LCMS Commission on Constitutional Matters — Minutes St. Louis, Missouri — December 7-9, 1979, Page 3

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The Commission is pleased to note that this young man wishes to be certified as a pastor in The
Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod either by transfer to the St. Louis seminary or through the
colloquy route. If he is in the meantime functioning under requirements similar to the requirements
of field work (such as prior submission of the proposed sermon to the pastor for review), then such
service might be justified in view of the student's determination to qualify himself in the proper
way for the pastoral ministry in the Synod.
The designation of pastor, or assistant pastor, or vicar should be avoided, since it is understood
that he cannot serve in any of these capacities at the present time.
Carbon copies are to be sent to District President Martin Dienst, Dr. Ralph Bohlmann, and the local
pastor, Rev. Froehlich.
260. LCA Pastor Baptizing in LCMS Service (Ag. 1385): Pastor Elgert had also inquired in the same
communication whether it was proper for an LCA pastor to conduct the baptism of his grandson in a
regular LCMS congregational service. The Commission concluded as follows: In our church fellowship
is established by the Synod under its Bylaws and resolutionsr.and not by an individual congregational
decision. As of this date our Synod has not established fellowship with the LCA. It would therefore seem
appropriate for congregations to avoid giving any impression to the contrary.
261. Eligibility of Dr. Kenneth Doka for Tenure (Ag. 1392): Pastor H. L. Harnapp of North Platte,
Nebraska has raised several questions regarding the eligibility of Dr. Kenneth Doka for tenure on the
Bronxville faculty on the basis of his alleged connections with the AELC. It was decided to inform Pastor
Harnapp that it would be necessary for the Commission to inquire both of Dr. Kenneth Doka and of the
Bronxville president before it would be in a position to issue any opinion.
262. Manitoba-Saskatchewan District Bylaws (Ag. 1326 C, 1393): Rev. Howard Ulmer, chairman of the
Handbook Committee of that District, had informed the Commission that the recommendations of the
CCM of June 5, 1979 had been approved by the District Board of Directors. Accordingly, the CCM gave
approval to the revised Bylaws of the District.
263. Congregations Disbanding (Ag. 1393): In the same communication Pastor Ulmer had also asked
about the proper way to recognize that a congregation has disbanded. The Secretary had stated that this
could be done in several different ways. An official notice could be sent by the District president to the
Department of Personnel and Statistics which has roster maintenance, and that this action could then also
be part of the president's official report to the District convention. However, a resolution regretfully
recognizing a certain action would not be out of place at the District convention, depending upon the
circumstances and the expediency. The Commission ratified this reply.
264. Holding More Than One Office (Ag. 1393): Pastor Howard Ulmer had also raised the question of
whether if a man is appointed to a commission and is then elected as chairman, whether this would fall
under the rule of not holding more than one elected office. The Secretary had replied that this would not
be the case. Elections need to be by direct action of the convention of the District or of the Synod. The
Commission also ratified this reply.
265. North Wisconsin Adjudication Ruling (Ag. 1395): Rev. George Loose of Pompano Beach, Florida
had addressed a letter to the Secretary, objecting to the fact that the North Wisconsin District had
allegedly stated that "the corporate body, Synod, has authority to prescribe through Bylaws which
enactments of Synod shall be binding and which shall be advisory or not binding if inexpedient." Since
this was not addressed to the Commission, it advised the Secretary to reply to the effect that his letter had