It was like a good old boys club as each of us sat around joking and telling stories. I was having a good time surrounded by friends and colleagues, but I noticed the only lady in the group sitting on the side trying to stay calm as her face turned various shades of red. She was not amused.
After the meeting, she approached me and expressed her frustration with the direction the meetings were going. She felt that we rarely stayed on topic and that there wasn’t a purpose to the meeting. Furthermore, she wondered why we were wasting time meeting anyways when we could be doing more important things like visiting people who needed our help.
She was the Relief Society President and I was the Elders President in a local singles congregation. I was primarily responsible for over 90 young men (Elders) and she was responsible for primarily the young ladies and we also collaborated to help each other. The meeting was a leadership meeting that was held each Sunday with our Bishop (Pastor) and the purpose was to keep him informed of the needs of the young people in the congregation.
While the intentions were good and important, some, including our Relief Society President thought the meetings were a waste of time in that we could be using that time more effectively.
Mormons are notorious for having meetings, as referred to in this blog I read today. We have 3 hour meetings on Sundays and if we are in a leadership position that can be as much as 6-8 hours in meetings on Sundays. It can be exhausting (believe me, I know from personal experience)!
Using Technology to Address the Issue
I think that meetings are an important part of building unity between the various groups and also keeping the lead pastor (bishop) informed on what each auxiliary is doing. However, I don’t think we need to physically meet for every meeting.
For example, much of what is discussed between auxiliaries could be handled in emails that with each leader receiving a copy. Meetings could also be held via Skype or teleconference.
Additionally, for Mormons who find it hard to attend their church meetings, perhaps there could be a live stream or recording of sacrament meeting so they can view it from home.
Conclusion
I think there are many resources that we aren’t using and as a result some members are getting frustrated. Implmenting some additional technology into our mix could only help the situation.
What are your thoughts?
5 comments
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December 13, 2012 at 10:39 am
Doug Dwyer
While I am not LDS the issues are the same across the board. What astounds me is that men who would never run meetings the way you describe in a business setting do it all the time in a church setting. To me, church meetings are a necessary evil! There are much better ways to experience Christian fellowship then sitting through a meeting! If you follow an agenda, keep people from going down bunny trails and keep the main thing the main thing-you will accomplish what you need to and get out. Because you are meeting to conduct the Lord’s work-prayer should of course open and close the meeting. That is not to say that we shouldn’t experience joy and laughter in a meeting-that happens often in our consistory meetings (I’m Reformed Church) but you need to stay on task.
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December 13, 2012 at 11:44 am
Julia King
I too think long meetings can cause disinterest and annoyance so maybe try to get your idea implemented once a month and see how it goes over. Good luck! Lead the way.
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December 13, 2012 at 5:24 pm
Wanda
I’d be careful before having televised meetings. One of the side effects from people working from home is the feeling of isolation; even with email and technology like Skype. Face to face contact is becoming lost to technology and that saddens me.
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December 23, 2012 at 12:29 am
JR
What Doug Dwyer said -Amen! I hated Ward Council because it was gossip all the time and no work was accomplished. And yes, men are worse than women in gossiping and not getting the work done during meetings. Keep the meetings on task and much will be accomplished and everyone can get home.
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December 23, 2012 at 8:54 am
graceforgrace
Hi Wanda,
I work from home and have done for the past 7 years. I am probably biased because I prefer it that way.
Question for you. If there is the choice between having a long meeting that isn’t on task vs. one that is either televised or online but is on task, which do you prefer?
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