6. The discussions are often rooted in power and control. I don’t think I’ve ever heard of a parking lot meeting among people who are graciously surrendering their preferences and wills for the good of the local body.
7. They cannot, by design, involve the congregation. I’m a congregationalist who recognizes that congregationalism can also become democracy run amok—but I’m still not inclined to support decisions made by a few people talking behind the backs of others.
8. They’re often “led” by the same people. Sometimes they’re folks in official positions in the church; at other times, they’re people who think they should be in an official position. Either way, they’re usually troublemakers.
9. They are often built around wrong, incomplete or gossiped information. It’s easy to move in a negative direction when the information you have is inaccurate in the first place.
10. Seldom, if ever, do they include pastoral staff members. Whether your church has a single leader or a plurality of leaders, our spiritual leaders are placed there for a reason. “Decisions” made without them in the conversation can be a problem.
Here’s my point: Avoid parking lot business meetings. They can’t last long if no one participates.
This article originally appeared here.
