LCMS Commission on Constitutional Matters — Minutes St. Louis, Missouri — November 2–4, 2012, Page 19

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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) 9, 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) 10 and in the
mutually agreed-upon conditions of membership and objectives of the Synod (Constitution, Art. VI; Bylaw
1.3.4) 11.
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.
D. “Brief but adequate” should be the watchword when congregations develop or amend their constitutions and
bylaws. Brevity enables congregations later to develop additional structures and programs (e.g., ad hoc
committees) to meet specific needs and goals without the need repeatedly to go through the time-consuming
process of amending their governing instruments.
E. It is the goal of this process and the hope of the Commission in providing these guidelines that congregations
of our beloved Synod will be assisted in carrying out ever more effectively the great mission which our Lord
Jesus Christ has given to His church on earth: to make disciples of all nations, sharing with their communities

9

“(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).
10
“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).
11

See footnote 5.

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