Meetings Are A Way Of Life
As a pastor meetings are a way of life. In recent months I've had multiple occasions where I was obliged to be in 2+ meetings simultaneously, which I have yet to fully figure out. Meetings can be tedious (thanks Robert's Rules). They can be time-consuming. But they also provide a space for people to gather and share. As the church we don't always agree, but this is nothing new. Paul knew this reality all too well for the church in Corinth:
I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another in what you say and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly united in mind and thought. -1 Cor. 1:10
Even though we don't always agree on sports teams, politics or theology, doesn't change the fundamental truth that we are still untied as a family of "brothers and sisters". Paul's urging to find common ground as the church met, gives me hope as our church meets. Unity in mind and thought for Paul was an agreement on the fundamental truth of the cross as the center of the gospel. That center hasn't changed, and neither have we, and that's ok.