# LCMS Convention Workbook_St. Louis Missouri_2019_S506
# Machine transcription, uncorrected — CHI Digital Archive (demonstration)

506

STRUCTURE AND ADMINISTRATION

to require prior consent for any distribution of their personal contact
information.
New Jersey District
Ov. 9-33

To Amend Bylaw 3.1.7 regarding
the Formation of Floor Committees
WHEREAS, The consultation of the full membership of the
Council of Presidents will provide the greatest diversity of qualified
candidates to serve on the floor committees of Synod; and
WHEREAS, A diversity of individuals across the broad spectrum
of Synod would be the most helpful in providing God-pleasing
results in the formation and writing of resolutions to be considered
by the Synod convention; and
WHEREAS, The Presidents of the various districts would know
the members of their district that would be the best qualified to be
considered for appointment to the floor committees of Synod; and
WHEREAS, The Church operates most productively when
rostered members and lay members work side by side with a
singular purpose; therefore be it
Resolved, That Bylaw 3.1.7 be amended as follows:
PRESENT/PROPOSED WORDING

Ov. 9-34

To Implement Term Limits
for the Synod President and First Vice-President
WHEREAS, The saints of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod
give thanks for the men willing to use their gifts and abilities to
serve as Synod President and First Vice-President; and
WHEREAS, The positions of Synod President and First VicePresident are full-time elected positions recognized as solemn calls
in the Handbook (Bylaw 3.11.1 [a]); and
WHEREAS, Term limits provide an opportunity to utilize the gifts
and abilities of a greater number of qualified men; therefore be it
Resolved, That the Minnesota South District memorialize Synod
to implement term limits for the Synod President and First VicePresident; and be it further
Resolved, That the Synod President and First Vice-President may
serve a maximum of four consecutive three-year terms; and be it
finally
Resolved, That the appropriate changes be made to the
Handbook.
Minnesota South District
Ov. 9-35

To Amend Synod Bylaw 3.2.4.1
regarding Term Limits

Convention Committees
3.1.7
All reports and overtures accepted by the President in
accordance with the foregoing paragraphs shall be referred by him
to convention floor committees. Such floor committees shall be
appointed by the President in consultation with and the majority
consent of the full number of the Council of Presidents and the
majority consent of the Praesidium.
(a) Appointments will be made from among the voting delegates
(Bylaw 3.1.2ff), advisory delegates (Bylaw 3.1.3ff), and advisory
representatives (Bylaw 3.1.4ff).
(b) An equal balance of Oordained ministers, commissioned
ministers, and laypersons shall be represented on all committees.
(c) Appointments to floor committees shall be made with regard
to the fairest and most balanced aggregate representation of all
districts of Synod.
(cd) The President shall notify floor committee members of their
appointment and of the time and place of their first meeting no
later than 16 weeks before the start of the convention.
(de) The committee rosters shall be published in an official
periodical at least 10 weeks before the convention.
(ef) If the President deems it advisable, he may convene floor
committees prior to the opening of the convention.
(fg) After due consideration of the matters referred to it, each
floor committee will report its findings and recommendations to
the convention.
(gh) Each proposed resolution involving expenditures, prior to
its consideration on the floor of the convention, shall be presented
to the floor committee on financial matters, which in consultation
with the accounting department shall attach to the recommended
resolution accompanying information on estimated cost on an
annual or project basis.

Circuit 11
Michigan District

2019 Convention Workbook

WHEREAS, In many of our districts throughout Synod, district
presidents are term limited; and
WHEREAS, Offices of presidents in districts are not called nor
biblically mandated, but rather elected as our governance structure;
and
WHEREAS, There is an optimal balance between experience in
office and healthy turnover in office; therefore be it
Resolved, That Bylaw 3.2.4.1 be amended as follows:
PRESENT/PROPOSED WORDING
3.2.4.1
The offices of President, the First Vice-President, regional
vice-presidents, and Secretary shall be without limitationlimited to
four 3-year terms as to reelection.
…

Michigan District
Ov. 9-36

To Amend Bylaw 3.2.4.1 To Limit Terms of Office
for Synod President, First Vice-President,
Regional Vice-Presidents, and Secretary of Synod
WHEREAS, The Church has been provided, by God, many men
who are equipped to serve in the various administrative positions of
Synod; and
WHEREAS, The infusion of new vitality may help invigorate the
Synod to meet the challenges it daily confronts; and
WHEREAS, The primary responsibility of our ordained ministers
is to proclaim the Gospel and serve and equip the members of the
royal priesthood; and
WHEREAS, The Synod has already seen wisdom in limiting the
tenure of those who serve in office by Bylaw 3.2.4.1, which limits
board and commission members of Synod to two consecutive sixyear terms; and