Committee or Community?

In every organization or institution, we will normally find a working committee or a group of leaders who takes the responsibility of planning and directing the whole course of the organization. Such is the case in most of the churches today. We often find a group of leaders forming the working committee, planning and directing the course of the church.

Yet, we often find members of the committee relating to one another purely at a functional level, whereby each sees the rest as co-workers rather than as friends. Often, this is reflected in the way the leader (chairperson) interacts with the other committee members. When he meets up with another committee member, he is often more preoccupied with the work progress of that person rather than the person's well-being.

When each person sees the rest functionally, each becomes task-oriented and not people-oriented. As a result, it is not surprising that heated arguments often take place in the meetings. Each person is more concern whether his/ her ideas or suggestions are accepted by the committee than be concern about the thoughts and feelings of the rest. Thus, from the outside, it seems that the church may be running smoothly and booming with activities and rallies; but on the inside, the relationship between the committee members may be in ruins.

The committee by itself must be a community. Fruitful and meaningful discussion can only take place when genuine and authentic relationships exist. When each person relates to the rest relationally and not functionally, each person will be considerate and sensitive towards the feelings of others even when discussions take place. Relationship must be the foundation of the community.

Perhaps when genuine relationships are developed, we do not even need to regulate our meetings, we may not even have to endure long hours of dull discussions. This is because as we relate with one another relationally, we will make time to enjoy fellowship with one another casually and naturally. I believe, during those moments, fruitful discussions will take place and crucial decisions will be made.