LCMS Commission on Constitutional Matters — Minutes St. Louis, Missouri — February 23, 2013, Page 27

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(e) Upon formal adoption of the revised proposed constitution and/or bylaws, the congregation
shall provide to the district a dated copy of the action taken accompanied by a copy of the
dated revised constitution and bylaws.
(f) Until a congregation formally adopts a revised constitution and/or bylaws using this
process, the existing constitution and bylaws shall remain in effect for all purposes.

(F) District Stewardship Board/Committee Requirement
(Bylaw 4.6.1)
Rationale
As a result of structural changes adopted by the 2010 convention, the Synod Bylaw 4.6 requirement
that each district must elect or appoint a committee or board for stewardship to relate to the Synod’s
“Department of Stewardship” begs attention, there no longer being such a department on the Synod level
and very likely no longer such boards or committees in some districts. At the same time, it is beneficial
for the Synod and its districts to continue their interest and cooperation in the development and promotion
of stewardship programs on the district level. The Commission on Handbook proposes the following
amendments to Synod Bylaw 4.6.1to advocate the continuance of such a presence on the district level.
PRESENT/PROPOSED WORDING
4.6 District Committees or Boards forStewardship Promotion
4.6.1

Each district shall elect or appoint a committeeor, board, or individual responsible for
stewardship.
(a) This committee, board, or individual shall cooperate with the Synod’s Department of
Stewardshipelected or appointed person/persons responsible for stewardship and shall assist
and advise local congregations in the development and promotion of an adequate stewardship
program.
(b) Districts are advised to provide for the systematic supervision and qualified guidance and
promotion of stewardship education, where possible establishing and maintaining the office
of a stewardship counselor or secretary, who shall be responsible to the district stewardship
board.
(c) Each district may invite a representative of the Synod to meet for mutual assistance in
budget planning for mission and ministry.
(d) Each district shall arrange for adequate time at its convention for a report on the mission
and ministry program of the Synod, made by a representative of the Synod assigned by the
President of the Synod.

(F) Formation of Electoral Circuits
(Bylaw 3.1.2)
Rationale
Current Bylaw 3.1.2 calls upon each district to determine the composition of its electoral circuits prior
to each Synod convention. The bylaw is unclear as to how districts are to go about combining adjacent
visitation circuits to create electoral circuits when necessary. It is noted that action on this issue may not
be needed, depending upon the convention’s decision regarding the commission’s response to 2010 Res.
Page 97 – 02.23.13 – COH Minutes