Consensus Decision Making
Theological Basis
- As we meet in small groups throughout the church to do the work of the church we are also building community, which we understand to be building the body of Christ.
- Understanding that God often speaks in a still small voice, this process seeks to make space for those participants who listen more often than speak to share their insights. It is of the person who listens during discussions who brings the best solution forward during the decision making process.
- By encouraging people to bring the God in themselves to the process, we believe the decision will be better and we will have a deeper sense of knowing God as we listen to one another.
When to use the process
- When decisions will have a great effect on different people
- When decisions may have many alternative solutions
- When there are many stakeholders who need to be heard
- When there is not clearly on right answer
- When it is necessary to have people embrace the decision and carry it out (buy-in needed)
Goal of Consensus Process
- To allow our theological understanding to shape our decision making
- Bring together everyone with a stake in the decision
- Increase the number of alternative solutions
- Provide a final decision everyone can live with
- Gains buy-in from everyone
- Stops the re-hash of decisions after the fact
- Create space and process to allow God's presence into our decision making
- Build trust within the community
Groundwork - prior to decision making
- This step is critical for a successful decision making process
- Consider the issue and problem carefully and from many angles
- Gather input and ideas from stakeholders
- Encourage discussion to hammer out and articulate the issue and possible outcomes from various choices.
- Provide as much background as possible on the issue before decision making begins
General Decision Making Process in Small Groups
- Articulate proposal clearly
- Proposal passes around the circle (Each person speaks when it's their turn only)
- Participant response options:
- Agree
- Disagree with a new proposal
- Pass
- Stand-aside
- Time-out for clarification-followed by one of the above choices
- The proposal continues around until all agree with final proposal
- Decision is made by all
Option: Agree
- If the proposal is acceptable as stated, the participant agrees and passes the proposal around the circle.
Option: Disagree with a new proposal
- A disagreement with the proposal is really a vote for a different proposal
- State new proposal
- Continue process with new proposal
- This step begins to create the best alternatives and encourages deeper insights
Option: Time-out
- Used when more details or clarification is needed in order to make a decision.
- This is not an open discussion time; participant simply asks question for clarification.
- Participant using this option controls when time-out begins and ends
- When clarification is given, participant either agrees, disagrees with a counter proposal or passes.
Option: Pass
- Typically used if you need to hear others of if you need time to think about your position.
- If a participant passes, the process comes back to them to give them the opportunity to agree or disagree with a news proposal if they are interested.
Options: Stand-aside
- This option is like a recorded, permanent pass.
- Option used if it is the final wish of the participant to not block the process.
- For example, a vegetarian who does not want to block a decision to collect turkeys for a food shelf and Thanksgiving, may choose to stand-aside.