LCMS Commission on Constitutional Matters — Minutes St. Louis, Missouri — November 2–4, 2012, Page 25

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9.2.1 A board of elders, consisting of . . ., which shall assist the pastor in the spiritual life of the
congregation.
9.2.2 A board of trustees, consisting of . . ., which shall be responsible for the physical properties of
the congregation.
9.2.3 A board for Christian education, consisting of . . ., which shall be responsible for the nurture and
Christian growth of the members of the congregation.
9.2.4 A board for evangelism, consisting of . . ., which shall lead the members of the congregation in
outreach into the community.
9.2.5 A board for stewardship, consisting of . . ., which shall be charged
with the teaching and promoting proper stewardship of time, talents, and treasures.
9.2.6 . . .
9.3 Any officer or board member who fails to carry out his or her duties of office or who fails to perform
the responsibilities of confirmed membership (see paragraph 5.3 above) may be removed from office
by the voters assembly by a two-thirds majority ballot vote, in Christian and lawful order. Matthew 18
should be followed under such circumstances.”
— or —
Example:
“This congregation shall have the following officers, board, and committees in addition to any which the
congregation shall establish from time to time.
9.1 The voters assembly shall elect a president, a vice-president, a secretary, and a treasurer, who shall be
the officers of the congregation. The voters assembly shall also elect three other voting members, who
with the four officers and the senior pastor shall comprise the board of directors of the congregation.
[The pastor may be a non-voting, ex officio, member of the board.] The nomination and election of
officers and board members shall be as specified in this constitution and accompanying bylaws.
9.2 The board of directors shall have the authority to develop and implement policies, procedures, and
ministries as necessary to execute the vision and plans approved by the voters assembly.
9.3 The officers of the congregation shall serve as the executive committee of the board of directors.
9.4 This congregation shall have such committees as are necessary to assist the called workers, elected
leaders, and members of the congregation in carrying out its mission and ministry. Committees of the
congregation may include the following.
9.4.1 A shepherding committee to assist and support the work of the pastor, consisting of…
9.4.2 An education committee to assist and support the work of the teaching staff of the congregation,
consisting of…
9.4.3 A stewardship committee to carry on an on-going stewardship program for the congregation,
consisting of…
9.4.4 An evangelism and outreach committee to assist the congregation in carrying out the mission of
the congregation, consisting of…
9.4.5 An annually convened nominating committee consisting of…
9.4.6 A long range planning committee consisting of at least…
9.4.7 A call committee, convened as necessary, consisting of…
9.4.8 Such other committees as are necessary to assist the called workers, elected leaders, and
members of the congregation in carrying out its mission and ministry.
9.5 Any officer or board or committee member who fails to perform the duties of office or the
responsibilities of confirmed membership may be removed from office by the voters assembly by a
two-thirds majority ballot vote, in Christian and lawful order. Matthew 18 should be followed under
such circumstances.”
10.0 DIVISION
It is an unhappy fact of life that disagreements occur in Christian congregations, and that at times the end result
is not reconciliation but a parting of the ways. It is best to set down the principles far in advance that will
govern such a situation if it should occur. Congregations should consult with local and state laws when making
decision regarding disposal of properties. While the following example suggests reversion of properties to the
district, the congregation is at liberty to determine the recipients of its properties.

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