LCMS Commission on Constitutional Matters — Minutes St. Louis, Missouri — December 7-9, 1979, Page 2

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253. Procedures Re Introduction of New Hymnal (Ag. 1390): Pastor Fred S. Illick of Accident, Maryland
had asked whether the proposed production of the new hymnal of the Synod was not in conflict with the
new Bylaws which called for the submission of proposed hymnal materials to congregations for
evaluation before adoption. The Commission resolved to reply along the following lines: "The argument
you advance was advanced already at the convention, both in the floor committee and on the floor of the
convention itself. However, the delegates, who are the final authority in such issues, felt that sufficient
exposure of these materials had indeed been given in various ways and therefore saw fit to adopt
Resolution 3-01.
254. Colloquy Student on Seminary Board of Control (Ag. 1373, 1373A, 1374): The Commission, while
being reluctant to rule in the matter, had proposed that it would be best for the colloquy student in
question who was elected to the Board of Control of Fort Wayne to take his colloquy work at the
seminary in St. Louis instead of Fort Wayne. Since no answer had been received to this suggestion, the
Commission decided to remove the item from the agenda.
255. Conference Status of Non-Roster Teachers (Ag. 1350): Since no answer had been received from the
Northern Illinois District Teachers Conference regarding these issues, it was decided to remove the item
from the agenda.
256. Rockford High School Association (Ag. 1352 D): The Commission had previously ruled in regard to
some of the sticky questions revolving around the Lutheran High School Association in Rockford,
Illinois. Dr. Senske had dictated a memo expressing considerable concern and had asked for a -meeting
with the Secretary together with Dr. Victor Constien. That meeting had been held and the Secretary had
attempted to explain the position of the CCM. The Commission decided to take note of this and to remove
the item from the docket.
257. Conducting United Church of Christ Church Service (Ag 1381): Rev. J. L. Strelow of Jackson,
Missouri had asked whether it was proper for a Missouri Synod pastor to conduct the service of a United
Church of Christ congregation during the absence of its pastor on vacation. The Commission came to the
following conclusion: Although we cannot rule on the instance in question since we do not have access to
all of the facts, nevertheless we state that such activities must be carried out in keeping with Bylaws 4.05
and 4.07, otherwise they fall under the prohibitions of Article VI, 2, a, b. It was decided to send carbon
copies of this reply to the Lutheran Family Service and to President Paul Spitz.
258. Uncertified Seminex Graduate Serving in a Pastoral Capacity (Ag 1383, A): Rev. Martin Friedrich of
Louisiana had asked whether it was proper for an uncertified graduate of Seminex to begin serving a
Missouri Synod congregation on a two-year contract basis before being certified. Upon inquiry, President
Richard H. Meyer of the Southern District had indicated in writing that the young man in question had
agreed to seek certification via colloquy and that after he has obtained certification the congregation will
first consider whether or not to extend a call to him. Therefore the Commission concluded that in view of
the promise of this Seminex graduate the CCM would prefer to await developments before ruling on this
matter. It is assumed that by this time the process is already in progress. Carbon copies are to be sent also
to President Meyer and to President J.A.0. Preus.
259. Congregational Service of Yale Divinity Student (Ag. 1385, A): Rev. Louis G. Elgert of
Easthampton, Massachusetts had asked whether it was proper for a Yale divinity student to serve in a
ministerial capacity in an LCMS congregation. The Commission had obtained further information from
Dr. Ralph Bohlmann regarding this young man. On the basis of the information at its disposal, the
Commission concluded as follows: