Apostle Eric Nyamekye, the Chairman of The Church of Pentecost, has called upon presiding elders of the church to create a platform for open discussions and collaboration among church officers.
The Chairman also charged presiding elders, whom he described as “first among equals” to organised regular meetings to strategise for the growth of the church, emphasising that Vision 2023 mandates them to conduct formal meetings at least once a month to review ongoing activities and address pending issues within the local church.
“It is essential to establish a forum where everyone can freely share their thoughts and ideas for the progress of the church. Failing to do so may lead to dissatisfied leaders expressing their concerns elsewhere,” he explained.
Apostle Nyamekye said this during the opening session of the second phase of the Global Elders’ Retreat, held at the Pentecost Convention Centre (PCC) in Gomoa Fetteh, on Friday, June 9, 2023.
Speaking on the theme, “Managing Meetings,” the Chairman highlighted the importance of meetings as critical components of effective organisational management, whether in a church or any other setting.
He stressed that the church is both an organism and an organisation, underscoring the significance of leaders dedicating themselves to studying the Word and engaging in fervent prayer.
However, he cautioned that praying and preaching cannot build the church. Effective management is crucial to prevent confusion, dissatisfaction, grumbling, and chaos within the organisation.
Apostle Nyamekye emphasised that no individual possesses all the necessary skills and abilities, urging church leaders not to assume such an all-encompassing role.
He stated: “A good presiding elder is someone who can collaborate and effectively utilise the gifts and talents of the members.”
Quoting Acts 4:23, the Chairman highlighted that meetings are organised to counter the devil and his forces, saying, “We convene meetings to strategise against the devil. As the local church flourishes, it combats the devil’s influence.”
Apostle Nyamekye outlined essential steps in preparing for a meeting, advising the chairperson to clearly define the purpose and objectives of the meeting, determine its duration, and ensure the relevant participants are present before commencement.
Furthermore, he identified various purposes of meetings, including sharing information or advice, issuing instructions, addressing grievances, generating ideas through brainstorming, presenting proposals for discussion, and making crucial decisions.
To keep meetings focused, Apostle Eric Nyamekye asked persons chairing meetings to familiarise themselves with the circulated information beforehand, adhere to scheduled start and end times, gently redirect discussions back to the agenda if they veer off-track, involve participants in questions and answers, allow orderly participation from all attendees, and ensure everyone is aware of the decisions made.
“When all agenda items have been discussed, the presiding elder should summarise the proceedings, set a date for the next meeting, express gratitude to participants, and conclude the meeting with a prayer,” he concluded.
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