On September 17, the closing day of the constitutional Convention of 1787, Dr. Benjamin Franklin made the following statement, " I agree to this Constitution with all its faults, if they are such; because I thing a general government necessary for us, and I believe farther that this is likely to be well administered for a course of years, and can only end in despotism, as other forms have done before it, when, and if the people shall become so corrupted as to need a despotic government, being incapable of any other. "

As we all embark on a grand and exciting adventure of starting a new ministry, we believe God would have us do so in a joyful yet solemn spirit, taking heed to the above Scripture. All of us, at one time or another, have wondered if any form of government is necessary ... " why not just let the Holy Spirit direct us?" If all of us, or even M of us, have reached the 'full stature of Christ" as in Eph. 4:13, then we would agree with that premise. However, we have not, so we believe that it is necessary for us to set down the following guidelines as a form or structure on which we can all work together in work through the hearts of men... it is the men who need the systems to help them keep focused on what God is doing in their hearts.

Dr. Franklin continued, " I doubt, too, whether any other convention we can obtain may be able to make a better constitution; for when you assemble a number of men o have the advantage of their prejudices, their passions, their errors of opinion, their local interests, and their selfish views. From such an assembly can a perfect production be expected. "

"It therefore astonishes me, sir, to find this system approaching so near to perfection as it does; and I thing it will astonish our enemies, who are waiting with confidence to hear that our councils are confounded like those of the builders of Babel; and that our states are on the point of separation... Thus I consent, sir, to this constitution because I expect no better, and because I am not sure that it is not the best. "

The Kansas City Committee, over the past several months, has spent many intense hours developing the following procedures for governing this new ministry. In one sense, because we had the advantage of previous experiences, we were able to apply judgment and insight from those experiences to avoid what would not work and to embrace what would work. Between now and our first convention in June, 1996, we will each have an opportunity to be a part of the formation and growth of ministry that is to carry forth the vision of laymen witnessing to other laymen about Jesus Christ. This is exciting.

Both husbands and wives are encouraged to attend all meetings. We are asking both of you to diligently read and study the following pages prior to the Saturday morning business meeting. Discuss every aspect of the material and write down any questions you may have. After walking through the entire proposal from the podium on Saturday, there will be an open time for further clarification to your questions.