# LCMS Commission on Constitutional Matters Minutes_St. Louis Missouri_January 25 26 2013_S27
# Machine transcription, uncorrected — CHI Digital Archive (demonstration)

3.8.2.3 The Office of National Mission, implements the policies of which relates to the Board for
National Mission and implements its policies under the supervision of the Chief Mission
Officer and shall be responsible to the President of the Synod through the Chief Mission
Officer shall be responsible for domestic ministries that especially serve congregations and
schools through the districts of the Synod. Such district ministries may include but not be
limited to:
• Lutheran school ministries and accreditation
• human care and domestic mercy efforts
• stewardship
• evangelism
• church planting and revitalization
• youth ministry

(C) Office International Mission
Rationale
Here also the current bylaw terminology (“relates to”) is unclear, as are the roles of the President and
Chief Mission Officer of the Synod. Removing unclear terminology and incorporating additional wording
regarding the responsibility of the Chief Mission Officer provides necessary clarity.
PRESENT/PROPOSED WORDING
Office of International Mission
3.8.3.3 The Office of International Mission, implements the policies of which relates to the Board
for International Mission and implements its policies, under the supervision of the Chief
Mission Officer shall be responsible to the President of the Synod through the Chief Mission
Officer and shall be responsible for the work of the Synod in foreign countries. Such
responsibilities may include but not be limited to:
• placement and support of foreign missionaries
• establishment and maintenance of international schools
• coordination of international relief efforts
• policy recommendations to the Board for International Mission
• support and encouragement of international partner churches in conjunction with the
Office of the President

(D) Duties of Chief Mission Officer
Rationale
The current wording of Bylaw 3.4.3.1, which speaks of the Chief Mission Officer along with others
serving as staff resources, is confusing regarding his role. Removing the reference to “executive directors
(if any) who report to the Chief Mission Officer” will help to clarify his responsibility to the mission
boards.
In addition, the current wording of Bylaw 3.4.3.4, which speaks of the Chief Mission Officer meeting
with “chief executives” of the commissions and synodwide corporate entities inaccurately suggests the
Page 54 – 01.25 to 01.26.13 – COH Minutes