The Solution To Meeting Fatigue

[Michael37]

The purpose of this meeting is to discuss Meeting Fatigue.

Some people are tired of meetings.

Other people are meeting fanatics.

I know of some saints who go to as many meetings as they can, often across numerous denominations, whatever is going.

When I was more active in ministry leadership there were meetings of some description for me to attend every day of the week. Sometimes I had multiple meetings on the same day.

One Sunday after the morning service I had lunch and lay down to rest before I was due to lead our group known as the Faithsingers, into one of about 20 resthomes we did a circuit of. We would sing well-known hymns, share testimonies, give brief devotional messages, pray for, and fellowship with the elderly and infirm in these facilities. I had been doing this ministry for about 2 years. At times our party would number over 20, and we had good times of fellowship and ministry, culminating each year in a Christmas Concert when caregivers would bring as many resthome residents as they could to our auditorium for numerous performances and items and refreshments.

I lay down to rest and waves of fatigue swept over me. I was beat. I phoned the founding member of the group, a senior saint who had lassoed me for its leadership, and explained that I was extremely tired and would he mind if I didn't turn up.

Well he did mind. Oh no, I had to be there as he had organised a musical couple from another denomination to come and see how we functioned so they could set up their own group. He strongly insisted I come and lead our group, as if no-one else could, and in spite of my exhaustion I rolled out of bed and arrived at the designated resthome as required, making it known to all and sundry that it was the last meeting of the group I would be attending.

For me the solution to meeting fatigue is simple. Avoid the pressure to be present at more meetings than are merited.

Gal 5:22-23  But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,  (23)  Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.
 

[Marathoner]

For a while, I attended meetings without reservation. Why not, for going to meetings with brothers was a new experience for me, and so I dutifully attended...

Until the day arrived when I discovered that my attendance was required. This requirement was made known on account of devoting myself to home repairs for an elderly sister, a widow whom I loved to help, instead of dropping everything so I could fill my seat at that men's meeting.

Oh, really? I was reminded of the Gospels when the Lord was condemned for doing the work of our Father on the Sabbath Day. Instead of helping a widow, I should have been at that meeting? Got it.

That's when I decided my attendance was no longer necessary. I stopped going entirely. This made the leaders upset for I was forsaking gathering with them! 

Ah, no. I worked with the majority every day and I broke bread with them all weekly. At that time, serving elderly widows and helping young families was my purpose, @Michael37. Indeed, and that very occupation was praised by none other than the apostle James. 

One day, a wonderful brother persuaded me to attend one of those men's meetings. It had been a while to be sure, so why not? Off I went...

What a dreadful affair that was. I witnessed how I hadn't been missing a thing! We all sat in silence until the one who mandated these meetings deigned to speak; what he spoke was entirely forgettable. Knowing there were more constructive things to do in service to the Kingdom, I stood up and left before we were dismissed. This caused quite the stir. 

I was irreverent! Unruly! Disobedient! Oh my. I honestly didn't care, brother. Watching my fingernails grow --- or studying the inside of my eyelids in detail --- was more bearable than appeasing the directive to attend meetings as expected...

Not by the Lord, but by men. I wasn't a good fit for that mode, needless to say. I prefer to devote myself to working for the Kingdom, ideally by the side of brothers and sisters who are doing the same. If not, I'm fine with doing that by myself.

Utterly scandalous, of course.

 

[Marilyn C]

First is GOD

Second is family.

Third is those whom we are mentoring.

Fourth is the unsaved.

Fifth is other peers.

Sixth is maybe if time or inclination a meeting.

 

In other words, the religious system has put itself first when it really is not even on our radars.

[Logostician]

Galatians 6:9

And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.

[Michael37]

22 minutes ago, Logostician said:

Galatians 6:9

And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.

Define well doing.

[Neighbor]

I like meetings of people with common purpose, and being called into service by God under God's directives to me.

I must say I don't recall any groups with common purposes  requiring attendance, not even for myself; and I organized the setting up all the meeting spaces, coordinated the use of the facilities between various ministries at a local body of Christ Jesus  and Chrstian school  K-12 grades for 14 years, until age 75.

There were multiple meetings everyday and most evenings except Mondays. Plus there were the weddings and funerals. Tired, weary ? No! But one day  my body broke and I realized it was time for  a younger person to take over. God had put that person in place already- God is awesome!

I do love getting to go back to that facility on rare occasion and seeing the development and improvement  that has occurred and is continuing there. New generations are raising up their young under God willingly being part of the local body of Yeshua.

I have actually been led of God's will for me to move cross country USA twice in order to serve in similar capacity, or to meet a need for  local body of Christ. It is testimony to me of God's plan for my own life.

Weary of God's plan for me personally? No, but ever so thankful.

[Neighbor]

Just had the thought: My day off was Sunday. On Sundays people knew not to come to me for needs instead seek out an Elder or Deacon or Deaconess. Sundays I attended a Sunday school Class, and two worship services on my "own time". I did so joy filled and appreciative of the teaching and corporate worship that God had placed and allowed me some participation in.

Retirement has been difficult for me, feels like I am unemployed. Can hardly stand the thought that I am comparatively idle, but the body just doesn't go like it once did. So now I have to work at being accepting of God's plan being His plan, and that I am but  a mere vapor in a moment of eternal time, all  while my taking in the joy of seeing a church body flourish generation after generation.

[Michael37]

9 minutes ago, Neighbor said:

people knew not to come to me for needs

Boundary setting. ✔

[Neighbor]

1 minute ago, Michael37 said:

Boundary setting. ✔

Yes. Including from those yearly men's retreats. Retreats for supposed rest relaxation and recharging. I said no, not for me thank you very much. Never was required to attend. Those that did loved it, but it just never interested me nor did I feel called to  get involved in organized retreat.

Perhaps that is a key guidance for us all; do what  God calls to do pray over it, read  and think on God's word for  application to each situation. If it isn't  a call then,  hey do as one desires regarding it. 

[FJK]

The greatest leaders, the wisest men and the most successful among us are those who have leaned to delegate, the rest of us are the ones they delegate to.