Douglas Sebens

Thanks for this article. As a newly installed Elder I've been apprehensive about visiting because I really didn't know what to say or how to approach issues such as family devotions. This information has given me a new tool for the work I'm intrusted with.

Here is a list that we were given earlier this year.

This was composed by a lawyer who has been dealing with lawsuits against churches in which inproper recordkeeping played a huge role.

Hope this helps

Doug Sebens

Lynden, WA.

 

CHECKLIST OF ITEMS TO INCLUDE IN CHURCH MEETING MINUTES

 

What to Include:

*Name of the Church

*Meeting date and location

*Names of present Board Members

*Names of absent Board Members

*Names of Guests

*Time the meeting was convened and by which Board Member (usually the Chairperson)

*Approval of Agenda (which should include prior meeting minutes)

*Meeting topics and discussions

- The order of the minutes should follow the order of the agenda

*Time the meeting was adjourned

 

What to Leave Out

The minutes are a factual record of business. Do not include:

 

*Opinions or judgments: Leave out statements like "a well done report" or "a heated discussion. "

*Criticism or accolades: Criticism of members, good or bad, should not be included unless

it takes the form of an official motion. Thanks or expressions of appreciation should only

be included if there was a clear consensus of meeting participants. (For example, by

applause.)

*Discussion: If the organization has opted to include discussion summaries, do not

personalize it by recording the views of individuals.

*Extended rehashing of reports: Just hit the highlights or key facts, particularly if a written

report is attached.

*Identity of voters: Unless a participant asks that their vote or abstention be recorded, don't

identify any voter by his or her position on the issue.

 

After the Meeting

*The Secretary types up the minutes and distributes them to the Chairperson for approval

before distribution.

*Secretary signs the Minutes once they are approved by the Chairperson and distributes

them to each Board Member (and other appropriate persons) as soon as possible after the

meeting.

*Secretary files the original Minutes in the Church corporate records book or other safe

place at the Church office.

Sarah,

Reaction is going to vary by individual. We started using slides in a old Kodak slide projector 10+ years ago. Some people complained about singing "off the wall" songs but most have become accustomed to it. We also project litanies, creeds & confessions, anything that the congregation needs to say or sing together will normally be projected. We also project pictures for visuals during a sermon or presentation but we normally raise the screen during the sermon to reveal the large cross on the wall behind the pastor.

A less expensive alternative to the E6 (which is my first choice by far) is from www.microphonemadness.com. Cheesey name I know but I have used their mics and have found that for $100 they sound very close to the E6. They are not as robust and don't have a replaceable cable but if you treat them with a little respect they hold up just fine.  That being said, I still prefer the Countryman or if you can afford it the DPA brand. Any of these mics can be terminated with a connector to fit whatever transmitter/receiver set you have.

Scott,

I would love to be involved in an event like this. Living in Washington might hamper the direct interaction though. I have been envisioning a similar training and networking event in the NW Washington area but haven't had the time or drive to make it happen.

Keep me informed as the plans progress and I might just attempt a west coast version as well.

Blessings,

Doug Sebens