LCMS Handbook
Constitution
Navigation and page references for the Constitution of The Lutheran Church--Missouri Synod.
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.
Preamble | p. 11
Reason for the Forming of a Synodical Union
The constitutional preamble frames why congregations join in Synodical union.
Article I | p. 11
Name
Names the Synod.
Article II | p. 11
Confession
Sets the Synod's confessional basis in Scripture and the Lutheran Confessions.
Article III | pp. 11-12
Objectives
States the Synod's purposes for doctrine, witness, education, mercy, resources, supervision, and worker care.
Article IV | p. 12
Powers
Identifies legal powers related to Synodical corporate entities and property.
Article V | pp. 12-13
Membership
Names congregational and individual membership categories.
Article VI | p. 13
Conditions of Membership
Lists constitutional conditions for congregational and individual membership.
Article VII | p. 13
Relation of the Synod to Its Members
Describes the Synod's advisory relationship to its members.
Article VIII | pp. 13-14
Synodical Meetings
Provides constitutional grounding for regular and special meetings of the Synod.
Article IX | p. 14
Representation
Addresses voting and advisory representation at Synodical meetings.
Article X | pp. 14-15
Officers
Names officers and officer eligibility/order in the Constitution.
Article XI | pp. 15-16
Rights and Duties of Officers
Provides constitutional boundaries for officer duties, accountability, supervision, and Board of Directors authority.
Article XII | pp. 16-18
Districts
Constitutional provisions for districts, district officers, and district presidents.
Article XIII | p. 18
Expulsion from the Synod
Constitutional provisions for expulsion from membership.
Article XIV | p. 18
Bylaws
Authorizes bylaws under the Constitution.
Article XV | pp. 19-20
Changes in, and Amendments to, the Constitution
Sets constitutional procedures for changes and amendments.
