Decision-Making

Papers and articles on how the Church of the Brethren makes decisions, exercises authority, handles controversy, deals with minority opinions, and finds or does not find common ground across differences. Also general resources on decision-making.

Type of resources: On-line | Bibliography

On-line resources

Annual Conference query on "Congregational Disagreement with Annual Conference Decisions"

A query brought to the 2003 Annual Conference by the Manchester Church of the Brethren in the South/Central Indiana District. Click the above link to access the full text of the query, part of the Church of the Brethren website. Requires Adobe Acrobat Reader to view.

Annual Conference query for "Clarification of Confusion" (Re: 2002 AC Action on Licensing and Ordination)

A query brought to the 2003 Annual Conference by the Michigan District Board. Click the above link to access the full text of the query, part of the Church of the Brethren website. Requires Adobe Acrobat Reader to view.

Eberly, William. "Disagreement with Annual Conference Decisions." May 2003.

A paper presented on May 3, 2003, at a District-Wide Gathering in the South/Central District of Indiana in the Church of the Brethren. The theme of the gathering was "The Authority of Annual Conference Statements and Congregational and Individual Disagreements with Them."

Fike, Earle W., Jr. "Peace in Denominational and Congregational Life." March 2003.

A paper on the theme, "At the Crossroads: a Historic Peace Church in the 21st Century." Presented at Bridgewater College's 2003 Forum for Religious Studies Conference.

Annual Conference Debate Transcribed

A complete transcription of the 2002 floor debate that led to the above decision on "Licensing/Ordination of Homosexual Persons to the Ministry in the Church of the Brethren."

Bibliographic resources

Bernhard, Fred, and Steve Clapp. Widening the Welcome of Your Church: Biblical Hospitality & the Vital Congregation. Elgin, Illinois: Brethren Press, 1999.

This book describes the biblical tradition of hospitality and provides an excellent basis for church leaders and members about church vitality and growth. [Suggested by Matt Smucker]

Morris, Danny E., and Charles M. Olsen. Discerning God's Will Together: A Spiritual Practice for the Church. Nashville: Upper Room Books, 1997.

The authors offer a spiritual way to practice loving another one in the decision-making process. Moving beyond Robert's Rules of Order, what would happen if church people made decision based on the question, "God', is this your will?" [Suggested by Matt Smucker]

Snyder, Moteze M. (and others). Building Consensus: Conflict and Unity. Richmond, Indiana: Earlham Press, 2001.

This practical text guides leaders, teams and group in making decisions through a learning process rather than a win-lose games. Written by Quakers, this book outlines ways to engage different points of view and deal with conflict in a more direct way. [Suggested by Matt Smucker]