LCMS Commission on Constitutional Matters — Minutes St. Louis, Missouri — March 23, 2000, Page 8

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14.3 At the voters meeting, called for the purpose of electing a new pastor or teacher, the
preferred list may be amended by means of a two-thirds vote of those present. At that
point the voters assembly shall be asked to agree to be satisfied with whatever selection is
finally made by the congregation.
14.4 Balloting shall proceed by means of a secret ballot vote. A majority is needed in
order to determine the disposition of the call.
15.0 CHURCH COUNCIL [Board of Directors]
Even though it is not absolutely necessary for a congregation to have a church council [Board of
Directors], experience has shown this to be beneficial. The exact makeup of the council can be
determined by the congregation.
Example:
15.1 Membership
The church council shall be the board of directors and shall consist of the president, the
vice-president, the secretary, the treasurer of the congregation, the financial secretary, the
Board of Christian Education, the Board of Evangelism, the Board of Stewardship, . . . ,
and . . . [perhaps members at large]. The pastor shall be an advisory [or voting] member
of the church council. The chairman and secretary of the congregation shall serve as
chairman and secretary of the church council.
15.2 Meetings
The church council shall preferably meet monthly in regular sessions and at least
quarterly. Special meetings may be called by the chairman [or pastor] or any three
members of the church council by sending a notice which shall be delivered to the
residence of each member at least 24 hours in advance. A majority of the voting
members of the council shall constitute a quorum.
15.3 Duties
It shall be the principal duty of the church council to coordinate the program and
activities of the various departments of the congregation. It shall have power to act in
behalf of the congregation between meetings of the voters assembly.
16.0 NOMINATIONS AND ELECTIONS
Specific procedures for the nomination and election of officers and board members should also be
included in the bylaws. If certain officers or board members are to be appointed, provisions for such
appointment must be made in the bylaws.
Example:
16.1 A nominating committee, chosen by the church council, shall present a slate of
candidates for all elected offices. The slate shall normally consist of two names for each
office. Additional nominations may be made from the floor. No person shall be
nominated without his or her consent.
16.2 All officers shall be elected by a majority ballot vote and voting shall continue until
a clear majority has been established after candidates receiving the lowest number of
votes have been eliminated in each succeeding ballot.
16.3 The officers are elected for a term of ______. The other members of the church
council and the members of all boards shall be elected or appointed for a term of ______.
16.4 Officers and board members shall be inducted into office in a public service of the
congregation.
16.5 In case of a vacancy in an elective office, the voters assembly shall elect a successor
to fill the unexpired term.
17.0 OFFICIAL DUTIES
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