LCMS Commission on Constitutional Matters — Minutes St. Louis, Missouri — March 9, 1984, Page 4

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6.45, a and b, however, with only certain of the provisions of 6.47 applicable to charges of conduct
unbecoming a Christian, false doctrine, or failure to honor and uphold the doctrinal position of the Synod.
7. Dr. Carl Eberhard was elected as chairman of the Commission, to succeed himself .
8. Model Constitution (Ag. 1446,A,B,,D,E, 293, 298, 1638A, 1658, 1688) : At its previous meeting the
Commission had revised a preliminary draft of "Guidelines for the Constitution and Bylaws of a Lutheran
Congregation." The Commission reviewed the preliminary draft and made the following changes:
a) Section I of the preface, last paragraph, should read, "Therefore, what is . . ." rather than
"What is, therefore . . .”
b) 2.0 - Add the words "so long as it contains all the fundamental purposes stated in the example
below" at the end of the last sentence in the introductory paragraph.
c) Underline the words "must not" in the second sentence of the introductory paragraph. Change
the position of the words "to the congregation's constitution" from its present position to
precede the words "to wit" in the third sentence of the introductory paragraph.
d) 4.0 - Should read, "We distinguish three types of membership: baptized, communicant,
voting. In the last named category there are options at this time in our church body. Voting
membership may be limited to males only or open to all communicant members. Most
congregations restrict voting membership to persons who have reached the age of legal
majority. Care should be taken that the age at which individuals may hold voting membership
conforms to the requirements of State law. This is especially important with reference to
decisions involving contracts and other legal matters. Care should also be taken to prohibit
membership in organizations whose principles and conduct conflict with the Word of God (cf
1983 Handbook, pages 201--202)."
e) 4.1.3 - Add the word "(male)" before the word "communicant."
f) 5.0 - The last sentence of the paragraph should read, "Therefore this article may take on a
more general nature."
g) 7.0 - Add at the end of the introductory paragraph the words, "The congregation may wish to
review the structure of the Synod in establishing its boards to include such boards as
Stewardship Social Ministry, Youth, etc. in addition to those listed below."
h) 10.0 - Substitute the words "services in the two previous Sundays" for the words "in the two
previous services" in the third sentence of the introductory paragraph.
i)

13.1 - In number 1 add the words "by posting in a conspicuous place in the church or by
mail" after the word "published."

i)

13.2 - Add the word "regular" between the words "to and “meetings."

k) 14.3 - Eliminate the word "unanimously.
l) 16.0 - Substitute the word "must" for the words "should also" in the second sentence of the
introductory paragraph.