LCMS Commission on Constitutional Matters — Minutes St. Louis, Missouri — November 2–4, 2012, Page 21

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“This congregation accepts without reservation:
3.1 The Scriptures of the Old and the New Testament as the written Word of God and the only rule and
norm of faith and practice.
3.2 All the Symbolical Books of the Evangelical Lutheran Church as a true and unadulterated statement
and exposition of the Word of God, to wit: the three Ecumenical Creeds (the Apostles’ Creed, the
Nicene Creed, the Athanasian Creed), the Unaltered Augsburg Confession, the Apology of the
Augsburg Confession, the Smalcald Articles, the Large Catechism of Luther, the Small Catechism of
Luther, and the Formula of Concord.”
4.0 SYNODICAL MEMBERSHIP
Although not essential, since membership in the Synod is not determined by a statement in a congregation’s
constitution, congregations may wish to include mention of their membership in the Synod. If a congregation
wishes to include mention of membership in the Synod the following may be used.
Example:
“This congregation shall be a member of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod as long as the Synod
conforms to the congregation's confessional standards as set forth in this constitution.”
5.0 MEMBERSHIP
Synod congregations often distinguish between three types of congregational membership 14: baptized,
communicant, and voting 15. Voting membership may be open to all communicant members but may also be
limited to males only 16. Care should be taken that the age at which individuals may hold voting membership
conforms to any requirements of state law. Many congregations restrict voting membership to persons who have
reached the age of legal majority. This is especially important when decisions involving contracts and other
legal matters are made. Again, membership in organizations whose principles and conduct conflict with the
Word of God shall be prohibited (Bylaw 3.9.6.3.1 [a]) 17. Also, congregations are not to deny membership or
other congregational privileges to any Christian because of race or ethnic origin (Bylaw 2.3.1 [a]) 18.
Example:
“This congregation distinguishes between three types of congregational membership.
5.1 The membership of this congregation includes the following:
5.1.1 Baptized members are all who have been baptized in the name of the Triune God and who are
under the spiritual care of the pastor of this congregation, including the children who have not
yet been confirmed into communicant membership.

14

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).
15
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.
16
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 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).
17
“(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).
18
“(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]).

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