The purpose of
organization is not for its own sake, but to provide
the Meeting with the necessary means for orderly and effective
operation, with a maximum of freedom, participation, and
responsibility. A Monthly Meeting has many functions. It receives,
records and terminates memberships. It provides spiritual and
material aid to those in its fellowship. It oversees marriages, gives
care at the time of death, and counsels with members in troubled
circumstances. It collects and administers funds for its maintenance
and work. Meetings hold titles to property, witness to Friends’ testimonies,
and relate to other bodies of Friends and to other organizations with
common concerns.
A Meeting’s
organization evolves with its needs. At first, a small
Meeting may be able to act as a “committee of the whole.”As
it gains
strength and experience, it should select appropriate persons and
committees to carry out specific responsibilities such as the
religious education of children. A combined Ministry and
Oversight (or Ministry and Counsel) Committee should be formed
promptly. If the meeting holds title to its Meetinghouse or other
property, it should be incorporated.