We have an “Executive Committee” at University Reformed Church, which is the subset of Consistory charged with handling most administrative matters.  We spend the first fifteen or twenty minutes of our monthly evening meetings in some sort of devotion / Bible Study / Prayer activity.  We find this time helps us shake off the cares of the day and prepare to address the items on the agenda.

This simple question and direction started our meeting in March.  The six of us each had a sheet of paper to write answers and take notes on others’ responses.

“List 10 things we do as Consistory, Diaconate, and Elder Board that glorify God.”

And “Be ready to thank and praise the LORD for the privilege of these opportunities.”

After a few minutes of reflection, each person shared unique responses.  A portion of the combined list included teaching, witnessing, serve sacraments, serve others, be good husbands, be good parents, encourage and build others up, pray, make disciples, worship, be good stewards, listen, counsel, grieve and rejoice with others, discipline, give, and shepherd.

The prayer time started with the list and covered many of the agenda items.