Faith and Practice

organization

 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.