Narrative: Robert’s Rules of Order

In the 1976 General Conference, a committee brought a motion to the body moving that The Wesleyan Church merge with the Free Methodist Church. The presiding General Superintendent stealthily changed the motion from “adopt” to “receive.” To adopt the motion would mean to do it, but to “receive” the report simply meant that it was recorded. He even did it in a way that made it seem enthusiastic. Everyone stood and clapped to “receive” the motion, with most thinking they had just voted to merge.

They had not, and the two denominations remain separate to this day. One word in what is called “parliamentary law” made a massive difference in the future of the church.

“Robert’s Rules of Order” – as the rules of discussion, debate, and voting are called – may not seem like a particularly fun topic. But the person that wields them well can often run circles around the person who doesn’t know what they’re doing. When everyone knows the rules to the game, deliberative meetings go much more smoothly. The Rules are not mean to be a straightjacket but a path toward smooth deliberation on important items.

Watch this short video overviewing the overall way the Rules work in a meeting. Then take a look at the following PDF from Cornell University. It goes beyond the big picture into the most important “motions” that might be made in a deliberative meeting. Although a local board meeting in a small church would not need to follow these rules too rigidly, it is important for official – especially legal – decisions to involve official motions with seconds, discussions, and votes.

Now, imagine that your church is wanting to buy a van to use with the youth of the church. Create a narrative of what that discussion might look like in a local church board meeting. In that narrative, go through the procedure of getting from a motion to approval using Robert’s Rules of Order. Include in your narrative someone who disagrees with the motion and either wants to substitute another motion or wants to amend the motion. Be creative.

Upload your scenario to the course. This assignment is worthy 30 points.