{"id":924,"date":"2026-04-22T18:16:36","date_gmt":"2026-04-22T18:16:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bermudianchurch.org\/bcblog\/?p=924"},"modified":"2026-04-22T18:16:41","modified_gmt":"2026-04-22T18:16:41","slug":"04-22-2026-mid-week-lift-the-word-of-the-week-consensus","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bermudianchurch.org\/bcblog\/?p=924","title":{"rendered":"04.22.2026 – Mid-Week Lift – The Word of the Week – Consensus"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The basic definition of \u201cconsensus\u201d<\/strong> is \u201cgeneral agreement.\u201d<\/strong> Consensus is reached when everyone in the group assents<\/u><\/em> to a decision, even if some do not fully agree with or support all aspects of it. It differs from a vote but may include a vote in the process of decision-making. It is a part of our Brethren history and polity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Although the process may include a vote, it differs from a pure vote. As we have seen in our country\u2019s election process, people vote for their candidate. When their candidate does not win, many will do whatever<\/p>\n\n\n\n

they can not to support the candidate who won and try to stand in their way. This also happens in the Church. A person who voted against an idea or person will not always support them and may either be openly combative or passive-aggressive in opposition. And so, the voting process can be<\/strong> divisive. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Consensus also differs from unanimity. The difference is subtle but important. Unanimity requires all participants to agree on every aspect of the decision and maintain undivided support of the decision. In unanimity, all group members\u2019 personal preferences are satisfied. One big problem is that this can stall decisions that need to be made while waiting for unanimity. There could also be manipulation and conversion to help a person change their mind and conform with the group.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cConsensus is a cooperative process in which all group members develop and agree to support a decision that is in the best interest of the whole. In consensus, the input of every member is carefully considered, and there is a good-faith effort to address all legitimate concerns.  Legitimate concerns will take the form of questions and statements about the option that might not serve the congregation\u2019s best interests. As concerns are raised, the group seeks to understand and attempt to resolve them.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWhen listening and clarification don\u2019t resolve the expressed concern, we have several options available to us. We can offer to make the concern a point of record, so that the person with reservations can support the initiative of the whole without abandoning their personal integrity. The individual with reservations can also agree to \u201cstand aside\u201d, which is to say that their concern has been appropriately vetted, and the individual is willing to let the group move ahead in spite of the reservation. This also means that the concerned individual will support the decision outside of the decision-making room.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

(Susan Beaumont<\/strong> specializes in the unique leadership needs of large churches and synagogues. The Center for Congregational Health)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

At the end of the day consensus implies commitment to the decision, which means that you oblige yourself to do your part in putting the decision into action.  Let us continue <\/strong>to strive to live out our decision making in this way as we seek to support one another as partners in the ministries and missions of this church. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                     In Christ Alone<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Pastor Gary<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bermudian Church<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

A Covenant Brethren Church<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n