THE FORM OF GOVERNMENT

• SECTION I - THE LOCAL CHURCH
• SECTION II - AREAS: ORGANIZATION & FUNCTIONS
• SECTION III - THE YEARLY MEETING
  

Composition and Powers. The Yearly Meeting consists of the members of the Areas subordinate to it; it possesses complete legislative, judicial, and administrative authority. It has the power to counsel, to admonish, or to discipline its subordinate churches; to institute measures and provide means for the promotion of truth and righteousness; to inaugurate and to carry on departments of religious and philanthropic work. It may review the proceedings of any church, and it gives advice and instruction to the churches when these are requested or when they are thought necessary.

Purpose of the Annual Sessions. The design of its annual assemblies is the general order and regulation of the affairs of the church in the service of God and the maintenance and promotion of Christian faith, love, unity, life, and practice throughout its subordinate churches.

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B - YEARLY MEETING SESSIONS

Time and Place. The annual sessions of Evangelical Friends Church - Mid America Yearly Meeting are held at Wichita, Kansas; they open at such time as may be determined by the Yearly Meeting or its Elders Board. Sessions may be held elsewhere by adjournment or by action of the meeting. If the presiding clerk is absent, the assistant clerk opens the sessions. If the assistant clerk is also absent, the recording clerk opens the sessions and directs the Elders Board to nominate at once persons to fill such vacancies, either pro tem or permanently as the case may require.

Caretakers. The Caretakers, who are appointed by the Areas, shall serve during the Yearly Meeting Sessions as ushers, messengers, and in other appropriate ways to facilitate the dissemination of information, physical arrangements, and the comfort of those attending the sessions.

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C - THE REPRESENTATIVE BODY

Composition and Meetings. Each local church shall name and forward to the Yearly Meeting presiding clerk one representative and one alternate representative to serve on the Yearly Meeting representative body. Local churches with more than 100 participating members shall be entitled to one representative and one alternate representative for each 100 additional participating members or major fraction thereof above the first 100. The Yearly Meeting Elders Board members shall also serve on the representative body. In addition to the presiding clerk, the assistant presiding clerk, recording clerk and assistant recording clerk, reading clerk, and announcing clerk shall serve on the representative body.

Duties of the Representative Body. This body is the Yearly Meeting in session. Representatives are seated in a reserved section at the opening session of Yearly Meeting. Alternates are seated only in the event the named representative is absent. Throughout the Yearly Meeting business sessions, the respective representative or alternate shall occupy a seat in the reserved section. It is the responsibility of the local church to officially name a replacement for representative or alternate. This action should be received by the presiding clerk prior to the beginning of Yearly Meeting sessions.

All matters of business brought to the floor of Yearly Meeting are open for general discussion by all who are in attendance. The presiding clerk may, according to his discernment, limit discussions of business matters according to the sense of the representative body. The clerk shall determine the disposition of business as he or she senses the will of the meeting.

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D - OFFICERS

Presiding Clerk. The Elders Board selects one of their number to serve as presiding clerk who takes office at the close of the Yearly Meeting sessions. The presiding clerk serves as chairperson of the Elders Board, receives and answers official communications, and makes all necessary preparations for presenting the business to the Yearly Meeting at its next annual sessions. The presiding clerk signs official documents as the presiding officer of the Yearly Meeting. During the presiding clerk's term in office his or her interpretation of the book of Faith and Practice is final, unless it is overruled by action of the Yearly Meeting.

Other Clerks. The Elders Board will select one of their number to serve as assistant presiding clerk. They will appoint a secretary for their board who will also serve as recording clerk of the Yearly Meeting. This person will come from the Yearly Meeting at large and will not be a member of the Elders Board. All other clerks, when nominated by the Elders Board or nominating committee and approved by the representative body, take office after the close of Yearly Meeting sessions. The assistant presiding clerk is kept informed on matters of importance in preparation for the annual sessions, in order that he or she may act in the absence of the presiding clerk or provide assistance. Reading clerks are responsible for verbally presenting various matters of business before the representative body, at the request of the presiding clerk. Recording clerks are responsible to record accurately and efficiently all matters of business conducted during Yearly Meeting sessions so that they may be permanently recorded in the annual Minutes. The announcing clerk is responsible for keeping members at Yearly Meeting sessions informed of time and places for special board or group meetings and other announcements.

Treasurer. The treasurer and assistant treasurer are appointed annually by the Elders Board. The treasurer receives money from all local churches and other sources for the Yearly Meeting's use, makes disbursements as directed by the Yearly Meeting and submits an annual report. The treasurer is authorized to receive and to issue official receipts for all legacies and donations or other funds requiring formal legal acknowledgement. The treasurer is an ex-officio member of the Stewards Board.

General Superintendent. This person must be well qualified by maturity and experience and by executive ability to exercise care over all departments of work of the Yearly Meeting. A general superintendent should be one who motivates and inspires people and churches by example and ministry, a promoter of programs, a counselor, encourager, and a good communicator.

The implications and responsibilities of the office call for leadership and management, and the general superintendent is in a position of authority. It is expected that pastor and people shall grant the general superintendent the respect of office, and comply cheerfully with the precept of Scripture to "obey your spiritual leaders, and submit to them..." (Hebrews 13:17). At the same time the general superintendent shall exercise authority not as being a lord over God's heritage, but as being an example to the flock.

A. Appointment. The Elders Board makes recommendations to the Yearly Meeting representatives regarding the employment or dismissal of the general superintendent. If the appointment is not made at the annual Yearly Meeting sessions, local churches shall consider the nomination and send their Yearly Meeting representative(s) or alternate(s) to attend an official representative meeting called by the presiding clerk, to seek the mind of Christ in this matter. Churches unable to send a representative will be asked to send a written response, which will be read to the gathered representatives. When the representatives come to unity in support of the nominee, that person shall be considered appointed. If the representatives cannot come to unity, the Elders Board will call another meeting to consider the nomination or submit a new name to the local churches for consideration.

B. Term. The term of service is to be an indefinite term to be reviewed annually. The superintendent shall be notified in writing of the appointment and all other arrangements pertaining thereto such as salary, travel allocation, housing, vacation, retirement, sick leave and days off.

If the superintendent desires to be released, he/she shall notify the Elders Board no later than January 1 before leaving office on June 30. In like manner, if the Elders Board desires to terminate the term of service, or does not intend to extend another call, it shall notify the superintendent no later than January 1 prior to the termination of services on June 30.

C. Duties. A "job description" must necessarily be individually considered, depending on the superintendent's assignment, gifts, and abilities; however, the following is a general outline of duties or responsibilities.

The superintendent shall be directly responsible to the Elders Board of Evangelical Friends Church - Mid America Yearly Meeting. No counsel from any other group or individual within the Yearly Meeting shall be considered official or mandatory unless it is ratified by the official action of the Yearly Meeting. The Elders Board serves as the Yearly Meeting in interim.

In consultation with the chairpersons of the various Yearly Meeting boards, the superintendent shall plan the overall strategy for the achievement of goals of the Yearly Meeting, and shall present such goals and strategy to the Elders Board on a regular basis.

The superintendent shall supervise and delegate the work of the personnel in the Yearly Meeting office, and shall arrange conditions satisfactory for an efficient accomplishment of the responsibilities of the office. The Elders Board shall provide ample assistance so that regular and normal office hours are kept. Normally the office will be closed on Saturdays and Sundays and approved holidays. Sufficient clerical help and equipment shall be provided so that the superintendent can concentrate time and energies on matters of greater importance.

The superintendent shall look to the Elders Board, and the Elders Board shall provide guidance and direction for all counsel that is requested. The Elders Board shall provide meetings of sufficient frequency to allow for a complete exchange of ideas and concerns. The general superintendent shall be a member of the Elders Board and shall make every effort to attend all meetings of the Elders Board, unless a meeting is specified to be an executive session.

It is imperative that frank but cordial communication be maintained between the Elders Board and the superintendent. The former body shall consider criticisms concerning the latter which may arise or come to its attention. When the Elders Board considers the complaints as justifiable it must share these with the superintendent openly in a spirit of love. It shall never consider any decisions on such matters final, however, until the superintendent has been consulted and has been allowed to present his or her case.

The superintendent shall exercise general oversight over, and coordinate the work of all departments of the Yearly Meeting. As such, the superintendent is an ex-officio member of each board, and has the prerogative of making recommendations with regard to the board's policy and/or program. The superintendent is also to advise and consult with boards to help solve their problems and to promote their interests. The superintendent shall provide limited administrative service to their policies and programs. The priority of time and interest given by the superintendent to any board shall be determined by the superintendent, unless specifically instructed otherwise by the Elders Board. In this latter case, however, the superintendent should be consulted before unusual demands are made on his or her time and energies.

The superintendent shall give immediate attention to difficulties arising in local churches. It shall be the superintendent's duty to respond and give counsel to pastors, churches, boards of elders, ministry teams, or any group in a congregation that may appeal to him or her in case of difficulties. Or, in case the superintendent knows of serious trouble in a church and no appeal is made to the Yearly Meeting office, the superintendent may enter such church and make whatever investigation or offer whatever counsel necessary. The superintendent may invite the assistance of appropriate body or Elders Board as desired. In all such cases the churches and members shall cooperate with the superintendent and give whatever information is required, and show every courtesy due the office and position.

The superintendent shall interpret doctrinal positions of the Yearly Meeting, as set forth in the Faith and Practice, but may also request assistance of others in such interpretation and communication to those involved.

The superintendent shall cooperate with the Stewards Board in organizing and supervising the financial resources of the church and in maintaining careful budgetary control.

Though the General Superintendent may exercise a pastoral influence in Area meetings and local churches, the superintendent will not always be expected to participate formally in the services attended. The superintendent in consultation with the Elders Board shall agree upon the number of routine contacts that shall be made throughout the year. However, a general report of the superintendent's work shall be presented to the Elders Board at its regular meetings.

The superintendent should be consulted in all arrangements for pastoral leadership. The superintendent shall be a pastor to pastors and give counsel and assistance to pastors and churches in times of special concern or difficulty.

The superintendent may serve on boards of trustees of Friends institutions of higher education in the manner of their choosing or designation, and shall promote the cause of Christian higher education among the churches.

The superintendent shall keep the Yearly Meeting fully informed of needs, news and opportunities of the work of all boards, and promote giving for such ministries of the Yearly Meeting.

The Elders Board shall review the superintendent's official accounts each six months to insure that they are adequate. Unforeseen surveys, trips, special ministries and related work may change the expense account requirements as the superintendent cares for various responsibilities. The superintendent may at times need to call in assistance that is not anticipated or to be surrounded with special advisors.

Other Executive Staff. The General Superintendent will make recommendations to the Elders Board regarding such other executive staff as may be required. The approval of the Elders Board shall be final. The responsibilities may be that of an assistant or they may be for designated board responsibilities. Persons so chosen should be well qualified by maturity and experience to carry out the appointed tasks. They shall work under the supervision of the general superintendent in any or all departments of work of the Yearly Meeting, familiarizing themselves with the activities of all boards and committees and attending their meetings at their request or at the suggestion of the general superintendent. In instances where the general superintendent may be incapacitated or give up the office, an assistant to the superintendent shall fill the office until the Elders Board is able to appoint a successor to complete the unexpired term.

Other Officers. Upon the request of the Elders Board other officers may be named by the representative body, through the Elders Board or nominating committee, in general sessions of the Yearly Meeting.

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E - THE ELDERS BOARD

Composition. The Elders Board of the Yearly Meeting consists of nine members who are appointed--one from each of the Areas of the Yearly Meeting. If the number of Areas is less than nine, additional elders shall be nominated by the Yearly Meeting Elders Board or nominating committee. The Elders Board will select one of their number to serve as chairperson and also as presiding clerk of the Yearly Meeting. They will select one of their number to serve as the assistant presiding clerk. They will also appoint a secretary for their board who will also serve as the recording clerk of the Yearly Meeting. This person will come from the Yearly Meeting at large and will not be a member of the Elders Board, and is there to record the business items. The general superintendent meets with this board, but is not counted as one of the nine members. Each of the Areas nominates one person to serve three year terms, one-third being nominated each year. The nominations are submitted to the representative body for their approval. The clerks terms are the same as their terms of office. All member of the Elders Board must be active members in a EFC - MAYM church. The Elders Board is not a representative body, but rather a group of "weighty Friends" who seek to discern the Holy Spirit’s direction and give godly counsel. Qualifications include, but are not limited to biblical character qualities of spiritual giftedness, ministry effectiveness, wisdom, vision, and commitment to the Yearly Meeting.

Meetings. The Elders Board meets from time to time for the transaction of routine business. It may be called by its presiding officer, or at the request of three or more members, to meet at any time during the year. Called meetings shall be preceded by ten (10) days written notice to all members, with a statement of the particular business at hand. A quorum for taking official action is five (5) members.

Duties and Functions. The Elders Board attends to any business which the Yearly Meeting refers to it and is responsible for the following specific functions:

Act as the official body of the Yearly Meeting while the general sessions are in adjournment, to conduct all items of business requiring attention. All such proceedings are reported to the Yearly Meeting at the next session.

Seek the mind of Christ for the present and future of the Yearly Meeting, giving godly counsel to the superintendent within the guidelines of Faith and Practice and established policy, and guide in vision, direction, and emphasis as needed. The primary duty of the Elders Board is to hear what the Holy Spirit is saying to the churches and to obey God’s Word.

Represent the Yearly Meeting in matters of inter-church relationships, in keeping with established policies. Resolutions, recommendations, or statements which might be construed to speak officially for the Yearly Meeting shall meet with the approval of the Elders Board or with the representatives if they are in session.

Make recommendations to the representatives regarding the employment or dismissal of the general superintendent. The general superintendent will make recommendations to the Elders Board regarding such other executive staff as may be required and the approval of the Board will be final.

Have direct supervision of the general superintendent, giving counsel and advice as they discern the Lord’s will. It will conduct periodic performance reviews of the superintendent. Staff management responsibilities are delegated to the general superintendent. The Elders Board will serve as a personnel committee in the cases of appeal or grievance. In consultation with the Stewards Board they shall make recommendations of salaries, expenses, medical coverage, retirement and any other benefits or working conditions.

Act as the final clearinghouse of the calendar, activities, programs and policies of the other boards and organizations and for the Yearly Meeting as a whole. Any conflicts in schedule or policy will be referred to the Elders Board for discussion, discernment, recommendation and, if appropriate, action. When deemed wise or necessary, recommendations for final action will go to the representatives.

Monitor and supervise the recording of ministers by the Area Elders Board to maintain a credible recording process as to quality and uniformity by the Areas, using guidelines from Friends doctrine and teaching. All candidates for recording must be approved by the Elders Board before being presented to the Yearly Meeting for final approval.

Appoint task forces or special committees for the good of the Yearly Meeting, namely those which are not clearly the responsibility of some other body.

Elicit reports from the Stewards Board, Camp Board, World Missions Board, Home and Cross-Cultural Mission Board,  task forces, ministries and staff as needed. All Stewards Board reports are to be presented to the Elders Board for review and approval prior to presentation to the Yearly Meeting Representatives.

Keep a record of proceedings and present its actions and recommendations to the representatives.

Consider carefully any question of doctrine, organization, policy, or procedure which may be submitted to it by an officer or Yearly Meeting board, and to decide whether the matter should be placed before the Yearly Meeting in session for consideration and action.

Encourage, counsel, and challenge local churches in maintaining caring relationships within the congregation and community; to help local churches and pastors who are hurting or threatened; and to promote healthy outreach and ministry to their communities.

Appoint a Yearly Meeting treasurer and assistant treasurer annually. The treasurer shall be an ex-officio member of the Stewards Board. (See Part II, Chapter II, Section III, D., 3.).

Appoint members-at-large to Evangelical Friends International, North America Section, as requested by that body.

In consultation with the superintendent, the Elders Board shall arrange for and coordinate the non-business portions of the Yearly Meeting sessions, e.g., special speakers, workshops, memorial service, children’s yearly meeting, housing, food services, printing of programs, registrations, etc.

Nominate, to the representative body, persons to serve in the following capacities.

This may be delegated to an appointed nominating committee.

Reading clerk, recording clerk(s) and announcing clerk. Each clerk shall be named for a term of three years and approximately one-third of the terms shall expire each year.

Statistical secretary, appointed annually.

Five persons to be the Trustees of Evangelical Friends Church – Mid America Yearly Meeting, at least one of these shall be a member of the Stewards Board. They will also nominate one person to serve as chairperson. By virtue of their appointment, nominated by the Elders Board and approved by the Yearly Meeting Representatives, they shall serve as the "duly elected" legal representatives of Evangelical Friends Church – Mid America Yearly Meeting and are accountable to the Elders Board and the Yearly Meeting representative body.

One person to serve as the chairperson of the caretakers for the coming year.

One person to serve as coordinator of education ministries, who will have oversight of scholarships, children’s yearly meeting, and Sunday School curriculum.

If the number of Areas is less than nine, additional elders to the Elders Board to bring the total to nine.

If the number of Areas is less than nine, additional board members for stewards, camp, world missions, and home and cross-cultural missions to bring the total to nine.

EFI appointments as required by that body.
Five persons to serve on FCNL on a three year rotation.
Three persons to serve on FWCC on a three year rotation.
Two persons to serve on ACFIA.
One person to serve as the EFC - MAYM news correspondent.

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F -- TRUSTEES

1. Composition. The Trustees of Evangelical Friends Church – Mid America Yearly Meeting consists of five persons nominated by the Elders Board, or their appointed nominating committee, and approved by the Yearly Meeting representatives. At least one of these shall be a member of the Stewards Board. The Elders Board will also nominate for approval by the Yearly Meeting representatives, one of the trustees to serve as chairperson. By virtue of their appointment they shall serve as the "duly elected" legal representatives of the Evangelical Friends Church - Mid America Yearly Meeting and are accountable to the Elders Board and the Yearly Meeting representative body.

2. Duties. The trustees are authorized to oversee legal matters as follows:

Sign all legal records, such as deeds, loans, etc.

Hold title to all real estate and other property held by the Yearly Meeting.

Administer trusts and/or estates in accordance with the statutes of the state(s) involved.

Hold in trust property for unincorporated local churches.

Invest all funds left with the Yearly Meeting in accordance with the stipulations made by the donor.

Be responsible for all board funds that are allotted to the trustees to manage. Disbursement of funds for loan or grant purposes are to be made only after an official request by the board of the Yearly Meeting, and approval of its terms and conditions by the trustees. Upon approval and disbursement, the trustees have no further management responsibility toward those funds unless a default exists.

Inspect, perfect, or cause to be perfected titles to property belonging to the Yearly Meeting.

Serve in advisory capacity to local and Area meetings.

Encourage charitable bequests to Evangelical Friends Church - Mid America Yearly Meeting and/or ministries.

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G - YEARLY MEETING BOARDS

General Responsibility. The different types of work carried on by the Yearly Meeting are grouped under the various boards, and a provision is made within the organization of each for necessary activity in all those realms of responsibility which may be designated to it. Any new type of work is cared for, if at all possible, by assignment to an existing board, rather than by the creation of a new board. Because most of the ministry of the Yearly Meeting will be done at the local and Area levels, the vision is to limit dependence on Yearly Meeting Boards. However, in some areas of ministry, combined efforts are more efficient and effective. These areas include stewards, camp, world missions, home and cross-cultural missions in addition to the Elders Board.

General Regulations.

Composition. Each board consists of 9 members, one person appointed from each Area of the Yearly Meeting. If the number of Areas is less than nine, additional board members shall be nominated by the Yearly Meeting Elders Board or nominating committee. All members must be active members of EFC - MAYM. These members will represent the Area in these areas of ministry. The boards are representative bodies. Members shall be "weighty Friends" who seek to discern the Holy Spirit’s direction and give godly counsel. Qualifications include, but are not limited to, Biblical character qualities of spiritual giftedness, ministry effectiveness, wisdom, vision, and commitment to EFC - MAYM. Each board is free to choose resource persons to meet with them as consultants on an annual basis.

Guidelines for Board Membership

Terms of office. All board members serve for a three-year term. It is suggested that members serve for no more than two consecutive three year terms. The terms of all board members shall begin at the board's organizational meeting listed on the Yearly Meeting program and shall normally terminate at the close of the Yearly Meeting sessions in the year in which their terms expire.

Limitations on board membership. Realizing that the commitments of time, energy and money required to successfully discharge the duties of these positions are large, the individual member will find it impractical to fill dual positions including board memberships, clerks (presiding and recording) and treasurer.

Organization. Each board is organized with chairperson and secretary, appointed by the board. The chairperson will serve as liaison to the Yearly Meeting Elders Board.

Meetings of the boards. Each board is given the authority to meet as often as necessary to accomplish its mission, and maintain accountability to the Elders Board. Care should being taken to give adequate notice to all members.

Responsibility for annual reports. Each Yearly Meeting board shall submit an annual written report to the Yearly Meeting Representatives.

Resignation or vacancy of the board chairperson occurring between Yearly Meeting sessions shall be filled by the board.

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H - RESPONSIBILITIES OF BOARDS

1. STEWARDS BOARD.

Composition. In addition to the members appointed by each Area, and if necessary additional members nominated by the Yearly Meeting Elders Board or nominating committee, the Yearly Meeting treasurer(s) will be a member by virtue of office. The bookkeeper and/or other executive staff appointed by the superintendent may meet with the board, but are not counted in the nine members. The board is free to choose resource persons to meet with them as consultants on an annual basis.

Duties

The Stewards Board recommends financial policies for the Yearly Meeting to the Elders Board. The stewards recommend policies for the ongoing management of EFC-MAYM finances. It will receive financial reports from the EFC-MAYM staff, review bookkeeping procedures, and implement the annual financial review/audit. This Board carries out financial policy decisions and other responsibilities as delegated to them by the Elders Board.

The Stewards Board establishes the annual budget, taking into account the financial requirements, the resources of the Yearly Meeting, and the overall objectives of the Yearly Meeting. It recommends church apportionment policy and sets the apportionment budget. It consults with the Elders Board regarding the executive staff and Superintendent’s salaries. It presents the financial program to the Yearly Meeting for its approval, and then to the local churches and their proportionate share of the total need. It will monitor the collection of church apportionments, including meeting with churches who need counsel regarding their payments.

The Stewards Board considers the financial askings of the faith budgets of the missions and camp boards, and presents these to the Yearly Meeting for its approval. It also considers any other special appeals made on behalf of these boards within the Yearly Meeting, which are above the budgeted programs of these boards.

The Stewards Board recommends policies for investment of Yearly Meeting funds, manage endowments not controlled by faith boards or related organizations, and make investment decisions for the Yearly meeting as a whole.

The Stewards Board will recommend policies and give counsel when any faith board goes into arrears. Any conflicts and unresolved issues are decided by the Elders Board.

The Stewards Board shall coordinate the work of the Yearly Meeting treasurer and Yearly Meeting office personnel. They shall name auditor(s) to audit each financial records annually.

Budget and administer funds as needed to assist retired ministers and missionaries.

Budget and disperse the Yearly Meeting matching funds to those qualified, in association with the Ministers Benefit Association.

The Stewards Board shall name archivists who are responsible for preserving records of meetings within Evangelical Friends Church - Mid America Yearly Meeting. These include minutes, membership books and other materials which contain pertinent information and data. The records are stored in steel cabinets in a locked room adjacent to the Quaker Collection in the Edmund Stanley Learning Resource Center on the campus of Friends University. Local and Area meetings are encouraged to store all their old records in the archives. The following guidelines have been established:

Documents are available from the archivist for use within the library. Photocopies may be made if the size and condition of the record book permits.

Documents may be checked out for church research upon presentation of a signed request from the church’s presiding clerk or pastor, indicating what items are needed and when they will be returned.

Exceptions to b) above would require a minute from the local church and approval by any Evangelical Friends Church - Mid America Yearly Meeting trustee.

Where possible, because of their frailty, documents should be picked up in person, at which time the recipient will sign a receipt for them in duplicate.

Microfilm reels are available for many of the oldest records. These may be checked out by the provisions of 2) or 3) above.

When any of the original documents are mailed, they should be handled carefully and sent by certified or insured mail.

The archivists are responsible for the maintenance and preservation of the records in their keeping. At their discretion they may exempt documents from checkout procedure because of fragile conditions.

2. CAMP BOARD.

The Camp Board is responsible for the maintenance, operation, and future development of Camp Quaker Haven near Arkansas City, Kansas.

The Camp Board will serve as public relations liaisons between Camp Quaker Haven and the respective Areas of the Yearly Meeting.

The Camp Board will set camp policies and job description for the resident camp director. The Camp Board will also serve as the personnel committee responsible for hiring and firing the resident camp director.

The Camp Board will be responsible for establishing and monitoring the camp’s budget each year, including its faith budget to the local churches.

The Camp Board will be responsible for any and all fund raising done by Camp Quaker Haven. All Fund raising efforts must be submitted to the Stewards Board.

The Camp Board is responsible to the Stewards Board for all financial issues.

All items involving legal and property issues must be cleared by the Yearly Meeting trustees.

The board is free to choose resource persons to meet with them as consultants on an annual basis.

3. WORLD MISSIONS BOARD. In obedience to Christ’s call to follow His example, and His commission to "go into all the world," this board is responsible for world missions. The board is free to choose resource persons to meet with them as consultants on an annual basis. Retired missionaries may serve as honorary members of this board.

A.     Recruit and enlist persons spiritually and technically qualified to serve as missionaries.
B.     Arrange for special training, transportation, housing, and medical care for personnel under the care of this division.
C.     Recommend two persons to serve on the Board of Evangelical Friends Mission.
D.     Promote mission education for children, youth, and adults for both the support of missions and the encouragement of consideration of mission service.
E.     Provide resources, and communicate news and needs to churches for missions emphasis at the local level.
F.     Establish and oversee a budget annually based on church commitments, with input from the Stewards Board and Yearly Meeting leadership.

4. HOME AND CROSS-CULTURAL MISSIONS BOARD.  In obedience to Christ's call to follow His example and His Commission to "go into all the world," this board is responsible for outreach and church planting through home and cross-cultural missions.  The board is free to choose resource persons to meet with them as consultants on an annual basis.
A.    Analyze and recommend locations for new churches within or adjacent to the boundaries of Evangelical Friends Church - Mid America Yearly Meeting.
B.    Develop plans and methods for the financing of new churches.
C.    Provide care for new church groups and extension churches, as well as small churches at the request of the Elders Board. This includes evaluation for future options, leadership, facilities, and financial resources. (See Part II, Chapter II, Section I, D & E).
D.    Promote church planting and cross-cultural missions at all age levels.
E.    Recruit, train, and support church planting and cross-cultural ministers.
F.    Promote missions among native American Indians and appoint representatives to the Associated Committee of Friends on Indian Affairs and receive their reports.
G.    Encourage, support, and facilitate leadership training and discipleship opportunities which will produce better equipped leaders now and in the future for EFC-MAYM ministries and missions.
H.    Partner with other Yearly Meeting home ministries in supportive ways as needed and as resources are available.
I.     Establish and oversee a faith budget annually based on church commitments, with input from the Stewards Board and Yearly Meeting leadership.

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I - THE YEARLY MEETING FINANCIAL PROGRAM

Objective. The financial program is designed to include all funds used either directly or indirectly for carrying on the essential programs, activities, and services of the Yearly Meeting.

Budget Format. The budgets and treasurer's reports are categorized in accordance with the functions and administration.

Budgeting Process. All Yearly Meeting financial requests are submitted to the Stewards Board. This board carefully analyzes the total budget requests in keeping with the Yearly Meeting financial stability and presents a balanced budget annually to the Elders Board and the Yearly Meeting. (See Part II, Chapter II, Section III, H., 1., B., 2.).

Adjustment of the Askings. The Elders Board may review the recommendation submitted by the Stewards Board. It takes into account the financial requirements of the plan and the resources of the Yearly Meeting. If adjustments are considered necessary, these are submitted back to the Stewards Board for consideration and changes.

Proportionate Sharing. The method of supporting the financial program is by a proportionate assessment and voluntary contributions from each local church. The apportionment is determined by the Stewards Board in a manner which is most equitable to all churches. Upon approval of the proposed budget by the Elders Board and the Yearly Meeting, it is submitted to each local church along with that church's apportioned amount. Through each church's representative, the representative body takes final action on the financial program during the annual Yearly Meeting sessions.

Promotion. All promotional activities are designed to bring the budget needs before the churches. Special designated funds must be applied as designated, but proceeds from promotional activities are channeled through the Yearly Meeting financial program.

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J - THE YEARLY MEETING IN SESSION

The Opening Session. The Yearly Meeting sessions are opened at the appointed time and place by the clerk appointed at the last annual meeting. In the event of the clerk's absence, this place is filled as provided on page 52, Part II, Section III, B., 1.

Presentation of Business. Only business that has to do with the Yearly Meeting and cannot be done at Area meetings or in local churches will be discussed at the sessions. Since business sessions can be brief, more emphasis can be given to excellent speakers, quality musicians, training workshops, fellowship, missionary guests, and the Great Commission Banquet. Any business being introduced shall be submitted to the presiding clerk whose responsibility it is to coordinate the agenda for presentation. Matters of business may be originated by local churches or by Areas. An individual or a group of individuals may submit matters of concern with the consent of the presiding clerk. The presiding clerk shall determine whether matters of business should be presented first to the Elders Board. Upon presentation to the Yearly Meeting representatives during business sessions, the subject at hand may be approved, rejected, tabled or referred to an appropriate board. The presiding clerk shall determine the disposition of business by the sense of the will of the meeting.

Cases of Appeal. The Yearly Meeting receives and decides all cases of appeal regularly brought before it. (See Part III, Chapter III).

Amendments to the Book of Faith and Practice. To become final, a proposition must be approved during two separate sessions held for business. After the first action, an announcement shall then be made as to which session will later consider the proposition. Immediately upon the second approval, it is an amendment to the book of Faith and Practice.

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