LCMS Commission on Constitutional Matters — Minutes St. Louis, Missouri — June 13–14, 2014, Page 7

Transcription machine transcription, uncorrected

⤓ Download .txt · copy text

•

•
•

•

•

•
•
•

•
•

make the determination….” In addition, Bylaw 2.14.5.3 discusses an additional reason for the use
of a Referral Panel and should also be quoted here.
Chapter 17, under “GUIDELINES FOR ASSISTING CONGREGATIONS WITH CROSS-DISTRICT AND
CROSS-CIRCUIT CHURCH PLANTING,” “Assumptions and Principles” paragraph 1 b, the
commission questions whether the quotation of Eph. 4:11–12 is using the best translation of this
passage.
Chapter 17, same section, paragraph 4 should include reference to 2010 Res. 1-07A, which spells
out in greater detail the process addressed in this paragraph.
Chapter 17, under subsection “CIRCUIT VISITOR’S ROLE IN ASSISTING A CONGREGATION
INTERESTED IN AN INTENTIONAL INTERIM PASTOR,” the second paragraph of #5 a is not true (see
first and twelfth bullets above) in stating that the intentional interim pastor is not eligible for the
congregation’s call. A better statement on this subject would be: “Although eligible, an
intentional interim pastor should not be considered for a call to the congregation where he is
serving or has served as an interim pastor.”
Chapter 17, first paragraph of the “Guidelines” section of the “Guidelines and Ethics for Retiring
Pastors in the LCMS,” the final sentence will more appropriately read: “With this concern in
mind, the Council of Presidents of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod suggests the following
for consideration by retiring pastors.”
Chapter 17, same “Guidelines” section, first sentence of #5: Is use of the word “imperative” too
great an expectation when members find themselves in the company of former pastors? And does
it not assume that all such conversation will be critical and negative? Perhaps a cautionary
comment would be more appropriate.
Chapter 21, Section 21.5 title requires change from “Board for Mission Services” to “Board for
International Mission.” The same change will be required in the first paragraph of 21.5.2.
“Announcement of Restoration” document: The commission recommends submission of this
document to the CTCR for review.
“Pastoral Growth and Support Project” document, “Policies and Procedures” section, third from
last of “Policies” paragraphs: The fact that the Lay Leaders Feedback Report may be shared by
the district president in the calling process is not disclosed later in the document when the
confidentiality of the report is discussed. Participants should be informed up front of this
possibility.
“Pastoral Growth and Support Project” document, “Annual Procedures” paragraph for the month
of “June”: The Bylaws of the Synod allow for the “expectation” of participation in the project,
but there is no requirement for participation.
“Steps in Forming a Congregation” document, step #2 under 6.1: Not all states require Articles
of Incorporation, nor does the Synod require them per se. Such Articles do not require approval
unless they also serve as the constitution of the congregation. See also steps #4 and #6 under 6.1.

43. Concordia Asia Articles and Bylaws Review (14-2715)
The commission reviewed the Concordia Asia Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws and approved the
changes that have been made. The commission also called attention to the following matters:
•
•

Article IX of the Articles of Incorporation: The language required by the 2004 convention of the
Synod in Res. 4-11 will need to be added or an exception obtained from the Board of Directors of
the Synod.
The spelling of the name of original board member Glen O’Shoney should be corrected to use the
upper case letter “O” rather than the number “0.”

CCM Minutes – June 13–14, 2014 – Page 22