2011 08 intro to pet meetings

The Presbytery ofEast Tennessee

An introduction to presbytery meetings

Following Jesus Christ in the adventure of ministry, we will:

•CONNECT with one another in community,

•EQUIP congregations for faithful ministry,

•SUPPORT our churches, pastors and leaders,

•SERVE God’s world in justice, love, and peace.

Parliamentary Procedure

Adapted from Parliamentary Procedures in the Presbyterian Church (USA) by Marianne L. Wolfe, P.R.P.Adapted from Parliamentary Procedures in the Presbyterian Church (USA) by Marianne L. Wolfe, P.R.P.and from Parliamentary Procedures at a Glance by O. Garfield Jones.and from Parliamentary Procedures at a Glance by O. Garfield Jones.

Presenters

•Please move to the front of the sanctuary as your time on the docket nears.

Who May Speak?

•Teaching elder members of the presbytery.

•Voting ruling elders.

•Those presenting on behalf of a ministry team.

•Those given special permission (corresponding members, guests, etc.)

Speakers MUST go to a microphone

A motion is made

•Commissioner makes motion.

•Commissioner may not debate before the motion is seconded.

•A motion from a ministry team does not require a second.

•Maker of the motion has the privilege of first debate.

Debate

•Share your name and role at the presbytery meeting.

•Tell the presbytery whether you’re speaking for or against a motion.

Speak ONLY to the Moderator

Alternate & Wait

•Whenever possible, those speaking will alternate between those speaking for and those speaking against a motion.

•Commissioners may not rise to speak a second time until all others have had the chance to speak a first time.

Stay on Target

•One issue at a time is to be discussed.

•Please confine your comments to the motion on the floor.

Put It In Writing

•Motions or substitute motions should be presented to the Stated Clerk in writing.

Vote

•Moderator states the motion.

•Moderator takes the vote and announces the vote and the results of the vote.

•Moderator states the next order of business.

A Successful Completion!

Parliamentary Moves

Adapted from Parliamentary Procedures in the Presbyterian Church (USA) by Marianne L. Wolfe, P.R.P.Adapted from Parliamentary Procedures in the Presbyterian Church (USA) by Marianne L. Wolfe, P.R.P.and from Parliamentary Procedures at a Glance by O. Garfield Jones.and from Parliamentary Procedures at a Glance by O. Garfield Jones.

Simple Amendment

•There are only three forms of simple amendment.

•To delete or strike out.

•To add or insert.

•To strike out and insert.

•The words proposed for deletion or addition must be consecutive words.

Amend by Substitute Motion

•A SUBSTITUTE MOTION is just an amendment that changes an entire sentence or paragraph.

• It may be amended (like any other amendment).

• It differs from an amendment only in that the motion to substitute, if adopted, does away entirely with the original motion.

Commit or Refer

•To commit or refer back to committee for further study and amendment.

•When this motion is made, it needs to state clearly what committee; appointment of the committee, if necessary; the task of the committee; and report time.

Postpone to a Particular Time

• It should always be used in preference to “table” because it permits debate on the propriety of postponement.

Limits on Debate

•The assembly always has the power, and moderator the right of suggestion, to limit debate to a particular hour, or extend or shorten speeches according to the necessity of the moment.

Call the Question

• The maker of the motion “to move the previous question” (close debate and immediately take the vote) must be recognized by the moderator and the motion must receive a second.

• It is never in order when called from the floor.

• Should not be used to prevent legitimate debate.