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 | 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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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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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 | 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 | 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 | 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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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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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 | 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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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 | 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 | 120 | p. 120
property of the Synod as is generally vested in and imposed upon a board of directors of a corporation. (a) It shall, however, delegate to district boards of directors the authority to buy, sell, and encumber real and personal property in the ordinary course of performing the functions which the district carries on for the Synod in accord with general polic
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Page | 121 | p. 121
3.3.4.10.1 Although the Board of Directors does not have supervisory authority over the Synod’s colleges and universities and therefore cannot control or direct the management, administration, and governance decisions of the Synod’s colleges and universities, it does have responsibilities under Article XI E 2 of the Constitution and these Bylaws. In carryin
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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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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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Constitution | Article XI | pp. 15-16
Article XI Rights and Duties of Officers A. In General 1. The officers of the Synod must assume only such rights as have been expressly conferred upon them by the Synod, and in everything pertaining to their rights and the performance of their duties they are responsible to the Synod. 2. The Synod at all times has the right to call its officers to account an
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Page | 122 | p. 122
(e) serve, if the board’s representation is not otherwise designated, as a nonvoting member of the governing boards of The Lutheran Church— Missouri Synod Foundation, The Lutheran Church Extension Fund— Missouri Synod, Concordia Publishing House, Concordia University System, the Board of Trustees — Concordia Plans (Board of Directors— Concordia Plan Servic
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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 | 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 | 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 | 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 | 118 | p. 118
and lay) and no more than two voting members total may be elected from any one district. The First Vice -President of the Synod shall be the nonvoting member. 3.3.4.2 The Board of Directors shall have the powers and duties that have been accorded to it by the Articles of Incorporation , Constitution, Bylaws, and resolutions of the Synod, and the laws of the
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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 | 117 | p. 117
(g) He shall announce daily the time and the place of committee meetings at conventions. (h) He shall officially notify individuals elected to office of their election. (i) He shall edit the proceedings of the Synod in convention and arrange for its distribution in harmony with the provisions of the Bylaws. 3.3.3.2 The Secretary shall perform such other work
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Articles of Incorporation | Article V | p. 216
Article V Officers This corporation shall have a board of directors of such number and qualifications and who shall be elected in such manner and for such terms of office as shall be set forth in the Constitution or Bylaws of The Lutheran Church— Missouri Synod. In addition, this corporation shall have other officers having such qualifications and who shall
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Page | 34 | p. 34
(1) Incapacity (2) Breach of fiduciary responsibilities to the Synod or a district (3) Neglect or refusal to perform duties of office (4) Conviction of a felony 1.5.8.1 Unless otherwise specified in these Bylaws, the procedure for removal of an officer of the Synod or a district from office shall be as follows: (a) Action for removal of an officer of a distr
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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 | 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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Page | 132 | p. 132
2. The chairman of the Board for National Mission or his representative from that board 3. At least seven members appointed by the members, as provided in the Bylaws of the Foundation 4. The President of the Synod or his representative 5. The representative designated by the Board of Directors of the Synod as a nonvoting member The members of the Board of T
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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 | 16 | p. 16
by presidential letter and has been published in an official periodical of the Synod. If such matters are related to the business affairs of the Synod, such a vote shall be conducted only after the President has consulted with the synodical Board of Directors. In all cases at least one -fourth of the member congregations must register their vote. C. Duties
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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 | 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 | 173 | p. 173
and other institutions, as it makes decisions with impact beyond its campus, especially as it plans new programs, discontinues existing programs, cooperates and consolidates operations with other Synod schools, operates in a worldwide online marketplace, cooperates with the Synod Board of Directors in the legal defense of the right to the free exercise of ou
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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 | 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 | 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 | 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 | 180 | p. 180
(c) Nine months prior to the end of each five -year term, the board of regents shall conduct a formal review of the president’s effectiveness in the current term of office , evaluating his leadership, both of the administration of the institution and of the institution’s advancement of Synod’s confession and pursuit of Synod’s mission objectives. Upon comple
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Constitution | Article XII | pp. 16-18
Article XII Districts of the Synod and Their Regulation 1. The Synod is divided into districts, the geographical boundaries of which are determined by the Synod and are altered by it according to circumstances. 2. This Constitution is also the constitution of each district of the Synod; however, each district is at liberty to adopt such bylaws and pass such
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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 | 213 | p. 213
standard form of agreement to be entered into by the Synod and each recognized service organization. (b) Each mission board of the Synod in consultation with the Council of Presidents shall adopt further policies and criteria, related to its area of responsibility for granting of recognized service organization status by its respective mission office, such p
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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 | 216 | p. 216
confessional basis of Article II of the Constitution of The Lutheran Church— Missouri Synod. The member congregations of The Lutheran Church— Missouri Synod shall be the voting members of this corporation. Congregations shall exercise their voting power through clergy and lay delegates representing the member congregations in such number as may be determine
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Page | 127 | p. 127
of its members, or the procedure for amending its governing instruments shall require a two-thirds affirmative vote of its members, if any, who are appointed by the Board of Directors of the Synod; and (d) a provision that upon dissolution of a synodwide corporate entity, its remaining assets shall be transferred to the Synod. Any amendment to this provision
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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 | 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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Constitution | Article X | pp. 14-15
Article X Officers —A— The officers of the Synod are: 1. A President 2. Vice-presidents, in line of succession, as prescribed by the Bylaws 3. A Secretary 4. A Board of Directors 5. Other officers, as specified in the Bylaws —B— 1. The President, the vice- presidents, and the Secretary must be ministers of religion— ordained of The Lutheran Church— Missouri
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Page | 212 | p. 212
status recognizing different degrees of churchly governance and support and commensurate expectations for performance of activities and realization of mutual benefits. 6.2.2.2 The right to extend a Synod-recognized, regular call to a rostered worker is afforded to the board of directors of a recognized service organization, provided that: (a) The board’s com
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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 | 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 | 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 | 119 | p. 119
require modification or revocation thereof, except opinions of the Commission on Constitutional Matters. (b) Corporate Synod’s budgeting process and the budget itself shall be designed to support the worldwide mission and ministry of the Synod. (1) The board shall establish policies and guidelines relating to the preparation of the annual budget. (2) The boa
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Page | 124 | p. 124
3.5.1.1 The Administrative Team shall consist of the President, the First Vice - President, the Secretary, the Chief Financial Officer, the Chief Mission Officer, and the Chief Administrative Officer and shall be under the leadership of the President. Operations Team 3.5.2 The Operations Team shall assist the President and the Board of Directors of the Synod
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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 | 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 | 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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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 | 147 | p. 147
(c) Thereafter, the appointments shall become effective upon ratification by a majority vote of the members of the Council of Presidents. (d) Vacancies in appointed positions shall be filled by following the procedure set forth above. 3.9.2.2 The Commission on Constitutional Matters shall interpret the Synod ’s Constitution, Bylaws, and resolutions upon the
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Bylaws | 1.9 | pp. 36-39
1.9 Doctrinal Review Definition 1.9.1 Doctrinal review is the exercise of the Synod ’s responsibility to determine that every doctrinal statement made in its or any of its agencies’ or 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 doct
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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 | 126 | p. 126
(a) It is vested with the supervision of the business, financial, property, personnel, and legal affairs of the Synod assigned to that synodwide corporate entity. (b) It shall develop policies governing its operations. (c) It shall have an independent audit. (d) It shall provide for insurance and fidelity bonding. (e) It shall use common policies with other
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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 | 142 | p. 142
Directors, since such power is finally vested in the Synod’s Board of Directors. (a) When the Board of Trustees — Concordia Plans is carrying out its functions with respect to any such separate plan, it may be designated as the board of trustees of such separate plan. (b) When the board is carrying out its functions generally, it may be designated as the “Bo
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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 | 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 | 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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Articles of Incorporation | Article VIII | p. 217
Article VIII Amendments* Amendments to these Articles of Incorporation may be made at any time at a general or special meeting of this corporation by the affirmative vote of a two -thirds majority of the delegates present and voting or by a simple majority of all delegates, whichever is less, provided such amendments are not inconsistent with the Constitutio
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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 | 182 | p. 182
Concordia University System to enable him to convene a prior approval panel consisting of the President of the Synod, the district president serving on the institution’s board of regents, and the chair of the Board of Concordia University System. The names of the nominees shall not otherwise be disclosed outside the board of regents. (7) The prior approval
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Page | 22 | p. 22
(3) Commission on Handbook (4) Commission on Theology and Church Relations (d) Concordia Plan Services : Concordia Plan Services is a controlled entity of The Lutheran Church— Missouri Synod created to manage the Concordia Plans. (e) Concordia Plans: The Concordia Plans, while operating under the supervision of the Synod Board of Directors, are trust agencie
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Page | 139 | p. 139
initial application, or initiate withdrawal of affirmation; or (5) initiate further investigation, with the same or a new visitation team. (d) The institution reviewed may within 30 days of being notified of Concordia University System’s visitation determination(s) submit a written appeal and/or response to Concordia University System’s determination. Once C
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Page | 159 | p. 159
(b) It shall participate in and coordinate institutional planning for the seminary. (c) It shall review and approve new academic programs recommended by the administration and faculty after assessment of system policies in accordance with accreditation standards and guidelines and institutional interests and capacities. (d) It shall review and approve the in
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Page | 163 | p. 163
(g) The search committee shall prepare a list of at least five candidates that it recommends to the electors as the list from which the election slate is prepared. (h) At a special meeting of the board of regents held to elect a president, there shall be present and voting as electors the members of the board of regents as a group with one vote (the district
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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 | 181 | p. 181
(1) The board of regents shall initiate a transition review of the campus, which shall include consultation with Concordia University System on the basis of the Lutheran Identity and Mission Outcomes Standards and the institution’s most recent affirmation review. The review is to provide a report on the state of the campus for use by the search committee, t
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Page | 195 | p. 195
(6) be the object of an evaluation prepared by the Board of Directors of the Synod and submitted to the convention. 4.1.1.4 Transfer of congregations between districts is completed upon approval of the respective district boards of directors at the request of the congregation. 4.1.1.5 Transfer of congregations between partner churches requires the additional
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Page | 14 | p. 14
B. Special Sessions of the Synod 1. The Synod may under circumstances call a special session if two- thirds of the voting representatives present so decide. 2. In cases of urgent necessity a special session may be called by the President with the consent of two-thirds of the district presidents or by three-fourths of the district presidents without the conse
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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.
