LCMS Commission on Constitutional Matters — Minutes St. Louis, Missouri — March 23, 2000, Page 11

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OPINION: The opinion rendered to the previous question provides the answer to this question.
QUESTION: May a District insist that a partially subsidized congregation accept an “intentional
interim pastor”?
OPINION: The previously quoted provision of Article VII of the Constitution of the Synod is also
applicable to this question. In addition, 1998 synodical convention Resolution 3.17B states in part,
WHEREAS, Intentional interim ministries ought never to be imposed upon
congregations, for the precious relationship of the shepherd to his sheep can be protected
only as long as the congregation maintains the right to choose its own pastor (see C. F.
W. Walther, The Congregation’s Right to Choose Its Pastor);… therefore be it
Resolved, That we recognize the value of intentional interim ministries in certain cases
when congregations choose them (emphasis added); and be it further
Resolved, That when congregations do choose to be served by intentional interim
ministries, they be assisted by their District Presidents to select among available
candidates;….
In light of the above, a District may not insist that a partially subsidized congregation accept an
intentional interim pastor.
QUESTION: May a District extend a “non-tenured” call for a pastor of a partially subsidized
congregation?
OPINION: Again, the above quoted provisions of Article VII may be applicable to this issue. However,
the term “non-tenured” is not defined in the Constitution or Bylaws of the Synod nor is it defined in the
question. Accordingly, the Commission cannot render an opinion on this question.
100. Montana District Bylaws (99-2174)
The Commission considered a letter from a spokesman for the Montana District responding to an earlier
letter from the Chairman of the Commission raising several questions regarding the District’s Bylaws.
Chairman Tesch agreed to pursue this matter further with the Montana District on the basis of the
Commission’s discussion.
101. Minnesota South District Bylaws (99-2175)
The Commission approved the bylaw changes submitted by the Minnesota South District as presented.
Secretary Hartwig will call attention, however, to Bylaw 3.08 which stipulates that the Treasurer of the
District shall be elected by its Board of Directors, suggesting (as the Commission has in the past with
another District) that inquiry be made to ascertain that the laws of the State of Minnesota do permit a nonelected person to serve in a corporate officer position.
102. South Wisconsin District Bylaws (00-2176)
The bylaw changes submitted to the Commission by the Chairman of the South Wisconsin District Bylaw
Review Committee, after review by the Commission and following consultation with Chairman Tesch,
were approved as presented in their final form.

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