Committee on Ministry and Counsel

Purpose:  The Committee on Ministry and Counsel is charged with nurturing the spiritual life of the Yearly Meeting as a whole and of its individual members so that they may become closer to God and one another, helping to maintain the good order of the community and the well-being of Friends.  The Committee provides spiritual advice and counsel to the Yearly Meeting, its officers, committees and individual Friends on a year-round basis as needed (IMYM 00-05), providing nurturing, encouragement, and conflict resolution and reconciliation services. 

Membership:  Members are the Clerk, two representatives from each of the Regional Meetings, and two representatives from Senior Young Friends. Current practice is for the Clerk to be nominated for Yearly Meeting appointment from among the members of the Committee. The Clerk of Ministry and Counsel is a member of the Executive Committee and ex officio to the Continuing Committee. 

Terms:  Three years for members and the Clerk.  It is recommended to Regional Meetings that representatives be appointed to begin service at the beginning of an annual session and serve to the beginning of the annual session three years later. 

Confidentiality:  While the committee generally works in an environment of confidentiality, it may be occasionally necessary to inform others of a committee matter.  The need for and nature of such communication should be carefully considered.  If it is determined that the communication is needed, that fact should be disclosed to the parties who have given this information to the committee.  

Responsibilities of the Committee include:

1. Holding regular committee meetings during the annual session, serving as spiritual support for the clerks, executive committee, and others with responsibilities for the care of the gathering, in the good order of Friends.

2. Prayerfully holding Yearly Meeting sessions in the Light, being sensitive to the realization of ministry in Yearly Meeting matters.

3. Caring for individuals and their concerns about relationships, practices and events associated with the annual gathering and the Yearly Meeting.

4. Publicizing at the annual gathering the membership of the Committee in order to provide accessibility and service to all Friends.

5. Being available for consultation as needed during the times between annual gatherings.

6. Undertaking such other tasks as shall be requested by the Yearly Meeting. 

Executive and Continuing Committees:  The Executive Committee meets in late summer to evaluate the various aspects of the most recent annual gathering and begin planning for next year's annual gathering.  The Clerk of the Ministry and Counsel Committee may be asked to submit a written evaluative report in advance of this Executive Committee meeting.  In its winter meeting a few months later, the Continuing Committee completes the planning for the next annual gathering.  The Yearly Meeting pays upon request the travel expenses to these meetings. 

Financial arrangements:  Incidental operating expenditures for clerical supplies, communications, etc., may be submitted (normally by the Committee Clerk) to the Treasurer for reimbursement.  The Treasurer should be consulted before incurring unusual expenses.