The power of surprises

I have recently learned that some kind of motion may be made at an upcoming presbytery meeting. I have tried to find out the gist of the motion so I can prepare the Moderator on what might happen, but folks are not forthcoming. I think the motion could be very controversial.

It sometimes happens that a group will decide to make a motion. That group and their friends know that it will happen, so they make sure they are present and think about the things they might say. Nobody else knows it will happen, so they may not be present and will not have the leisure to think about what they will say. The effect of concealing the intent to make the motion is to give advantage to the moving party.

I believe this is one of those political strategies that are so destructive to the church. I believe the issue should always be discerning the will of God. One way to insure discernment in large groups is to have thoughtful debate by all interested parties. Bringing surprise motions works against effective discernment.

And it lowers us to the level of those who believe the point of things is to win rather than to find God's will.