# LCMS Commission on Constitutional Matters Minutes_St. Louis Missouri_May 7 8 2011_S3
# Machine transcription, uncorrected — CHI Digital Archive (demonstration)

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On page 8, mention of “Section 8” in the final paragraph does not appear to correlate with any
portion of the document as submitted.
On page 13, the first two footnotes require updating to reflect use of and changes made to the
2010 Handbook of the Synod.

38. Revision of Bylaw Section 2.17 Standard Operating Procedures Manual
In accordance with Bylaw 2.17.9.3, the commission reviewed a final draft revision of its Standard
Operating Procedures Manual to accompany Bylaw section 2.17 and incorporated final changes. This
final version having also been reviewed by a committee of the Council of Presidents and its concurrence
having been obtained, this document (attached to these minutes) replaces the former version of the Bylaw
Section 2.17 Standard Operating Procedures Manual.
39. Supervision of Doctrine and Practice of Pastors and Congregations of the Synod (11-2589)
In a letter dated April 4, 2011, a pastor of the Synod submitted several series of questions pertaining to
organizations of congregations within the Synod; the ecclesiastical supervisory duties of the President,
vice-presidents, and district presidents of the Synod; and several former related opinions of the
Commission on Constitutional Matters. In accordance with Bylaw 3.9.2.2 (b) expectations, the
commission has invited input from involved officers and agencies of the Synod before providing its
response.
40. Review of Draft of Policy Manual for Colloquy into the Pastoral Ministry (11-2590)
With a letter dated April 21, 2011, the chairman of the Colloquy Committee for Pastoral Ministry
provided a draft copy of his committee’s new policy manual and application form for review by the
commission according to Bylaw 3.9.2.2.3. The commission, after reviewing the documents, offered the
following recommendations for changes to be made.
Bylaws and Policies Document
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On page 3, the reference line should also include (in addition to Bylaw 3.10.2) Bylaws 3.10.2.2;
2.7.2; 2.8.1; 2.8.2; and 2.9.1)
On page 4, the “Definition” paragraph contains inaccuracies in terminology that are then reflected
and will need to be corrected throughout the documents. It should read: “A colloquy in its
simplest form is a conversation, in this case, a theological and moral conversation held to
examine certain applicants, to declare them qualified for a first call (or not), and certify them for
placement in the pastoral ministry in The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod.”
On page 4, the reference to the executive in the second line of the “Interview Panels” paragraph
should read “executive for pastoral education.”
On page 7, a typographical error in the third line of paragraph “2)” should be corrected to read
“completed.”
On page 7, in paragraph “3),” the terminology will need to be corrected to read “the applicant
should be declared qualified (or not) for a pastoral call in The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod
upon completion of the colloquy process.”
On page 7, the final phrase of paragraph “4)” would better read “reasons for seeking admission to
the Synod’s ministerium by colloquy.”

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