The Church Meeting

The Principles behind The formal Church Meeting

The Principles behind The formal Church Meeting

The church meeting is the main forum the leadership has for sharing both the spiritual vision of the church and the church?s practical and financial needs. There is at least one meeting a year that doubles up as an AGM, as this is a legal requirement for charity status. Beyond that meetings are convened when the leadership feels there is a strategic need. This occurs when the elders feel that God is calling the church into a fresh vision and direction, or when the deacons wish to consult with regard to a specific project or area of major financial commitment. In reality the church holds three or four meetings a year.

Whilst the deacons bring issues to the church for consultation and to seek approval from the church, the elders seek to share God?s heart and vision with His people. The nature of these two activities requires two different responses from church members. On the practical side it may be appropriate for the church to vote or come ot a majority decision with regard to issues relating to practical matters. However with regard to spiritual vision and direction the church accepts that it is a theocracy not a democracy and whilst there will be consultation and discussion with regard to where God might be leading us, the church will seek to discern the mind of Christ rather than accept a majority decision.

Whilst anyone is entitled to attend the church meeting and attendance would be actively encouraged, only those who have committed themselves to the fellowship here (through membership) are allowed to exercise the right to vote on decisions put before the church.

It is the leadership?s intention that any meeting held should facilitate the work that Christ is seeking to do through the body here and should therefore not degenerate into a calendared, stereotypical business meeting held for the sake of upholding a church structure. The church meeting is seen by the elders as the prime vehicle for sharing the word of God with those within the church. Back to top