# LCMS Convention Workbook_St. Louis Missouri_2007_S330 # Machine transcription, uncorrected — CHI Digital Archive (demonstration) 330 OPINIONS OF COMMISSION ON CONSTITUTIONAL MATTERS sion on Constitutional Matters has from time to time issued guide- lines for the preparation and review of such documents. This fifth revised edition of the guidelines has been prompted by recurring questions and issues raised by district constitution committees and by recent convention actions. The Holy Scriptures do not prescribe a form of polity for a local congregation. Congregations are free to structure themselves in such manner that they believe will be most effective for carrying out the Great Commission of our Lord in a manner that is in har- mony with Holy Scripture, the Confessions, and the teachings and practices of the Synod. In determining a congregation’s polity, much will depend upon its size, ethnic background, sociological setting——whether rural, urban, or suburban—and other pertinent factors. Because of its unique needs or setting, a congregation may de- cide to consider alternate forms of organization. However, in those cases in which a congregation decides to adopt a different type of organization than that described in the following guidelines, the topics that are referenced should still be given serious considera- tion. INDEX I. GENERAL PRINCIPLES II. FORMAT OF THESE GUIDELINES II. GUIDELINES FOR CONSTITUTIONS 1.0 NAME 2.0 MISSION 3.0 CONFESSIONAL STANDARD 4.0 SYNODICAL MEMBERSHIP 5.0 MEMBERSHIP _6.0 CALLED CHURCH WORKERS 7.0 AUTHORITY OF AND WITHIN THE CONGREGATION 7 NANununs $f Bb Wh 8.0 MEETINGS 8 9.0 OFFICERS AND BOARDS 8 10.0 LIMITATIONS ON HOLDING OFFICE 10 11.0 DIVISION 10 12.0 AMENDMENTS 11 IV. GUIDELINES FOR BYLAWS 11 13.0 PROCEDURES FOR CALLING MINISTERS OF RELIGION 11 14.0 CHURCH COUNCIL OR BOARD OF DIRECTORS 12 15.0 NOMINATIONS, ELECTIONS, AND TERMS OF OFFICE 13 16.0 OFFICIAL DUTIES 14 17.0 MEETINGS 14 18.0 RULES OF ORDER 14 19.0 AMENDMENTS 14 I, GENERAL PRINCIPLES A. Because member congregations share in the mission of the Synod articulated in its mission statement, “In grateful response to God’s grace and empowered by the Holy Spirit through Word and Sacraments, the mission of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod is vigorously to make known the love of Christ by word and deed within our churches, communities, and world,” it is beneficial that congregations organize themselves and their ministries in an effec- tive manner as provided in their constitutions and bylaws. B. Among the responsibilities of membership, the Constitution (VI 5") and Bylaws of the Synod require member congregations to sub- mit their constitutions and bylaws for review by their district’s con- stitution committee when applying for membership in the Synod (Bylaw 2.2.1)” and also when revising their constitutions and by- laws at a later time (Bylaw 2.4.1)”. Submission and approval of new and/or revised constitutions and bylaws is a condition of mem- bership and a requirement before the new or revised documents may be used. 2007 Convention Workbook C. While uniformity in these documents is desirable, such differ- ences exist between the congregations of the Synod in size, oppor- tunity, location, and other factors that any attempt to formulate a single example of a constitution and bylaws to suit the needs of every congregation would be ill-advised. For the most part, the or- ganization of a congregation is a matter of self-determination, so long as its constitution and bylaws are in harmony with Holy Scrip- ture, the Confessions, and the teachings and practices of the Synod and are not in violation of governmental laws for not-for-profit charitable organizations. D. When evaluating constitutions and bylaws, district constitution committees will judge whether the documents honor those basic principles for constitutions and bylaws that are enumerated in these guidelines. When appropriate, the wording of the Constitution and Bylaws of the Synod should be advocated for the sake of promot- ing unity and harmony in the Synod. Congregations may note that under Bylaw 2.3.1 (a), constitutions of member congregations are not to deny membership or other congregational privileges to any Christian because of race or ethnic origin. It may also be wise to include a statement prohibiting sexual harassment. E. While these guidelines intend to foster unity in the Synod, it is understood that such unity is grounded primarily in the common confession and mission of the Synod (Constitution, Art. II; Bylaw 1.1.1)” and in the mutually agreed-upon conditions of member- ship and objectives of the Synod (Constitution, Art. VI; Bylaw 1.3.4). Il. FORMAT OF THESE GUIDELINES A. No section regarding the articles of incorporation of member congregations is included in these guidelines. Suffice it to say that these articles should be brief, including only the essential subjects required by the laws of the state in which a congregation is located. An attorney familiar with such matters should be consulted. If nec- essary, names of attorneys can be obtained from district officials. B. In the third section of these guidelines, subjects are identified that ordinarily should be addressed in the constitutions of member congregations of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. Instruc- tive comments are offered under each subject, followed by one or more sample paragraphs. C. In the fourth section of these guidelines, subjects are identified that may be addressed in the bylaws of member congregations of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. Instructive comments are offered under each subject, followed by one or more sample para- graphs. More latitude is granted to congregations in their bylaws to allow for differences in size, location, and other circumstances. D. “Brief but adequate” should be the watchword when congrega- tions develop or amend their constitutions and bylaws. Brevity en- ables congregations later to develop additional structures and pro- grams (e.g., ad hoc committees) to meet specific needs and goals without the need repeatedly to go through the time-consuming process of amending their governing instruments. E. It is the goal of this process and the hope of the Commission in providing these guidelines that congregations of our beloved Synod will be assisted in carrying out ever more effectively the great mis- sion which our Lord Jesus Christ has given to His church on earth: to make disciples of all nations, sharing with their communities and the world the good news of salvation and teaching them to observe all that He has commanded. HE. GUIDELINES FOR CONSTITUTIONS The following are subjects that ordinarily should be addressed in a congregation’s constitution. Instructive comments are provided together with sample paragraphs. For ease of reference, a numeral and decimal numbering system is also recommended. “1.0 NAME Legal counsel should be consulted to make certain that this para- graph follows the requirements for ecclesiastical corporations estab- lished by the state in which the congregation is located. In addition, 1995 Synod convention Resolution 3-13A resolved that “all congrega- tions and mission stations in our Synod boldly profess in their official title and/or name that they are ‘Lutheran.”””