LCMS Convention Workbook St. Louis, Missouri — 2013, Page 336

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336

OPINIONS OF COMMISSION ON CONSTITUTIONAL MATTERS

or bylaws shall, as a condition to continued eligibility as a member
of the Synod, submit such revised or new constitution and/or bylaws
to the district president… (d) Upon favorable action by the district
board of directors, the congregation shall be notified that the changes
are acceptable to the Synod and that the congregation is entitled to
continue to function as a member of the Synod in good standing under
the new or changed constitution or bylaws” (Bylaw 2.4.1).
22. “(a) It shall be the policy of the Synod to decline membership to congregations whose constitutions deny membership or other
congregational privileges to any Christian because of race or ethnic
origin” (Bylaw 2.3.1).
23. “Committed to a common confession and mission, congregations of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod join with one another
in the Synod to support one another and to work together in carrying
out their commonly adopted objectives…” (Bylaw 1.1.1).
24. See footnote 5.
“Whereas, We have been called Lutheran since the formation
of our Synod (and since reformation times) and are thankful for our
doctrinal background and heritage; and
Whereas, The name Lutheran clearly identifies what the member congregations and The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod believe, teach and confess; and
Whereas, Basic Christian honesty and integrity require that no
deception of any sort be used in declaring the truth of the Gospel
before all the world, as St. Paul declares: ‘Rather we have renounced
secret and shameful ways; we do not use deception, nor do we distort the Word of God. On the contrary, by setting forth the truth
plainly we commend ourselves to every man’s conscience in the
sight of God’ (2 Cor. 4:2); therefore be it
Resolved, That all congregations and mission stations in our
Synod boldly profess in their official title and/or name that they are
‘Lutheran’; and be it further
Resolved, That all congregations and mission stations of our
Synod state in their materials (bulletins, newsletters, etc.) that they
belong to The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod; and be it finally
Resolved, That all LCMS congregations gladly proclaim our
great doctrinal heritage to a world that needs the clear proclamation
of the truth.” (1995 Res. 3-13A, “To Use the Name Lutheran”)

26. Historically, The Treatise on the Power and Primacy of the
Pope is not listed in Article II of Synod’s constitution, but it is included in the Book of Concord of 1580, and is therefore one of the
confessional writings of the Synod. Because it is not listed separately
in Synod’s constitution, it does not have to have been listed separately
by a congregation, but a congregation may chose to do so.
27. Some congregations include a fourth category: “Guest Members.” 1989 Res. 5-19 encouraged such a category for congregations
with many seasonal members, “which could include such basic rights
and privileges as reception of the sacraments, pastoral care, congregational concern, use of their time, talents, and treasures in the service
of the Lord, and attendance and participation in voters’ assemblies
as advisory or associate members” (1989 Convention Proceedings,
p. 140).
28. Variations often occur in the last two categories. Some congregations distinguish between communicant and confirmed members
due to the practice of early communion, in which case further definitions will be necessary.
29. 1969 Res. 2-17 concluded that “Scripture does not prohibit
women from exercising the franchise in congregational and synodical
assemblies,” at the same time concluding that “the Synod itself and
2013 Convention Workbook

the congregations of the Synod are at liberty to alter their policies
and practices in regard to women’s involvement in the work of the
church” (1969 Convention Proceedings, p. 88).
30. “(a) Pastors and congregations alike must avoid membership
or participation in any organization that in its objectives, ceremonies,
or practices is inimical to the Gospel of Jesus Christ or the faith and
life of the Christian church…” (Bylaw 3.9.5.3.1).
31. “(a) It shall be the policy of the Synod to decline membership to congregations whose constitutions deny membership or other
congregational privileges to any Christian because of race or ethnic
origin” (Bylaw 2.3.1 [a]).
32. The matter of termination of membership is of great importance since it involves the larger subject of church discipline. It is
therefore advisable that congregations prepare and adopt separate
guidelines to address this topic, especially keeping in mind the following:
1. Be consistent in applying discipline.
2. Carefully follow disciplinary guidelines.
3. Do not allow unsubstantiated charges to be circulated by the
church.
4. Base decisions on clearly stated biblical grounds.
5. Guidelines should state the desired outcome of church discipline,
to call a fellow Christian to repentance.

33. “Congregations that are members of the Synod shall call and
be served only by (1) ordained ministers who have been admitted to
their respective ministries in accordance with the rules and regulations
set forth in these Bylaws and have thereby become members of the
Synod; (2) candidates for the pastoral ministry who have satisfied
the qualifications and requirements for assignment of first calls by
the Council of Presidents acting as the Board of Assignments; or
(3) ordained ministers who are members in good standing of church
bodies that have been formally recognized to be in altar and pulpit
fellowship with the Synod when agreements for such calls are in
place.” (Bylaw 2.5.2)
34. Ordained and commissioned ministers include pastors and all
other church workers rostered by The Lutheran Church—Missouri
Synod. Commissioned ministers include teachers, directors of Christian education, directors of Christian outreach, directors of family life
ministry, directors of parish music, deaconesses, parish assistants,
and certified lay ministers.
35. “Congregations that are members of the Synod shall call
only (1) commissioned ministers who have been admitted to their
ministries in accordance with the rules and regulations set forth in
these Bylaws and have thereby become members of the Synod; (2)
candidates of LCMS colleges and universities who have satisfied
the qualifications and requirements for assignment of first calls by
the Council of Presidents acting as the Board of Assignments; and
(3) commissioned ministers (or those holding positions comparable
to commissioned ministers) who are members in good standing of
church bodies that have been formally recognized to be in altar and
pulpit fellowship with the Synod when agreements for such calls are
in place.” (Bylaw 2.5.3)
36. “Congregations shall seek the counsel of their respective district presidents when calling ordained or commissioned ministers”
(Bylaw 2.5.1).
37. “(1) Every congregation is encouraged to include in its organizational structure an elected or appointed board or committee for
stewardship. (2) This board or committee shall be responsible for