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Mike Balog

As application of this is presently being made to the church, may those who have ears to hear ....listen.

[b]Building Consensus[/b]
When working in a group it is important that all members of the group play a role. While the simple majority rules concept works for our nation, in smaller groups it could leave members feeling slighted or out of the loop. Consensus is a strategy that involves everyone playing a role in the decision making of the group. In order for this to be successful it is important to be open to compromise!

According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary the definition of consensus is:
1. a : general agreement b : the judgment arrived at by most or all of those concerned
2. group solidarity in sentiment and belief

[b]Guidelines[/b]

• Trust each other. This is not a competition; everyone must not be afraid to express their ideas and opinions.
• Make sure everyone understands the topic/problem. While building a consensus make sure everyone is following, listening to, and understanding each other.
• All members should contribute their ideas and knowledge related to the subject.
• Stay on the task. Reference the time management guide for tips.
• You may disagree, that is OK and healthy. However, you must be flexible and willing to give something up to reach an agreement.
• Separate the issue from the personalities. This is not a time to disagree just because you don't like someone.
• Spend some time on this process. Being quick is not a sign of quality. The thought process needs to be drawn out some.

[b]Procedure[/b]

1. Agree on your objectives for the task/project, expectations, and rules (see guidelines above).
2. Define the problem or decision to be reached by consensus.
3. Figure out what must be done to reach a solution.
4. Brainstorm possible solutions (see Brainstorming Guide).
5. Discuss pros and cons of the narrowed down list of ideas/solutions.
6. Adjust, compromise, and fine tune the agreed upon idea/solution so all group members are satisfied with the result.
7. Make your decision. If a consensus isn't reached, review and/or repeat steps one through six.

Once the decision has been made, act upon what you decided.


Its as simple as that. :-o?

[b]Consensus:[/b]

1: judgment arrived at by most of those concerned
2 : group solidarity in sentiment and belief


Mega – church leadership has proceeded with a concoction/mixer, an adulteration of known truth, forming a consensus and promoting it to their followers; whoever has itching ears


If I love my Lord I have no business to be guided by natural temperament, says Chambers.
If I am a leader I have to feed His sheep, without omitting or changing the menu to satisfy lazy, easily offended, sheep. I have to feed His sheep. There is no relief and no release from this commission. My life must be a testimony of Himself. Chambers puts it this way: Beware of counterfeiting the love of God by working along the line of natural human sympathy *[i]the way of consensus[/i], because that will end in blaspheming the love of God.

Ponder it church -- give warning.

* [i]italics[/i] not Chambers

Orm

Hi Ormly,

Am not entirely sure where you are going with this. The aspect of 'truth' by democracy or collective opinion I can understand well enough. At the same time I do wonder if there is a bit of a broad brush stroke being applied.

It might be a little disjointed being that the carry over is also to the other thread mentioned here ...

If anything the thought that has been running recently in my mind is yes, a caution or warning is needed with so much out there that is confused as well as deceptive. At the same time, I do wonder if there is a fear that people cannot think for themselves (many do not surely) and a lack of trust that the Lord can lead those who truly seek Him through the mind-field of this days Christendom

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Mike Balog