Official Handbook Source Text
Handbook page 146
Source: LCMS Handbook 2023, page 146.
This page reproduces text from the 2023 LCMS Handbook for study and navigation. Readers should verify procedural, legal, parliamentary, or governance questions against the official LCMS Handbook and appropriate LCMS authorities.
Mission. Through the Chief Mission Officer, it shall also receive direction from the President of the Synod on all aspects of its responsibilities.
3.8.3.6 The President’s supervisory responsibilities under Constitution Art. XI B
and Bylaws 3.3.1 .1– 3.3.1.3 will assure that the Office of International Mission incorporates the doctrine, mission, and vision of the Synod in its service to the Synod. All staff shall be responsible and accountable for their activities to the President of the Synod (Constitution Art. XI B 1– 4) between conventions of the Synod and ultimately to the Synod in convention (Constitution Art. XI A 1– 2).
3.8.3.7 The Office of International Mission shall be responsible for granting
recognized service organization status to organizations that provide services primarily outside of the United States, are independent of the Synod, engage in program activity that is in harmony with the programs of the Synod, and warrant recognition by the Synod acc ording to section 6.2 of these Bylaws.
3.9 Commissions
3.9.1 The commissions of The Lutheran Church— Missouri Synod are the
following:
1. Commission on Constitutional Matters
2. Commission on Doctrinal Review
3. Commission on Handbook
4. Commission on Theology and Church Relations Commission on Constitutional Matters
3.9.2 The Commission on Constitutional Matters exists to interpret the
Constitution, Bylaws, and resolutions of the Synod and ensure that the governing instruments of the Synod and its agencies are in accord with the Constitution and Bylaws of the Synod.
3.9.2.1 The Commission on Constitutional Matters shall consist of six members ,
all voting:
1. Three ministers of religion — ordained, whose terms shall be for six years renewable once
2. Two attorneys, whose terms shall be for six years renewable once
3. The Secretary of the Synod, who shall serve as the secretary of the commission
3.9.2.1.1 The Commission on Constitutional Matters shall be appointed in the
following manner:
Other than the Secretary of the Synod, candidates shall be nominated only by the district boards of directors and shall be presented to the Council of Presidents through the Office of the Secretary.
(a) The Council of Presidents shall select five candidates for each vacant appointed position and present them through the office of the Secretary of the Synod to the President of the Synod.
(b) The President of the Synod, in consultation with the vice - presidents of the Synod, shall appoint the members of the commission from the list presented by the Council of Presidents.
