LCMS Handbook

Bylaws

Navigation and page references for Bylaw sections 1 through 7.

The LCMS Handbook is official LCMS governance material. This Field Guide provides navigation, search aids, references, and study helps. Readers should verify all quotations, procedures, and requirements against the official Handbook.

Bylaw 1 | pp. 21-54

Relationships Within and Through the Synod

Defines basic Synod relationships, corporate agency order, confessional position, dissent, doctrinal review, and dispute resolution.

1.1 Purpose of the Synod 1.2 Definition of Terms 1.5 Regulations for Corporate Synod and Agencies of the Synod 1.6 Confessional Position of the Synod 1.8 Dissent 1.9 Doctrinal Review 1.10 Dispute Resolution

Bylaw 2 | pp. 55-99

Membership

Membership application, eligibility, calls, rosters, expulsion, and reinstatement.

2.14 Expulsion of Congregations or Individuals

Bylaw 3 | pp. 100-195

National Organization and Responsibilities

National conventions, officers, boards, commissions, mission boards, seminaries, nominations, and elections.

3.1 National Conventions 3.3 President and Officers 3.9 Commissions 3.12 Nominations and Elections

Bylaw 4 | pp. 196-202

District Organization

District conventions, officers, presidents, boards, nominations, elections, and district meetings.

4.2 District Conventions

Bylaw 5 | pp. 203-207

Circuits

Visitation circuits, circuit visitors, circuit forums, and circuit convocations.

5.3 Circuit Forums

Bylaw 6 | pp. 208-214

Auxiliary and Recognized Service Organizations

Auxiliaries and recognized service organization status, accountability, and policies.

Bylaw 7 | p. 214

Amendments to Bylaws

Procedures for amending the Bylaws by convention action or exceptional Board of Directors action.