LCMS Handbook
Search public-safe Handbook navigation records by keyword, bylaw number, Constitution article, and convention topic.
Search
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
Verify in official Handbook before formal use.
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
Verify in official Handbook before formal use.
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
Verify in official Handbook before formal use.
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
Verify in official Handbook before formal use.
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
Verify in official Handbook before formal use.
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
Verify in official Handbook before formal use.
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
Verify in official Handbook before formal use.
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
Verify in official Handbook before formal use.
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
Verify in official Handbook before formal use.
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
Verify in official Handbook before formal use.
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
Verify in official Handbook before formal use.
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
Verify in official Handbook before formal use.
Page | 63 | p. 63
Candidate 2.11.2.2 A “candidate” member is one who is eligible to perform the duties of any of the offices of ministry specified in Bylaw section 2.11 but who is not currently an active member or an emeritus member. (a) A candidate may be continued on the roster for a period not to exceed ten years by act of the president of the district through which the pe
Verify in official Handbook before formal use.
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
Verify in official Handbook before formal use.
Page | 208 | p. 208
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
Verify in official Handbook before formal use.
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
Verify in official Handbook before formal use.
Page | 69 | p. 69
(d) Conflict of interest : Representation of two opposing interests. Carrying out the responsibility of ecclesiastical supervision does not give rise to conflict of interest. (e) Ecclesiastical supervision: See Bylaw 1.2.1 (j). (f) Face-to-face: A face-to-face meeting in person between the accuser and the accused in the manner described in Matthew 18:15. E -
Verify in official Handbook before formal use.
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
Verify in official Handbook before formal use.
Page | 113 | p. 113
Powers and Duties – Ecclesiastical 3.3.1.1 As the chief ecclesiastical officer of the Synod, the President shall supervise the doctrine taught and practiced in the Synod, including all synodwide corporate entities. 3.3.1.1.1 The President of the Synod has ecclesiastical supervision of all officers of the Synod and its agencies, the individual districts of th
Verify in official Handbook before formal use.
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
Verify in official Handbook before formal use.
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
Verify in official Handbook before formal use.
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
Verify in official Handbook before formal use.
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
Verify in official Handbook before formal use.
Page | 184 | p. 184
3.10.6.9.3 A formal procedure shall be in place to carry out performance reviews for all faculty on a regular basis. 3.10.6.9.4 Other than honorable retirement, termination of faculty employment may only be the result of the following: (a) professional incompetency; (b) incapacity for the performance of duty; (c) insubordination; (d) neglect of or refusal to
Verify in official Handbook before formal use.
Page | 198 | p. 198
(a) He shall cause the resolutions of the Synod to be implemented in the district, encouraging the congregations and schools to embrace the mission and ministry emphases adopted by the national convention for the triennium. (b) He shall regularly report to the President of the Synod. (c) He shall serve the congregations of the district as liaison between the
Verify in official Handbook before formal use.
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
Verify in official Handbook before formal use.
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
Verify in official Handbook before formal use.
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
Verify in official Handbook before formal use.
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
Verify in official Handbook before formal use.
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
Verify in official Handbook before formal use.
Page | 54 | p. 54
(3) An individual member of the panel may, through the hearing facilitator, also request resource materials and personal assistance from the executive director of the CTCR or from a theologian recommended by the executive director, this to provide an opportunity to read about, discuss with a knowledgeable person, and better comprehend doctrina l matters asso
Verify in official Handbook before formal use.
Page | 210 | p. 210
(d) Eligibility to be an “employer” under the Concordia Plans of the Synod unless the policies of such a plan preclude such organization as an eligible employer. (e) Recognition of the auxiliary in the Handbook of the Synod and listing of the organization in The Lutheran Annual as an auxiliary of the Synod, provided that such listing shall be prefaced by a
Verify in official Handbook before formal use.
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
Verify in official Handbook before formal use.
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
Verify in official Handbook before formal use.
Constitution | Article VII | p. 13
Article VII Relation of the Synod to Its Members 1. In its relation to its members the Synod is not an ecclesiastical government exercising legislative or coercive powers, and with respect to the individual congregation’s right of self -government it is but an advisory body. Accordingly, no resolution of the Synod imposing anything upon the individual congre
Verify in official Handbook before formal use.
Page | 23 | p. 23
a board of trustees, a board of regents, a board of managers, or a board of governors. (l) May: Permissive, expressing ability, liberty, or the possibility to act. (m) Member of the Synod : See Constitution Art. V. Members of the Synod are of two classes: corporate members (congregations that have joined the Synod) and individual members (ministers of religi
Verify in official Handbook before formal use.
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
Verify in official Handbook before formal use.
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
Verify in official Handbook before formal use.
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
Verify in official Handbook before formal use.
Page | 172 | p. 172
(b) govern the institution at all times according to the commitment of the institution, in its mission and otherwise, to carry out its affairs as part of the Concordia University System and in accordance with the Constitution, Bylaws, and resolutions of the Synod; (c) govern the institution with consistent attention to specific ways that the institution is c
Verify in official Handbook before formal use.
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
Verify in official Handbook before formal use.
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
Verify in official Handbook before formal use.
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
Verify in official Handbook before formal use.
Constitution | Article VI | p. 13
Article VI Conditions of Membership Conditions for acquiring and holding membership in the Synod are the following: 1. Acceptance of the confessional basis of Article II. 2. Renunciation of unionism and syncretism of every description, such as: a. Serving congregations of mixed confession, as such, by ministers of the church; b. Taking part in the services a
Verify in official Handbook before formal use.
Constitution | Article XIII | p. 18
Article XIII Expulsion from the Synod 1. Members who act contrary to the confession laid down in Article II and to the conditions of membership laid down in Article VI or persist in an offensive conduct, shall, after previous futile admonition, be expelled from the Synod. 2. Expulsion shall be executed only after following such procedure as shall be set fort
Verify in official Handbook before formal use.
Page | 61 | p. 61
Rites of Ordination or Commissioning 2.10.3 The president of the district that will have ecclesiastical supervision of the worker (see Bylaw section 2.12) shall be responsible for the rites of ordination and commissioning of candidates for the ministry called to that congregation, agency, or other calling body. (a) The rite of ordination or commissioning sh
Verify in official Handbook before formal use.
Page | 65 | p. 65
(2) hold any elected or appointed office on the district or national Synod level that is assigned by the Bylaws of the Synod to “a pastor” or “an ordained minister” (although specific ministry pastors may serve in all other capacities, especially representing the ministerial contexts in which they serve); (3) supervise vicars; or (4) serve as a circuit visit
Verify in official Handbook before formal use.
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
Verify in official Handbook before formal use.
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
Verify in official Handbook before formal use.
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
Verify in official Handbook before formal use.
Page | 106 | p. 106
ministers, the faculty of an educational institution of the Synod, the Board of Directors of the Synod, a board or commission of the Synod listed in Bylaws 3.2.2, 3.2.2.1, 3.2.3, and 3.2.3.1, a committee established by a prior convention, or a forum of a circuit. (a) Overtures are recommendations in the form of proposed resolutions requesting action on the p
Verify in official Handbook before formal use.
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
Verify in official Handbook before formal use.
Page | 196 | p. 196
(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
Verify in official Handbook before formal use.
Page | 199 | p. 199
professional church workers; the need for maintenance of purity of doctrine; the strengthening of the bond of Christian fellowship; and the provision of resources, opportunities, and assistance so God ’s people can grow in their faith, hope, and love. (f) The jurisdiction of the district president shall include non-member congregations whose pastors are memb
Verify in official Handbook before formal use.
Page | 215 | p. 215
AMENDED AND RESTATED ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION OF THE LUTHERAN CHURCH—M ISSOURI SYNOD Article I Name, Duration, Registered Office, and Agent a. The name of this corporation shall be “The Lutheran Church— Missouri Synod.” b. The period of duration of this corporation is perpetual. c. The address of the registered office of this corporation is 120 S. Central A
Verify in official Handbook before formal use.
Articles of Incorporation | Article II | pp. 215-216
Article II Objectives The objectives and purposes of this corporation are: a. To unite in a corporate body Evangelical Lutheran congregations that acknowledge and remain true to the Book of Concord of the year of our Lord 1580 as a true exhibition of sound Christian doctrine. b. To assist in the establishment of Evangelical Lutheran congregations and preachi
Verify in official Handbook before formal use.
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
Verify in official Handbook before formal use.
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
Verify in official Handbook before formal use.
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
Verify in official Handbook before formal use.
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
Verify in official Handbook before formal use.
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
Verify in official Handbook before formal use.
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
Verify in official Handbook before formal use.
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
Verify in official Handbook before formal use.
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
Verify in official Handbook before formal use.
Page | 136 | p. 136
work or the sessions of the board as they relate to the ecclesiastical visitation of any individual college or university. 3.6.6.2.1 Persons elected or appointed to the Concordia University System Board of Directors should have demonstrated familiarity with and support of Synod colleges and universities , shall strongly and demonstrably articulate and suppo
Verify in official Handbook before formal use.
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
Verify in official Handbook before formal use.
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
Verify in official Handbook before formal use.
Page | 64 | p. 64
2.12.1.4 An individual member serving in a foreign location or as an active -duty military chaplain shall hold membership in the Synod through the district in which membership was held prior to installation as such, or in the case of a first call that is to foreign service, the Missouri District. 2.12.1.5 An individual member of the Synod serving in any oth
Verify in official Handbook before formal use.
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
Verify in official Handbook before formal use.
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
Verify in official Handbook before formal use.
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
Verify in official Handbook before formal use.
Page | 114 | p. 114
oversight over their administration as it relates to adherence to the Constitution, Bylaws, and resolutions of the Synod. (1) With regard to Synod’s colleges and universities, regular visitation shall be conducted through the Concordia University System as described in Bylaw 3.6.6.4 and following. (2) He may in addition and at any time specially visit or cau
Verify in official Handbook before formal use.
Page | 133 | p. 133
3.6.5.3.1 The Foundation shall distribute designated funds in accordance with the contractual instructions of the donor. The distribution of undesignated funds shall be determined by its board of trustees in consultation with the Board of Directors of The Lutheran Church— Missouri Synod. 3.6.5.3.2 The Foundation shall be audited annually by independent certi
Verify in official Handbook before formal use.
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
Verify in official Handbook before formal use.
Page | 200 | p. 200
4.4.8 The district president shall , with the assistance of his district’s circuit visitors, promote and pursue unanimous participation by congregations in the submission of annual statistical reports as an expectation of membership in the Synod. 4.5 District Boards of Directors 4.5.1 Each district shall elect a board of directors, the size and composition o
Verify in official Handbook before formal use.
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 ..........................
Verify in official Handbook before formal use.
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
Verify in official Handbook before formal use.
Page | 26 | p. 26
appropriate bylaws. Primary responsibility is given to each officer, to the extent of his jurisdiction, for implementing specific decisions of the appropriate conventions, boards, and commissions and for supervising and coordinating the day -to-day activities of the respective staffs. Elected officers are to report their activities and recommendations to the
Verify in official Handbook before formal use.
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
Verify in official Handbook before formal use.
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
Verify in official Handbook before formal use.
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.
