Listening Sessions

In the interest of allowing time for prayerful consideration, we would like to share the questions thatlistening sessions.

we will be discussing at the

Think of the times you were involved in decision-making or planning processes with Manhattan Mennonite Church. These may have been congregational meetings, committee meetings, or a special task force of some kind. Reflect on these experiences.

1. Think about what worked well in these experiences. Was there something you found personally helpful? Maybe a certain process that felt inclusive, or structure that worked efficiently for example. Was there something in this experience that was fulfilling, or exemplifying of our congregational mission? This is an open time to discuss what, in general or personal terms, has worked well with our current governing structure.
2. Think back to your personal experiences and reflect on what did not work well. Was there something you found personally frustrating? Maybe a certain process that was confusing or burdensome, or maybe a structure that was not made clear. This is an open time to discuss what, in general or personal terms, has not worked well with our current governing structure. If you have ideas on how to improve upon these issues, please share your ideas as you feel comfortable.
3. Think now about your role and responsibilities in these decision-making or planning processes. Was your role and responsibility clear? Was it clear who's role and responsibility it was to make the final decision and/or carry out the plan? If you have ideas on how roles and responsibilities could be made more clear, please share your ideas as you feel comfortable.
4. In broader terms, what person or group do you see as having the most authority for decision-making in our current church structure? Church council, Elders, Pastors, Moderator, Congregation as a whole, Other? What group or person should have the most authority for decision-making?
5. Our final question requires more abstract thinking. It concerns the relationship between our current government structure and our congregational Mission. In other words the relationship between our human made organization and our God given calling. As we think about our current governance structure and consider making changes to this structure we would like to discuss with you the following question: Do you think our current governance structure serves our congregational Mission? If you have ideas on how our governance structure could better serve our congregational Mission, please share your ideas as you feel comfortable.