a voluntary arrangement (it cannot be anything other than voluntary) that one of their number will be their nominated PCC attender and no other rep will attend meetings except in exceptional cases. All have to receive paperwork and the one will report back on meetings to the others.


4. Try to avoid any co-options if possible, and ensure that you do not have people other than those already listed, Wardens and licensed clergy on the Council (some churches have deputy Wardens on through some sort of tradition).


5. Avoid appointing paid staff to the Council (it is not illegal if you get Charity Commission permission, but is a dubious practice because the Council employs the staff). They can be ‘in attendance’ if they are needed for specific business.


JOHN Truscott is an independent church consultant and trainer who champions the ministry of creative organisation. Visit his website at www.john-truscott.co.uk and check out the Resources section for a growing range of 135 items which you can print out and/or download. Note in particular Article A24, Mission-shaped councils, and Training Notes TN79, One another teams. But several other items are relevant to this article’s theme too. You can follow John on Twitter @johnnvtruscott. Church Administrators should join the UK Church Administrator Network (UCAN) which John co-ordinates. See www.church-administrator.net.


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