Sometimes it simply makes me wonder; other times it bothers me greatly. Why do some people talk so much in meetings while other people sit silently? Scientists at Virginia Tech studied “expression of IQ,” why intelligent people clam up or open up in small group settings. Using functional magnetic resonance imaging, they studied how we process information about our social standing in small group settings. They found that quiet people “were more attuned to group social dynamics, subconsciously worrying about their performance and evaluating themselves in relation to others.” (WSJ, February 7, D4)
In today’s public culture, the loudest voices win out. The church, however, claims to be different. In a helpful new book, “Holding Up the Prophet’s Hands,” Dr. Bruce Hartung writes, “We celebrate the gifts Christ gives each of us for the good of all of us, and we work to help one another enhance and grow the gifts Christ as given.” (59, 117) One of the ways we do that, Hartung writes, is “encourage and allow the space and freedom for everyone to have voice at our meetings.” (59, 117)
But given that some people dominate meetings, will that happen? Not if you and I don’t raise up the theme of hearing from everyone. It’s Body of Christ behavior.
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