Anyone with any expereince(strength and hope I KNOW I need. . !?# )in dealing with a home group re: a group conscience vote which now possibly appears unwise(re: changing the format of a meeting).
The concern was that the meeting wasn't growing and therore not attracting new home group members(we were down to 5) so a change in format was suggested by relative new comers--which may or may not be important. In retrospect now, (3 weeks), the meeting has literally soared from 20 to 30 and tonite 36 in attendance since the holidays. (We barely had enough chairs.)
I have asked that a reconsideration of that vote be put on the business agenda for the next meeting in early February for a hopefully clear headed discussion on the above statistics re: attendance AND what they mean.(that we ARE growing --parly because of two sucessful holiday social events--and meeting people's needs on Saturday nite)
It appears to me that if it "isn't broken, don't change it" would be a maxim that could apply here. OR "don't change horses in the middle of a stream."[I know it's NOT "a stitch in time saves time"---or at least I don't think it is. . !][kidding]
Would appreciate any feedback.
I truly care about the survival of our group and the format for this meeting, open discussion, candleight on a Saturday night, seems to have worked well. . for 29 yearrs. . .#!?
Looking forward to YOUR expereince, strength and hope. (help!)
Remember--God can be the "Great Out Doors". IF it's 46 below tomorrow where you are, don't go out for a walk BUT at least stick your nose out and feed the birds and the squirrels. They're your Higher Power's creatures, too.
Something similar almost tore my group apart. There was gc meeting about our location. We had been forced to move temporarily and it was dragging on so some people (those living closer to the new locale) wanted to make the move permanent. Of course those living closer to the original locale wanted to move back when the church finished the repairs. There was a vote ...to keep it original......then the next month a motion to 'reconsider' the original vote was taken and it was decided to move. Then the next month there was alot of "discussion" and things were getting ugly. An old timer who was around when the group first formed was consulted and he informed us that the original location was chosen because its' geographic location made it more accessible to the entire region. So the group agreed to move back which we did. There are still wounds from this. My only suggestion would be that when important changes to the group are considered, that there be plenty of time for discussion and that a sincere effort to include as many home group members as possible. then you take the vote and stick to it for a year. good luck with this one.
It would seem to me that your changes may have been the reason for such a dramatic increase in your attendance to the meeting. All things serve the glory of God. Good luck with your group's decisions.
