Why have Members' Meetings?

 

 

Members' meetings help us be a healthy church. In particular to be a family, mission team and charity.  

First, as a family, we’re to “rejoice with those who rejoice, and mourn with those who mourn” (Romans 12.15).  So part of our time together is to remember, to share what’s going on, to give thanks, to pray about what’s been sad.  Hopefully we’re interested in that.  Sitting round tables we hope we feel a little less business-like and a little more like a family.  We’re also trying to build in some time for everyone to contribute ideas.  We’d love to hear from you.

Second, as a mission team, we’re to “join together in the struggle” (Romans 15.30).  Paul wrote the whole letter to the Roman church to get them working together on mission.  Members meetings are to help us join together with our mission of making disciples in Lancing.  It’s eternally important.  So four meetings each year to share our vision and approach (like in this blog), to plan carefully, to organise ourselves, to start new things – seems like time well spent.  This member’s meeting we’ll share a little about the 600 new houses.  And we’re trying to give more time for prayer.  

A good turnout (as well as being our commitment as church members) goes along way to encourage others.  If for example we wanted to run a few weeks of mission in the future, we’d need a good sense that we’re all invested and ready for that.  

Third, as a charity we’re to “be subject to the governing authorities” (Romans 13.1). So we do need to cover our legal responsibilities - such as reports on finance, our activities and plans, and how all these fit within our objectives as a charity. These can seem dry but they’re important (and we’re trying our best with them!).

So we invite you to join us and be part of all this!