Brotherhood of St. Andrew
Dallas Assembly
Episcopal Diocese of Dallas
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RESOURCES |
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Starting A Brotherhood Chapter Today's man has a need to grow spiritually, but there are few opportunities for them to learn and share with each other on a deeper spiritual level. The Brotherhood of St. Andrew provides a vehicle for deeper spiritual development. To start a chapter in your parish, follow the steps listed below. You should also contact the Diocesan Coordinator for assistance. Any man interested in starting a Brotherhood Chapter in his church should first contact the Brotherhood Diocesan Coordinator to discuss the best procedure for starting the new BStA Chapter and learn how the Diocesan Coordinator can be of assistance. After getting the support of two or three men in your church, talk with the Rector about starting a Brotherhood Chapter, and get his approval to have a meeting of men to present the Brotherhood's ministry to men. The purpose of the meeting will be to determine the level of interest in starting a Chapter. Place an article in the Church bulletin inviting all men in the church to an informational meeting about the Brotherhood, usually on a week night at 7 PM lasting 1 to 1 1/2 hours. Call as many men as possible prior to the meeting urging them to attend in order to learn about the Brotherhood's ministry to men and boys. Make arrangements with the Brotherhood Diocesan Coordinator to attend the meeting making a presentation on the Brotherhood's ministry. The presentation usually consists of a Power Point or Video presentation. A sample Power Point Presentation is located here. At the informational meeting, which the Rector should also attend, ask the Rector to say a few words indicating his support in getting a Chapter started in the Church. Then ask how many men would be interested in becoming charter members of the new Chapter. Assuming, at least 4 men indicate their interest, the rector should appoint the first Chapter Director, indicating his name on the application. Then have all interested men sign the Brotherhood application form, attach checks, have the Rector sign, and then mail the new Chapter application to the Brotherhood Central Office. Use the link on the Resources main page to the National website for instructions on where to send the application. The Brotherhood Central Office will acknowledge, approve the application, and mail a box of material in approximately two weeks. The material will include Brotherhood label pins, devotional handbooks, and printed materials to assist the new Chapter Director, and his leadership team in operating the new Chapter effectively. The Diocesan Coordinator can be of assistance in showing the best way to use the new printed material, and should be contacted when it arrives. Using the materials sent to you by the Brotherhood Central Office, and the assistance of the Diocesan Coordinator, schedule the first Chapter meeting and elect the three remaining Chapter officers: Vice Director, Secretary, and Treasurer. The Diocesan Coordinator should be present during the first two or three Chapter meetings to act as a consultant to help the Chapter get off to a good start. Contact your Rector, and the Brotherhood Diocesan Coordinator to schedule the installation of the new Chapter during the announcement period of a Sunday service. See the Brotherhood handbook for the order of service. The leadership team (new officers) should study the sample agenda, and suggested guidelines for Brotherhood Chapter meetings, and then review it with all members. You should also review the section on Running a Successful Chapter. Then the guidelines, and sample agenda should be followed for not only the first meeting, but all subsequent Chapter meetings. Consult your Rector for suggestions on the material for study part of the program.
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Version 0.4, February 4, 2007 |