Faith and Practice
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Part II: The Form of Government
Chapter 2—General Organization
Section 1—The Local Meeting
C1. Committees—Full Committee Structure
All committees are appointed by the meeting. Their responsibilities include all of the departments of interest and activity. Full structure may include committees for:
Spiritual Life Ministries;
Christian Education Ministries;
Stewardship Ministries (which include the trustees);
Outreach Ministries; and,
Missions Ministries.
Chairpersons of these committees should see that the different areas of their responsibility are given equal representation in the committee. In addition to these are the Nominating Committee and the Executive Council. Other standing or ad hoc committees may be appointed at the discretion of the meeting. However, careful study should be given before such action is taken to avoid duplication of responsibilities.
Each of the committees is composed of three or more members appointed for terms of three years with individual membership on the committees expiring on alternate years. Members should serve a maximum of three 3-year terms and enjoy a 1-year break before returning to the committee. Committee membership is not limited to members of the local meeting, though care should be maintained that non-members named understand and support the Basic Beliefs as stated in the Faith and Practice. Inactivity on the part of a member is cause for relief from responsibility after appropriate contact (see Positions of Leadership.)
Subcommittees or individuals are appointed when circumstances require, to be charged with special responsibility serving on behalf of the committee.
1. Spiritual Life Ministries Committee
Members are to serve as elders and to acquaint themselves with the scriptural concept of an elder. Suggested responsibilities include:
Coordinate the areas of worship, evangelism, and spiritual leadership.
Encourage the use of gifts and talents, including music and other arts.
Review pastoral leadership and make recommendation, after consultation with the General Superintendent of the Yearly Meeting, of a candidate and his or her terms of service.
Make recommendation to the local meeting concerning pastoral duties, assistants, salaries, vacations, and sabbaticals.
Cooperate with, encourage, and strengthen the minister(s) in pastoral service and other responsibilities and interests.
Counsel members regarding their spiritual welfare and endeavor to aid them in the attainment of a high standard of spiritual life—administering corrective measures when deemed advisable (see Church Discipline - Section 2: Members.)
Through spiritual communion and social functions, promote Christian fellowship and unity.
Review, recommend, and prepare candidates for membership.
Arrange for special speakers and pulpit supply in consultation with the pastor.
Plan and direct a church-wide visitation program.
Promote and encourage mission points and extension meetings. Help secure ministry personnel for them in cooperation with the Outreach Ministries Committee.
Encourage the formation and conducting of Bible study groups.
Provide for the recruiting and recording of prospective ministers and missionaries and their continuing growth and encouragement.
Provide for the church nursery and children’s worship (may be delegated to Christian Education Ministries.)
Appoint and supervise greeters and ushers for all regular worship services.
2. Christian Education Ministries Committee
Supervises children, youth, and adult ministries. This may include Sunday school, day school, Friends Youth, vacation Bible school, clubs, camps, retreats, and the church library. Suggested responsibilities include:
Coordinate all the educational ministries listed to avoid duplication and conflict either in schedule or personnel.
Appoint all personnel involved in these ministries, including the Sunday school staff, library staff, directors, and camp or day school counselors.
Cooperate with Spiritual Life Ministries in the calling and appointment of a youth minister/pastor.
Approve curricula for all educational activities.
Utilize approved Yearly Meeting or EFI/NA programs in these areas.
Provide opportunities for leadership training to members of the educational ministries staff.
Recommend improvements needed in physical equipment for the programs.
Promote attendance at Friends colleges, and encourage those who attend secular schools to maintain a consistent Christian witness.
Encourage support for Friends schools.
Promote participation by the congregation in local school organizations.
3. Stewardship Ministries Committee
Related areas include stewardship, trusteeship, and publications. The treasurer shall be an ex-officio member of this committee by virtue of position. Suggested responsibilities include:
Stewards
Prepare the annual budget in consultation with other committees and present the budget for approval to the congregational meeting in business session.
Consider and approve proposals for special offerings and non-budget expenditures.
Supervise the treasurer and have the books audited on a regular schedule.
Plan for the raising of budgeted funds.
Promote the stewardship of time, talents, treasure, giftedness, and the earth.
Promote opportunities available for estate planning.
Provide for adequate retirement coverage for the pastor(s) in cooperation with the Yearly Meeting.
Trustees—A minimum of three members of the local meeting shall be appointed to serve as trustees. They are the legal agents for the meeting. Care should be taken regarding spiritual maturity, leadership, and adequate understanding of the various business responsibilities necessary to make good decisions on behalf of the meeting. Suggested responsibilities include:
Hold and care for all properties of the meeting.
Receive and administer all proceeds of wills, endowments, and other gifts as directed by the donors and the meeting.
Provide for the custody of all except current records.
Oversee the transaction of real estate purchases, loans, and sales as directed by the meeting.
Secure and maintain adequate insurance coverage.
Budget for taxes and insurance premiums.
Employ and supervise custodial service.
Develop and maintain policies relating to the use of meeting facilities.
Publications—Suggested responsibilities include:
Provide for the distribution of publications, announcements, advertisements, and promotional materials.
Provide for funding and responsibilities for the publications of the Yearly Meeting and EFI/NA.
4. Outreach Ministries Committee
Suggested responsibilities include:
Encourage support of both home and foreign missions by providing up to date and accurate information.
Promote and encourage mission points and extension meetings, helping secure personnel for them in cooperation with Spiritual Life Ministries.
Cooperate with other meetings in planning and conducting area missionary or outreach conferences.
Encourage those who show interest in missionary service.
Encourage systematic giving for home and foreign ministries on the part of all members, i.e., regular pledges, special projects, Faith Promise giving, etc.
Provide for physical assistance to those in need, both members and others.
Recommend special relief projects.
Provide for instruction regarding the Friends Peace Testimony.
Counsel youth who are considering conscientious objection to military service.
Provide sound instruction on marriage and on the issues of drugs, alcohol, tobacco, sexuality, abusive lifestyles, gambling, and occultic practices.
Inform the meeting about current legislation regarding the keeping of sound moral principles.
Promote social action ministries, either individually or in cooperation with other meetings of the area.
Promote proper interracial communications and activities.
Initiate action for aid to retired ministers and missionaries in local membership or attendance.
Plan and direct special programs of evangelism including lay-visitation and visitor follow-up.
5. Executive Council
The Executive Council consists of the Pastor(s), the Presiding Clerk, the Recording Clerk, the chairpersons of all committees, the Treasurer, and one Yearly Meeting Representative. The Presiding Clerk chairs the Council. Others may be named to the Executive Council at the discretion of the meeting to maintain a balance of all age and interest groups.
The Executive Council serves as the coordinating body for the committees and concerns of the local meeting. It meets regularly (monthly is suggested) and additional sessions may be called if necessary. The schedule for Executive Council meetings shall be made public.
The Executive Council is the meeting in interim, authorized to take any action that is necessary in the interest of the meeting, especially to chart and implement its major goals. It serves as the coordinating body for the committees and the concerns of the meeting. It reports its actions to the regular business sessions.
6. Nominating Committee
The Nominating Committee, normally composed of six active members of the meeting, is appointed annually by the local meeting in business session for a term of two years with three members named each year.
At the last business session of a local meeting before January 1 each year, the Committee presents nominations for all offices and committee membership subject to appointment and designates by name the chairperson of the committees. In the selection of these names, the Committee endeavors to secure the best information possible with regard to capabilities and giftedness, for the different areas of activity and responsibility.
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