LCMS Handbook
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Bylaws | 3 | pp. 100-195
3. NATIONAL ORGANIZATION AND RESPONSIBILITIES 3.1 National Conventions 3.1.1 The national convention of the Synod shall afford an opportunity for worship, nurture, inspiration, fellowship, and the communication of vital information. It is the principal legislative assembly, which amends the Constitution and Bylaws, considers and ta kes action on reports and
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Bylaws | 3.1 | pp. 100-112
3.1 National Conventions 3.1.1 The national convention of the Synod shall afford an opportunity for worship, nurture, inspiration, fellowship, and the communication of vital information. It is the principal legislative assembly, which amends the Constitution and Bylaws, considers and ta kes action on reports and overtures, and handles appropriate appeals. It
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Bylaws | 3.12 | pp. 186-194
3.12 Nominations and Elections Regional Elections 3.12.1 For all elections requiring regional representation, the Board of Directors of the Synod and the Council of Presidents acting jointly shall designate five geographic regions. (a) Regions shall be designated 24 months prior to conventions of the Synod and shall take into consideration geogra phical and
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Page | 9 | p. 9
Foreword The Handbook of The Lutheran Church— Missouri Synod contains the body of laws that our member congregations have set out to order our life together— a body of laws in service of the Gospel . This edition incorporates changes made by the 68 th Regular Convention of the Synod , meeting in Milwaukee, Wisc., July 29– August 3, 2023, to the Bylaws of th
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Bylaws | 3.3 | pp. 112-124
3.2.4.2 All members of all boards and commissions of the Synod shall be ineligible for re-election or re -appointment to the same board or commission after serving a total of two successive six -year elected terms or three successive appointed or elected three -year terms, unless otherwise provided in the Bylaws. (a) Such persons may become eligible again fo
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Page | 157 | p. 157
3.10.3.1 The Colloquy Committee for Commissioned Ministry shall consist of the First Vice -President of the Synod as chairman, a representative of Concordia University System, and two presidents of affirmed colleges or universities of the Synod that operate a program or programs that are affirmed by the Synod to qualify graduates for commissioned ministry a
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Bylaws | 1 | pp. 21-54
1. RELATIONSHIPS WITHIN AND THROUGH THE SYNOD 1.1 Purpose of the Synod 1.1.1 Committed to a common confession and mission, congregations of The Lutheran Church— Missouri Synod join with one another in the Synod to support one another and to work together in carrying out their commonly adopted objectives. The Synod is organized to work in support of and on be
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Bylaws | 2 | pp. 55-99
matters as advice and counsel as well as suspension of membership and forfeiture of it for failure to continue to meet membership requirements. In protecting the rights of members, provision has also been made for challenging those decisions by ecclesiastical supervisors that result in suspension or loss of membership and for restoration of membership when n
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Page | 103 | p. 103
(c) Delegates are expected to be faithful in attendance at all sessions of the convention. All duly elected voting delegates shall attend all sessions regularly until the close of the convention. Delegates who arrive late or leave early or who do not attend at all shall present a written excuse. (d) Delegates shall report the actions of the Synod to their ci
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Page | 105 | p. 105
(b) If the district has no executive staff, it may select two members of its board of directors. 3.1.4.6 Each district may be represented by two youth representatives at conventions of the Synod. (a) Youth representatives may be selected as a district may specify. (b) They may speak at the request of a floor committee and with the permission of the chair. Re
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Page | 178 | p. 178
that the ratio of elected to appointed regents is not decreased and that all members of the resulting board of regents are members of member congregations of the Synod. Such plan must indicate a definite plan of no more than six years’ duration to bring the composition of the board of regents of the institution into compliance with Bylaw 3.10.6.2, and contin
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Page | 156 | p. 156
B. Colloquy Committee for the Pastoral Ministry 3.10.2 The Colloquy Committee for the Pastoral Ministry shall be responsible for the reception and processing of applications for individual membership in the Synod through colloquy. 3.10.2.1 The Colloquy Committee for the Pastoral Ministry shall consist of the First Vice-President of the Synod as chairman, a d
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Page | 158 | p. 158
The Executive Director of the Office of Pastoral Education 3.10.4.7 The Pastoral Formation Committee shall meet at least once per year, and shall report on its work at the annual joint meeting of the two seminary boards of regents. Additional meetings shall be determined by the chairman in consultation with the committee members. E. Seminary Boards of Regent
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Page | 167 | p. 167
3.10.5.7.6 The board of regents may decline to renew the appointment of a faculty member during an initial -level appointment period without a formal statement of cause. 3.10.5.7.6.1 No member of the faculty on a continuing -level appointment or on an initial-level appointment except at the expiration of the term of appointment shall be removed from the facu
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Page | 189 | p. 189
individual members of the Synod, along with lay persons of the congregations of the Synod. Nominations may be received from persons or parties outside the region. (c) All nominees for a particular regional position must reside within the boundaries of the region for which they are nominated. (d) All incumbents eligible for reelection shall be considered to b
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Bylaws | 1.10 | pp. 39-54
1.10 Dispute Resolution of the Synod Preamble 1.10.1 When disputes, disagreements, or offenses arise among members of the body of Christ, it is a matter of grave concern for the whole church. Conflicts that occur in the body should be resolved promptly ( Matt. 5:23– 24; Eph. 4:26 – 27). Parties to disputes are urged by the mercies of God to proceed with one
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Page | 155 | p. 155
(c) The responsibility of conscientious pastoral care recognizes that a pastor will occasionally encounter an exceptional case in which he is called on to administer Holy Communion to a person who is outwardly connected with such an organization. Such exceptio nal cases ordinarily involve an individual who (1) has accepted the pastoral care of the congregati
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Page | 187 | p. 187
become a candidate. In the event of a tie for the final candidate position, all names involved in the tie shall be included as candidates. 3.12.2.2 The Secretary of the Synod shall publish in the Convention Workbook and post on the Synod Website brief biographies of the five candidates for President and the 20 candidates for First Vice -President. This re
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Page | 100 | p. 100
3. NATIONAL ORGANIZATION AND RESPONSIBILITIES 3.1 National Conventions 3.1.1 The national convention of the Synod shall afford an opportunity for worship, nurture, inspiration, fellowship, and the communication of vital information. It is the principal legislative assembly, which amends the Constitution and Bylaws, considers and ta kes action on reports and
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Page | 104 | p. 104
3.1.4.1 Each board and commission of the Synod shall be represented at conventions of the Synod. (a) Each board or commission shall be represented by its chairman or another board or commission member and by its principal staff person. The boards for National and International Mission shall also be represented by the executive directors of the Offices of Nat
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Page | 106 | p. 106
ministers, the faculty of an educational institution of the Synod, the Board of Directors of the Synod, a board or commission of the Synod listed in Bylaws 3.2.2, 3.2.2.1, 3.2.3, and 3.2.3.1, a committee established by a prior convention, or a forum of a circuit. (a) Overtures are recommendations in the form of proposed resolutions requesting action on the p
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Page | 145 | p. 145
appointing, assigning, withdrawing, and releasing of missionaries (ministers of religion — ordained and ministers of religion — commissioned) and other workers for the ministries in foreign areas. 3.8.3.1 The Board for International Mission shall have oversight of the implementation of policies adopted by the board and implemented by the Office of Internatio
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Page | 174 | p. 174
(v) effect the removal from office of the institution’s president upon a finding, under the procedure of Bylaw 3.10.6.8.3 or Bylaw 3.10.6.8.1 (e) or (f) , that he is unfit to serve as the spiritual head of the college or university; (w) effectively and intentionally govern the institution and its president so that administration and faculty carry out their m
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Page | 177 | p. 177
and have ultimate authority and independence in the operation of the institution subject to appropriate pre -established policies and rules (e.g., Synod Bylaws), under no circumstances shall a board delegate its authority to, nor commingle its authority wit h, any other body that includes non- board members. Boards of regents may meet with advisory groups (e
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Page | 184 | p. 184
3.10.6.9.3 A formal procedure shall be in place to carry out performance reviews for all faculty on a regular basis. 3.10.6.9.4 Other than honorable retirement, termination of faculty employment may only be the result of the following: (a) professional incompetency; (b) incapacity for the performance of duty; (c) insubordination; (d) neglect of or refusal to
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Page | 10 | p. 10
• A bylaw related to eligibility for ordained colloquy has been clarified (Bylaw 3.10.2.4 — Res. 6-05). • The requirement that seminaries deposit surplus institutional funds with the Synod has been removed (Bylaw 3.10.5.5 [e][2] — Res. 9-02 [E]). • Procedures for nomination and election of the President and vice -presidents of the Synod have received minor,
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Page | 109 | p. 109
(4) Daily minutes shall be prepared by the Secretary ’s office for inclusion in Today’s Business. (j) The date and site of Synod conventions shall be established in the following manner. (1) The President, in consultation with the convention manager, shall decide upon the dates of Synod conventions. (2) The Board of Directors of the Synod, in consultation wi
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Page | 113 | p. 113
Powers and Duties – Ecclesiastical 3.3.1.1 As the chief ecclesiastical officer of the Synod, the President shall supervise the doctrine taught and practiced in the Synod, including all synodwide corporate entities. 3.3.1.1.1 The President of the Synod has ecclesiastical supervision of all officers of the Synod and its agencies, the individual districts of th
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Page | 143 | p. 143
• youth ministry Upon recommendation of the Office of National Mission, the Board for National Mission shall serve as a calling agency for institutional and agency chaplains and other non- foreign specialized ministers (e.g., Veterans Administration chaplains, Bureau of Prison chaplains, hospital chaplains, pastoral counselors, and teachers of chaplaincy an
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Page | 169 | p. 169
of the question(s). The request for an opinion must be made within 30 days of the final formation of the review committee. If a party does not request such an opinion within the designated time, such a request may still be made to the review committee, which shall, at its discretion, determine whether the request shall be forwar ded. The review committee sh
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Page | 171 | p. 171
(i) Controversies and disagreements among faculty members or other employees (other than those involving matters described in Bylaw 3.10.5.7.5) shall be submitted to the president of the seminary for mediation. (1) If this proves unsuccessful, he shall report the matter to the board of regents for arbitration. (2) After hearing the parties to the matter, the
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Page | 186 | p. 186
3.12 Nominations and Elections Regional Elections 3.12.1 For all elections requiring regional representation, the Board of Directors of the Synod and the Council of Presidents acting jointly shall designate five geographic regions. (a) Regions shall be designated 24 months prior to conventions of the Synod and shall take into consideration geogra phical and
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Page | 191 | p. 191
candidates from the list of nominees gathered by the nominations process. (d) In the case of boards of directors of synodwide corporate entities, the committee shall consult with the governing boards of each synodwide corporate entity, through their chief executive, to receive input for the committee’s consideration. (e) In the case of the boards of regents
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Page | 192 | p. 192
(e) The committee shall, whenever possible, prepare and hold in readiness a slate of candidates for any new board or commission likely to be established at a convention of the Synod, and of these the committee should, whenever possible, be informed in advance. (f) Any changes to the complete list of candidates and alternates necessitated by unavailability, d
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Page | 7 | p. 7
3.6 Synodwide Corporate Entities ........................................................................... 124 General Principles ........................................................................................... 124 Concordia Historical Institute ....................................................................... 127 Concordia Publishing Hous
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Page | 40 | p. 40
been reconciled to God through the death and resurrection of Christ Jesus. Christ’s “ministry of reconciliation” is one of the church ’s foremost priorities. 1.10.1.4 Christian conflict resolution seeks to resolve disputed issues in a manner pleasing to God. Those in conflict are urged to proceed prayerfully in good faith and trust. Disputes are more likely
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Page | 107 | p. 107
Pre-Convention Publications 3.1.8 A Convention Workbook containing a convention manual, reports and overtures, the names and congregations of all voting delegates, and other information shall be published under the editorship of the Secretary subject to approval of the President. (a) The President shall also decide which of the matters accepted for present
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Page | 133 | p. 133
3.6.5.3.1 The Foundation shall distribute designated funds in accordance with the contractual instructions of the donor. The distribution of undesignated funds shall be determined by its board of trustees in consultation with the Board of Directors of The Lutheran Church— Missouri Synod. 3.6.5.3.2 The Foundation shall be audited annually by independent certi
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Page | 135 | p. 135
(e.g., as in Bylaw 3.12.3.4 [c]) and suggesting for appointment those suitably qualified; (m) serve as a resource for regents’ development of and mandatory training in governance skills, especially as they relate to the carrying out of the mission of the Synod’s colleges and universities within the mission of the church, and foster regents’ growth in aspects
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Page | 144 | p. 144
• church planting and revitalization • youth ministry 3.8.2.5 In carrying out its mission responsibilities, the Office of National Mission shall receive its primary focus from the mission and ministry emphases developed triennially by the national Synod in convention and from the policies developed and determined by the Board for National Mission. Through th
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Page | 166 | p. 166
(e) The board of regents shall maintain standards of good practice that provide uniform procedures for renewing faculty employment contracts. (f) Each seminary shall state policies regarding faculty appointments, employment contracts, contract renewal, and contract termination for all employees. 3.10.5.7.4 A formal procedure shall be in place to carry out pe
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Page | 176 | p. 176
3.10.6.2.2 Persons elected or appointed to a board of regents shall undergo training for such service. (a) The Concordia University System and Synod Board of Directors shall provide for training of elected and appointed regents concerning their responsibilities under the Synod Constitution, Bylaws, and resolutions, to advance the Synod’s confession and missi
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Page | 179 | p. 179
the customary executive management exercised by a college or university president, carry out the following responsibilities: (a) He shall represent the institution in its relations to the Synod and its officers and boards. (b) He shall supervise, direct, and administer the affairs of the institution and all its departments, pursuant to the Constitution, Byl
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Page | 183 | p. 183
(b) Should the action or inaction prove, to the satisfaction of the Concordia University System Board of Directors and with the concurrence of the President of the Synod, to violate the doctrine and practice of the Synod (Const. Art. II) or to have caused the institution to be not in good standing with the Synod (Bylaw 3.6.6.4.1 [e]), the Concordia Universit
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Page | 185 | p. 185
(a) The board shall aid districts in motivating individuals, congregations, and organizations in acquiring investments for church extension in a systematic manner. (b) The board shall strive to coordinate and obtain uniformity in the church extension programs of the districts. (c) The board shall provide leadership in advance site acquisition for further exp
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Page | 190 | p. 190
Iowa East Ohio Kansas Rocky Mountain Michigan South Wisconsin Mid-South Southeastern Minnesota North Pacific Southwest Montana Southern Illinois New England Texas 3.12.3.3 One-half of the electing districts shall be designated by the Secretary of the Synod to elect a professional church worker and the other half a layperson, with roles reversed every six yea
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Page | 193 | p. 193
Committee on Elections 3.12.4 Prior to the convention of the Synod, the President shall appoint a Committee on Elections, which shall make the necessary arrangements for the elections, shall be responsible for the preparation and distribution of ballots, and shall supervise the elections and the tabulation of the votes. (a) The President shall designate a ch
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Bylaws | 5 | pp. 203-207
5. CIRCUITS 5.1 Visitation Circuits 5.1.1 A visitation circuit is a network of congregations that “walks together ” for mutual care, support, advice, study, ecclesiastical encouragement, service, coordination, resources, and counsel — all for the sake of greater congregational participation in God’s mission. 5.1.2 Districts shall establish visitation circuit
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Bylaws | 1.2 | pp. 21-24
1.2 Definition of Terms 1.2.1 The following definitions are for use in understanding the terms as used in the Bylaws of The Lutheran Church— Missouri Synod: (a) Agency: An instrumentality other than a congregation or corporate Synod, whether or not separately incorporated, which the Synod in convention or its Board of Directors has caused or authorized to be
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Page | 23 | p. 23
a board of trustees, a board of regents, a board of managers, or a board of governors. (l) May: Permissive, expressing ability, liberty, or the possibility to act. (m) Member of the Synod : See Constitution Art. V. Members of the Synod are of two classes: corporate members (congregations that have joined the Synod) and individual members (ministers of religi
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Page | 43 | p. 43
Matthew 18:15 and may involve the informal use of a reconciler. And further, before any matter is submitted to the formal reconciliation process, the complainant must meet and consult with the appropriate ecclesiastical supervisor to seek advice and also so that it can be determined whether this is the appropriate bylaw procedure (Bylaw section 1.10) or whet
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Page | 57 | p. 57
admitted to their respective ministries in accordance with the rules and regulations set forth in these Bylaws and have thereby become members of the Synod; (2) candidates for the pastoral ministry who have satisfied the qualifications and requirements for assignment of first calls by the Council of Presidents acting as the Board of Assignments; or (3) ordai
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Page | 58 | p. 58
2.6.1.1 The roster of commissioned ministers shall admit eligible teachers, directors of Christian education, directors of Christian outreach, directors of family life ministry, directors of parish music, deaconesses, parish assistants, and directors of church ministries. 2.6.2 Individuals who have been declared qualified for a first call and assigned first
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Bylaws | 2.14 | pp. 67-77
2.14 Expulsion of Congregations or Individuals from Membership in the Synod Preamble 2.14.1 Termination of membership in the Synod is a serious matter involving both the doctrine and life of those to whom it has been granted. Such action should only be taken as a final step when it is clear that those who are being terminated after previous futile admonitio
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Page | 70 | p. 70
notice, including information that results in public notice, whether or not the person or persons delivering it gave approval to the bringing of the information to public notice. (r) Reconciliation committee: A small committee appointed by the ecclesiastical supervisor (prior to the determination whether or not to proceed) to assist in reconciliation efforts
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Page | 102 | p. 102
(2) The congregation or congregations served (in other than an assisting capacity) by the elected pastoral delegate shall be removed from consideration for supplying candidates for the other delegate and alternate elections for that particular convention. (i) For the election of the alternate lay delegate: All lay nominees except those who have been disquali
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Page | 112 | p. 112
3.2.4.2 All members of all boards and commissions of the Synod shall be ineligible for re-election or re -appointment to the same board or commission after serving a total of two successive six -year elected terms or three successive appointed or elected three -year terms, unless otherwise provided in the Bylaws. (a) Such persons may become eligible again fo
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Page | 116 | p. 116
(a) The Board of Directors of the Synod shall determine when the President is unable to serve in that capacity because of prolonged illness or disability. (b) The First Vice-President shall remain as the acting president until that board determines that such illness or disability has been removed. Vice-Presidents 3.3.2 The vice-presidents shall be elected ad
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Bylaws | 3.9 | pp. 145-154
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 Constitut
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Page | 146 | p. 146
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 o
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Page | 161 | p. 161
situation, the president shall report the matter to the board of regents with his recommendation for action. (g) He shall delegate or reassign one or more of his functions to a member of the faculty or staff, although standing administrative assignments shall be made by the board of regents upon his recommendation. (h) He shall be responsible for the provisi
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Page | 164 | p. 164
(b) Part-time or temporary faculty members shall hold nonvoting membership on the faculty. 3.10.5.7.1 At each theological seminary the president shall propose creation, modification, or abolition of administrative positions to the board of regents for its approval. (a) The board of regents at each school shall maintain clear policies for filling and vacating
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Page | 175 | p. 175
5. One member, who may be an ordained minister, a commissioned minister, or a layperson, shall be appointed by the Praesidium of the Synod after consultation with the president and chair of the board of regents of the respective institution and the Board of Directors of the Synod. 6. College and university board of regents members may be elected or appointed
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Page | 188 | p. 188
(a) The President-elect shall select from the list of 20 nominees for the Office of First Vice -President five nominees who have consented to serve if elected, at least two of whom shall be taken from the top five nominees. (b) Balloting will proceed with the candidate receiving the smallest number of votes eliminated from consideration until one candidate r
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Bylaws | 4 | pp. 196-202
(b) The ecclesiastical supervision of a new church start, satellite worship site, or any ministry established by a congregation in another district shall be decided by the affected district presidents. 4.1.7 Officers of the district shall have primary responsibility for district implementation of decisions of the Synod at the national level as they apply at
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Page | 205 | p. 205
under dispute resolution of the Synod as outlined in section 1.10 of these Bylaws. (j) He shall regularly convene the pastors of his circuit for circuit conferences. (k) He shall regularly report on his activities to the district president. (l) The district president shall meet with the circuit visitors of the district at least once per year to discuss their
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Page | 6 | p. 6
Decision by Congregations .............................................................................. 91 General Regulations ......................................................................................... 91 2.17 Expulsion of Individuals from Membership in the Synod as a Result of Sexual Misconduct or Criminal Behavior ..........................
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Page | 24 | p. 24
Bylaws, the “synodwide corporate entities” of the Synod are the following corporations: (1) Concordia Historical Institute (2) Concordia Publishing House (3) Lutheran Church Extension Fund— Missouri Synod (4) Lutheran Church— Missouri Synod Foundation (5) Concordia University System The term “synodwide corporate entity” is not used in these Bylaws to include
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Bylaws | 1.5 | pp. 27-34
1.5 Regulations for Corporate Synod and Agencies of the Synod General 1.5.1 Board and commission members of all agencies shall be members of member congregations of the Synod. 1.5.1.1 Unless otherwise specified or permitted by the Bylaws, chief executives and executive directors, faculty, staff, and all other employees on either the national or district lev
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Page | 29 | p. 29
meetings. Unless otherwise specified in the Bylaws, each agency is free to select a manner of meeting, consistent with Board of Directors policy, that best enhances its ability to accomplish its mission, taking into consideration fostering the open exchang e of ideas, availability of technology to all members, stewardship of resources, perception of fairness
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Page | 49 | p. 49
facilitators shall be filled by the Secretary of the Synod from the Synod roster of reconcilers (whether already serving, before the convention, or, being newly appointed, after their post -convention training) after consultation with the appropriate district presidents. (b) Any vacancy in an unexpired term shall be filled in the same manner as described ab
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Page | 55 | p. 55
matters as advice and counsel as well as suspension of membership and forfeiture of it for failure to continue to meet membership requirements. In protecting the rights of members, provision has also been made for challenging those decisions by ecclesiastical supervisors that result in suspension or loss of membership and for restoration of membership when n
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Page | 64 | p. 64
2.12.1.4 An individual member serving in a foreign location or as an active -duty military chaplain shall hold membership in the Synod through the district in which membership was held prior to installation as such, or in the case of a first call that is to foreign service, the Missouri District. 2.12.1.5 An individual member of the Synod serving in any oth
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Page | 65 | p. 65
(2) hold any elected or appointed office on the district or national Synod level that is assigned by the Bylaws of the Synod to “a pastor” or “an ordained minister” (although specific ministry pastors may serve in all other capacities, especially representing the ministerial contexts in which they serve); (3) supervise vicars; or (4) serve as a circuit visit
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Page | 110 | p. 110
Officers Appointed by the President and Board of Directors 3.2.1.1 The appointed officers of the Synod shall be the Chief Financial Officer and the Chief Administrative Officer, appointed by the Board of Directors of the Synod, and the Chief Mission Officer, appointed by the President of the Synod. Boards 3.2.2 The governing boards of the Synod whose members
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Page | 114 | p. 114
oversight over their administration as it relates to adherence to the Constitution, Bylaws, and resolutions of the Synod. (1) With regard to Synod’s colleges and universities, regular visitation shall be conducted through the Concordia University System as described in Bylaw 3.6.6.4 and following. (2) He may in addition and at any time specially visit or cau
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Page | 115 | p. 115
boards and serves as a voting member of the Board of Directors of the Synod and the Board of Directors of Concordia Publishing House). (1) The President ’s representative shall normally be a member of the Administrative Team. (2) The President shall, in reasonable time, receive notice of such meetings, the proposed agenda, and minutes thereof. (e) Prior to h
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Page | 123 | p. 123
Chief Mission Officer 3.4.3 The Chief Mission Officer shall be responsible to the President of the Synod for the mission, ministry, and any programmatic and coordinative functions which are implemented according to the policies adopted by the Board for National Mission and the Board for International Mission. 3.4.3.1 The Chief Mission Officer shall provide s
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Page | 129 | p. 129
(a) It shall supply publishing and distribution services for the agencies of the Synod as required, unless this is deemed detrimental to the agency involved. (b) It shall consult with representatives of other boards when materials are produced in concert with them. (c) Unless otherwise instructed by the Synod, the Board of Directors of Concordia Publishing
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Page | 130 | p. 130
(b) Amendments shall be reported to the next convention of the Synod. 3.6.4.1 The assets and liabilities of the Lutheran Church Extension Fund — Missouri Synod are separate and distinct from those of the Synod and its assets cannot be used to satisfy the liabilities and obligations of the Synod. 3.6.4.1.1 In the event the Lutheran Church Extension Fund— Miss
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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.
At 3:07 each day, remember John 15:7 and pray for Christ's Church, the convention, our leaders, and the work of the Gospel among us.
