Meridian Magazine : : Print

Questions That Improve Your Meetings

by Rodger Dean Duncan and Ed J. Pinegar

As we discussed last time, the “little things” really do make a difference in your meetings.

In a council setting, one of those “little things” is the kind of questions you ask to generate good discussion and to tap the wisdom and ingenuity of the participants.

Here’s a continuation of that kind of question:

6. Initiate action.

a. Sister Thorne, how would you suggest we proceed with this?

b. I’d like some suggestions on ways to move forward. Brother Grady, how would you propose we get started?

7. Explore an idea in more detail.

a.   What are some other ways to approach this issue?

b.   What other factors should we consider?

c.   Sister Sanford, what would you add to what has been said?

8. Suggest a procedure.

a. I notice that two or three have done most of the talking on this issue. Let’s go around the table to see how others feel.

b. Would it help if we distilled our discussion into bullet points on the chalkboard?

9. Offer support.

a. Let’s give Brother Howard a chance to share with us his views.

b. Sister Randall, you’ve been listening carefully. What would you say about this issue?

10. Question assumptions.

a. This approach assumes that our missionaries are getting plenty of member referrals. Is that right?

b. Your concern seems to assume that not enough workers will accept the assignment? Has that been your actual experience?

11. Role reversal.

a.   Brother Nixon, why don’t you take the role of a home teacher for a moment? Now, as a home teacher, how would you approach this situation?

b.   Sister Ames, if you were in the Laurel class, what kind of activity would be most useful in teaching that principle?

c.   If you were Mom and Dad, what would you do?

12. Look into the future.

a. If this plan works the way we hope it will, in what ways will it bless the widows in the ward?

b. What do you envision as the specific advantages of doing it this way?

As you work to stimulate participation, be careful to maintain a friendly and inviting tone. In the interest of clarification you may need to ask questions, but remember that you’re not out to prove anything.

Your purpose is to build a sense of unity in moving the Lord’s work forward.

Your questions should feel conversational and gracious, not like a courtroom cross-examination. Great leaders are affirming. While bringing out the best in others, they help people around them feel welcome, accepted and comfortable.

Special Thoughts for Sacrament Meeting

Sacrament meeting is the week’s only gathering of saints that is for every member of the local congregation.

By definition, it is the time and place to partake of the sacred emblems representing the Savior’s sacrifice and atonement. It is where we gather to sing hymns of praise and anthems that proclaim the divinity of our creator and the reality of the restoration. It is where we “seek diligently and teach one another words of wisdom” (D&C 88:118). Moreover, sacrament meeting is where local priesthood leaders model meeting behavior.

Priesthood leaders: When you plan and conduct your next sacrament meeting, think of Cheerios.

Yes, Cheerios. You know, that breakfast cereal that is sometimes crunched into the carpet in the chapel. It’s there because that sweet young mother wrestling four pre-schoolers (you know the one, her husband is probably in the foyer comforting the baby) is devotedly attending all her meetings. She feeds the Cheerios to her toddlers to help keep them quiet. She faithfully listens to the Spirit, and she is depending on you to help provide a meeting experience of edification, not just endurance.

The tone and feel of sacrament meeting should be reverent, welcoming and comfortable. And every detail should be “buttoned down” so that the emphasis is on ministering rather than administering.

Announcements should be kept at a minimum (the printed bulletin is an appropriate place for such information). All participants should be prepared and in their places several minutes before the meeting begins.

(Next time: “So You’re Giving a Talk …”)

A Quote Worth Remembering

…a carefully planned sacrament meeting should be a spiritual feast in which we worship and learn of our Heavenly Father and His Beloved Son, our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. … it would be wise to invite suggestions from counselors and ward council members on ways to make every sacrament meeting a more reverent, spiritual experience. Let the councils also help teach our members that the chapel is a special place … the auxiliary presidents could teach in their meetings the need to improve reverence in sacrament meeting. – M. Russell Ballard

Note: The excerpts of Leadership for Saints posted on Meridian are only a fraction of the contents of this 349-page book. To learn more about this ground-breaking book and to order copies, click here.