AGM DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:
- What is good in our parish? What gives joy and life?
- How do we make a difference outside our congregation?
- What could we stop doing that would free up resources of time, energy and money?
- Where is God at work in our community and how can we help?
- What can we try that would bless our neighbours?
- With whom might we partner?
- What do we need to learn about? What advice do we need?
- What are our next steps?
Ah, annual meetings, the cod liver oil of church life! Like the tried-and-true health supplement, they may taste awful, but they are good for us.
Do these yearly corporate gatherings have to be dreary and draining necessities? Not at all. Despite the myth and dated perceptions, annual general meetings do not have to be only about looking in the rear-view mirror and drilling down on the financials. Perhaps they can be reframed with the adage, as one of my mentors, Rev. Canon Rod Gillis, used to say, ‘Onward and upward’.
Emerging out of several years of COVID, with substantial societal and Churchland change, annual meetings are fantastic opportunities to take stock for the future. We can consider what things are working, vital and strong, then plan for the next year and beyond.
One of our key values as Anglicans is that of an abundance theology. We believe and strive to live into the truth that our God is generous and good. Therefore, we have more than what we need – in time, talent, treasure – to answer the missional call in our communities. (Only a cruel God would call us to ministry without providing what we require to undertake it.)
Here are some best practices and ideas for an inspiring and hope-filled AGM:
- Share the annual reports well in advance and only speak to the important highlights during the meeting. In other words, use your meeting time productively and positively.
- Advertise your annual meeting with a warm invitation to all parishioners that this year’s meeting promises to be focused on present blessings and hopeful perspectives for the future.
- When compiling reports, try to include pictures of people and your church life. Photos of the building and empty pews are not stimulating and only reinforce things instead of relationships and faith.
- Include in the agenda under ‘New Business’,f an opportunity to celebrate what is good and also to discuss the year ahead.
- Be mindful of the language in your written communication and discussion time. Rather than, “the whatchamacallit costs so many dollars”, say, “We invested our money in…”
- Remind those in attendance that the financial report, budget and buildings, are the means for doing ministry. These are not the reason we exist.
- Discuss the ‘why’ of the faith community. For example, “To participate in God’s mission of reconciling the world to God through Jesus Christ” (Diocesan mission). This may include revisiting your parish’s mission and vision statements.
- Make a list on a flipchart or white board: How we make a difference outside of our congregation. Include categories – local, regional and beyond. This can include nursing home care, foodbank support, PWRDF, Missions to Seafarers boxes, celebrating Pride week, acknowledging African History Month, Indigenous rights, etc.
- Identify and propose the first next steps for the ministries and priorities for 2023.
- Plan a day away, retreat or workshop for all your congregational leaders. Invite not only those who hold official offices (wardens, treasurer, envelope secretary, etc.), but also those who serve in other capacities – greeters, choir members, property caretakers, etc.
Annual meetings are prefect occasions to reinforce and build on the strengths and gifts our gracious God has given our faith communities. Certainly there may be losses to acknowledge and difficult changes ahead, but by virtue that your congregation is still alive in present in your community is a reminder of the call to be faithful with what we do have in this time and place. Our neighbours need us, now more than ever. How will we respond with compassion and joy with the love of Christ?
Onward and upward, indeed!
Rev’d. Canon Lisa G. Vaughn is the Diocesan Parish Vitality Coordinator. For additional articles, inspiration and insights on congregational vitality and mission see the Facebook page “Parish Vitality Coordinator – Diocese of NS & PEI”, and the Anglican Net News, “Six-Minute Study”
