LCMS Convention Workbook St. Louis, Missouri — 2013, Page 325

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OPINIONS OF COMMISSION ON CONSTITUTIONAL MATTERS
it (Bylaw 1.3.1).16 Together they establish the requirements of membership in the Synod (Constitution Art. VI).17 Thus, while congregations
of the Synod are self-governing (Art. VII), they commit themselves to
fulfill not only membership requirements but to act in accordance with
the entire Constitution and Bylaws of the Synod, under which they have
agreed to live and work and which the congregations alone have the
authority to amend through conventions (Bylaws 1.3.4 and 1.3.4.1).18
In order to assist congregations in the development and preparation
of their constitutions and bylaws by the inclusion of the requirements
necessary for membership in The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod,
the Commission on Constitutional Matters has from time to time issued
guidelines for the preparation and review of such documents. This sixth
revised edition of the guidelines has been prompted by recurring questions and issues raised by district constitution committees and by recent
convention actions.
The Holy Scriptures do not prescribe a form of polity for a local
congregation. Congregations are free to structure themselves in such
manner that they believe will be most effective for carrying out the
Great Commission of our Lord in a manner that is in harmony with
Holy Scripture, the Confessions, and the teachings and practices of the
Synod. In determining a congregation’s polity, much will depend upon
its size, ethnic background, sociological setting—whether rural, urban,
or suburban—and other pertinent factors.
Because of its unique needs or setting, a congregation may decide
to consider alternate forms of organization. However, in those cases in
which a congregation decides to adopt a different type of organization
than that described in the following guidelines, the topics that are referenced should still be given serious consideration.
INDEX

I. GENERAL PRINCIPLES .................................................. 321
II. FORMAT OF THESE GUIDELINES ............................... 321
III. GUIDELINES FOR CONSTITUTIONS............................ 322
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NAME . ...............................................................................322
MISSION ............................................................................322
CONFESSIONAL STANDARD ........................................322
SYNODICAL MEMBERSHIP . .........................................322
MEMBERSHIP . .................................................................322
CALLED CHURCH WORKERS . .....................................323
AUTHORITY OF AND WITHIN THE CONGREGATION ...323
MEETINGS ........................................................................323
OFFICERS AND BOARDS ...............................................323
LIMITATIONS ON HOLDING OFFICE . ...............................
DIVISION . .........................................................................324
AMENDMENTS ................................................................324

IV. GUIDELINES FOR BYLAWS. ......................................... 325
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PROCEDURES FOR CALLING MINISTERS OF
RELIGION . ........................................................................325
CHURCH COUNCIL OR BOARD OF DIRECTORS ......325
NOMINATIONS, ELECTIONS, AND TERMS OF OFFICE ....325
OFFICIAL DUTIES ...........................................................326
MEETINGS ........................................................................326
RULES OF ORDER ...........................................................326
AMENDMENTS ................................................................326

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I. GENERAL PRINCIPLES
A. Because member congregations share in the mission of the Synod
articulated in its mission statement, “In grateful response to God’s grace
and empowered by the Holy Spirit through Word and Sacraments, the
mission of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod is vigorously to make
known the love of Christ by word and deed within our churches, communities, and world,” it is beneficial that congregations organize themselves and their ministries in an effective manner as provided in their
constitutions and bylaws.
B. Among the responsibilities of membership, the Constitution (VI
5)19 and Bylaws of the Synod require member congregations to submit
their constitutions and bylaws for review by their district’s constitution
committee when applying for membership in the Synod (Bylaw 2.2.1).20
Congregations which revise their constitutions and bylaws must also
submit these proposed changes for review by their district’s constitution committee (Bylaw 2.4.1).21 Upon favorable action by the district
board of directors, the congregation shall be notified that the changes
are acceptable to the Synod, and the congregation may proceed with
formal adoption of the revised constitution and/or bylaws, and remain a
member in good standing of the Synod.
C. While the requirements for membership in the Synod are established by the Synod for all congregations, differences exist between the
congregations of the Synod in size, opportunity, location, and other factors that any attempt to formulate a single example of a constitution and
bylaws to suit the needs of every congregation would be ill-advised. As
long as the constitution and bylaws of a congregation do not contradict
the Constitution, Bylaws, and Resolutions of the Synod, the congregation is free to organize as it wishes. Therefore, in general the organization of a congregation is a matter of self-determination, so long as its
constitution and bylaws are in harmony with Holy Scripture, the Confessions, and the teachings and practices of the Synod and are not in violation of governmental laws for not-for-profit charitable organizations.
D. When examining constitutions and bylaws, district constitution
committees will ascertain whether the documents honor those basic
principles for constitutions and bylaws that are enumerated in these
guidelines. When appropriate, the wording of the Constitution and Bylaws of the Synod should be advocated for the sake of promoting unity
and harmony in the Synod. Congregations may note that under Bylaw
2.3.1 (a),22 constitutions of member congregations are not to deny membership or other congregational privileges to any Christian because of
race or ethnic origin. It may also be wise to include a statement prohibiting sexual harassment.
E. While these guidelines intend to foster unity in the Synod, it is
understood that such unity is grounded primarily in the common confession and mission of the Synod (Constitution Art. II; Bylaw 1.1.1)23 and
in the mutually agreed-upon conditions of membership and objectives
of the Synod (Constitution, Art. VI; Bylaw 1.3.4).24
II. FORMAT OF THESE GUIDELINES
A. No section regarding the articles of incorporation of member
congregations is included in these guidelines. Suffice it to say that these
articles should be brief, including only the essential subjects required
by the laws of the state in which a congregation is located. An attorney
familiar with such matters should be consulted. If necessary, names of
attorneys can be obtained from district officials.
B. In the third section of these guidelines, subjects are identified
that ordinarily should be addressed in the constitutions of member congregations of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. Instructive comments are offered under each subject, followed by one or more sample
paragraphs.
C. In the fourth section of these guidelines, subjects are identified
that may be addressed in the bylaws of member congregations of The
Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. Instructive comments are offered
under each subject, followed by one or more sample paragraphs. More
latitude is granted to congregations in their bylaws to allow for differences in size, location, and other circumstances.

2013 Convention Workbook