The Church Manual (Church of the Brethren)/Chapter 12
CHAPTER XII.
HOW TO CONDUCT CHURCH MEETINGS.
1. The Elder of the church shall be the Moderator in all meetings for the transaction of business. In his absence, or by his consent, any other minister present may act in the position.
2. It shall be the duty of the Moderator to keep order, and state and explain propositions. He shall cause the meetings to be opened and closed with prayer, and shall call for the business of the meeting in the following order:
(1) The reading of the minutes of the previous meeting.
(2) Receive letters from members coming from other congregations.
(3) Give letters of dismissal to those requesting them.
(4) Hear reports of committees, and other unfinished business.
(5) New business.
(6) The Moderator shall entertain no second motion until the one under consideration has been disposed of, except motions to amend, postpone, adjourn, or put the main question.
(7) He shall not allow any one speaking to introduce any subject foreign to the one under discussion.
(8) He shall call to order any member who may use uncourteous or personal language that may injure the reputation or wound the feelings of any brother or sister.
(9) He may speak on any subject under discussion by inviting a brother to take the chair in his place.
(10) Every one who wishes to speak should rise and respectfully address the Moderator.
(11) Every proposition intended for the action of the church should be introduced by the motion of one member and seconded by another.
(12) All questions shall be decided by a majority vote of the members present.