LCMS Handbook

Search the Handbook

Search public-safe Handbook navigation records by keyword, bylaw number, Constitution article, and convention topic.

Search

Filters

Bylaws | 6 | pp. 208-214

Auxiliary and Recognized Service Organizations

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 | 3 | pp. 100-195

National Organization and Responsibilities

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

Membership

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.

Page | 210 | p. 210

Handbook page 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.

Bylaws | 1 | pp. 21-54

Relationships Within and Through the Synod

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.

Page | 211 | p. 211

Handbook page 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 | 8 | p. 8

Handbook page 8

4.3 District Officers ................................................................................................... 197 4.4 District President................................................................................................. 197 4.5 District Boards of Directors .............................................................................

Verify in official Handbook before formal use.

Bylaws | 3.3 | pp. 112-124

President and Officers

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 | 213 | p. 213

Handbook page 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.

Bylaws | 1.10 | pp. 39-54

Dispute Resolution

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 | 230 | p. 230

Handbook page 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 | 131 | p. 131

Handbook page 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

Verify in official Handbook before formal use.

Page | 208 | p. 208

Handbook page 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.

Page | 9 | p. 9

Handbook page 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

Verify in official Handbook before formal use.

Page | 40 | p. 40

Handbook page 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 | 113 | p. 113

Handbook page 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.

Page | 141 | p. 141

Handbook page 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

Verify in official Handbook before formal use.

Bylaws | 3.9 | pp. 145-154

Commissions

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.

Page | 154 | p. 154

Handbook page 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

Verify in official Handbook before formal use.

Page | 212 | p. 212

Handbook page 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.

Bylaws | 1.2 | pp. 21-24

Definition of Terms

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 | 62 | p. 62

Handbook page 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

Verify in official Handbook before formal use.

Page | 57 | p. 57

Handbook page 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

Verify in official Handbook before formal use.

Page | 64 | p. 64

Handbook page 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 | 144 | p. 144

Handbook page 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

Verify in official Handbook before formal use.

Page | 146 | p. 146

Handbook page 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

Verify in official Handbook before formal use.

Bylaws | 4 | pp. 196-202

District Organization

(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 | 220 | p. 220

Handbook page 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

Verify in official Handbook before formal use.

Page | 22 | p. 22

Handbook page 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.

Page | 58 | p. 58

Handbook page 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

Verify in official Handbook before formal use.

Page | 119 | p. 119

Handbook page 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 | 140 | p. 140

Handbook page 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 | 228 | p. 228

Handbook page 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.

Page | 12 | p. 12

Handbook page 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

Verify in official Handbook before formal use.

Constitution | Article V | pp. 12-13

Membership

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

Verify in official Handbook before formal use.

Bylaws | 1.9 | pp. 36-39

Doctrinal Review

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 | 37 | p. 37

Handbook page 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

Verify in official Handbook before formal use.

Page | 48 | p. 48

Handbook page 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

Verify in official Handbook before formal use.

Page | 59 | p. 59

Handbook page 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

Verify in official Handbook before formal use.

Page | 111 | p. 111

Handbook page 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 | 156 | p. 156

Handbook page 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

Verify in official Handbook before formal use.

Page | 170 | p. 170

Handbook page 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 | 175 | p. 175

Handbook page 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 | 176 | p. 176

Handbook page 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

Verify in official Handbook before formal use.

Bylaws | 5 | pp. 203-207

Circuits

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 | 209 | p. 209

Handbook page 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

Verify in official Handbook before formal use.

Page | 214 | p. 214

Handbook page 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

Verify in official Handbook before formal use.

Page | 227 | p. 227

Handbook page 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 | 231 | p. 231

Handbook page 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 VI | p. 13

Conditions of Membership

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.

Page | 13 | p. 13

Handbook page 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.

Page | 21 | p. 21

Handbook page 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

Verify in official Handbook before formal use.

Page | 47 | p. 47

Handbook page 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

Verify in official Handbook before formal use.

Page | 55 | p. 55

Handbook page 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

Verify in official Handbook before formal use.

Page | 61 | p. 61

Handbook page 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

Handbook page 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 | 121 | p. 121

Handbook page 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 | 122 | p. 122

Handbook page 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

Verify in official Handbook before formal use.

Page | 129 | p. 129

Handbook page 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

Verify in official Handbook before formal use.

Page | 133 | p. 133

Handbook page 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 | 136 | p. 136

Handbook page 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 | 171 | p. 171

Handbook page 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

Verify in official Handbook before formal use.

Bylaws | 4.2 | pp. 196-197

District Conventions

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 | 197 | p. 197

Handbook page 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

Verify in official Handbook before formal use.

Page | 198 | p. 198

Handbook page 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.

Bylaws | 5.3 | pp. 205-207

Circuit Forums

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 | 206 | p. 206

Handbook page 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.

Page | 219 | p. 219

Handbook page 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 | 229 | p. 229

Handbook page 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 | 7 | p. 7

Handbook page 7

3.6 Synodwide Corporate Entities ........................................................................... 124 General Principles ........................................................................................... 124 Concordia Historical Institute ....................................................................... 127 Concordia Publishing Hous

Verify in official Handbook before formal use.

Page | 14 | p. 14

Handbook page 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

Verify in official Handbook before formal use.

Constitution | Article X | pp. 14-15

Officers

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

Verify in official Handbook before formal use.

Constitution | Article XII | pp. 16-18

Districts

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 | 17 | p. 17

Handbook page 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.

Bylaws | 1.1 | p. 21

Purpose of 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 behalf of congregations to assist them in carryi

Verify in official Handbook before formal use.

Page | 23 | p. 23

Handbook page 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.

Bylaws | 1.5 | pp. 27-34

Regulations for Corporate Synod and Agencies of the Synod

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 | 28 | p. 28

Handbook page 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

Verify in official Handbook before formal use.

Page | 41 | p. 41

Handbook page 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

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.

Pause and Pray at 3:07 p.m.

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.

Prayer page