2) We have many modes of discussion and soliciting feedback in the congregation, but no centralized “bulletin board” type of electronic meeting space or regular town hall meetings, where all congregants can exchange ideas and discuss issues. When those already in decision-making power also control means of congregational communication such as website, emails, etc., this creates problems in reaching consensus or compromise where opinions differ widely. The issues don’t go away but overflow into private conversations, emails, and social media. We often have conflicts because we genuinely see things very differently. One of those things is how best to truly create a space where all feel welcome and in community. I’d suggest starting with monthly Zoom town halls, maybe in place of one of the post-sermon coffee hours or right after. We might also supplement this with an opt-in Facebook group taking advantage of two Facebook features, the ability to post files into the group and to hold live video chats. If we did not use the group for moderated or unmoderated text discussion but only for opt-in review of materials and live, in-person conversation, this might help collect, mediate, and organize people’s ideas for town halls.
