LCMS Handbook
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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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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 | 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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Page | 228 | p. 228
roster, 59, 61, 62, 63, 65, 103, 117, 141, 165, 167, 171, 184, 199, 209 specific ministry pastor status and limitations, 64– 65, 101, 103 standards for, 24, 54– 55 status, 61– 63, See also Membership status suspension, 67 voting, 12 Membership status, 61–63 active, 61–62 and district transfer, 57–64 inactive, 62–63 candidate, 12, 63 annual report, 63 emeritu
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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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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 | 224 | p. 224
ecclesiastical supervision of. See Ecclesiastical supervision election of the President by, 187 eligibility and application for membership, 13, 55– 56 expulsion of, 18, 67– 79 members of, 24 membership in the Synod, 12– 13, 24– 25, See further Membership in the Synod nominations by, 186, 188 relation to circuit, 25, 203–7 relation to circuit visitor, 203–5 r
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Page | 222 | p. 222
appointed members, 174 as board of the Synod. See Boards of the Synod qualifications and their verification, 175, 191, 192 removal of member, 32 training, 176 closure or sale, 177 Concordia University System, 133– 40 consolidation, 177 coordination and collaboration, 178 doctrinal review, 37 president, 182 faculty, 157, 183– 84 academic freedom, 183 appointm
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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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Page | 230 | p. 230
Placement of ministers of religion, initial, 60 Position of the Synod. See Confessional position of the Synod Powers of the Synod, 12 Praesidium, 23, 155 appointments by, 175 presidential consultation, 80, 106, 115, 146, 150, 151, 152 President of the Synod, 14–15, 15– 16, 112– 16 appointments by, 106, 123, 146, 148, 150, 151, 157, 193 convention report, 115
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Page | 231 | p. 231
petition for removal of, 65 Roster. See under Membership in the Synod Schools association (definition), 61 association, calling ministers of religion, 61 calling ministers of religion, 56– 57 Secretary of the Synod, 14, 116– 17 convention duties, 16, 19, 35, 103, 105, 107, 109, 116 file of governing instruments, 126 file of minutes, 29 general duties, 16, 11
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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 | 226 | p. 226
doctrinal review of published materials, 37 formation and realignment, 194 governing documents, 194 governing principles, 194–96 membership, 63– 64, 195 nominations and elections, 17, 197, 201 regional selections, 197 non-geographical, 64, 210 obligation to carry out Synod resolutions, 25 officers, 16, 17, 197 ethical obligations, 33 officers, executives, pr
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Page | 221 | p. 221
amendments to, 214 Calls assignment of first (placement) by Board of Assignments, 60 assisting capacity, 57 by association schools, 56– 57 by congregations, 13, 56– 57 installation forms and practices, 198 multi-congregation parish, 57 of candidates, 59–60 qualification for first, 60–61 role of district president in, 31, 56– 57, 198, 208, 212 Candidate membe
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Page | 225 | p. 225
as agency of the Synod. See Agency of the Synod concurrence on standard operating procedures, 70, 79, 86, 91, 99 designation of coordinative roles for Office of National Mission, 144 policies non-member congregational service, 61 presidential consultation, 106, 113 records retention and transfer, 127 Deaconesses. See Ministers of religion— commissioned Defin
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Page | 223 | p. 223
submission of report by, 105 terms of office, 110– 12 Committee for Convention Nominations, 189–92 preliminary work by Secretary, 116 subcommittee (“3.2.5”) for vacancy nominations, 112 Committee on Elections, 193–94 Committee, Colloquy, for Commissioned Ministry, 156– 57 Committee, Colloquy, for Pastoral Ministry, 156 Committee, convention, 106 directed rep
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Page | 233 | p. 233
REFERENCES Constitutional Provisions Const. Preface .......................................... 178 Const. Art. II ....24, 32, 68, 113, 134, 167, 172, 180, 183, 184, 216 Const. Art. III .......... 21, 24, 134, 172, 198, 215 Const. Art. III 1, 6 ...................................... 151 Const. Art. III 3 .......................................... 157 Const.
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Page | 220 | p. 220
Assignment of first calls, 60 Assistants, parish. See Ministers of religion— commissioned Assisting capacity call. See under Ministers of religion— ordained Assisting capacity call designation. See under Ministers of religion—ordained Association school. See Schools, association (definition) Auxiliary organizations, 208– 10 archival requirements, 128 calling
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Page | 227 | p. 227
duties established by President, 115 expulsion of president, 91 member of Administrative Team, 124 Board of Directors (nonvoting), 16, 117 colloquy committees (chair), 156, 157 Commission on Theology and Church Relations (advisory), 151 Council of Presidents, 155 Praesidium, 23 performance of presidential duties, 16, 114, 115 submission of report by, 105 suc
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Page | 232 | p. 232
of district officers, board and commission members, 201 of hearing facilitator, 48 of members of Commission on Constitutional Matters, 146 of members of Commission on Handbook, 150 of reconciler, 47 of synodwide corporate entity chief executive, 125 Theology and Church Relations, Commission on. See Commission on Theology and Church Relations Treasurer. See C
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Page | 5 | p. 5
2.3 Application by Congregations ............................................................................. 55 2.4 Continued Eligibility of Congregations ............................................................. 56 2.5 Calling Ministers of Religion ............................................................................... 56 Calls and multi-congr
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Page | 82 | p. 82
Hearing Panel 2.15.7 If the request for hearing as granted in Bylaw 2.15.6 (c) is made, the suspending ecclesiastical supervisor shall inform the Secretary of the Synod who shall initiate the formation of a Hearing Panel, such formation to be accomplished within 30 days of the request in accordance with the provisions in this bylaw. 2.15.7.1 At the time tha
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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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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 | 229 | p. 229
representation at Synod convention, 104 Model Operating Procedures Manual, 134, 184 Multi-congregation parish. See Parish, multi-congregation Name of the Synod, 11, 215 National inter-Lutheran entities, 25 executives, professional staff, 62 formation, 25 National Mission, Board for. See under Mission Boards of the Synod National Mission, Office of. See under
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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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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 | 4 | p. 4
1. RELATIONSHIPS WITHIN AND THROUGH THE SYNOD ................................................ 21 1.1 Purpose of the Synod ............................................................................................ 21 1.2 Definition of Terms ............................................................................................... 21 1.3 Synod Relation
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Page | 81 | p. 81
out the above provision (Bylaw 2.15.3). In commencing such action, the President of the Synod: (a) Shall determine whether Bylaw 2.15.3 provisions have been carried out and shall thoroughly investigate the matter to determine whether the facts learned from his investigation form a basis for expulsion of the member under Article XIII of the Constitution. He m
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Bylaws | 5.3 | pp. 205-207
5.3 Circuit Forums 5.3.1 The circuit forum is the group which aids the process of keeping congregations, particularly the lay leaders, commissioned ministers, and pastors, supportive of one another in their common confession and mutually active in developing programs for the good of member congregations, in considering and recommending new work, and in sug
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Page | 8 | p. 8
4.3 District Officers ................................................................................................... 197 4.4 District President................................................................................................. 197 4.5 District Boards of Directors .............................................................................
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Page | 31 | p. 31
(1) All responses to requests for information involving research or compilation shall be billed to the member on the basis of actual costs. (2) Any inspection of financial records shall be done by (a) member(s) of the congregation or its stated authorized agent at a mutually agreeable time and place. (3) The board may decline to provide the information reque
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Page | 33 | p. 33
regents pursuant to Bylaw 1.5.7 (2), (8), or (9), the written notice shall be handled as follows: (1) The board of regents shall schedule and hold a special meeting as required under Bylaw 1.5.7.1 (a) and (b) and consider a recommendation for removal under Bylaw 1.5.7.1 (c) (1). (2) If the board of regents fails to take action or declines to recommend remova
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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 | 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 | 219 | p. 219
INDEX Organization of this Index: Please note that many of the entries are “chained” so that the item sought can be considered in context; for example, the entry for “Board for International Mission” leads you to the entry for “Mission Boards of the Synod” to give the reader the opportunity to find not only the adjacent “Mission Offices of the Synod” but als
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Page | 83 | p. 83
there is unanimous consent by the panel members for a short delay beyond such 45 days for reasons the panel deems appropriate. 2.15.7.7 The Secretary of the Synod shall forward to the Hearing Panel the statement of the matter together with the written memorandum describing the manner in which there was compliance with the guidelines provided in Matthew 18:1
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Page | 85 | p. 85
the Constitution and Bylaws of the Synod, or a decision was made on an issue not related to the sole issue to be decided, or a decision was made on a theological question that the panel had no authority to make. (3) Discretionary acts: The Appeal Panel may approve an appeal if there was a clear abuse of discretion impacting the decision of the Hearing Panel,
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Page | 86 | p. 86
(d) be publicized as deemed appropriate under the circumstances by the President of the Synod. General Regulations 2.15.10 The President of the Synod shall take those steps necessary to assure that the spiritual needs of the respective members (accuser and accused) are attended to and shall continue efforts to resolve those matters which led to the commencem
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Page | 89 | p. 89
(c) prepare a written memorandum describing the manner in which there was compliance with the guidelines provided in Matthew 18:15– 16 and “previous futile admonition” ( Constitution Art. XIII), as well as all of the provisions of Bylaws 2.16.3– 2.16.5; and (d) provide to the President of the Synod a written notification that he has 15 days from the date of
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Page | 153 | p. 153
3.9.5.2.3 The executive committee of the commission shall, within 30 days, provide opinions on theological matters in response to questions presented by ecclesiastical supervisors or panels as described in the dispute resolution and suspension/expulsion processes of the Synod (Bylaw sections 1.10 and 2.14– 2.17). Because these opinions are in response to a s
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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 | 203 | p. 203
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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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 | 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 | 74 | p. 74
of their respective right to choose one Hearing Panel member and direct that the identity of their selection be transmitted to the Secretary of the Synod within 15 days from the date of such notice. If either party declines to make a selection within 15 da ys, the Secretary of the Synod shall then make such selection within five days. 2.14.7.4 The Secretary
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Page | 80 | p. 80
seek advice and also so that it can be determined whether this is the appropriate bylaw procedure (Bylaw section 2.15) or whether the matter falls under Bylaw sections 2.14, 2.17, or 1.8, or dispute resolution under Bylaw section 1.10. In regard to this consultation: (a) If and when the accuser’s district president (if the district president is not the one a
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Page | 95 | p. 95
2.17.6.1 Failure by the member to file such written request for hearing and resolution within the 15- day period shall be deemed to be consent to expulsion from membership in the Synod. Hearing Panel 2.17.7 If the request for hearing as granted in Bylaw 2.17.6 (c) is made, the ecclesiastical supervisor shall inform the Secretary of the Synod, who shall initi
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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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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 | 151 | p. 151
(c) It shall maintain a complete file of succeeding handbooks so that comparison can be made between current provisions and those preceding. (d) It shall carry out assignments by conventions of the Synod relating to the Handbook. (e) It shall respond to requests from agencies of the Synod to propose new provisions to address specific Handbook-related issues
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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 | 27 | p. 27
(b) Staffs ordinarily serve as the liaison between the national and district levels. Staffs at the national and district levels consult with one another in developing program proposals. (c) Each chief executive or executive director shall report on staff activities and recommendations to the national Synod, district, agency, or officer to which that executiv
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Page | 45 | p. 45
Procedure of a Dispute Resolution Panel 1.10.7 If the parties to a dispute with the assistance of the reconciler have been unable to achieve reconciliation, the complainant shall notify the Secretary of the Synod within 15 days after receiving the report from the reconciler if the matter is to be presented to a Dispute Resolution Panel. 1.10.7.1 If the compl
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Page | 87 | p. 87
Consultation 2.16.3 When a district president of the Synod is aware of information which could lead to the expulsion of the President of the Synod from the Synod under Article XIII of the Constitution, prior to any formal written complaint or accusation, the district president shall consult with the Council of Presidents to seek advice and also so that it ca
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Page | 90 | p. 90
unanimous consent by the panel members for a short delay beyond such 45 days for reasons the panel deems appropriate. 2.16.7.5 The chairman of the Council of Presidents shall forward to the Hearing Panel the statement of the matter together with the written memorandum describing the manner in which there was compliance with the guidelines provided in Matthew
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Page | 125 | p. 125
3.6.1.4 Each governing board of a synodwide corporate entity shall elect its own chair, vice -chair, and secretary and such operating officers as may be necessary. 3.6.1.5 Synodwide corporate entities may create chief executive positions (who may be designated as an officer of the corporation) pursuant to Bylaw 1.2.1, and fill them in accordance with the Byl
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Page | 131 | p. 131
extension activities, such as knowledge of real estate, management, and financial planning. 3.6.4.4 The Lutheran Church Extension Fund — Missouri Synod shall raise funds primarily through the issuance of corporate notes and other debt instruments. 3.6.4.4.1 The assets of the Lutheran Church Extension Fund — Missouri Synod shall be used exclusively to provide
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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 | 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 | 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 | 50 | p. 50
(d) The Secretary of the Synod shall correct any problem with the panel from the remaining names by blind draw according to the SOPM. In the event that additional names are needed, three names will be selected in the manner set forth above and those names submitted to each party, who shall have the right to strike one. In the event that there is more than on
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Page | 56 | p. 56
shall submit the application and a full report concerning its denial to the next regularly scheduled convention of the district, which shall determine whether to grant the application or to affirm the denial. 2.3.2 A copy of the signed constitution shall be forwarded to the secretary of the district. Acceptance by the district board of directors shall be rep
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Page | 72 | p. 72
Synod by conveying to him the accuser’s formal written accusation, the record of his investigation, and his preliminary determination . The President of the Synod shall respond within 60 days. (a) Should the President of the Synod concur, the district president may include the concurrence in his determination, indicating that it precludes an appeal for actio
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Page | 79 | p. 79
(c) be carried out by the district president or the President of the Synod; and (d) be publicized as deemed appropriate under the circumstances by the district president or the President of the Synod. General Regulations 2.14.10 The district president of the accused/suspended member and the district president of the accuser shall take those steps necessary t
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Page | 88 | p. 88
the above provision (paragraph 2.16.3). In commencing such action, the chairman of the Council of Presidents: (a) Shall determine whether Bylaw 2.16.3 provisions have been carried out and shall thoroughly investigate the matter to determine whether the facts learned from his investigation form a basis for expulsion of the President of the Synod under Article
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Page | 94 | p. 94
and the matter shall thereafter proceed as set forth in Bylaws 2.16.4 – 2.16.10.4. 2.17.5 If the determinati on is not to initiate formal proceedings, the district president shall in writing so inform the accuser, any other district president involved, and the involved member, which shall terminate the matter, subject to the following: (a) If a matter of doc
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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 | 152 | p. 152
(f) Vacancies that occur in the positions that were filled by appointment shall be filled by the same appointing body. (g) In the case of vacancies that occur in positions that were filled by election of a national convention of the Synod, the appointing body shall be the Board of Directors of The Lutheran Church — Missouri Synod, which shall follow the nomi
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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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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 | 206 | p. 206
suggesting improvements for services and programming at the national and district levels and is encouraged to meet at least twice a year. (a) The circuit visitor shall endeavor to provide resources, opportunities, and assistance so God’s people can grow in their faith. (b) Among the functions which the circuit forum may perform are the following: (1) To stud
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Page | 207 | p. 207
5.3.5 The circuit forum shall be qualified to submit overtures to national and district conventions. 5.4 Circuit Convocations 5.4.1 The circuit convocation is a larger gathering of members from circuit congregations during a year in which there is no national or district convention. 5.4.2 The purpose of a circuit convocation is to provide a setting in which
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Bylaws | 6 | pp. 208-214
6. AUXILIARY AND RECOGNIZED SERVICE ORGANIZATIONS 6.1 Auxiliaries 6.1.1 An auxiliary exists as an arm of the Synod and has as its primary function aiding the Synod, specifically in programs that extend the ministry and mission of the Synod. Auxiliary status is presently limited to the International Lutheran Laymen’ s League and the Lutheran Women’ s Missiona
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Page | 39 | p. 39
(l) Should any problem arise between an author, the reviewer(s), the publisher, or any other party involved with respect to the material submitted for review, the sponsoring group shall endeavor to resolve it to the satisfaction of the reviewer(s). If it cannot do so, the problem shall be submitted to the Commission on Doctrinal Review which shall follow the
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Page | 51 | p. 51
or from any of the panel members’ districts. The hearing facilitator shall not have assisted the previous Hearing Panel. (c) The list shall be mailed simultaneously to each party, who shall be entitled to strike one name and return the list to the Secretary of the Synod within one week. (d) The Secretary of the Synod shall correct any problem with the panel
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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 | 71 | p. 71
(b) The district president shall require the accuser to follow the correct bylaw provision under the circumstance, if any, and shall provide evangelical supervision, counsel, and care to the persons involved. (c) If Bylaw section 2.14 applies, the district president shall ensure that the accuser has met face -to-face with the accused in the manner described
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Page | 91 | p. 91
congregations of the Synod for a written vote in order to terminate the membership of the President of the Synod. (d) If the result of the vote is not the required 75 percent of the total number of district presidents, the chairman of the Council of Presidents shall so inform the accuser and the President of the Synod, which shall terminate the matter, vacat
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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.
