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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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 | 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 | 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 | 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 | 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 | 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 | 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 | 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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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 | 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 | 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 | 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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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 | 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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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 | 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 | 96 | p. 96
ecclesiastical supervisor, select a location and a date within 45 days after the Hearing Panel was constituted for the panel to hear and consider the matter, unless there is unanimous consent by the panel members for a short delay beyond such 45 days for reasons the panel deems appropriate. 2.17.7.7 The Secretary of the Synod shall forward to the Hearing Pa
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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 | 98 | p. 98
the Hearing Panel, the decision of the Hearing Panel shall be regarded as final and shall (1) be binding upon the parties to the matter and not be subject to further appeal; (2) have no precedential value; (3) be carried out by the district president or the President of the Synod; and (4) be publicized as deemed appropriate under the circumstances by the dis
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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 | 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 | 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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Bylaws | 7 | p. 214
7. AMENDMENTS TO BYLAWS 7.1 Amendments to the Bylaws may be made using one of two procedures, provided they are not contrary to the Constitution of the Synod. 7.1.1 Amendments may be made by conventions of the Synod. (a) They shall be presented in writing to a convention of the Synod. (b) They shall be specified as bylaw amendments and considered by a conven
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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 | 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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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 | 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 | 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 | 99 | p. 99
housing, and insurance of individual members until the final decision is rendered. 2.17.10.2 Any member participating in this bylaw procedure that violates any of the requirements or procedures in this bylaw or is persistent in false accusations is subject to the disciplinary measures as set forth in Bylaw section 2.14 or Bylaw section 2 .15. Violations of t
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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 | 8 | p. 8
4.3 District Officers ................................................................................................... 197 4.4 District President................................................................................................. 197 4.5 District Boards of Directors .............................................................................
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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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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 | 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 | 1.6 | pp. 34-36
1.6 Confessional Position of the Synod 1.6.1 The confessional position of the Synod is set forth in Article II of its Constitution, to which all who wish to be and remain members of the Synod shall subscribe. Doctrinal Resolutions and Statements 1.6.2 The Synod, in seeking to clarify its witness or to settle doctrinal controversy, so that all who seek to par
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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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Page | 73 | p. 73
under Article XIII of the Constitution, in commencing the formal proceedings he shall (a) provide to the member a written notification of the member’s suspended status under Bylaw 2.13.4; (b) provide to the member a written statement of the matter which sets forth the facts and states that he is requesting expulsion of the member from the Synod in accord wit
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Page | 78 | p. 78
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, resulting in a gross miscarriage of justice, or that involves an
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Page | 92 | p. 92
shall amend as necessary the Standard Operating Procedures Manual that serves as a comprehensive procedures manual for the bylaw provisions set forth in Bylaw section 2.16. 2.17 Expulsion of Individuals from Membership in the Synod as a Result of Sexual Misconduct or Criminal Behavior 2.17.1 The action to commence expulsion of an individual from membership i
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Page | 201 | p. 201
4.7 District Nominations, Elections, and Appointments 4.7.1 Each district may adopt regulations for the nomination and election of its president; the nomination, selection, election, ranking, and succession in case of vacancies of its vice-presidents; and the nomination or selection of any regional officers or regional board of directors members, as long as
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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 | 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 | 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 | 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 | 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 | 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 | 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 | 36 | p. 36
(10) In the interim, those who submit overtures to amend or to repeal shall, while retaining their right to dissent, continue to honor and uphold publicly the statement as the position of the Synod, notwithstanding further study and action by the Synod in convention. 1.7 Agreements 1.7.1 The Constitution, Bylaws, and all other rules and regulations of the Sy
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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 | 68 | p. 68
terminated after previous futile admonition have acted contrary to the confession laid down in Constitution Art. II or the conditions of membership laid down in Constitution Art. VI or have persisted in offensive conduct ( Constitution Art. XIII 1). For this reason the Synod establishes procedures for such action including the identification of those who are
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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 | 77 | p. 77
Appeal Panel 2.14.8 The decision of the Hearing Panel may be appealed by the accused (if an active participant in the hearing before the Hearing Panel) , by the suspending ecclesiastical supervisor , or by the President of the Synod if a question of doctrine or practice is involved (Constitution Art. XI B 1 – 3) within 15 days after receiving the decision. S
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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 | 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 | 93 | p. 93
president, the President of the Synod, or the chairman of the Council of Presidents may become aware of such information or facts by his own personal knowledge. Such information or facts may also be conveyed to him in a formal written complaint or accusation made by any person. In commencing such action, the ecclesiastical supervisor of the accused: (a) Shal
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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 | 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 | 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 | 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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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 | 214 | p. 214
determine to which organizations recognized service organization status will be granted. (c) Granting offices may be authorized to set and charge application, renewal, and maintenance fees to recoup the cost of administration, subject to policies set by the Board of Directors of the Synod. 7. AMENDMENTS TO BYLAWS 7.1 Amendments to the Bylaws may be made usi
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Page | 217 | p. 217
dealt with, or disposed of in a manner not in conflict with the laws of the State of Missouri or of the laws of any state in which said property is located. Article VII Bylaws This corporation shall have such constitution and bylaws as may be necessary to accomplish its purposes and shall have power to create such corporations, boards, offices, and other sub
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Page | 17 | p. 17
c. As many circuit visitors as each district may determine upon d. A district secretary e. A district treasurer, who may be elected by the district convention or appointed in such manner as the district may prescribe 4. Additional officers, boards, and commissions are elected by the districts as they are required for the execution of the business of the dist
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Page | 37 | p. 37
auxiliaries’ materials is in accord with the Scriptures and the Lutheran Confessions. Material Subject to Doctrinal Review 1.9.1.1 The following materials are subject to doctrinal review: (a) All official periodicals and journals of the Synod as well as any material with doctrinal content issued publicly by boards, commissions, or other subordinate groups of
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Page | 47 | p. 47
(3) Discretionary acts: The Appeal Panel may approve an appeal if there was a clear abuse of discretion impacting the decision of the Dispute Resolution Panel, resulting in a gross miscarriage of justice, or that involves an obvious and inappropriate bias or prejudice. 1.10.8.3 Within 30 days after its formation, the Appeal Panel shall issue its written deci
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Page | 59 | p. 59
satisfactory testimonials that each candidate so classified is still qualified for recommendation for a first call to serve in the church. 2.7.5 A pastor emeritus from another church body, after having completed an approved colloquy program of the Synod, may be placed on the roster of the Synod without call by action of the Council of Presidents on the basis
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Page | 67 | p. 67
Suspended Status and Limitations 2.13.4 When formal proceedings have been commenced against a member of the Synod (individual or congregation) under the procedures set forth in Bylaw sections 2.14 – 2.17 which may lead to expulsion from the Synod under Article XIII of the Constitution, the member shall have suspended status. If such member was on restricted
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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 | 76 | p. 76
(2) The request for an opinion must be made within 30 days of the final formation of the panel. If a party to the matter does not request such an opinion within the designated time, such a request may still be made to the panel, which shall, at its discretion, determine whether the request shall be forwarded. The panel shall also have the right, at any time
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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 | 140 | p. 140
(i) Concordia University System, with the assistance of its Institution Advisory Council, shall provide training for members of visitation teams, according to policies established by Concordia University System. (j) Direct costs of the visitation process shall be borne by the institution visited, regulated according to a schedule devised, after input from th
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Page | 141 | p. 141
(d) The “Concordia Retirement Savings Plan ” is the tax -sheltered annuity retirement savings plan adopted by the Board of Directors in August 2003, effective October 1, 2005, as such plan has been heretofore or may hereafter be amended. The text of the plan, as amended from time to time, shall be published under the supervision of the Board of Trustees— Con
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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 | 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 | 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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Constitution | Article III | pp. 11-12
Article III Objectives The Synod, under Scripture and the Lutheran Confessions, shall— 1. Conserve and promote the unity of the true faith (Eph. 4:3 –6 ; 1 Cor. 1:10 ), work through its official structure toward fellowship with other Christian church bodies, and provide a united defense against schism, sectarianism (Rom. 16:17), and heresy; 2. Strengthen co
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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 | 32 | p. 32
(3) Neglect or refusal to perform duties of office (4) No longer satisfying any of the qualifications for directors set forth in the articles of incorporation or bylaws of the entity as in effect at the beginning of the member’s term (5) Conviction of a felony (6) Failure to disclose conflicts of interest to the Synod or agency (7) Conduct evidencing a scand
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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.
