METHODIST

YOUTH
FELLOWSHIP
THE BYE - LAW

April, 2007
 TABLE OF CONTENTS

PAGE

1. PREAMBLE 2

2. ARTICLE 1 - Logo, Uniform, Motto 2

3. ARTICLE 2 - Mission Statement 3

4. ARTICLE 3 - Membership 3

5. ARTICLE 4 - Functions /Discipline 5

6. ARTICLE 5 - Finance of the Fellowship 6

7. ARTICLE 6 - Financial Operation 7

8. ARTICLE 7 - National Officers 7

9. ARTICLE 8 - Archdiocesan Officers 11

10. ARTICLE 9 - Diocesan Officer 15

11. ARTICLE 10 - Circuit Officers 18

12. ARTICLE 11 - Local Church Officers 22

13. ARTICLE 12 - Tenure of Officers 27

14. ARTICLE 13 - Meetings 28

15. ARTICLE 14 – Grand Patron 29

16. ARTICLE 15 – Functions of the Coordinator 29

17. ARTICLE 16 - General Provision 30

18. APPENDIX

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 PART A
PREAMBLE
THE NAME

We the youth constituting this organization to be known and addressed as Methodist Youth
Fellowship hereinafter referred to as M.Y.F. operating as an autonomous organ under the
auspices of Methodist Church Nigeria: recognize the need for a concise body of rules to
regulate the activities of the organization and to bind every member to institutionalized
standard in codes of conduct by various provisions in a document such as the byelaw
prepared by the members themselves.

Thus, we hereby promulgate this byelaw for use at all levels of Methodist Church Nigeria
conference area where M.Y.F. operates.

ARTICLE ONE

1a. LOGO

The organization shall be identified with a logo of a shield of 3 sections.

• Upper section is blue with organization’s name written in white on the left
• A white c-shell embossed with a green star
• The lower section is a rhombus divided into 3 sides is coloured green white green to
represent the flag of Nigeria.
• The middles section has blue cross with flashes of light round it
• Below the logo is a band divided into blue white blue.
• The middle has the motto written on it

Star – Light, we are the light of the world. Flag – we are Nigerians

Cross - A Christian organization Shield – Banner

B. UNIFORM

The fellowship is not a paramilitary organization; hence there shall not be a uniform .
However, colours could be determined for any occasion when due.

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C. MOTTO

The motto of the fellowship is taken from Mark 16:15 …. “Go ye into all the world and
preach the gospel “This shows that the emphasis of preaching Christ must be seen in all our
activities.

ARTICLE TWO
MISSION STATEMENTS
This fellowship is committed

2.1 To lead young people to accept Jesus Christ as their personal Lord and savior

2.2 To propagate the gospel throughout the world

2.3 To help youths of the church in attainment of academic excellence through the acts of
career and entrepreneurship development useful for god and humanity.

2.4a To help maintain a quality personal relationship with God, fellow youths family
members and adopt a culture of health recreational life
b To provide a sound biblical base for guidance into pre and post marital relationship.

ARTICLE THREE
MEMBERSHIPS
Category of membership shall be as follows

• Full member
• Senior friends/ Honorary senior friends
• Fellow members
• Patrons

3.1a. The fellowship shall consist of all recognized youth group members who fall within
the specified age limit within Methodist Church Nigeria as recommended by the
Conference, Archdiocesan Councils, Synods, Circuit Quarterly meeting, and Church
councils.

b. A full member shall be someone who falls within the age of 12 and 30 at all levels

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c. A full member shall be identified by virtue of the issuance of a membership card
issued to him after 3 months of participating fully in all the activities of the local
fellowship. (Card shall carry date of issuance)

3.2 a. Senior friends shall be members who have been recognized by an award
b. They shall contribute financially to assist the work of the fellowship
c. they can neither vote nor be voted.

3.3 Fellow membership shall be conferred on any active Methodist Youth member who
has attained the age of 50 He/ She must have contributed significantly to the growth
of the fellowship and the church. This membership shall normally be by the approval
of the Diocesan Youth Councils.
ii The National executive Council shall have final power to accept or reject the nominee
from any Diocese.
iii The National executive Council with the approval of the enlarged executives shall
have power to confer fellow award on any member from any diocese.
iv A member of the fellowship shall not belong to any cult, secret society or group and
where a member is found to be a member of such secret societies, he /she seize to be a
member of the youth fellowship.

Distinctive Membership cards shall be given periodically to all members of the youth at all
levels. This is to be borne by various levels and it shall bear two numbers.
1. Registration Number
2. Issuance Number

Registration Number shall have three sections

1. Serial Number
2. Year of registration
3. Month of registration

The President’s signature must be dated and sent to the higher level.

3.4 i. The fellowship shall have patrons for such period of time as suits the fellowship at all
levels.
ii. Patrons shall play advisory role as may be needed by the fellowship at such levels
where they have been appointed.

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 ARTICLE FOUR
FUNCTION/DISCIPLINE
4.1 To organize and promote youth work throughout the conference area.
4.2 To organized and promote Christian Education and produce suitable study materials
to help our young people to become responsible citizens
4.3 To organize Training courses, Seminars Workshops, Camps, International Youth
exchanges and Conventions at all levels.
4.4 To make recommendations to the Conference, Archdiocesan Councils and Synods
through the Youth Work Committee.

DISCPLINE
4.6 Discipline must be maintained and enforced by the officers leading the youth
fellowship. Any act of indiscipline shall be brought to the notice of the President who
shall bring it to the notice of the President who shall bring it to the notice of the
executive council for deliberation where such a person is found liable; he/ she shall be
disciplined according to the decision that shall be reached at the meeting of the
disciplinary committee meeting to state his/her case and failure upon which he/she
shall be disciplined as deemed fit

DISCIPLINARY ACTION
a. The disciplinary committee shall be constituted at the instance of an offence by the
president. The committee shall be empowered only to make recommendation to the
youth board chairman (at national level), bishop, or presbyter (at Diocesan and circuit
level). The minister concerned shall be left to make the declaration.
b. Wherever a disciplinary action is taken, the name of the disciplined member shall be
placed on a list of Members under discipline” and shall not partake in the programme
of the youth until otherwise.
c. The executive council shall give prayerful considerations to all names on the list of
Members under Discipline and a name shall be removed when restoration to members
are granted.

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APPEAL
D. A member who has been disciplined has the right to appeal to the presbyter in the case
of circuit, bishop in the case of Diocese and to the Chairman. Youth Work Broad in
the case of Conference through the Coordinator.

4.7 Any member under discipline shall not participate in the programmes of the youth
fellowship at any unless such a member has been granted pardon by the executive
councils at all levels i.e. Conference, Archdiocese, Diocese, Circuit and local church.

4.8 Members of the youth fellowship shall adhere strictly to the lay down rules in any
youth programme i.e. seminars, Camps and youth conventions e.t.c. failure upon
which the President or any officer so designated shall excuse such a person (s) from
such a programme.

GENERAL FUNCTIONS
4.9 All the youth fellowship elected officers shall carry out to the best of their knowledge
and abilities duties assigned to their posts and to them.

ARTICLE FIVE
FINANCE OF THE FELLOWSHIP
5.1 The finance of the youth fellowship shall be determined by National convention or the
relevant convention through:
• Annual Subscription
• Fellow members and senior friends
• Grants from Methodist Church Nigeria
• Grants from the government
• Fund raising activities
• Donations e.t.c.

5.2 The Youth fellowship reserve the right to deduct at the source from the registration
fees of diocese (s) circuits (s), and Local Churches at conventions and seminars etc
should such a member group fail to honour his financial obligation promptly.

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5.3 Councils at every levels should make it a matter of priority to invest in ventures e.g.
(shares) that will serve as a means of continuous fund generation for the fellowship.

ARTICLE SIX
FINANCIAL OPERATION
6.1 A Current/Savings Account shall be opened separately for the fellowship by the
resolution of the council through the President, Treasurer and Coordinator of the
fellowship.
6.2i. The Financial Officer at all levels shall present an annual statement of income and
expenditure to the Youth Work Board Chairman, Bishops, Presbyters, and Local
Church Ministers at their respective levels.
ii The Board Chairman, Bishops, Presbyters , and local church ministers shall have the
power to write the banker to stop all further withdrawals by the signatories where any
discrepancies are noticed in the statement.

PART B
ARTICLE SEVEN
NATIONAL OFFICERS
National officers shall be:

PRESIDENT

VICE PRESIDENT

GENERAL SECRETARY

ASSISTANT GENERAL SECRETARY

TREASURER

FINANCIAL SECRETARY

PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER(S)

AUDITOR

GAMES OFFICER

WELFARE OFFICER

ASSISSTANT WELFARE OFFICER

PRAYER/EVANGELISM SECRETARY

2 EX-OFFICIO

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 FUNCTIONS OF OFFICERS
7.1 NATIONAL PRESIDENT
a. The National President shall have the executive power(s) to preside over all the
meetings, seminars, workshops, camps, National Convention and any other
programme organized by the Youth fellowship.
b. He shall see to it that the mission statement of the fellowship is implemented.
c. He shall work in consultation with the coordinator throughout his tenure of office on
spiritual development of members during and after convention.
d. He shall authorize the Secretary to convene all meetings of the fellowship
e. He shall be a signatory to the fellowship’s bank account.

7.2 VICE PRESIDENT

a. He shall preside over the Youth Convention and other meetings of the fellowship in
the absence of the president.
b. He shall be the chairman of the convention planning committee.
c. He shall perform all other functions as may be assigned to him by the president.

7.3 GENERAL SECRETARY

a. He shall be responsible for the arrangement in connection with the Youth Convention
in conjunction with the president and coordinator of Youth work.
b. He shall convene all meetings after consultation with the presidents
c. He shall write and keep all the records of all meetings of the fellowship.

7.4 ASSISTANT GENERAL SECRETARY

a. He shall perform all functions of the General Secretary in the absence of the General
Secretary.
b. He shall perform all other functions as may be directed by the General Secretary and
the President.

7.5 TREASURER
a. He shall receive all monies of the fellowship collected by the Financial Secretary
b. He shall lodge such monies to the fellowship’s bank account within 48 hours of
receipt.
c. He shall be a signatory to the fellowships account

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d. He shall keep account books and enter all entries relating to income and expenditure
and shall also keep and sign all vouchers of payment.
e. He shall present annual, periodic, and time to time financial report to the convention
and meetings as the case may be.
f. He must have elementary knowledge of accounting and bookkeeping.
g. He shall jointly present adequate report of finance with the financial secretary.

7.6 FINANCIAL SECRETARY

a. He shall collect all monies of the fellowship: issues receipts for and keep proper
records of it
b. He shall hand over all monies so collected to the Treasurer within 2 days from the day
of receipt of such monies.
c. He shall keep records of all the financial transaction of the fellowship and jointly
present it with the treasurer.

7.7 PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER(S)

a. He shall be responsible for the publicity of all activities of the fellowship
b. He shall be responsible for media activities of the fellowship
c. He shall be external and to project the good image of the church and the Youth
fellowship.

7.8 AUDITOR
a. He shall audit all the financial records of the fellowship and present audited account
to the Conventions meeting, etc
b. He shall act as a link between the fellowship and external auditor should the case arise
c. He must have a good measure of experience of account and booking.

7.9 GAMES OFFICER

a. He shall in conjunction with the president; plan recreational activities during the
convention. (Keep fit exercises)
b. He shall be responsible for recreational and entrepreneurship development all through
the year.

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 7.10 WELFARE OFFICER
a. The welfare officer shall be responsible for the social activities of the fellowship
b. He shall be responsible for the day to day welfare of members in terms of
entertainment i.e. food etc
c. He shall be responsible for the health safety of members at the convention

7.11 ASSISTANT WELFARE OFFICER

a. He shall assist the welfare officer and any other functions assigned by the President.

7.12 PRAYER AND EVANGELISM SECRETARY

a. He shall be responsible for producing prayer bulletin for members.
b. He shall be responsible for planning evangelistic outreaches throughout the year.
c. He shall prepare the bible study outline for convention and other meetings
d. He shall work hand in hand with ministries, lay preachers & gifted brothers and
sisters to take bible study classes.

7.13 EX - OFFICIO
a. The 2 ex- officio appointed by the president in conjunction with the Coordinator
should assist the fellowship in advisory role and assist the fellowship in any assigned
role.
b. They are special duty officers.
Other office could be created if need be.

ARTICLE EIGHT
ARCHDIOCESAN OFFICERS
Archdiocesan officers shall be:

PRESIDENT

VICE PRESIDENT

GENERAL SECRETARY

ASSISTANT GENERAL SECRETARY

PUBLIC RELATION OFFICER

FINANCIAL SECRETARY

TREASURER

AUDITOR

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WELFARE OFFICER

EVANGELISM/PRAYER SECRETARY

GAMES OFFICER

EX-OFFICIO
FUNCTIONS OF OFFICERS
8.1 ARCHDIOCESAN
a. The Archdiocesan President shall have the executive power(s) to preside over all the
meetings, seminars, workshops, camps, Archdiocesan Convention and any other
programme organized by the Youth fellowship.
b. He shall see to it that the mission statement of the fellowship is implemented to the
letter.
c. He shall work in consultation with the coordinator throughout his tenure of office on
spiritual development of members during and after convention.
d. He shall authorize the Secretary to convene all meetings of the fellowship
e. He shall be a signatory to the fellowship’s bank account.

8.2 VICE PRESIDENT

a. He shall preside over the Youth Convention and other meetings of the fellowship in
the absence of the president.
b. He shall be the chairman of the convention planning committee.
c. He shall perform all other functions as may be assigned to him by the president.

8.3 GENERAL SECRETARY

a. He shall be responsible for the arrangement in connection with the Youth Convention
in conjunction with the president and coordinator of Youth work.
b. He shall convene all meetings after consultation with the presidents
c. He shall write and keep all the records of all meetings of the fellowship.

8.4 ASSISTANT GENERAL SECRETARY

a. He shall perform all functions of the General Secretary in the absence of the General
Secretary.
b. He shall perform all other functions as may be directed by the General Secretary and
the President.

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8.5 TREASURER
a. He shall receive all monies of the fellowship collected by the Financial Secretary
b. He shall lodge such monies to the fellowship’s bank account within 48 hours of
receipt.
c. He shall be a signatory to the fellowship’s account
d. He shall keep account books and enter all entries relating to income and expenditure
and shall also keep and sign all vouchers of payment.
e. He shall present annual, periodic, and time to time financial report to the convention
and meetings as the case may be.
f. He must have elementary knowledge of accounting and bookkeeping.
g. He shall jointly present adequate report of finance with the financial secretary.

8.6 FINANCIAL SECRETARY

a. He shall collect all monies of the fellowship: issues receipts for and keep proper
records of it.
b. He shall hand over all monies so collected to the Treasurer within 2 days from the day
of receipt of such monies.
c. He shall keep records of all the financial transaction of the fellowship and jointly
present it with the treasurer.

8.7 PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER(S)

a. He shall be responsible for the publicity of all activities of the fellowship.
b. He shall be responsible for media activities of the fellowship.
c. He shall be external and to project the good image of the church and the Youth
fellowship.

8.8 AUDITOR
a. He shall audit all the financial records of the fellowship and present audited account
to the Conventions meeting, etc.
b. He shall act as a link between the fellowship and external auditor should the case
arise.
c. He must have a good measure of experience of account and booking.

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8.9 GAMES OFFICER
a. He shall in conjunction with the president; plan recreational activities during the
convention. (Keep fit exercises)
b. He shall be responsible for recreational and entrepreneurship development all through
the year.

8.10 WELFARE OFFICER

a. The welfare officer shall be responsible for the social activities of the fellowship
b. He shall be responsible for the day to day welfare of members in terms of
entertainment, that is, food etc.
c. He shall be responsible for the health safety of members at the convention

8.11 ASSISTANT WELFARE OFFICER

a. He shall assist the welfare officer and any other functions assigned by the President.

8.12 PRAYER AND EVANGELISM SECRETARY

a. He shall be responsible for producing prayer bulletin for members.
b. He shall be responsible for planning evangelistic outreaches throughout the year.
c. He shall prepare the bible study outline for convention and other meetings.
d. He shall work hand in hand with ministries, lay preachers & gifted brothers and
sisters to take bible study classes.

8.13 EX-OFFICIO
a. The 2 ex- officio appointed by the president in conjunction with the Coordinator
should assist the fellowship in advisory role and assist the fellowship in any assigned
role.
b. They are special duty officers.

Other office could be created if need be.

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 ARTICLE NINE
DIOCESAN OFFICERS

PRESIDENT

VICE PRESIDENT

GENERAL SECRETARY

ASSISTANT GENERAL SECRETARY

PUBLIC RELATION OFFICER

FINANCIAL SECRETARY

TREASURER

AUDITOR

WELFARE OFFICER

EVANGELISM/PRAYER SECRETARY

GAMES OFFICER

EX-OFFICIO

FUNCTIONS DIOCESAN OFFICERS

9.1 DIOCESAN PRESIDENT
a. The diocesan President shall have the executive power(s) to preside over all the
meetings, seminars, workshops, camps, diocesan Convention and any other
programme organized by the Youth fellowship.
b. He shall see to it that the mission statement of the fellowship is implemented to the
letter.
c. He shall work in consultation with the coordinator throughout his tenure of office on
spiritual development of members during and after convention.
d. He shall authorize the Secretary to convene all meetings of the fellowship
e. He shall be a signatory to the fellowship’s bank account.

9.2 VICE PRESIDENT

a. He shall preside over the Youth Convention and other meetings of the fellowship in
the absence of the president.
b. He shall be the chairman of the convention planning committee.
c. He shall perform all other functions as may be assigned to him by the president.

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9.3 GENERAL SECRETARY
a. He shall be responsible for the arrangement in connection with the Youth Convention
in conjunction with the president and coordinator of Youth work.
b. He shall convene all meetings after consultation with the presidents
c. He shall write and keep all the records of all meetings of the fellowship.

9.4 ASSISTANT GENERAL SECRETARY

a. He shall perform all functions of the General Secretary in the absence of the General
Secretary.
b. He shall perform all other functions as may be directed by the General Secretary and
the President.

9.5 TREASURER
a. He shall receive all monies of the fellowship collected by the Financial Secretary
b. He shall lodge such monies to the fellowships bank account within 48 hours of
receipt.
c. He shall be a signatory to the fellowships account
d. He shall keep account books and enter all entries relating to income and expenditure
and shall also keep and sign all vouchers of payment.
e. He shall present annual, periodic, and time to time financial report to the convention
and meetings as the case may be.
f. He must have elementary knowledge of accounting and bookkeeping.
g. He shall jointly present adequate report of finance with the financial secretary.

9.6 FINANCIAL SECRETARY

a. He shall collect all monies of the fellowship: issues receipts for and keep proper
records of it
b. He shall hand over all monies so collected to the Treasurer within 2 days from the day
of receipt of such monies.
c. He shall keep records of all the financial transaction of the fellowship and jointly
present it with the treasurer.

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9.7 PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER(S)
a. He shall be responsible for the publicity of all activities of the fellowship
b. He shall be responsible for media activities of the fellowship
c. He shall be external and to project the good image of the church and the Youth
fellowship.

9.8 AUDITOR
a. He shall audit all the financial records of the fellowship and present audited account
to the Conventions meeting, etc
b. He shall act as a link between the fellowship and external auditor should the case arise
c. He must have a good measure of experience of account and booking.

9.9 GAMES OFFICER

a. He shall in conjunction with the president; plan recreational activities during the
convention. (Keep fit exercises)
b. He shall be responsible for recreational and entrepreneurship development all through
the year.

9.10 WELFARE OFFICER

a. The welfare officer shall be responsible for the social activities of the fellowship
b. He shall be responsible for the day to day welfare of members in terms of
entertainment i.e food etc
c. He shall be responsible for the health safety of members at the convention

9.11 ASSISTANT WELFARE OFFICER

a. He shall assist the welfare officer and any other functions assigned by the President.

9.12 PRAYER AND EVANGELISM SECRETARY

a. He shall be responsible for producing prayer bulletin for members.
b. He shall be responsible for planning evangelistic outreaches throughout the year.
c. He shall prepare the bible study outline for convention and other meetings
d He shall work hand in hand with ministries, lay preachers & gifted brothers and
sisters to take bible study classes.

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9.13 EX-OFFICIO
a. The 2 ex- officio appointed by the president in conjunction with the Coordinator
should assist the fellowship in advisory role and assist the fellowship in any assigned
role.
b. They are special duty officers.
Other offices could be created if need be.
ARTICLE TEN
CIRCUIT OFFICERS

PRESIDENT

VICE PRESIDENT

GENERAL SECRETARY

ASSISTANT GENERAL SECRETARY

PUBLIC RELATION OFFICER

FINANCIAL SECRETARY

TREASURER

AUDITOR

WELFARE OFFICER

ASSISTANCE WELFARE

EVANGELISM/PRAYER SECRETARY

GAMES OFFICER

EX-OFFICIO

FUNCTIONS OF CIRCUIT OFFICERS

10.1 CIRCUIT PRESIDENT
a. The Circuit President shall have the executive power(s) to preside over all the
meetings, seminars, workshops, camps, circuit Convention and any other programme
organized by the Youth fellowship.
b. He shall see to it that the mission statement of the fellowship is implemented to the
letter.
c. He shall work in consultation with the coordinator throughout his tenure of office on
spiritual development of members during and after convention.
d. He shall authorize the Secretary to convene all meetings of the fellowship
e. He shall be a signatory to the fellowship’s bank account.

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10.2 VICE PRESIDENT
a. He shall preside over the Youth Convention and other meetings of the fellowship in
the absence of the president.
b. He shall be the chairman of the convention planning committee.
c. He shall perform all other functions as may be assigned to him by the president.

10.3 GENERAL SECRETARY

a. He shall be responsible for the arrangement in connection with the Youth Convention
in conjunction with the president and coordinator of Youth work.
b. He shall convene all meetings after consultation with the presidents
c. He shall write and keep all the records of all meetings of the fellowship.

10.4 ASSISTANT GENERAL SECRETARY

a. He shall perform all functions of the General Secretary in the absence of the General
Secretary.
b. He shall perform all other functions as may be directed by the General Secretary and
the President.

10.5 TREASURER
a. He shall receive all monies of the fellowship collected by the Financial Secretary
b. He shall lodge such monies to the fellowships bank account within 48 hours of
receipt.
c. He shall be a signatory to the fellowships account
d. He shall keep account books and enter all entries relating to income and expenditure
and shall also keep and sign all vouchers of payment.
e. He shall present annual, periodic, and time to time financial report to the convention
and meetings as the case may be.
f. He must have elementary knowledge of accounting and bookkeeping.
g. He shall jointly present adequate report of finance with the financial secretary.

10.6 FINANCIAL SECRETARY

a. He shall collect all monies of the fellowship: issues receipts for and keep proper
records of it

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b. He shall hand over all monies so collected to the Treasurer within 2 days from the day
of receipt of such monies.
c. He shall keep records of all the financial transaction of the fellowship and jointly
present it with the treasurer.

10.7 PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER(S)

a. He shall be responsible for the publicity of all activities of the fellowship
b. He shall be responsible for media activities of the fellowship
c. He shall be external and to project the good image of the church and the Youth
fellowship.

10.8 AUDITOR
a. He shall audit all the financial records of the fellowship and present audited account
to the Conventions meeting, etc
b. He shall act as a link between the fellowship and external auditor should the case arise
c. He must have a good measure of experience of account and booking.

10.9 GAMES OFFICER

a. He shall in conjunction with the president; plan recreational activities during the
convention. (Keep fit exercises)
b. He shall be responsible for recreational and entrepreneurship development all through
the year.

10.10 WELFARE OFFICER

a. The welfare officer shall be responsible for the social activities of the fellowship
b. He shall be responsible for the day to day welfare of members in terms of
entertainment i.e food etc
c. He shall be responsible for the health safety of members at the convention

10.11 ASSISTANT WELFARE OFFICER

a. He shall assist the welfare officer and any other functions assigned by the President.

10.12 PRAYER AND EVANGELISM SECRETARY

a. He shall be responsible for producing prayer bulletin for members.

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b. He shall be responsible for planning evangelistic outreaches throughout the year.
c. He shall prepare the bible study outline for convention and other meetings
d He shall work hand in hand with ministries, lay preachers & gifted brothers and
sisters to take bible study classes.

10.13 EX-OFFICIO
a. The 2 ex- officio appointed by the president in conjunction with the Coordinator
should assist the fellowship in advisory role and assist the fellowship in any assigned
role.
b. They are special duty officers.
Other office could be created if need be.

ARTICLE ELEVEN
LOCAL CHURCH YOUTH OFFICERS

PRESIDENT

VICE PRESIDENT

GENERAL SECRETARY

ASSISTANT GENERAL SECRETARY

PUBLIC RELATION OFFICER

FINANCIAL SECRETARY

TREASURER

AUDITOR

WELFARE OFFICER

ASSISTANCE WELFARE

EVANGELISM/PRAYER SECRETARY

GAMES OFFICER

EX-OFFICIO

FUNCTIONS OF LOCAL CHURCH OFFICERS

11.1 CIRCUIT PRESIDENT
a. The President shall have the executive power(s) to preside over all the meetings,
seminars, workshops, camps, Convention and any other programme organized by the
Youth fellowship.
b. He shall see to it that the mission statement of the fellowship is implemented to the
letter.

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c. He shall work in consultation with the coordinator throughout his tenure of office on
spiritual development of members during and after convention.
d. He shall authorize the Secretary to convene all meetings of the fellowship
e. He shall be a signatory to the fellowship’s bank account.

11.2 VICE PRESIDENT

a. He shall preside over the Youth Convention and other meetings of the fellowship in
the absence of the president.
b. He shall be the chairman of the convention planning committee.
c. He shall perform all other functions as may be assigned to him by the president.

11.3 GENERAL SECRETARY

a. He shall be responsible for the arrangement in connection with the Youth Convention
in conjunction with the president and coordinator of Youth work.
b. He shall convene all meetings after consultation with the presidents
c. He shall write and keep all the records of all meetings of the fellowship.

11.4 ASSISTANT GENERAL SECRETARY

a. He shall perform all functions of the General Secretary in the absence of the General
Secretary.
b. He shall perform all other functions as may be directed by the General Secretary and
the President.

11.5 TREASURER
a. He shall receive all monies of the fellowship collected by the Financial Secretary
b. He shall lodge such monies to the fellowships bank account within 48 hours of
receipt.
c. He shall be a signatory to the fellowships account
d. He shall keep account books and enter all entries relating to income and expenditure
and shall also keep and sign all vouchers of payment.
e. He shall present annual, periodic, and time to time financial report to the convention
and meetings as the case may be.
f. He must have elementary knowledge of accounting and bookkeeping.
g. He shall jointly present adequate report of finance with the financial secretary.

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11.6 FINANCIAL SECRETARY
a. He shall collect all monies of the fellowship: issues receipts for and keep proper
records of it
b. He shall hand over all monies so collected to the Treasurer within 2 days from the day
of receipt of such monies.
c. He shall keep records of all the financial transaction of the fellowship and jointly
present it with the treasurer

11.7 PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER(S)

a. He shall be responsible for the publicity of all activities of the fellowship
b. He shall be responsible for media activities of the fellowship
c. He shall be external and to project the good image of the church and the Youth
fellowship.

11.8 AUDITOR
a. He shall audit all the financial records of the fellowship and present audited account
to the Conventions meeting, etc
b. He shall act as a link between the fellowship and external auditor should the case arise
c. He must have a good measure of experience of account and booking.

11.9 GAMES OFFICER

a. He shall in conjunction with the president; plan recreational activities during the
convention. (Keep fit exercises)
b. He shall be responsible for recreational and entrepreneurship development all through
the year.

11.10 WELFARE OFFICER

a. The welfare officer shall be responsible for the social activities of the fellowship
b. He shall be responsible for the day to day welfare of members in terms of
entertainment i.e food etc
c. He shall be responsible for the health safety of members at the convention

11.11 ASSISTANT WELFARE OFFICER

a. He shall assist the welfare officer and any other functions assigned by the President.

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11.12 PRAYER AND EVANGELISM SECRETARY
a. He shall be responsible for producing prayer bulletin for members.
b. He shall be responsible for planning evangelistic outreaches throughout the y
c. He shall prepare the bible study outline for convention and other meetings
d He shall work hand in hand with ministries, lay preachers & gifted brothers and
sisters to take bible study classes.

11.13 EX-OFFICIO
a. The 2 ex- officio appointed by the president in conjunction with the Coordinator
should assist the fellowship in advisory role and assist the fellowship in any assigned
role.
b. They are special duty officers.
Other office could be created if need be.

ELECTION

a. To qualify to stand for an election t any level, one must be a confirmed member of
Methodist Church Nigeria.
b. To qualify to stand for an election at the National level one must have been a full
member for at least 5 years. To stand for elections at the Diocesan level, one must
have been a full member for at least 3years, while circuit at least 2 years of full
membership.
c. A youth member who wishes to stand for election for post(s) must be a financial
member, not more than 27years of full membership
d. Upon the approval of this byelaw NO MINISTER shall be eligible to stand for an
elective post(s) in the fellowship. But since job/work of a Youth Coordinator is on full
or part time basis, this shall be open to both the lay persons and ministers, as this is a
paid employment.
e. Upon the approval of this Bye law, there shall be an Electoral Committee at all level
of the Youth fellowship
f. The Electoral committee shall consist of one representative from each of the
Archdioceses and Trinity Council in case of National, Dioceses in case of the
Archdiocese, Circuits in the case of Diocese, Local church in the case Circuit. In case
of Local church elections, members of the executives at higher levels could be invited
to stand as electoral committee. The committee shall screen all the candidates who
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 indicate their intention to stand for election by writing or proxy, and shall appear before
the committee when summoned.
g. Elections shall be by simple majority and nomination shall be by a nomination form to be
taken by every intending officer, duly signed by the accounting officer of the relevant
stages, e.g Bishops for National, Presbyters for Dioceses, etc and the coordinator at such
stages.
h. It shall be held outside convention grounds under a serene and spiritual atmosphere.
i. Contestants shall declare their vision for the fellowship in the presence of the electorate.
j. It shall be by open ballot and show of hands and or standing.
k. There shall be two voters per Diocese.
l. Counting shall be done by electoral officers to be appointed for the purpose and shall the
audible.
m. Nominations not supported shall be forfeited and seen to be so
n. Where there is a tie in an election. (Bye –election) the President shall cast his/her vote.
But in the case of a general election there shall be a run off between the contestants
o. In the case of singular nomination, the 2/3 majority of members present shall determine
his election to office.

ARTICLE TWELVE
TENURE OF OFFICE
12.1 All Elected Officers of the fellowship shall be in office for a period of one term such
as three years.

12.2 Any elected officer of the fellowship is eligible for a second term of another three
years and no more.

12.3 No elected officer of the fellowship shall serve in the same office (post) for more than
(2) consecutive terms i.e 6 years

12.4 A post shall be declared forfeited where such officer has not performed adequately
well. But where vacancy (ies) results due to ill health, transfer from post of primary
assignment etc. The President shall make declaration, but if such is in the case of the
President, the bishop of the diocese through the coordinator shall declare the
forfeiture or the vacancy. In the case is of the National President the conference
through the National coordinator shall make the declaration.

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12.5 In case of forfeiture, bye-election shall be conducted to fill vacant offices (posts)
before the expiration of the period of the term.

12.6 Any elected officer found wanting shall be liable to forfeit his/her position in the
fellowship.

12.7 All elected officer (s) shall be expected to run the tenure and where this is not and
then adequate reason(s) shall be given to the fellowship through the President and or
the Secretary.

12.8 Any suspended person (s) shall not be eligible for re-election.

12.9 No Diocese shall be allowed to present a contestant unless all outstanding financial
obligations have been met.

ARTICLE THIRTEEN
MEETINGS
13.1 There shall be at least 2 meeting of the Youth Fellowship at every level during the
year.

13.2 The Enlarged Executive Meeting shall consist of National Executives, Archdiocesan
Presidents, Secretaries and Coordinators, Diocesan Presidents, Diocesan Secretaries
and Diocesan Youth Coordinators, at the National level

The Enlarged Executive Meeting shall consist of Archdiocesan Executives, Diocesan

Presidents, Diocesan Secretaries and Coordinators, Secretaries and Diocesan Youth
Coordinators, at the National level

The Enlarged Executive Meeting shall consist of Diocesan Executives, Circuit

Presidents, Secretaries and Coordinators and any Archdiocesan officer level

Circuit Enlarge meeting shall consist of Diocesan Local church Presidents,

Secretaries, Coordinators and any National, Archdiocesan or Diocesan officer resident
in the circuit

The meetings shall be held at least 2 times during a year to review Youth Fellowship
activities.

13.3 The National Executive Council shall have at least four (4) meetings before the
biennial Youth Convention.
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13.4 Emergency meeting can be called at all levels

13.5 There shall be a minimum of an outreach during the church year organized by the
fellowship at all levels

13.6 The secretary shall be the only authority capable of calling meeting

QUORUM
13.7 Quorum at meetings shall be formed by two third 2/3 majority of the eligible
members of the meeting.

ARTICLE FOURTEEN
GRAND PATRONS
14.1 The Prelate of Methodist Church Nigeria shall be patron of the fellowship.
14.2 The Archbishops shall be the patron(s) of the fellowship at the Archdiocesan and
Diocesan levels.
14.3 The fellowship may appoint such number of lay patrons and patronesses are it deems
fit and this shall review periodically.

ARTICLE FIFTEEN
FUNCTIONS OF YOUTH WORK COORDINATOR
15.1 The Youth work coordinator shall supervise the activities of all the convention
officials and see to the spiritual session or year of the youth fellowship
15.2 The coordinator shall serve as the youth chaplain where he gives spiritual
development and advice.
15.3 He shall work in consultation with the youth President throughout his tenure of
office on spiritual development of members during and after convention
15.4 The coordinator shall present an annual report to the family meetings at all level.
15.5 The coordinator shall be person(s) with adequate knowledge of the bible and shall
either be a minster of the gospel at conference and diocesan level or a layman with
spiritual abilities at other levels.
15.6 The coordinator shall either be full or part time personnel.
15.7 He shall be a signatory to the account.

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 PART C
ARTICLE SIXTEEN
GENERAL PROVISIONS
a. It shall be the aspiration of every member of Methodist Nigeria Youth Fellowship to
seek holiness of character and life after the pattern of Christ Recognizing those
matters on which the fellowship stands, we found it expedient to lay down the
following rules for the guidance of its members and are only representative of the
whole obligation relating to the total life of a “Christian”, all Methodist Youths must
endeavour to identify themselves with and uphold the rules.
b. All delegates to Conventions/Seminars etc should be duly registered under a diocese
in the case of National / Archdiocesan programme, a circuit in case of diocesan
programme and a local church in the case of a circuit programme(s).
c. The entry point into the Youth fellowship shall be 12 years of age and exit point shall
be 30 years for full members and 50 years honorary members
d. Ad-Hoc Committee shall be set up to deal with topical issues as they arise
e. The National, Archdiocesan, Diocesan, Circuit/Local executive councils shall have
such others power(s) to make standards/ provision of Methodist Church Nigeria and
seen to be so.

AMENDMENT
PART D
This document is subject to review ten years after adoption through a bye law review
committee that shall include a member from each of the Archdioceses and Trinity council
such review/alteration shall be approved by the enlarged executive after having been
channeled through the National Executive and the conference Youth Work Committee.

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