Decision-Making Process
Committee Process and Overview-2008
"Because several persons had expressed concern over using Roberts Rules of Order, particularly to 'call the question,' which ends discussion and brings the issue to a vote, and because others were generally dissatisfied with various decision processes used in the past, a committee was appointed by the Deacon Council in December 2007 to look at the decision making process" (Deacon Council Minutes 1/13/2008). The group included Boyd Rogers, Grace Evans, Kenny Gahagan, Suzanne Newton, and Becky Veazey. Nancy Petty was staff liaison with the group.
The group met multiple times over the course of several months. Initially group members began by exploring our own feelings and experiences and creating a vision of what we hope to accomplish. The group reviewed various decision processes used by Pullen in the past and the advantages, disadvantages, and outcomes. Group members researched and read various literature and practices regarding decision models in the spheres of business, government and non profit management, social organizing, and other faiths including Quakers, Mennonites, and others. We explored various meanings of consensus and the advantages and disadvantages to its use.
The group also sought broader input from the congregation in the form of a survey issued as part of the August 2008 PullenNews. We received 25 responses and their comments significantly informed our discussion and suggestions.
It became clear to the group that a consensus-based decision process was desirable. It also became clear that the unanimity, especially for decision processes involving the entire congregation, was not realistic. Based on our research, discussion, and careful consideration of input from others, the following suggestions/reflections are submitted to Deacon Council. These suggestions/reflections are made, not as recommendations to adopt and implement, but rather to begin to explore and continue to evolve our processes with the input of others.
To view the committee's report click here. This is a PDF file. In order to view this document you must have installed Acrobat Reader 6.0 or later software. if you don't have Acrobat Reader the one-time installation is free at http://get.adobe.com/reader