LCMS Commission on Constitutional Matters — Minutes St. Louis, Missouri — November 2–4, 2012, Page 18

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III. GUIDELINES FOR CONSTITUTIONS……………………………………………………………..
1.0 NAME...................................................................................................................
2.0 MISSION .............................................................................................................
3.0 CONFESSIONAL STANDARD..........................................................................
4.0 SYNOD MEMBERSHIP .....................................................................................
5.0 MEMBERSHIP.....................................................................................................
6.0 CALLED CHURCH WORKERS.........................................................................
7.0 AUTHORITY OF AND WITHIN THE CONGREGATION ..............................
8.0 MEETINGS...........................................................................................................
9.0 OFFICERS AND BOARDS .................................................................................
10.0 LIMITATIONS ON HOLDING OFFICE ............................................................
11.0 DIVISION..............................................................................................................
12.0 AMENDMENTS ..................................................................................................
IV. GUIDELINES FOR BYLAWS.............................................................................................................
13.0 PROCEDURES FOR CALLING MINISTERS OF RELIGION ..........................
14.0 CHURCH COUNCIL OR BOARD OF DIRECTORS .........................................
15.0 NOMINATIONS, ELECTIONS, AND TERMS OF OFFICE...............................
16.0 OFFICIAL DUTIES...............................................................................................
17.0 MEETINGS............................................................................................................
18.0 RULES OF ORDER ..............................................................................................
19.0 AMENDMENTS ...................................................................................................

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) 6 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) 7. 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) 8. Upon favorable action by the district board of directors, the congregation shall be
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“A congregation shall be received into membership only after the Synod has convinced itself that the constitution of the
congregation, which must be submitted for examination, contains nothing contrary to the Scriptures or the Confessions\”
(Constitution, Art. VI 5).
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“To apply for membership in the Synod a congregation shall have an approved constitution and bylaws.
(a) The congregation shall submit its constitution and bylaws to the appropriate district president, who shall refer such to the
standing committee of the district….
(b) The Constitution Committee shall examine the constitution and bylaws to ascertain that they are in harmony with Holy
Scriptures, the Confessions, and the teachings and practices of the Synod in order that any necessary changes may be made by
the congregation before the application is acted upon” (Bylaw 2.2.1).
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“A congregation desiring to retain membership in The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod shall continue to have a constitution
and bylaws approved by the Synod. (a) A member congregation which revises its constitution or bylaws or adopts a new
constitution 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).

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