Queries on Eldering
by Bill Warters, New York Yearly Meeting1. When we think of eldering, do we seek to bring out the gifts of others as well as offer correction at times of destructive behavior?
2. Are we prepared to listen as well as bring a message to another?
3. How do we inform and educate people new to our meeting? How does one learn what is appropriate and what is not?
4. What is the agreed upon procedure when you have a concern about someone? Is Ministry and Counsel prepared to respond?
5. When is it appropriate to elder? Do we have clarity on our values and expectations at meeting for worship?
6. Are we prepared to be eldered as well as to elder others? How would we respond to someone with a concern about us?
7. Do we mistake doing nothing (avoiding conflict) with being loving and accepting when more direct approaches are required?
8. Is our system, our meeting, unhealthy in ways that precipitate "outbreaks" in meeting for worship? Are there ways we can improve the body as a whole to prevent unnecessary eldering later?
- Bill Warters is a member of Syracuse Monthly Meeting
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