Get to know one another.

Clearly state the purpose of the group/committee/task force and explain where it fits into the structure, mission, purpose of the church, conference.

Set the time and date of meetings and be specific about length. (It’s a good idea to set these things jointly with other committee members)

A phone call just prior to the meeting date is a good reminder.

Select a chair, recorder and timekeeper.

Clarify the roles of chair, recorder, timekeeper. (You can ask for volunteers for these jobs.)

Have a clear agenda sent out ahead of time by mail or email. Agree on who will set the agenda, when it will be disseminated and by whom, etc. (For meetings with a single purpose, a phone call will do.)

Agree on the format and distribution time for minutes. (Generally, it’s a good idea to have minutes out within a few days of the meeting.)

Have a clear understanding of the decision-making process. (Voting always means winners and losers. You might consider consensus.)

Limit the number of items to be handled at any one meeting.

Begin on time and with prayer. (Do not penalize folks who are there on time by making them wait for those who are late.)

Review the agenda to focus on the purpose, work to be done. Reiterate anything on which the group is likely to take action. Anything that does not need action can be distributed in writing and not read out loud.

Support the timekeeper.

Take a break if the meeting will last more than 1-1/2 hours.

Laugh a lot, but stay on track.

Before adjourning, review the accomplishments of the meeting.

Adjourn on time!

How can each member assist the committee in meeting its goals?

What can you do to address behaviors that interfere with the committee reaching its goal; e.g., one person dominating discussion, late arrivers, conflict, people who can’t stay on the subject, etc.? (One good strategy for the chair to use when things are going too long is to say to the group, "We seem to be spending a lot of time on this. Do we want to move on?" That way the group can decide.)

Name who will call absent group members to update them and encourage attendance.