LCMS Commission on Constitutional Matters — Minutes St. Louis, Missouri — February 3, 2025, Page 2

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first look at assisting congregations with their property casualty insurance needs. Nonetheless, its
constitutionality must be assessed. Simply put, in the absence of a specific convention directive (Bylaws
1.3.3; 1.4.1, 5), have the congregations asked the Synod to support them in this fashion, for the conduct of
their ministries (Bylaw 1.1.1)?

the 1980s. This was suggested under Synod’s “servant relationship to the congregations of the Synod,” in which it
could, at least in the area of “Program Administration, Finance, and Support Services,” “offer additional support
services, including the centralization of certain services, without centralizing any ecclesiastical powers.”
May 25–27, 1983, BOD minutes (#616) show adoption of a resolution (exhibit H-9), coordinated with an amendment
to policy treating the Synodical Insurance Program:
WHEREAS, For many years the Synod has utilized its purchasing power to provide blanket insurance
coverages for all institutional properties at a great savings; and
WHEREAS, It is evident from numerous inquiries that the servant role of the Synod should be utilized to assist
congregations in need of protection to secure it at the lowest possible dollar cost; and
WHEREAS, The potential of expanding such programs to include congregations has been under study for
several years; and
WHEREAS, The Board of Directors empowered the Synod’s Treasurer to work toward offering congregations
a program of insurance coverages to protect property and human resources, utilizing the mass purchasing power
of the Synod while at the same time preserving the decision-making authority of each entity and relating the costs
to the specific risks involved; therefore be it
Resolved, That the Board of Directors adopt the Concordia Risk Pooling Fund Agreement, as an amplification
of its Policy Statement on Synodical Insurance; and be it further
Resolved, That publicity regarding this new opportunity be shared with all congregations of the Synod for
their information and decision (see attachment).
Exhibit H-9 indicates that, so far as the program’s coverage of congregations is concerned, the Synod would be
responsible “to monitor the program, to be sure that it runs as well as is intended, and to make and renew relationships
periodically with the commercial insurance companies based upon performance and cost factors. In addition,
experience credits or other payments which reflect a decrease in the cost of insurance because of the mass purchasing
and the risk pooling, including through the substantial deductible which is inherent in the program, will be utilized
through the Synod, as authorized in the agreement among the congregations.” The Synod consulted with Nordstrom
Risk Management (Los Angeles, Calif.) and agreed with the Great American Insurance Company (Cincinnati, Ohio)
and later Preferred Risk (Des Moines, Iowa, later known as GuideOne) to offer the insurance. The form of
congregational agreement is included in the docket.
The Treasurer reported at the BOD meeting of Feb. 22–24, 1984, (#149), “Approximately 350 congregations are
covered in the Concordia Risk Pooling Fund, which is being revamped and for which a new carrier will be engaged
as of April 1. Because of certain weaknesses in marketing, the program has met the objective of obtaining lower
insurance cost for congregations but has not met the objective of having congregations in a plan which will benefit
the church at large. Districts are participating well in the directors and officers liability insurance program which has
been provided. Certain resolutions of the Board of Directors, as well as other entities involved, will be needed in order
to clearly state the particulars regarding the coverage provided.” Minutes of May 23–25, 1984, (#222), indicate that
“A number of Districts have joined the Synod in its insurance program and more will be doing so as their policies
expire. The program has been redirected to provide better marketing and involvement of local agents, and will
hopefully result in greater penetration and service throughout the Districts. Presently, nearly 400 congregations have
participated in the former program. Some difficulties with regard to the directors and officers liability risk insurance
are being resolved. Only one entity is not now sharing in the cost of providing this coverage.” Minutes of Aug. 22–
24, 1984, note (#294), “In the area of insurance matters, it was noted that a mailing is planned to all congregations,
identifying the new congregational insurance program through Preferred Risk [became GuideOne in 1999] of Des
Moines. The new program does not allow as much flexibility in setting premiums as was possible under the old plan
of pooling a $100,000 deductible against which first dollar losses, subject to a cap were paid. Nevertheless, it should
attract more congregations since there will be more personal contact by agents in the field.”
Minutes of Dec. 4–6, 1985, indicate the program as still active (#682). In 2003, LCMS ended its remaining relationship
with Lutheran Trust (a.k.a. Church Asset Management), the St. Charles, Mo., broker that had ultimately facilitated the
program.
CCM Minutes – February 3, 2025 – Page 59