Q: I’ve introduced check-ins and check-outs to our church council. People seem to like them but there’s one person who always passes. Any suggestions?

A: Let’s think about what we’re trying to achieve using check-ins and check-outs.

We want to:

• Make sure everyone is heard
• Create community
• Build relationships
• Help people learn the art of listening
• Have all participants take responsibility for their time together by being present and participating

Some people find it difficult to share in public especially if they feel put on the spot. Nevertheless we still want to hear from them.

Try this: before going around the circle, have people respond to the check-in question (at the beginning of the gathering) and check-out question (at the end of the gathering) in pairs. Give people a couple of minutes. Ensure that both people get a chance to speak. After people have shared in pairs, go around the circle so that everyone can answer the question. The person who has been reluctant to speak may feel more comfortable in the large group after speaking with one other person.