# Lehre und Wehre_St. Louis Missouri_October 1862_S290
# AI translation — CHI Digital Archive (demonstration)

290 Report for the Sessions of the Synod of Missouri, etc., Western District.

1 Peter 2:5, 9; Revelation 1:6; 5:10; anointed ones, 1 John 2:20, 27; Christ's
betrothed bride and mistress of the household, 2 Corinthians 11:2, Psalm 68:13; Christ's body,
in and among whom Christ dwells, 1 Corinthians 12:27, Matthew 18:20; equal brothers,
Matthew 23:8–11; those to whom all things belong, 1 Corinthians 3:21–23; while the
preachers, on the other hand, are called their stewards, 1 Corinthians 4:1, their servants,
2 Corinthians 4:5; and the congregations themselves are represented as the highest court,
Matthew 18:15–18.

Chapter II. On the Duties of a Local Congregation, Evangelical Lutheran and Independent
of the State.

§ 6. First, it must take care that the Word of God dwell
richly among them and have free course, Colossians 3:16.

§ 7. Second, it must bear care for the purity of doctrine and of
life in its midst, and therefore exercise discipline on its
members in both respects. Matthew 18:15–18; Romans 16:17; 1 Corinthians 5:1–18;
6:1–8; 2 Corinthians 2:6–11; Galatians 6:1; 1 Thessalonians 5:14; 2 Thessalonians 3:6, 14, 15;
2 John 10–11.

§ 8. Third, it must make it its concern that all its
members be well provided for also in temporal things, that they not lack the necessary
means of life, nor be abandoned in any distress.
Galatians 6:10; Deuteronomy 15:4; Romans 12:13; Galatians 2:9–10; James 1:27;
1 Thessalonians 4:11–12.

§ 9. It must see to it that among it everything proceed in an orderly and honest
manner, and that things be conducted honorably not only before the Lord but also before
men. 1 Corinthians 14:33, 40; 2 Corinthians 8:20–21; Colossians 2:5.

§ 10. It has the duty also to cultivate, with the orthodox Church outside it,
unity of spirit in the bond of love and of
peace. Ephesians 4:2–3; 1 Thessalonians 4:9–10; Romans 15:26–27; 2 Corinthians 8:19.

§ 11. It is incumbent upon it to help, for its part, that the Church as a
whole be built up and furthered. Amos 6:6; Acts 15:1ff., 11:21–23.

Chapter III. On the Exercise of the Rights and Duties of a Local Congregation,
Evangelical Lutheran and Independent of the State.

A. First Section. On the Congregational Assemblies.

§ 12. For the conscientious, wholesome, and God-pleasing exercise of its
rights and duties, every free local congregation needs the institution of such
orderly public assemblies, in which it deliberates upon, resolves, or also
carries out, those actions which are necessary for its self-
government. Matthew 18:17; 1 Corinthians 5:4; Acts 21:17–22;
6:2; 15:30; 1 Timothy 5:20.

§ 13. All the adult male members of the congregation have the right to
active participation in the speaking, deliberating, voting, and resolving in
such congregational assemblies; women and the young are
excluded. Matthew 18:17–18; Acts 1:15, 23–26; 15:5, 12; 18:22–23;
1 Corinthians 5:2; 6:2; 10:15; 12:6; 2 Thessalonians 3:15; 1 Corinthians 14:34–35.
1 Peter 5:5.