# LCMS Commission on Constitutional Matters Minutes_St. Louis Missouri_March 23 2000_S9
# Machine transcription, uncorrected — CHI Digital Archive (demonstration)

In addition to the duties listed in the constitution itself, the congregation will want to make provision for
detailing responsibilities as they are needed from time to time. Such detailing need not be included in the
bylaws, but provision for this should be made in a job description.
Example:
Officers and members of boards shall perform the duties prescribed in the constitution.
The congregation shall also have the privilege from time to time of detailing and
enlarging these responsibilities by majority vote of the voters assembly. It may also call
such other boards and committees into being as it may need from time to time.
18.0 MEETINGS
The frequency of the meetings shall be specified.
Example:
The voters assembly shall meet . . .
19.0 RULES OF ORDER
This should be provided for so that everything is done "decently and in order."
Example:
In addition to principles laid down in Scripture, the latest edition of Robert's Rules of
Order shall be followed.
20.0 AMENDMENTS
Again, provision should be made for amending the bylaws.
Example:
These bylaws may be amended in a properly convened meeting of the voters assembly by
a majority of all voting members present, provided the proposed change has been
announced in a previous meeting or has been submitted in writing at least two weeks
prior to the meeting to all communicant members.

3. ALTERNATIVES
Since the Scriptures prescribe no particular form of polity for a church body or for a local
congregation, congregations are free to structure themselves in such a way as to carry out the Great
Commission of our Lord most effectively. When considering congregational structure, much depends on
the size of the congregation, the ethnic mix of its membership, as well as sociological—whether rural,
urban, or suburban—and other pertinent factors.
Alternate forms of organization may therefore be reviewed and applied. However, in those
instances in which congregations wish to develop a type of organization different from that which is
described in the foregoing constitution and bylaw proposals, the basic principles enunciated in these
guidelines should still be maintained.

96. Northwest District Bylaws (99-2153)
The recommendations of the Commission having been incorporated, the proposed amendments to the
Bylaws of the Northwest District were given final approval.
97. Indiana District Bylaw Changes (99-2165)

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