Ellen Chat Conversation

Ellen White taught that committee meetings are sacred responsibilities where participants "are meeting with God" (PCL 187) and should therefore be conducted with reverence, efficiency, and a deep sense of accountability. She emphasized that because these meetings involve "legislating for God," they must be free from harshness and focused on understanding His will (PCL 190). In her counsel, she stressed the importance of efficiency and preparation, stating that "all the council and committee meetings should be so planned and conducted that these wearing, taxing seasons may be lessened both in number and duration" (9MR 171). She urged members to study matters before the meeting and "come quickly to the points of interest" to avoid wasting time (2SAT 75.4). Furthermore, she cautioned against a "spirit of harshness" or "loud, impatient words," reminding leaders that . Regarding the composition of these groups, Ellen White noted that to handle financial matters that "should be decided by businessmen" (PCL 192). She also advocated for periodic changes in committee membership, warning that when the same individuals remain for years, their "comprehension is narrow and egotistical," and they may begin to expect their propositions to be adopted without question (TM 417). For practical application, this means that committee work should be approached as a spiritual service rather than a common business task. Members should prioritize brevity, come prepared to make decisions promptly, and maintain a Christlike spirit even during difficult discussions. In summary, committees are essential for the Lord's work but must be characterized by "reverence and consecration of heart" (7T 256), ensuring that business is dispatched quickly and with integrity. --- 💡 **You might also want to explore:** • What specific advice did Ellen White give regarding the length and frequency of business meetings? • How did she distinguish between the roles of ministers and businessmen in church administration? • What are the spiritual dangers of "unfaithful stewards" in leadership positions? --- 📚 **thousands of passages found** containing these search terms — [Explore in Full-Text Search](/advanced-search?q=committees+boards+councils+committee+meetings)