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 | 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 | 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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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
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Bylaws | 1 | pp. 21-54
1. RELATIONSHIPS WITHIN AND THROUGH THE SYNOD
1.1 Purpose of the Synod
1.1.1 Committed to a common confession and mission, congregations of The
Lutheran Church— Missouri Synod join with one another in the Synod to
support one another and to work together in carrying out their commonly
adopted objectives. The Synod is organized to work in support of and on
be
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Page | 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
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Page | 8 | p. 8
4.3 District Officers ................................................................................................... 197
4.4 District President................................................................................................. 197
4.5 District Boards of Directors .............................................................................
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Bylaws | 3.3 | pp. 112-124
3.2.4.2 All members of all boards and commissions of the Synod shall be ineligible
for re-election or re -appointment to the same board or commission after
serving a total of two successive six -year elected terms or three successive
appointed or elected three -year terms, unless otherwise provided in the
Bylaws.
(a) Such persons may become eligible again fo
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Page | 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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Bylaws | 1.10 | pp. 39-54
1.10 Dispute Resolution of the Synod
Preamble
1.10.1 When disputes, disagreements, or offenses arise among members of the
body of Christ, it is a matter of grave concern for the whole church.
Conflicts that occur in the body should be resolved promptly ( Matt. 5:23–
24; Eph. 4:26 – 27). Parties to disputes are urged by the mercies of God to
proceed with one
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Page | 230 | p. 230
Placement of ministers of religion, initial,
60
Position of the Synod. See Confessional
position of the Synod
Powers of the Synod, 12
Praesidium, 23, 155
appointments by, 175
presidential consultation, 80, 106, 115,
146, 150, 151, 152
President of the Synod, 14–15, 15– 16, 112–
16
appointments by, 106, 123, 146, 148,
150, 151, 157, 193
convention report, 115
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Page | 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 | 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
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Page | 9 | p. 9
Foreword
The Handbook of The Lutheran Church— Missouri Synod contains the body of
laws that our member congregations have set out to order our life together— a body of
laws in service of the Gospel . This edition incorporates changes made by the 68 th
Regular Convention of the Synod , meeting in Milwaukee, Wisc., July 29– August 3,
2023, to the Bylaws of th
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Page | 40 | p. 40
been reconciled to God through the death and resurrection of Christ Jesus.
Christ’s “ministry of reconciliation” is one of the church ’s foremost
priorities.
1.10.1.4 Christian conflict resolution seeks to resolve disputed issues in a manner
pleasing to God. Those in conflict are urged to proceed prayerfully in good
faith and trust. Disputes are more likely
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Page | 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
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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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Bylaws | 3.9 | pp. 145-154
3.9 Commissions
3.9.1 The commissions of The Lutheran Church— Missouri Synod are the
following:
1. Commission on Constitutional Matters
2. Commission on Doctrinal Review
3. Commission on Handbook
4. Commission on Theology and Church Relations
Commission on Constitutional Matters
3.9.2 The Commission on Constitutional Matters exists to interpret the
Constitut
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Page | 154 | p. 154
only Gospel set forth in the Holy Scriptures specifically as they carry out
their responsibilities relating to membership in societies, lodges, cults, or
any organizations of an unchristian or anti -Christian character to which
the Synod has declared itself firmly opposed.
(a) It shall provide information and counsel concerning organizations,
philosophies, a
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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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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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Page | 62 | p. 62
(d) An officer, executive, or professional staff member of the Synod,
district, or other agency of the Synod.
(e) An executive or professional staff member serving a national inter-
Lutheran entity referred to in Bylaw 1.3.8.
(f) A missionary serving under a call by the Synod, including a call by
a district.
(g) A person serving on the faculty or profession
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Page | 57 | p. 57
admitted to their respective ministries in accordance with the rules and
regulations set forth in these Bylaws and have thereby become members of
the Synod; (2) candidates for the pastoral ministry who have satisfied the
qualifications and requirements for assignment of first calls by the Council
of Presidents acting as the Board of Assignments; or (3) ordai
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Page | 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
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Page | 144 | p. 144
• church planting and revitalization
• youth ministry
3.8.2.5 In carrying out its mission responsibilities, the Office of National Mission
shall receive its primary focus from the mission and ministry emphases
developed triennially by the national Synod in convention and from the
policies developed and determined by the Board for National Mission.
Through th
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Page | 146 | p. 146
Mission. Through the Chief Mission Officer, it shall also receive direction
from the President of the Synod on all aspects of its responsibilities.
3.8.3.6 The President’s supervisory responsibilities under Constitution Art. XI B
and Bylaws 3.3.1 .1– 3.3.1.3 will assure that the Office of International
Mission incorporates the doctrine, mission, and vision o
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Bylaws | 4 | pp. 196-202
(b) The ecclesiastical supervision of a new church start, satellite
worship site, or any ministry established by a congregation in another
district shall be decided by the affected district presidents.
4.1.7 Officers of the district shall have primary responsibility for district
implementation of decisions of the Synod at the national level as they apply
at
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Page | 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 | 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 | 58 | p. 58
2.6.1.1 The roster of commissioned ministers shall admit eligible teachers,
directors of Christian education, directors of Christian outreach, directors
of family life ministry, directors of parish music, deaconesses, parish
assistants, and directors of church ministries.
2.6.2 Individuals who have been declared qualified for a first call and assigned
first
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Page | 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 | 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 | 228 | p. 228
roster, 59, 61, 62, 63, 65, 103, 117, 141,
165, 167, 171, 184, 199, 209
specific ministry pastor status and
limitations, 64– 65, 101, 103
standards for, 24, 54– 55
status, 61– 63, See also Membership
status
suspension, 67
voting, 12
Membership status, 61–63
active, 61–62
and district transfer, 57–64
inactive, 62–63
candidate, 12, 63
annual report, 63
emeritu
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Page | 12 | p. 12
7. Encourage congregations to strive for uniformity in church practice, but also
to develop an appreciation of a variety of responsible practices and customs
which are in harmony with our common profession of faith;
8. Provide evangelical supervision, counsel, and care for pastors, teachers, and
other professional church workers of the Synod in the performan
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Constitution | Article V | pp. 12-13
Article V Membership
Membership in the Synod is held and may be acquired by congregations and
individuals, ministers of religion — ordained and ministers of religion —
commissioned, of the Evangelical Lutheran Church who confess and accept the
confessional basis of Article II.
A. Voting Members
All organized congregations that have joined the Synod hold vot
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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 | 37 | p. 37
auxiliaries’ materials is in accord with the Scriptures and the Lutheran
Confessions.
Material Subject to Doctrinal Review
1.9.1.1 The following materials are subject to doctrinal review:
(a) All official periodicals and journals of the Synod as well as any
material with doctrinal content issued publicly by boards,
commissions, or other subordinate groups of
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Page | 48 | p. 48
as the SOPM) by the secretary of the district to serve as reconciler in the
following situations arising in the district:
(a) Procedural questions involved in excommunication cases;
(b) Cases in which a member of the Synod shall have been removed
from the position that such member holds in a congregation that is a
member of the Synod;
(c) Cases in which a pe
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Page | 59 | p. 59
satisfactory testimonials that each candidate so classified is still qualified
for recommendation for a first call to serve in the church.
2.7.5 A pastor emeritus from another church body, after having completed an
approved colloquy program of the Synod, may be placed on the roster of
the Synod without call by action of the Council of Presidents on the basis
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Page | 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
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Page | 156 | p. 156
B. Colloquy Committee for the Pastoral Ministry
3.10.2 The Colloquy Committee for the Pastoral Ministry shall be responsible for
the reception and processing of applications for individual membership in
the Synod through colloquy.
3.10.2.1 The Colloquy Committee for the Pastoral Ministry shall consist of the First
Vice-President of the Synod as chairman, a d
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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
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Page | 175 | p. 175
5. One member, who may be an ordained minister, a commissioned
minister, or a layperson, shall be appointed by the Praesidium of the
Synod after consultation with the president and chair of the board of
regents of the respective institution and the Board of Directors of the
Synod.
6. College and university board of regents members may be elected or
appointed
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Page | 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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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 | 209 | p. 209
(h) Call and, in any sense involving distinctive function(s) of the
pastoral office, be served by only those ordained ministers or
candidates designated by Bylaw 2.5.2.
(i) Call only those commissioned ministers or candidates designated
by Bylaw 2.5.3.
6.1.2.2 Auxiliaries shall continue to meet the above requirements for continued
recognition.
6.1.3 An auxil
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Page | 214 | p. 214
determine to which organizations recognized service organization
status will be granted.
(c) Granting offices may be authorized to set and charge application,
renewal, and maintenance fees to recoup the cost of administration,
subject to policies set by the Board of Directors of the Synod.
7. AMENDMENTS TO BYLAWS
7.1 Amendments to the Bylaws may be made usi
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Page | 227 | p. 227
duties established by President, 115
expulsion of president, 91
member of
Administrative Team, 124
Board of Directors (nonvoting), 16,
117
colloquy committees (chair), 156, 157
Commission on Theology and
Church Relations (advisory), 151
Council of Presidents, 155
Praesidium, 23
performance of presidential duties, 16,
114, 115
submission of report by, 105
suc
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Page | 231 | p. 231
petition for removal of, 65
Roster. See under Membership in the
Synod
Schools
association (definition), 61
association, calling ministers of
religion, 61
calling ministers of religion, 56– 57
Secretary of the Synod, 14, 116– 17
convention duties, 16, 19, 35, 103, 105,
107, 109, 116
file of governing instruments, 126
file of minutes, 29
general duties, 16, 11
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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
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Page | 13 | 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
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Page | 21 | p. 21
BYLAWS
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 an
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Page | 47 | p. 47
(3) Discretionary acts: The Appeal Panel may approve an appeal if
there was a clear abuse of discretion impacting the decision of the
Dispute Resolution Panel, resulting in a gross miscarriage of justice,
or that involves an obvious and inappropriate bias or prejudice.
1.10.8.3 Within 30 days after its formation, the Appeal Panel shall issue its written
deci
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Page | 55 | p. 55
matters as advice and counsel as well as suspension of membership and
forfeiture of it for failure to continue to meet membership requirements. In
protecting the rights of members, provision has also been made for
challenging those decisions by ecclesiastical supervisors that result in
suspension or loss of membership and for restoration of membership when
n
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Page | 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
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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
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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 | 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 | 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 | 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
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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
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Page | 171 | p. 171
(i) Controversies and disagreements among faculty members or other
employees (other than those involving matters described in Bylaw
3.10.5.7.5) shall be submitted to the president of the seminary for
mediation.
(1) If this proves unsuccessful, he shall report the matter to the
board of regents for arbitration.
(2) After hearing the parties to the matter, the
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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
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Page | 197 | p. 197
(b) All duly elected voting delegates shall attend all sessions of the
convention regularly until the close of the convention.
(c) Should a multi -congregation parish involve congregations having
membership in different districts, the pastoral delegate shall be
accredited in the convention of the district in which he holds
membership and lay delegates, votin
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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
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Bylaws | 5.3 | pp. 205-207
5.3 Circuit Forums
5.3.1 The circuit forum is the group which aids the process of keeping
congregations, particularly the lay leaders, commissioned ministers, and
pastors, supportive of one another in their common confession and
mutually active in developing programs for the good of member
congregations, in considering and recommending new work, and in
sug
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Page | 206 | p. 206
suggesting improvements for services and programming at the national
and district levels and is encouraged to meet at least twice a year.
(a) The circuit visitor shall endeavor to provide resources,
opportunities, and assistance so God’s people can grow in their faith.
(b) Among the functions which the circuit forum may perform are the
following:
(1) To stud
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Page | 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 | 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 | 7 | p. 7
3.6 Synodwide Corporate Entities ........................................................................... 124
General Principles ........................................................................................... 124
Concordia Historical Institute ....................................................................... 127
Concordia Publishing Hous
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Constitution | Preamble | p. 11
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.
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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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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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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 | 17 | p. 17
c. As many circuit visitors as each district may determine upon
d. A district secretary
e. A district treasurer, who may be elected by the district convention or
appointed in such manner as the district may prescribe
4. Additional officers, boards, and commissions are elected by the districts as
they are required for the execution of the business of the dist
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Bylaws | 1.1 | p. 21
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
behalf of congregations to assist them in carryi
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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
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Bylaws | 1.5 | pp. 27-34
1.5 Regulations for Corporate Synod and Agencies of the Synod
General
1.5.1 Board and commission members of all agencies shall be members of
member congregations of the Synod.
1.5.1.1 Unless otherwise specified or permitted by the Bylaws, chief executives and
executive directors, faculty, staff, and all other employees on either the
national or district lev
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Page | 28 | p. 28
operating under them. This policy shall include the following
provisions:
(1) Every board or commission member shall disclose to the
chairman of the agency and all staff shall disclose to the chief
executive or executive director of the agency any potential conflicts
of interest. Each chairman or chief executive or executive directo r
shall disclose personal
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Page | 41 | p. 41
(a) Disputes concerning property rights (e.g., real estate agreements,
mortgages, fraud, or embezzlement); and
(b) Disputes arising under contractual arrangements of all kinds (e.g.,
contracts for goods, services, or employment benefits).
Even in the case of disputes concerning property rights or disputes arising
under contractual arrangements, this dispute
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