How did our Organizational Meeting go? Here’s what participants say

By Leandro Palacios, Director of Communications

I am deeply thankful to all those who took a few minutes to offer feedback about your experience participating in our Organizational Meeting on Saturday, January 17.

Although we have held Canada-wide online gatherings in the past during our All Voices discernment process, this was the first time members from across the country participated in a business meeting with full voice and vote, including those gathered in person at nine remote sites. This is an important step that reflects our commitment to moving onward together in innovative ways.

Your feedback about this milestone matters. Everything we learned—especially how you felt about this experience—will inform how we prepare for future events, particularly our upcoming Canada Mission Centre Conference on November 7.

What are participants saying?

As of January 28, 78 participants had responded to the survey. Almost 82% of respondents indicated they are in the 65+ age range. This reflects the demographic reality of our membership, and it also points to the ongoing need to work together to imagine new ways of engaging younger members and seekers in this important aspect of the life of the church.

Most participants reported that technical aspects of the meeting ran smoothly, including ease of access and audio quality. While 91% of respondents expressed satisfaction with advance communications and the availability of key documents, a small number indicated they had difficulty finding this information. We will continue to refine our communication practices to make them as clear and accessible as possible.

Overall, participants felt the pacing of the meeting was appropriate and that taking additional time for voting was understandable in order to include those participating from remote sites. At the same time, some respondents noted frustration with delays and suggested more clarity when announcing voting results, such as sharing percentages.

Many participants identified the highlight of the day as the sense of connection with members from across Canada. Other aspects that stood out included the clarity of process and leadership roles, the worship service, and the voting and decision-making process.

When asked about future Canada-wide gatherings, most respondents indicated a preference for online or hybrid formats. When in-person participation is possible, respondents most often named shared meals, fellowship, and opportunities for learning and discussion as meaningful experiences.

Thank you for sharing your voice. Please continue to reach out with your feedback. I look forward to the next opportunity to put into practice what we learned from this first Canada-wide meeting, so that each time we gather, technical challenges and great distances do not stand in the way of experiencing the presence of the Spirit leading us onward together.