# LCMS Commission on Constitutional Matters Minutes_St. Louis Missouri_November 2 4 2012_S27
# Machine transcription, uncorrected — CHI Digital Archive (demonstration)

1.1 When a pastor or commissioned minister is to be called, every member of the congregation shall be
provided opportunity to suggest one or more names for consideration.
1.2 A call committee shall be appointed [or an existing board or committee designated] to serve as a
screening committee and shall submit all suggested names to the district president for information and
evaluation. The committee shall then present to the congregation by public announcement its proposed
list of candidates and their biographical sketches.
1.3 At a voters meeting called for the purpose of calling a new pastor or commissioned minister, the
proposed list may be amended by a two-thirds vote of the assembly. When possible, information
regarding additional candidates shall be provided by the district president and/or his representative at
the meeting.
1.4 Ballot voting shall continue until a majority [or two-thirds] vote determines the disposition of the call.”
2.0 CHURCH COUNCIL OR BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Even though it is not absolutely necessary for congregations to have a church council or board of directors, as
the case may be, experience has shown this to be beneficial. The makeup and responsibilities of this leadership
group are decided by each congregation. Two examples are provided.
Example:
“The church council shall provide direction to the congregation on behalf of the voters assembly.
2.1 The church council shall consist of the congregation’s president, vice-president, secretary, treasurer,
financial secretary, and the chairmen of its boards. [The pastor may be an advisory or voting member.]
The chairman and secretary of the congregation shall also serve as the chairman and secretary of the
church council.
2.2 The church council shall meet a minimum of four times a year. Special meetings may be called by the
chairman, the pastor, or any three members of the council by providing notice at least 24 hours prior to
the meeting. A majority of the voting members of the council shall constitute a quorum.
2.3 The principal duty of the church council shall be to coordinate the program and activities of the various
departments of the congregation. It shall also have the power to act on behalf of the congregation
between meetings of the voters assembly within limitations established by the voters assembly, which
actions shall be reported to the next meeting of the voters assembly.”
— or —
Example:
“The officers of the congregation along with three other elected at-large members and the administrative
pastor (who shall be a non-voting member) shall comprise the board of directors, which shall provide
direction to the congregation on behalf of the voters assembly.
2.1 The board of directors shall have the authority to develop and implement policies, procedures, and
ministries as necessary to execute the vision and plans approved by the voters assembly. Written
policies and procedures shall be made available to voting members upon request. The board of
directors shall have no authority beyond that which has been conferred upon it by the constitution, its
bylaws, or the voters assembly, and authority delegated to the board of directors may at any time be
altered or revoked by the voters assembly. The board of directors shall normally meet in regular
session at least quarterly.
2.2 The officers of the congregation shall serve as the executive committee of the board of directors, which
shall have the authority to administer all property belonging to the congregation, make contracts,
accept and receive grants and bequests, sign documents, appear in court, review the constitution and
bylaws, report to the congregation when appropriate, and take other such action as may be authorized
by the church council. The committee shall meet at least monthly.
2.3 This congregation shall have such committees as are necessary to assist the called workers, elected
leaders, and members of the congregation in carrying out its mission and ministry. These committees
may be authorized or created by staff members subject to review by the board of directors, unless a
different method of authorization and/or membership selection is required by action of the voters
assembly. The committees shall meet on an as needed basis.”

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