[1] For a more comprehensive discussion of councils—what they can, and what they cannot do, how to call, and how to use them—see the “Star Book on Baptist Councils.”
CHAPTER VII
church business
The business meetings of a church should be conducted as much as possible in the spirit of devotion, and under a sense of the propriety and sanctity which attaches to all the interests of the kingdom of Christ. Meetings for business should not be needlessly multiplied, nor should they be unwisely neglected. It may not be wise to insist too rigidly on the observance of parliamentary rules, yet it is still worse to drift into a loose unbusinesslike way, which wastes time, accomplishes little, and does wrongly much that is done.
order of business
1. The meetings to be opened with reading the Scriptures, singing, and prayer.
2. The reading, correction, and approval of the minutes of the preceding meeting.
3. Unfinished business, or such as the minutes present, including reports of committees taken in order.
4. New business will next be taken up. Any member may call up new business. But important matters should not be presented, except on previous consultation with the pastor and deacons.