Brotherhood of St. Andrew
Dallas Assembly
Episcopal Diocese of Dallas

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10 Characteristics of Successful Chapters

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10 Characteristics of Successful Chapters

The Ten Characteristics of Successful Chapters was developed as a guideline for Brotherhood Chapter Leaders to help them concentrate on the key things which will maximize the effectiveness of their Chapter meetings. Success of a Brotherhood Chapter should be measured against the stated mission of the Brotherhood of bringing men and boys to Christ, and into a deeper relationship with him.

Men today have many demands on their time. Brothers leaving every Chapter meeting should feel that their investment in time attending the meeting was worthwhile in helping them grow spiritually while bonding with other men.

Successful Brotherhood Chapters share these ten common characteristics. The top ten list has been boiled down to the most important ones as a result of years of analyzing the way the most successful Chapters operate. If you are starting a new Chapter, be sure your meetings are designed to cover all ten characteristics, If your Chapter is already operating, give your Chapter a "check-up", and implement whatever changes are necessary to cover all ten characteristics.

1) Interesting well planned meetings at least twice a month with
     a major spiritual component that start and stop on time.
     Meetings should be 1:15 maximum.

2) It is helpful if the Rector takes an active interest in the BStA
    and attends the meetings from time to time to encourage
    the brothers in their mission.

3) A hot meal as a key part of every meeting - i.e. breakfast

4) Study and discussion of scripture or other related spiritually
    oriented material used for the majority of the time of the
    meeting that will lead men into a deeper relationship with
    Our Lord that is presented in an interesting way resulting in
    good discussions of those present. Men need to leave each
    meeting feeling that they have learned something that will
    help them grow spiritually.

5) Rotation of key assignments for each meeting, such as study
    facilitator, food, calling or e mailing Brothers reminding them
    of the meeting so that the burden of running the meeting
    doesn’t fall on one brother (usually the Chapter Director),
    and that all share in the ownership of each meeting always
    striving for an interesting and meaningful meeting.

6) Active prayer (confidential) list, and prayer support for
    members in need.

7) Ongoing service projects, identified with the Brotherhood,
    that will attract other men (not Brotherhood members), to
    participate. Have at least one service project that is aimed at
    helping persons with needs. Planning for service projects
    should be done outside of the regular meetings, and a status
    report is given during the chapter meeting.

8) An atmosphere during the meeting that encourages
    participation in confidential discussions, sharing ones current
    life or faith challenges, promoting bonding. and fellowship.

9) Solid commitment of the four elected Chapter officers in
    planning and executing meetings that will attract new & retain
    existing members.

10) Active recruitment of new members, and including youth
      (sons or grandsons) in the Chapter meetings. Having
      interesting meetings are necessary to attract and retain
      visitors who may be interested in becoming Brotherhood
      members.
 

Version 0.2, September 15, 2009