We might see a video of a well known theologian, a power point presentation or a TED TALK prior to our discussion and, over the past couple of years, a handful of folks devised an intricate Rube Goldberg kind of audio/visual system that allows all of us to see TV monitors despite our seating that is in concentric circles so that we can face each other as much as possible.
Since the room is used during the week as a dance studio, one long wall is mirrored. This too, helps in our communication effort.
And now the "suits" (actually church leaders, some of whom wear liturgical robes) want us to move to another room.
Years ago, when I was a private consultant and long before we had professionals in our denomination to handle such things, I was occasionally called in to help solve a perceived church problem. Almost always this was in smaller declining churches. Usually it had to do with groups refusing to ask the real question (Why Do We Exist?) and absolutely refusing to change.
Groups sometimes tended to take emotional ownership for their space. They hung pictures all over the walls that pertained only to their group (that met once a week.) They were very suspect about who was in and who was out in the room (and the group.) Some of these groups had locks changed on "their" doors and only those with keys could enter. This sometimes did not include the minister or church leaders.
And they wondered why their group was shrinking.
Today, in healthy, growing churches, as well as businesses, the facilities are ever changing as needs change. I feel certain that whatever happens with Forum it will be for the greater good. We know why we exist.
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