Bench Lessons 1: Consensus

Having served as a magistrate for fourteen years, I learned a thing or two about people in general as well as our our national institutions. After 9 years, I applied to become Bench Chairman, now called a Presiding Justice. This was the middle magistrate who does all the talking. As a Winger (the ones sitting either side), it was possible to switch off while some lawyer droned on, or some interminable administrative procedure was discussed by the various parties, but the one in the middle had to have his wits about him, because he would look particularly foolish if he had not followed it all and pronounced something fitting. Yet the training for this role was largely occupied by dealing with one’s Wingers, not the lawyers, clerks, defendants or witnesses. For having fellow magistrates who were sometimes awkward, disagreeable, or occasionally, plain dim, the Bench’s chairmen had to be suitably proficient:

“Yes, I can see why you would think that. But have you taken this into account?”

“That is an interesting perspective, but our other colleague here thinks something else. How do you think we can get around this?”

“Thank you for sharing so confidently, however, our other colleague has not yet had chance to speak. Perhaps we should listen to her now?”

These were the kind of sentences we were advised to employ, so as not to offend some judicial prima donna who thought colleagues’ views barely worth soliciting. Sadly, Benches do attract such figures. Only once were two colleagues so implacably opposed to each other’s proposals that I had to try and keep the peace and decide which one I would back. Although a Bench of three is preferable to a single Justice or a jury of twelve, it takes time to get all three, if possible, to agree a verdict or particular sentence. When the outcome was pronounced, all had to effect po-faced expressions, regardless of whether each individual personally agreed with it.

Churches are not unlike Benches. Much time may be spent keeping members happy and accommodating those who like their own way, rather than going out into the world with the gospel. An evangelist once told me that it was easier dealing with unbelievers and persuading them of the gospel rather than being a pastor who must work with existing believers, some of whom hold themselves in very high regard. If a church leader spends the majority of his time trying to keep a church together, his precious time is being wasted. We should be looking up and reaching out, not glancing sideways and defending our backs.