For friends and colleagues preparing for Annual Congregational Meetings, I commend to you an article in the recent Presbyterian Outlook by Christine Chakoian (Jan 18, 2016).

http://pokayoke.wpengine.com/?s=annual+meetings+reimagined

Christine is on target in calling congregational leaders to find ways to get beyond the regurgitation of facts and information that congregations rarely discuss.

 ‘So what might an annual meeting of our congregation look for that we’re not already seeing?’   Christine suggests looking at ways we measure compassion, looking at congregational generosity, scanning congregational resilience – to mention a few.    

I pray for congregations and church leaders preparing for annual congregational meetings.  I hope our churches can find ways to get beyond boring statistical reports.

May we find ways to stretch the boundaries of what satisfies our needs in the work we do in mission and in ministry.