Note 1.—The pastor is, by virtue of his office, moderator of all church business meetings. If he be not present, or do not wish to serve, any one may be elected to take the place.
Note 2.—All business meetings, both regular and special, should be announced from the pulpit one Sunday, at least, before they are held.
Note 3.—Special meetings for business may be called at any time, by consent of the pastor and deacons, or by such other methods as the church itself may direct.
Note 4.—Though a majority usually decides questions, yet in all matters of special importance a unanimous, or nearly unanimous, vote should be secured.
Note 5.—Members may be received, and letters of dismission granted, either at the business church meeting, the covenant meeting, or the regular weekly prayer meeting, the church so directing. Some fixed method should be observed.
Note 6.—Candidates for admission to membership will be expected to retire from the meeting when action is taken on their reception.
Note 7.—No persons, except members, will be present during the transaction of church business. If present, they may be asked to retire.
Note 8.—Although the church should endeavor to do nothing which its members will be ashamed or afraid to have known by others, yet every member is bound, by the honor of a Christian, not to publish abroad, nor disclose to those without, the private affairs and business transactions of the body.
rules of order
The following constitute the generally accepted rules of order for churches and other deliberative bodies in business proceedings: