It seems that this week everyone has an attitude to Synod. Most discussions are about the outcomes of motions, but I am in favour of the process. In fact I want us to think about ensuring we get the benefits of the process in our churches! What am I on about?

The thing I love about the process of synod is that everyone has a say. Most representatives are elected by their parishes in a process that does not involve 'branch stacking". They speak for their parishes, and at synod anyone can speak on an issue and in fact anyone can raise any issue. I noticed that as matters were raised the discussion did not attack the person, but debated the matter. If only our parliaments operated as well as this. (Personally, I find the rules difficult to come to grips with, but they are in place to ensure that giving voice to anyone is possible.)

What we can learn for our churches is the importance of giving people a voice. We need to work at this at all levels: congregation, Bible study, teams.discipleship meetings.

Any structure is prone to silencing those not in authority. This usually occurs either by dominating the members of the group, or by domesticating them into following the leader. This is dangerous.

In our churches

So my question is do we have structural mechanisms in place in our groups (whatever size they are) to ensure that people can speak about our lives together? How do we help our leaders and team members the benefit from the privilege of partnering each other in the priesthood of all believers?

Structures help, but having a voice happens in the midst of relationship. How do we encourage that? Here are a few suggestions

1. Learn and practise listening. Make sure that when someone says something to you, that you can rehearse to them what they have said, so that they know they have communicated.

2. When someone makes a suggestion ensure that feedback to the person and group (if appropriate) is given as to how it has been implemented or why it has not

3. Take the time to listen to how the initial speaker has responded to the outcome.

4. Introduce a culture where there are times of brainstorming, or 'open slather times' to discuss any issues

5. We all need to learn how to debate the issues rather than attack the person

6. Remind each other that God gives others in the partnership wisdom that can make what is done even better

7. Be loyal to the leader in your opposition to an idea