In planning for post-pandemic church, you may find this opening reading useful. As the author reflects, "No one's done this in living memory."

Are you wondering how to set up the meeting so it runs smoothly online? Here are some Dos and Don’ts to help get your creative juices flowing! 

Learn how to use discernment circle practices for complex decisions in your committees and teams.

But what if you’re called on to stage a full congregational meeting, with formal debate on motions followed by auditable voting? Here's a robust sample procedure manual!

We go over the basics of how to have a congregational meeting on Zoom, including registration options, polling options, and security controls.

For our recent annual meeting, we utilized the Zoom polling feature to conduct the votes on the business. It worked well (once we sorted through some of the following complications), and it provided fast returns on the questions....

Guidelines and recommended platforms for voting by computer, device, or phone.

Many congregations’ bylaws require regular board meetings, annual meetings, and meetings of the congregation’s members to call a minister or make other important decisions. During a pandemic, when large group gatherings are prohibited or discouraged, can a congregation legally hold such meetings...

Because hospitality is important to human relationships, learning how to host in online spaces is essential. People come with different levels of experience and comfort. Here are some tips to help host an online space that can help host an online space that can help build connections.

Healthy groups provide feedback loops so they can learn and grow as a group. One practice is to designate a "process observer" who takes notes on group process.

Transparency and communication are essential for board meetings. Determine quorum, voting provisions and how to communicate decisions.

How meetings are conducted--quorum, voting percentages, and model of group deliberation--reflects your theology, expectations of membership, and commitment to welcome and inclusion. Quorum The quorum (percentage of membership required to conduct business at a meeting) required at congregational...

A decision by vote in a congregational meeting is the highest expression of the congregation's authority. UU congregations generally reserve only major decisions for the membershipas a whole

Question our assumptions, include everyone, and choose how we decide.

Occasionally, during a conflict or crisis, a board may need some time for candid peer-to-peer discussion.

A wide assortment of tools and methods can enhance a meeting’s productivity and enjoyment. (Yes, most meetings can be fun!) Below are a few suggestions. ...

Learn about how to prevent destructive conflict in meetings by nurturing a culture that promotes respectful communication and creative interchange.

First, be sure you have prepared well for the meeting. Setting up the Space Plan to have one or two people arrive early to prepare for the meeting. Their duties should include the following: Chairs should be set up in a way that is comfortable....

Planning well in advance enables leaders to relax and be more present at the actual event, in addition to creating a comfortable environment for participants. The following are nine key areas to consider in preparing meetings. Discern Who Needs to Be Part of the Planning and Carrying out of the...

If meetings are to be truly meaningful and transformational, it is crucial to involve participants fully.  Read eleven ways to maximize participation.