Moderating Church Business Meetings -- By: John Weidenaar

Journal: Central Bible Quarterly
Volume: CENQ 08:2 (Summer 1965)
Article: Moderating Church Business Meetings
Author: John Weidenaar


Moderating Church Business Meetings

John Weidenaar

Casper, Wyoming

I. THE MODERATOR OF THE CHURCH BUSINESS MEETING.

1. The moderator is the key to a successful, well conducted business meeting.

2. Because of his office and position in the church, the pastor ought to serve as moderator of all church business meetings.

3. The office of the pastor as it relates to the church business meeting:

a. He is called of God (Acts 20:28). He is the overseer.

b. He is accountable to God (Heb. 13:7, 17).

c. He cannot have responsibility without authority.

4. The pastor is the shepherd of the flock.. He is to be followed.

5. It is the responsibility of the pastor to lead and teach his people.

a. An informed congregation will usually make the right decisions.

b. It is of special importance that people be informed in these perilous times.

6. A church generally moves in the direction in which the pastor leads it.

II. THE RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE MODERATOR.

1. To introduce items of business.

a. An agenda ought to be prepared for the business meeting.

b. This calls for much preliminary planning.

c. Many items of business ought to be discussed in a meeting with deacons, and brought before the assembly as recommendations from them.

2. To keep the meeting moving.

a. Church business meetings can be interesting.

b. Avoid making long explanations and speeches.

c. Have the secretary ready to give needed information.

d. Use your real authority and powers as moderator.

e. Use the procedure of handling certain items of business by common consent.

3. To orient and guide.

a. There are times when it is very important to be familiar with proper parliamentary procedure,

b. Critical decisions must often be made in church business meetings.

c. Factions in the church may initiate an action contrary to the will and desire of the pastor.

4. To encourage discussion.

a. Discussion is never in order before the question is brought before the assembly in the form of a motion and is seconded.

b. It is well to keep the discussion balanced, alternating speakers, for and against the question.

5. To keep the peace.

6. To summarize.

a. The purpose of t...

You must have a subscription and be logged in to read the entire article.
Click here to subscribe
visitor : : uid: ()