GUIDELINES FOR CHURCH BUSINESS MEETING PROCEDURES
Prepared by Dr. Neil Chadwick
(These notes may be copied and distributed to members attending the church business meeting so that everyone is knowledgeable concerning correct procedures.)
1. When you desire to speak to the assembly, step to a microphone, give your name, and indicate whether yours is a question, a general comment, and whether you intend to speak for or against the matter being discussed.
2. Generally, debate on any given article is guided in such a way so that both sides of the question may be addressed. If speakers before you have spoken with the same opinion as yours (pro or con), the chairperson may not give you opportunity to speak until someone speaking for the other side has been invited to speak.
3. When speaking, always apeak to the chairperson, rather than to another member of the assembly. If you want someone other than the chairman to answer a question or give an opinion, the chairperson will ask this person to come to a microphone.
4. Courtesy and respect are always the norm, even in the most vigorous exchange of ideas and opinions.
5. If you feel that the resolution being discussed should be changed, you may come to a microphone and say,
"I move that this resolution be amended by deleting - adding - substituting the following words: ____________________."
6. If you feel that a particular group (board, committee) should spend time working on the matter being discussed, you may come to a microphone and say,
"I move that this resolution be referred to the ____________ committee, and be brought back at our next meeting."
7. If you feel that a particular matter is not being brought to a conclusion, and you think it would be helpful to delay until another time, you may come to a microphone and say,
"I move that this matter be tabled."
8. If you think that discussion on a particular motion has gone on long enough, you may request an end to the discussion by coming to a microphone and saying,
"I move the previous question."
If your motion is seconded, and the assembly approves by a 2/3 vote, there will be no further discussion; the matter being discussed will be brought to a vote by the chairperson.
9. If you feel that a vote should be given in a particular manner, i.e. raising of hands, standing, secret ballot; you may come to a microphone and say,
"I move that this vote be cast by ."
10. If a voice vote is given, and you feel that it sounded too close to be sure of the outcome, you may come to a microphone and say,
"I call for the division of the house."
The chairperson will then ask for a counting of raised hands (or people standing) in order to announce an exact vote tally.
11. You may request a cut-off time for the meeting by saying,
"I move that we adjourn this meeting at ________ ."
For any business to be conducted past the approved time, a majority vote would need to be given to extend the time of the meeting.
These notations are based on Robert's Rules of Order, Newly Revised.
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