VALLEY FORGE, PA (ABNS 11/2/21)—“Sacred Decisions: Consensus in Faith Communities” offers congregational leaders and others the opportunity to explore and implement consensus as a decision-making model.
Authors Marcia J. Patton and Nora J. Percival clearly state what consensus is and what it is not. They provide a “how-to” resource for persons who want to change how their groups make decisions.
Although voting, the “holy way,” the “majority rule” and Robert’s Rules of Order are deeply entrenched in this country, a consensus is another way to think through, discuss, feel and arrive at a decision. Patton and Percival provide real-life examples, planning and meeting ideas, and essential steps to develop a consensus decision-making model.
Marcia Patton is executive minister emerita of Evergreen Association of American Baptist Churches. She was given this title when she retired after her work with the establishment of the association and serving as its executive minister for its first 13 years. She earned a Ph.D. in the College of Education at Temple University, Philadelphia, and has an M.Div. and M.A.R. from Eastern Baptist Theological Seminary (now Palmer Theological Seminary), St. Davids, Pa. She was ordained at First Baptist Church, Salt Lake City, Utah.
Nora J. Percival is a Hicksite Friend (Quaker) with a strong interest in Quaker process and history. She has held leadership positions in four different Quaker meetings in different parts of the country, as well as serving with regional, national and international Quaker organizations. In addition, she is an experienced teacher/trainer, specializing in developing and delivering health education and professional-development programs for adults.
Founded in 1824, Judson Press a publishing ministry of American Baptist Home Mission Societies, produces Christ-centered spiritual and leadership resources for the transformation of individuals, congregations, and communities.
American Baptist Home Mission Societies partners with American Baptists to promote Christian faith, cultivate Christ-centered leaders and disciples, and bring healing and transformation to communities across the United States and Puerto Rico.
American Baptist Churches USA is one of the most diverse Christian denominations today, with approximately 5,000 congregations comprised of 1.3 million members, across the United States and Puerto Rico, all engaged in God’s mission around the world.