Randi Meyer

Thursday 1/29/09
3. Parliamentary Law

Revision to Robert’s Rules:
To Introduce Business: Consensus – “Achieving Unity Through the Spirit”
1. Motion – A person can still state a change they may want to make, but it is emphasized that the person seeks the Holy Spirit’s direction carefully before the motion is presented.
Second – There would be no second to the motion, because that shows that only some members favor it. Instead, after the motion is made the members would discuss the options.
2. Discussion – This discussion in not really a chance to state what each member likes or dislikes, but more of an informational time to explain the motion and the options. No person to talk unless they are being lead by the Spirit to do so.
3. Group Agreement – After the discussion, the clerk will state what appears to be the mind of the group. If one member disagrees or cannot unite with the group, no decision is made. Sometimes a member who disagrees can step aside, because either he/she believes their concern is not sufficient weight to stop the decision or they feel the presence of the Holy Spirit in the meeting.
4. Direction from the Holy Spirit – When an agreement is not made and the majority of the members agree, the clerk will recommend that the members seek time to receive the Spirit’s guidance concerning this issue. There must not have been enough time to allow the Holy Spirit to direct the group, and somebody is misleading the Spirit’s leading.
5. Next Meeting – The issue can be brought up again in the next meeting. The same process will be followed, but if there is no agreement again the facilitator helps to identify disagreements and agreements to move a discussion forward until an end result is embraced by all individuals.

Hold An Election:
1. Discussion of Candidates – The members will discuss and seek direction for who is the best candidate for the position. Once again, the facilitator will direct the discussion until an agreement is made. Much of the same process and guidelines would be followed in an election as the business meeting.

To Adopt or receive a report: Same methods are used.

Three Problems with this new method:
1. Although it allows members to discuss and understand the issue better, it is a much longer and strenuous process to reach a decision. It would not be easy if there is disagreement and a quick decision needed to be made.
2. Some people could claim that the Holy Spirit is guiding them a certain way even though the Spirit may not. It is difficult to truly know the guiding of the Spirit in some cases.
3. The facilitator could easily abuse their power and direct the group to a consensus that may not truly be in full agreement.