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It’s difficult to believe that we are in a new year.
A new year is a great time to reflect, plan for the year, and celebrate last year’s successes.
The first quarter is also a time when churches hold their annual church business meeting.
Annual church business meetings are important to help keep members informed and engaged with the mission of the organization.
How To Plan A Church Business Meeting
Planning a church business meeting is very similar to planning any other church event. Details matter.
Take the time to think through those things that would be of interest to church members.
This proactive approach can help ensure those in attendance will feel like their time is well spent and that the meetings are known for being a good use of a member’s time.
7 Keys to Planning a Successful Church Business Meeting
1. Make Church Members Aware
One of the most important things to do to prepare for a church business meeting is to make church members aware of the meeting and the importance of their attendance.
Use every church communication tool available and continually make congregants aware of the meeting date, topics that will be discussed, and meeting goals.
Push this communication for a minimum of three weeks ahead of time. The more you talk about it, the more important members will believe it to be.
2. Communicate What’s In It For Them
Church members need to understand why they should take time out of their busy schedule to attend yet another meeting.
Think about what information would be important to them and make them aware of the benefit they will get out of attending.
For example, let members know if a topic of interest will be discussed, i.e., capital campaign update, new building progress, annual budget, etc.
Throw a carrot out to increase interest in attending.
3. Create Church Business Meeting Agenda
An agenda is one of the most important parts of any successful meeting.
Spend some time with church leadership and think through those points that would be of most interest to church members.
Additionally, look for ways to share the church’s mission and strategy.
Stop and think about questions that are asked of church leaders and incorporate those questions into the agenda points.
The goal should be to address unanswered questions – before members think to ask them.
Sample Church Business Meeting Agenda
Welcome
Have the Senior Leader welcome and thank the group for attending.
Where We’ve Been
Offer a review of the last twelve months, what has been accomplished, and how the mission is being fulfilled.
Where We Are
Give an update on projects, church budget, church goals, and other current topics of interest.
Where We Want to Go
This is where you can restate the vision and mission and get the members excited about church strategy and the direction the church is going.
How Members Can Help Us Get There
This is when you can reinforce the importance of member participation and the value that church volunteers bring to facilitating the church experience.
Questions and Answers
It is important to always allow time for member questions and answers.
If difficult issues are going on in the church, it is important to address the elephant in the room during the meeting.
If done well, this will help reduce the number of questions at the end of the meeting.
It will also minimize the time needed to restate what has already been spoken.
4. Set the Atmosphere
It’s amazing how setting an atmosphere for a successful meeting really affects the mood and response of participants.
Select music that can set the tone your meeting is striving for and have it playing as members arrive.
Whether the music is upbeat and celebratory or low-key and calming – take the time to consider the feel you want when people show up.
5. Provide Handouts
It is always important to give people something to take away from the meeting.
Some people like to take notes, so provide the necessary resources to make that as easy as possible.
Share information in print so people can have a resource to refer back to later.
Also, consider that typos in the materials can create a distraction for attendees that you can’t afford.
Take the time to proof the material to eliminate typos in the printed material.
6. Provide Time for Fellowship
Incorporate a time for fellowship after the meeting as a way to encourage relationship-building and connections between members.
Provide snacks or beverages to encourage members to hang around after the meeting is adjourned.
7. Provide Meeting Minutes
After the meeting, take the time to write minutes, points covered, and questions asked and answered.
Set up an email distribution and email business meeting minutes to members who attended.
This creates a record of the meeting and helps members feel valued for participating and taking the time to attend.
Everyone Is Busy
Everyone is busy, so taking the time to strategically plan the meeting, organize the agenda, and provide clear, error-free handouts will help to ensure that the annual church business meeting is a good use of time and adds value for church members.
To access a sample agenda for a church business meeting click here.
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