Sudden and drastic changes in procedures, no matter how worthy or needed, may be resisted unless committee members have had a part in their development. The committee must, therefore, take the time and make the effort to care for itself amid the crush of many meetings, timelines, forms to complete, and others to care for. You will need to make room in the committee's schedule for spiritual renewal, member re-creation, and committee development. Challenge the committee to seek their own care and growth. A good agenda creates a balance among the issues and concerns to be addressed that speaks positively to your leadership style.
Good subcommittees contribute to a lighter load and fewer headaches for the moderator.
This Handbook, with the Manual and the Book of Order, provides specific help as you lead the committee through the process for each applicant who comes before you. Your presbytery or synod may provide training for new moderators. Now let us move on to the process itself. The following chapters provide guidance as you move through the various steps. You will also find special Alerts to call attention to important messages or concerns that must not be missed.