LCMS Commission on Constitutional Matters — Minutes St. Louis, Missouri — January 25–26, 2013, Page 26

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Rationale
The intention and meaning of current wording of Bylaws 3.8.2 and 3.8.2.1 (“directed toward”) is vague
and unclear. Removing that wording does not affect the overall intention and meaning of these bylaws. In
addition, in order for Bylaw 3.8.2.1 to mirror its counterpart for the Board for International Mission
(Bylaw 3.8.3.1), the reference to the “supervision” of the President of the Synod is changed to
“ecclesiastical supervision,” consistent with the President’s responsibility under Constitution Art. XI B 1–
4 (also Art. XI B 7; Bylaws 3.3.1.1–3.3.1.3).
PRESENT/PROPOSED WORDING
Board for National Mission
3.8.2

The Board for National Mission is charged with developing and determining policies for the
coordination of and in support of district ministries which support that are directed toward
the ministry functions of the national office and district ministries that are directed toward
the ministries of congregations and schools (Bylaw 1.2.1 [l]). These policies shall embrace
and apply the mission and ministry emphases adopted by the national convention. Under the
leadership of the President of the Synod, pursuant to Bylaw 3.3.1.1.1, the board shall assist
in identifying the specific goals for the Office of National Mission. Policies determined by
the board (implemented by staff) may include but not be limited to:
• strong national mission leadership
• Lutheran school ministries and accreditation
• human care and domestic mercy efforts
• stewardship
• evangelism
• church planting and revitalization
• youth ministry

3.8.2.1 The Board for National Mission shall have oversight of the implementation of policies
adopted by the board and implemented by the Office of National Mission for the
coordination of and in support of district ministries which support that are directed toward
the ministry functions of the national office and district ministries that are directed toward
the ministries of congregations and schools. The board shall be under the ecclesiastical
supervision of the President of the Synod regarding doctrine and administration consistent
with the President’s responsibility under Constitution Art. XI B 1–4 (also Art. XI B 7;
Bylaws 3.3.1.1–3.3.1.3) between conventions of the Synod and ultimately shall be
responsible to the Synod in convention (Art. XI A 1–2).

(B) Office of National Mission
Rationale
The current bylaw terminology (“relates to”) is unclear, as are the roles of the President and Chief
Mission Officer of the Synod. Removing unclear terminology and incorporating additional wording
regarding the responsibility of the Chief Mission Officer provides necessary clarity.
PRESENT/PROPOSED WORDING
Office of National Mission
Page 53 – 01.25 to 01.26.13 – COH Minutes