It created confusion to include alternates in the recommended bylaws as there were many questions concerning their use, attendance at board meetings, voting privileges, etc. Use of "alternates" is an optional practice a ministry may choose to use. Article VI Board of Trustees, Section 12 Vacancies, clearly states that should a vacancy occur, the board will appoint a qualified member to serve in the vacancy until the next annual membership meeting. The qualifications for appointment are the same as those for election to the position. If willing and eligible (note - the appointee WOULD be eligible if the definition of term of office follows the recommended bylaws definition of "serves more than half of the term" of three years. The next annual membership meeting would be less than twelve months from the time of appointment and the appointee would remain eligible to serve another term if so willing.) The appointed person is eligible to run for re-election to the board at the next annual membership meeting.

Some ministries may decide to have those nominees who are not elected to the board be the pool from which the board will elect a replacement during the year, calling them "alternates". If a ministry chooses to use this term, it should be defined and the privileges of the alternate should be spelled out clearly in the bylaws. Alternates who are not elected by the membership nor appointed by the board to fill a vacancy should NOT be allowed to vote at board meetings, even if allowed to attend the meetings and participate in discussion of agenda items.

Some ministries use a form of advisory council to the board to give greater diversity and input into discussion and form the pool from which future board members or appointees may come. An example of bylaws that provide for such advisors or advisory council is as follows:

ADVSIORS TO BOARD OF TRUSTEES

a) Advisors to the board may be appointed from time to time as the needs of the board dictate. Not to exceed three (3) advisors.
b) Nominees in the election for the Board of Trustees, who were not elected to the board, shall be the President's first consideration as advisors to the board. Appointments shall be entirely at the discretion of the President upon approval of the board.
c) Advisors to the board shall be appointed to serve for a term of one year, with no limit as to the number of terms that may be served.
d) Advisors to the board shall attend all regular meetings of the board and may participate in debate. They shall not, however, vote in board matters, nor shall they participate in executive sessions, unless specifically invited by the board.

The agenda for the annual meeting is established by the Board of Trustees. In some Unity churches, the bylaws specify an agenda for the annual meeting. The President of the Board is responsible for ensuring that all required items are on the agenda. Roberts Rules of Order [RRO] neither allows for or prevents additional agenda items be placed on the agenda for business meetings. The chair could entertain a motion to add an agenda item. If the motion is seconded and approved by the membership, the item could be added. In addition, RRO provides a "motion to suspend the rules" which allows the membership to set an agenda item aside and discuss something else. Again, a motion would be required, as well as a second, with approval by the membership; because the norm in business meetings is to follow a preplanned agenda. It is suggested that additional agenda items be placed at the end of the agenda after all required business has been discussed and voted upon.

Some states require certain items to be presented to and approved by the membership of corporations annually:

- Reading and approval of minutes of the previous annual meeting
- Annual financial report
- Adoption or alteration of bylaws
- Election of members of the Board of Trustees.

In addition, Robert's Rules of Order suggests these items be presented at annual meetings:

- Reports of officers
- Reports of standing committees.

Many Unity churches also present annually:

- A report by the minister
- A projected budget for the coming year
- A strategic plan for the coming year.

Many Unity churches hold additional meetings during the year, such as town hall meetings, in which the agenda can be reviewed and agreed upon at the beginning of the meeting and time is allowed for questions and answers. These meetings are considered to be information meetings and not business meetings. Therefore, no formal motions can be brought before the assembly and no formal business can be conducted in the meeting.