1. All members affirm their right to express their opinions about the life and ministry of the congregation.

2. The congregation operates with a direct democracy form of government that allows members to share their opinions directly with the pastor, Congregation Council, ministry teams, and at congregational meetings.

3. When members of the congregation express an opinion to a member of the council, the council person shall ask, “What would you like me to do with this information?”

4. If the member desires to have the information transmitted to congregation leadership, the council member shall determine whether the issue/opinion relates to the ministry of a specific ministry team or to the responsibilities of the Congregation Council. The member may be referred to the council liaison of the appropriate ministry team in order to continue this process.

5. If the member desires to have the information transmitted to a ministry team or to the council, the member shall be invited to bring the information/opinion to the next Congregation Council or ministry team meeting. The time and date shall be given.

6. If the member does not wish to appear in person, the council member shall ask the member for permission to use their name in reporting. If permission is not given, the council member shall say, “I’m sorry but I will not be able to report this to the Council/ministry team since we do not deal with anonymous letters or comments.”

7. If permission is given, the council member shall report the information/opinion to the Council/ministry team and use the member’s name.

8. At his/her discretion, a council member may ask that the member refer this issue to another council member for presentation.

9. Each issue shall be placed on the agenda and written in the minutes along with the action taken by the Council/ministry team. Action may include: “Received as information,” “Pastor and/or President to visit member and report at next meeting,” etc.

10. Opinions may be shared in writing with the Council/ministry team and shall be handled in the above mentioned manner if the letter or statement is signed.