This Sunday, after morning worship, the elders have scheduled a town hall members’ meeting. The church will gather in the fellowship hall and share a light lunch. Then, the elders will open the floor for questions from members. Non-members may attend, but they cannot participate in the Q&A. The Q&A will be about an hour long. Our town hall is not a reaction about something—it is because the elders desire active, open communication.
Although the elders regularly hear from church members, a town hall meeting provides a public forum for questions, concerns, and feedback. A town hall offers a valuable feedback loop in the life of the church. The elders want to hear your questions, and we want to receive your input. A town hall helps our members hear from each other without airing personal grievances or creating conflict. The members set the agenda with their questions.
Several years ago, in a different church, a member came to me multiple times in private about our Sunday worship. He did not like our song selections or musical style. I encouraged this brother to share his preference in a members’ meeting. After this brother's impassioned appeal, multiple church members clearly expressed their appreciation for our worship songs and musical style. No one shared our brother’s preference, and he yielded.
The point of my story is this. My brother graciously expressed his preference to the whole church, and the members softened his criticism. To his credit, he dropped the issue, stayed with the church, and become more engaged in congregational singing. At Milton Community Church the elders and I know some members hold different ideas about what may—or may not—be best for our church, and other members hold the opposite view.
The purpose of our town hall meeting is not to expose differences, start arguments, or put anyone in their place. Instead, a town hall provides a positive environment for members to share questions about aspects of church life, ask about theological or cultural issues, inquire about future ministry plans, and offer valuable feedback. The elders do not lead the church from a dark room or an ivory tower. We believe church membership matters!
See you on Sunday for our discipleship hour at 9:00am, coffee fellowship at 10:00am, worship at 10:30am, and our members’ meeting at 12:00ish.
In Christ,
Pastor Nathan