CHURCHES SOMETIMES FIND DIFFICULTIES in getting members to serve as ministry heads or as members of the Local Church Executive Committee (LCEC).

One of the reasons is probably their aversion to attending the numerous meetings which are often unavoidable. Meetings are necessary in the consultative and decision-making process of Methodist churches, but they do not have to be frequent and protracted.

I observed in recent times that many brought along to meetings their laptops, notebooks and smart phones. My initial assumption was that these members had come prepared to participate seriously and fully in the discussions. I was to discover later that many were in fact multi-tasking during these meetings. Some were accessing their email or FaceBook, and even playing electronic games. There were others who had several tasks on hand and deadlines to meet, and had to seize every opportunity to complete their assignments, even during meetings.

These multi-tasking attendees could not be fully focused on the proceedings thus affecting the progress and perhaps even the quality of the discussions. Such meetings could be arduous.

Meetings are called for the purpose of discussing and making decisions on matters on the agenda. They are not gatherings for devotion, reflection, prayer and meditation. If these were to precede a meeting then they should be made known clearly and kept separate from the meeting proper. Attendees should also be given prior notice of this arrangement.

All who attend meetings need to come with a clear mind, be focused on the issues and discussions, and make decisions based on sound Biblical principles and guidelines provided by the Methodist Discipline.

I have also observed that some attendees at important meetings were there on behalf of church lay leaders who could not be present. As the former often would not have in-depth understanding of issues involved, much time was spent repeating, explaining and clarifying. However, despite all this, these representatives would hesitate in taking a stand on the issues, either out of a fear of having to bear the responsibility, or simply because they were still not sure what to do. As a result, the meetings were a waste of time as resolutions could not be adopted, and decisions made might not be implemented. Such meetings were ineffective.

Church meetings are a means for us to discuss matters of our Lord’s heavenly kingdom on earth. As His servants it is our responsibility to come prepared and committed to working for positive outcomes at these meetings.

The Rev Dr Chong Chin Chung is the
President of the Chinese Annual Conference.