LCMS Commission on Constitutional Matters — Minutes St. Louis, Missouri — September 3-4, 2011, Page 35

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also describes a manner of conduct for all Christians in general, one that is to be observed in this
procedure as applicable. The reputations of the accused and accuser are to be protected.
G. This process for dealing with accusations that could lead to the expulsion of a member from the
Synod is intended to reflect a presumption of innocence. The burden of proof is on the accuser
and must be established by clear and convincing evidence. In addition, a member can be expelled
from the Synod only after previous futile admonition whenever such admonition is possible
(Constitution, Art. XIII).
H. The primary purpose of Bylaw section 2.15 and the procedure further provided in this manual is
not to expel a member from the Synod but to foster repentance and reconciliation, to win and
restore the brother or sister (Matt. 18:15−20; Gal. 6:1−5; cf. Bylaws 1.10.1–1.10.1.6). It (along
with other bylaws) also provides opportunities for the ministry of law and gospel to the accuser
and the accused, opportunities for teaching moments, and opportunities for the practice of
Christian love.
I.

To begin this process (Bylaw section 2.15), consultation with an ecclesiastical supervisor is
required. The purpose of this consultation is to provide opportunity (1) for the accuser to receive
advice, direction, and spiritual ministry from an ecclesiastical supervisor; (2) for the ecclesiastical
supervisor to inform the ecclesiastical supervisor of the accused (or other appropriate official)
that a consultation is underway; (3) for the ecclesiastical supervisor to consult with others; (4) for
the ecclesiastical supervisor of the accuser to obtain opinions from the Commission on Theology
and Church Relations and/or the Commission on Constitutional Matters; (5) for the ecclesiastical
supervisor of the accuser to make certain that a face-to-face meeting has taken place between the
accuser and the accused (Matthew 18:15); (6) for the persons involved to receive evangelical
supervision, counsel, and care; (7) for the ecclesiastical supervisor, in consultation with the
ecclesiastical supervisor of the accused, to appoint a small committee to assist in reconciliation
efforts; and to fulfill the Synod’s requirement for previous admonition (Constitution, Art. XIII).

J. Elected ecclesiastical supervisors alone shall assume the historic (LCMS) responsibility for
ecclesiastical supervision as defined and described by the Constitution and Bylaws of the Synod.
(Those not elected to supervise are not to supervise.) Ecclesiastical supervisors shall conduct
themselves and their offices in an evangelical manner.
K. As its chief ecclesiastical officer, the President of the Synod shall supervise the doctrine taught
and practiced in the Synod. Such supervision includes all synodwide corporate entities (Bylaw
3.3.1.1) as enumerated in Bylaw section 3.6; all officers of the Synod and its agencies (see Bylaw
1.2.1 [a]; the individual districts of the Synod; and all district presidents (Bylaw 3.3.1.1.1).
L. Each district president, in accordance with the Constitution of the Synod, shall supervise the
doctrine, life, and official administration of the ordained or commissioned ministers who are
members of his district or are subject to his ecclesiastical supervision (Constitution, Art. XII 7;
Bylaw 4.4.5), and he shall inquire into the prevailing spiritual conditions of the congregations of
his district (Bylaw 4.4.4). He shall also be responsible for maintaining the official rosters of his
district (Bylaw 4.4.7).
M. Each circuit counselor shall assist the district president within his circuit. He shall serve under the
direction of and be accountable to the district president and shall serve as his spokesman when so
authorized and directed and shall assist him in doctrinal and spiritual supervision (Bylaw
5.2.3[a]). District vice-presidents shall also assist district presidents in discharging their responsibilities or represent them upon their request.

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