Ten Ways to Improve Meetings

According to the April 1998 issue of Our Kingdom Ministry, we attend meetings for association, for the instruction, and for the protection. However, there are number of things that all of us can do to make sure that our congregation's meetings are interesting and successful. Here are some of them:

• Prepare in advance.
  When we prepare well, the meetings capture our interest. When all of us do this, the meetings are livelier and more upbuilding.

• Attend regularly.
  A high attendance is more encouraging to everyone present, strengthening appreciation for the importance of attending. If no one shows up, it is discouraging to all and shows a lack of appreciation for the effort that went into the meeting.

• Arrive on time.
  If seated before the program starts, we can join in on the opening song and prayer and thus receive full benefit from the meeting.

• Come well equipped.
  By bringing our bible and the publications used during the meeting, we can follow along and better grasp what is being discussed.

• Avoid distractions.
  We may listen better when we sit up front. In any case, whispering and trips to the restroom can cause others (including ourselves) to lose concentration.

• Be a participant.
  When more of us have something to say, the meetings are more interesting, and commenting will consist of much more than just rehashing the paragraph. More are encouraged and built up by the expressions of faith.

• Make brief comments.
  This gives as many as possible an opportunity to share. We should confine our brief comments to the material being studied.

• Fulfill assignments.
  As students in the Theocratic Ministry School or as participants in the Service Meeting, prepare well, rehearse in advance, and try not to cancel.

• Commend participants.
  Tell others how much their efforts are appreciated. This builds then up and motivates them to do even better in the future.

• Encourage one another.
  Kind greetings and upbuilding conversations before and after meetings add to the pleasure and benefits that we derive from attending the meetings.

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