UMC Administrative Question
Y'all have always been good to help me clear up thoughts that clog my mind concerning various and sundry matters of things United Methodist. Here's the latest. I earnestly desire your input, answers, and advice.
I have been suddenly struck with a concern that we United Methodists call our annual meeting of Clergy an "Executive Session." Without getting into whether or not clergy ought to be meeting generally aprt from laity in a presumably democratic, balanced lay-and-clergy church polity (which I think may be well justified on matters of character), I need help understanding this.
We are, presumably a church whose polity bends over nearly backwards to maintain a balance of leadership between laity and clergy. Yet, we call our "clergy-only" session an "executive session." Does not the use of the word "executive" carry the connotation of somehow being a step above or preferred, or higher in a hierarchy?
Just say no to "Executive" Session! Call it "Clergy Session," or tell me why not!
I have been suddenly struck with a concern that we United Methodists call our annual meeting of Clergy an "Executive Session." Without getting into whether or not clergy ought to be meeting generally aprt from laity in a presumably democratic, balanced lay-and-clergy church polity (which I think may be well justified on matters of character), I need help understanding this.
We are, presumably a church whose polity bends over nearly backwards to maintain a balance of leadership between laity and clergy. Yet, we call our "clergy-only" session an "executive session." Does not the use of the word "executive" carry the connotation of somehow being a step above or preferred, or higher in a hierarchy?
Just say no to "Executive" Session! Call it "Clergy Session," or tell me why not!
posted by Steve Heyduck at 6:19 PM
3 Comments:
Here in West Ohio, we call ours "clergy session"
The executive tag bugs me a little because its used in the business world and nobody likes those business terms in the church. I'll also say that sometimes we place too much importance on labels.
When a City Council, for example, goes into executive session, that meeting is closed to the press and the public. No comment or participation is allowed from persons other than members. Is that not how it is in the clergy sessions? (Not being clergy, I woundn't know.) If so, "executive session" is probably an appropriate name, since the ground rules are quite similar to the secular usage of the term.
BTW, I have only recently discovered your blog, but I do enjoy it. You seem to be a very smart guy and a deep thinker. Thanks for the good posts
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