LCMS Handbook
Search public-safe Handbook navigation records by keyword, bylaw number, Constitution article, and convention topic.
Search
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 | 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 | 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 | 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
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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 | 188 | p. 188
(a) The President-elect shall select from the list of 20 nominees for the Office of First Vice -President five nominees who have consented to serve if elected, at least two of whom shall be taken from the top five nominees. (b) Balloting will proceed with the candidate receiving the smallest number of votes eliminated from consideration until one candidate r
Verify in official Handbook before formal use.
Page | 7 | p. 7
3.6 Synodwide Corporate Entities ........................................................................... 124 General Principles ........................................................................................... 124 Concordia Historical Institute ....................................................................... 127 Concordia Publishing Hous
Verify in official Handbook before formal use.
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
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 | 134 | p. 134
appointments to theology faculties of Synod colleges and universities (Bylaw 3.10.6.9.2); (d) create and maintain a Model Operating Procedures Manual for Faculty and Administration Complaints and Appeal of Termination: Colleges and Universities, subject to approval by the Commission on Constitutional Matters, regarding the handling of faculty and staff compl
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.
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 | 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
Verify in official Handbook before formal use.
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
Verify in official Handbook before formal use.
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
Verify in official Handbook before formal use.
Bylaws | 5.3 | pp. 205-207
5.3 Circuit Forums 5.3.1 The circuit forum is the group which aids the process of keeping congregations, particularly the lay leaders, commissioned ministers, and pastors, supportive of one another in their common confession and mutually active in developing programs for the good of member congregations, in considering and recommending new work, and in sug
Verify in official Handbook before formal use.
Page | 160 | p. 160
conflict with the laws of the domicile of the seminary or its Articles of Incorporation. In such event the board of regents shall have power to perform such acts as may be required by law to effect the corporate existence of the seminary. (6) Establishing and placing a priority on the capital needs of the seminary and determining the plans for the maintenanc
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 | 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.
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
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 | 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
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.
Page | 193 | p. 193
Committee on Elections 3.12.4 Prior to the convention of the Synod, the President shall appoint a Committee on Elections, which shall make the necessary arrangements for the elections, shall be responsible for the preparation and distribution of ballots, and shall supervise the elections and the tabulation of the votes. (a) The President shall designate a ch
Verify in official Handbook before formal use.
Bylaws | 4.2 | pp. 196-197
4.2 District Conventions 4.2.1 Conventions of the districts shall afford opportunities for worship, nurture, inspiration, fellowship, and the communication of vital information. They are the principal legislative assemblies, which amend the district’s Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws, consider and take action on reports and overtures, and handle appropri
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 | 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
Verify in official Handbook before formal use.
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
Verify in official Handbook before formal use.
Page | 192 | p. 192
(e) The committee shall, whenever possible, prepare and hold in readiness a slate of candidates for any new board or commission likely to be established at a convention of the Synod, and of these the committee should, whenever possible, be informed in advance. (f) Any changes to the complete list of candidates and alternates necessitated by unavailability, d
Verify in official Handbook before formal use.
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
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.
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 | 25 | p. 25
and work together and which the congregations alone have the authority to adopt or amend through conventions. 1.3.4.2 Members of the Synod, compelled by love for one another, accept the responsibility to support financially the work of the Synod. 1.3.4.3 Congregations of the Synod, to enable the Synod to plan current and future ministry efforts and to lend a
Verify in official Handbook before formal use.
Page | 11 | p. 11
CONSTITUTION OF THE LUTHERAN CHURCH—M ISSOURI SYNOD Preamble Reason for the Forming of a Synodical Union 1. The example of the apostolic church. Acts 15:1– 31. 2. Our Lord’s will that the diversities of gifts should be for the common profit. 1 Cor. 12:4– 31. Article I Name The name of the synod organized under this constitution shall be: The Lutheran Church—
Verify in official Handbook before formal use.
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
Verify in official Handbook before formal use.
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
Verify in official Handbook before formal use.
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
Verify in official Handbook before formal use.
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
Verify in official Handbook before formal use.
Page | 137 | p. 137
mission outcomes. They shall also enable the drawing of summative conclusions, concretely identifying strengths and weaknesses in institutions and programs, ultimately to provide clear rationale for decisions about continuation or termination of affirmation. (c) In addition to the standards with institution -wide applicability, the Concordia University Syste
Verify in official Handbook before formal use.
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
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 | 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
Verify in official Handbook before formal use.
Page | 111 | p. 111
conventions shall assume office upon the close of the convention at which they are elected. (b) In the interim, the newly elected President shall meet with the reelected and newly elected vice- presidents to assess the state of the Synod, to plan for the communication and carrying out of the resolutions adopted at the convention, to assign areas of responsib
Verify in official Handbook before formal use.
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
Verify in official Handbook before formal use.
Page | 128 | p. 128
Department of Archives and History within six months after they leave office. Such transfer shall be done under the auspices of the Department of Archives and History’s staff and in consultation with the successor in the office. (e) Such minutes, files, records, and reports shall ordinarily be transferred to the archives at the expiration of not more than 15
Verify in official Handbook before formal use.
Page | 138 | p. 138
(d) Concordia University System may, upon finding a church work preparation program to be in breach of the Standards, either on the basis of a regular visitation report or of a focused review, place the program on probation for up to a one -year period. If Conc ordia University System determines that substantial progress has been made and that verifiable pla
Verify in official Handbook before formal use.
Page | 155 | p. 155
(c) The responsibility of conscientious pastoral care recognizes that a pastor will occasionally encounter an exceptional case in which he is called on to administer Holy Communion to a person who is outwardly connected with such an organization. Such exceptio nal cases ordinarily involve an individual who (1) has accepted the pastoral care of the congregati
Verify in official Handbook before formal use.
Page | 206 | p. 206
suggesting improvements for services and programming at the national and district levels and is encouraged to meet at least twice a year. (a) The circuit visitor shall endeavor to provide resources, opportunities, and assistance so God’s people can grow in their faith. (b) Among the functions which the circuit forum may perform are the following: (1) To stud
Verify in official Handbook before formal use.
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
Verify in official Handbook before formal use.
Page | 60 | p. 60
for commissioned ministry (Bylaw 2.6.1.1) for which the college or university is specifically and currently affirmed by Concordia University System. 2.8.4.1 A graduate of such a program that was affirmed by Concordia University System at the time of matriculation but no longer affirmed or no longer in existence at the time of qualification for a first call m
Verify in official Handbook before formal use.
Page | 100 | p. 100
3. NATIONAL ORGANIZATION AND RESPONSIBILITIES 3.1 National Conventions 3.1.1 The national convention of the Synod shall afford an opportunity for worship, nurture, inspiration, fellowship, and the communication of vital information. It is the principal legislative assembly, which amends the Constitution and Bylaws, considers and ta kes action on reports and
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 | 150 | p. 150
Lutheran Confessions, and withdraw the publication until such agreement is reached. (g) The panel will appoint one of its members to be the doctrinal reviewer for the recycling of the revised material to assure the item ’s agreement with Scripture and the Lutheran Confessions if republished. Commission on Handbook 3.9.4 The Commission on Handbook provides fo
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 | 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
Verify in official Handbook before formal use.
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
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 | 152 | p. 152
(f) Vacancies that occur in the positions that were filled by appointment shall be filled by the same appointing body. (g) In the case of vacancies that occur in positions that were filled by election of a national convention of the Synod, the appointing body shall be the Board of Directors of The Lutheran Church — Missouri Synod, which shall follow the nomi
Verify in official Handbook before formal use.
Page | 170 | p. 170
(a) The salary schedules of all institutional employees shall be fixed by the board of regents on recommendation of the president of the seminary. (b) The board of regents, on recommendation of the president of the seminary, shall establish an effective faculty organizational structure. (1) The president or his designee shall preside at regular and special m
Verify in official Handbook before formal use.
Page | 174 | p. 174
(v) effect the removal from office of the institution’s president upon a finding, under the procedure of Bylaw 3.10.6.8.3 or Bylaw 3.10.6.8.1 (e) or (f) , that he is unfit to serve as the spiritual head of the college or university; (w) effectively and intentionally govern the institution and its president so that administration and faculty carry out their m
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 | 211 | p. 211
(e) A recognized service organization shall call only those commissioned ministers or candidates designated by Bylaw 2.5.3. (f) A recognized service organization operating domestically respects the role of all districts impacted by its mission planning. A recognized service organization shall pursue church planting or establishment of preaching stations/miss
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.
Page | 35 | p. 35
Constitution and shall ordinarily cite the pertinent passages of the Scriptures, the Lutheran Confessions, and any previously adopted official doctrinal statements and resolutions of the Synod. Such resolutions come into being in the same manner as any oth er resolutions of a convention of the Synod and are to be honored and upheld until such time as the Syn
Verify in official Handbook before formal use.
Page | 101 | p. 101
manner prescribed by the congregation or parish. Congregations of a multi-congregation parish not contributing a lay voter may send an advisory lay representative, with voice but no vote. A pastor serving a congregation in an assisting capacity (Bylaw 2.5.6) is not eligible to cast that congregation’s pastoral vote. (d) Should a multi-congregation parish in
Verify in official Handbook before formal use.
Page | 107 | p. 107
Pre-Convention Publications 3.1.8 A Convention Workbook containing a convention manual, reports and overtures, the names and congregations of all voting delegates, and other information shall be published under the editorship of the Secretary subject to approval of the President. (a) The President shall also decide which of the matters accepted for present
Verify in official Handbook before formal use.
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
Verify in official Handbook before formal use.
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
Verify in official Handbook before formal use.
Page | 190 | p. 190
Iowa East Ohio Kansas Rocky Mountain Michigan South Wisconsin Mid-South Southeastern Minnesota North Pacific Southwest Montana Southern Illinois New England Texas 3.12.3.3 One-half of the electing districts shall be designated by the Secretary of the Synod to elect a professional church worker and the other half a layperson, with roles reversed every six yea
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 | 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 | 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.
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.
