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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

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Bylaws | 3.1 | pp. 100-112

National Conventions

3.1 National Conventions 3.1.1 The national convention of the Synod shall afford an opportunity for worship, nurture, inspiration, fellowship, and the communication of vital information. It is the principal legislative assembly, which amends the Constitution and Bylaws, considers and ta kes action on reports and overtures, and handles appropriate appeals. It

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Bylaws | 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

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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

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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

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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

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Page | 103 | p. 103

Handbook page 103

(c) Delegates are expected to be faithful in attendance at all sessions of the convention. All duly elected voting delegates shall attend all sessions regularly until the close of the convention. Delegates who arrive late or leave early or who do not attend at all shall present a written excuse. (d) Delegates shall report the actions of the Synod to their ci

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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

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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

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Articles of Incorporation | Article VIII | p. 217

Amendments

Article VIII Amendments* Amendments to these Articles of Incorporation may be made at any time at a general or special meeting of this corporation by the affirmative vote of a two -thirds majority of the delegates present and voting or by a simple majority of all delegates, whichever is less, provided such amendments are not inconsistent with the Constitutio

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Constitution | Article IX | p. 14

Representation

Article IX Representation The synodical meetings are composed of regularly elected and delegated representatives and of certain individual persons, as specified in the Bylaws, to wit: 1. R epresentatives of congregations, entitled to vote . A number of congregations shall form a group which shall be represented by two voting delegates, one a pastor and one a

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Page | 217 | p. 217

Handbook page 217

dealt with, or disposed of in a manner not in conflict with the laws of the State of Missouri or of the laws of any state in which said property is located. Article VII Bylaws This corporation shall have such constitution and bylaws as may be necessary to accomplish its purposes and shall have power to create such corporations, boards, offices, and other sub

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Page | 145 | p. 145

Handbook page 145

appointing, assigning, withdrawing, and releasing of missionaries (ministers of religion — ordained and ministers of religion — commissioned) and other workers for the ministries in foreign areas. 3.8.3.1 The Board for International Mission shall have oversight of the implementation of policies adopted by the board and implemented by the Office of Internatio

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Page | 100 | p. 100

Handbook page 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

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Bylaws | 3.12 | pp. 186-194

Nominations and Elections

3.12 Nominations and Elections Regional Elections 3.12.1 For all elections requiring regional representation, the Board of Directors of the Synod and the Council of Presidents acting jointly shall designate five geographic regions. (a) Regions shall be designated 24 months prior to conventions of the Synod and shall take into consideration geogra phical and

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Bylaws | 6 | pp. 208-214

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

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Page | 143 | p. 143

Handbook page 143

• youth ministry Upon recommendation of the Office of National Mission, the Board for National Mission shall serve as a calling agency for institutional and agency chaplains and other non- foreign specialized ministers (e.g., Veterans Administration chaplains, Bureau of Prison chaplains, hospital chaplains, pastoral counselors, and teachers of chaplaincy an

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Page | 3 | p. 3

Handbook page 3

Contents FOREWORD ....................................................................................................... 9 CONSTITUTION OF THE LUTHERAN CHURCH—M ISSOURI SYNOD PREAMBLE R EASON FOR THE FORMING OF A SYNODICAL UNION .............................11 ARTICLE I N AME ..................................................................................

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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

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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

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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

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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

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Articles of Incorporation | Article III | pp. 215-216

Membership

Article III Membership Membership in this corporation is held and may be acquired by congregations, ministers of religion— ordained and ministers of religion— commissioned, as defined by the Constitution and Bylaws of this corporation, who confess and accept the confessional basis of Article II of the Constitution of The Lutheran Church— Missouri Synod. The

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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

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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

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Page | 135 | p. 135

Handbook page 135

(e.g., as in Bylaw 3.12.3.4 [c]) and suggesting for appointment those suitably qualified; (m) serve as a resource for regents’ development of and mandatory training in governance skills, especially as they relate to the carrying out of the mission of the Synod’s colleges and universities within the mission of the church, and foster regents’ growth in aspects

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Page | 196 | p. 196

Handbook page 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

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Page | 224 | p. 224

Handbook page 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

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Page | 104 | p. 104

Handbook page 104

3.1.4.1 Each board and commission of the Synod shall be represented at conventions of the Synod. (a) Each board or commission shall be represented by its chairman or another board or commission member and by its principal staff person. The boards for National and International Mission shall also be represented by the executive directors of the Offices of Nat

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Page | 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

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Page | 6 | p. 6

Handbook page 6

Decision by Congregations .............................................................................. 91 General Regulations ......................................................................................... 91 2.17 Expulsion of Individuals from Membership in the Synod as a Result of Sexual Misconduct or Criminal Behavior ..........................

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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

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Page | 105 | p. 105

Handbook page 105

(b) If the district has no executive staff, it may select two members of its board of directors. 3.1.4.6 Each district may be represented by two youth representatives at conventions of the Synod. (a) Youth representatives may be selected as a district may specify. (b) They may speak at the request of a floor committee and with the permission of the chair. Re

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Page | 123 | p. 123

Handbook page 123

Chief Mission Officer 3.4.3 The Chief Mission Officer shall be responsible to the President of the Synod for the mission, ministry, and any programmatic and coordinative functions which are implemented according to the policies adopted by the Board for National Mission and the Board for International Mission. 3.4.3.1 The Chief Mission Officer shall provide s

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Page | 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

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Bylaws | 2.14 | pp. 67-77

Expulsion of Congregations or Individuals

2.14 Expulsion of Congregations or Individuals from Membership in the Synod Preamble 2.14.1 Termination of membership in the Synod is a serious matter involving both the doctrine and life of those to whom it has been granted. Such action should only be taken as a final step when it is clear that those who are being terminated after previous futile admonitio

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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

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Articles of Incorporation | Article IV | p. 216

Meetings

Article IV Meetings This corporation shall have general meetings, called conventions, at least once every three years, or as often as may be determined by resolution of the Synod in convention. Special meetings may be called in such manner as may be provided by the Constitution or Bylaws of The Lutheran Church — Missouri Synod. All officers and agencies of t

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Page | 225 | p. 225

Handbook page 225

as agency of the Synod. See Agency of the Synod concurrence on standard operating procedures, 70, 79, 86, 91, 99 designation of coordinative roles for Office of National Mission, 144 policies non-member congregational service, 61 presidential consultation, 106, 113 records retention and transfer, 127 Deaconesses. See Ministers of religion— commissioned Defin

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Constitution | Article XI | pp. 15-16

Rights and Duties of Officers

Article XI Rights and Duties of Officers A. In General 1. The officers of the Synod must assume only such rights as have been expressly conferred upon them by the Synod, and in everything pertaining to their rights and the performance of their duties they are responsible to the Synod. 2. The Synod at all times has the right to call its officers to account an

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Constitution | Article XV | pp. 19-20

Changes in, and Amendments to, the Constitution

Article XV Changes in, and Amendments to, the Constitution 1. Changes in the Constitution and amendments thereto may be made provided they do not conflict with the provisions laid down in Article II and in Article VI. 2. All proposed changes and amendments must be submitted in writing to the Synod assembled in convention, and each proposed change shall be vo

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Page | 150 | p. 150

Handbook page 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

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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

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Page | 221 | p. 221

Handbook page 221

amendments to, 214 Calls assignment of first (placement) by Board of Assignments, 60 assisting capacity, 57 by association schools, 56– 57 by congregations, 13, 56– 57 installation forms and practices, 198 multi-congregation parish, 57 of candidates, 59–60 qualification for first, 60–61 role of district president in, 31, 56– 57, 198, 208, 212 Candidate membe

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Page | 8 | p. 8

Handbook page 8

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

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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

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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

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Page | 216 | p. 216

Handbook page 216

confessional basis of Article II of the Constitution of The Lutheran Church— Missouri Synod. The member congregations of The Lutheran Church— Missouri Synod shall be the voting members of this corporation. Congregations shall exercise their voting power through clergy and lay delegates representing the member congregations in such number as may be determine

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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

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Constitution | Article VII | p. 13

Relation of the Synod to Its Members

Article VII Relation of the Synod to Its Members 1. In its relation to its members the Synod is not an ecclesiastical government exercising legislative or coercive powers, and with respect to the individual congregation’s right of self -government it is but an advisory body. Accordingly, no resolution of the Synod imposing anything upon the individual congre

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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

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Page | 101 | p. 101

Handbook page 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

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Page | 151 | p. 151

Handbook page 151

(c) It shall maintain a complete file of succeeding handbooks so that comparison can be made between current provisions and those preceding. (d) It shall carry out assignments by conventions of the Synod relating to the Handbook. (e) It shall respond to requests from agencies of the Synod to propose new provisions to address specific Handbook-related issues

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Articles of Incorporation | Article II | pp. 215-216

Objectives

Article II Objectives The objectives and purposes of this corporation are: a. To unite in a corporate body Evangelical Lutheran congregations that acknowledge and remain true to the Book of Concord of the year of our Lord 1580 as a true exhibition of sound Christian doctrine. b. To assist in the establishment of Evangelical Lutheran congregations and preachi

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Articles of Incorporation | Article VI | pp. 216-217

Property

Article VI Property This corporation shall have power to acquire by gift, grant, demise, devise, bequest, purchase, or otherwise, property of every kind and description, real, personal, or mixed; to hold and use such property and deal with, or dispose of, any or all such property by sale, exchange, or gift, when necessary or expedient to carry out the object

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Articles of Incorporation | Article VII | p. 217

Bylaws

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 subordinate bodies as may be necessary to accomplish its general and special objectives and in such bylaws assign responsibilities to those bodies.

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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

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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

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Constitution | Article XIII | p. 18

Expulsion from the Synod

Article XIII Expulsion from the Synod 1. Members who act contrary to the confession laid down in Article II and to the conditions of membership laid down in Article VI or persist in an offensive conduct, shall, after previous futile admonition, be expelled from the Synod. 2. Expulsion shall be executed only after following such procedure as shall be set fort

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Page | 18 | p. 18

Handbook page 18

11. The districts, when legally incorporated, are represented before the State by a board of directors composed of the president, the secretary, and the treasurer of the district, which board, however, may be constituted otherwise. 12. The districts are independent in the administration of affairs which concern their district only, it being understood, howev

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Page | 19 | p. 19

Handbook page 19

Article XV Changes in, and Amendments to, the Constitution 1. Changes in the Constitution and amendments thereto may be made provided they do not conflict with the provisions laid down in Article II and in Article VI. 2. All proposed changes and amendments must be submitted in writing to the Synod assembled in convention, and each proposed change shall be vo

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Page | 25 | p. 25

Handbook page 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

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Page | 106 | p. 106

Handbook page 106

ministers, the faculty of an educational institution of the Synod, the Board of Directors of the Synod, a board or commission of the Synod listed in Bylaws 3.2.2, 3.2.2.1, 3.2.3, and 3.2.3.1, a committee established by a prior convention, or a forum of a circuit. (a) Overtures are recommendations in the form of proposed resolutions requesting action on the p

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Page | 109 | p. 109

Handbook page 109

(4) Daily minutes shall be prepared by the Secretary ’s office for inclusion in Today’s Business. (j) The date and site of Synod conventions shall be established in the following manner. (1) The President, in consultation with the convention manager, shall decide upon the dates of Synod conventions. (2) The Board of Directors of the Synod, in consultation wi

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Page | 142 | p. 142

Handbook page 142

Directors, since such power is finally vested in the Synod’s Board of Directors. (a) When the Board of Trustees — Concordia Plans is carrying out its functions with respect to any such separate plan, it may be designated as the board of trustees of such separate plan. (b) When the board is carrying out its functions generally, it may be designated as the “Bo

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Page | 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

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Page | 163 | p. 163

Handbook page 163

(g) The search committee shall prepare a list of at least five candidates that it recommends to the electors as the list from which the election slate is prepared. (h) At a special meeting of the board of regents held to elect a president, there shall be present and voting as electors the members of the board of regents as a group with one vote (the district

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Articles of Incorporation | Article I | p. 215

Name, Duration, Registered Office, and Agent

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 Ave., Clayton, Missouri. d. The name of the registered agent of this corporation is CT

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Articles of Incorporation | Article V | p. 216

Officers

Article V Officers This corporation shall have a board of directors of such number and qualifications and who shall be elected in such manner and for such terms of office as shall be set forth in the Constitution or Bylaws of The Lutheran Church— Missouri Synod. In addition, this corporation shall have other officers having such qualifications and who shall

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Page | 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

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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

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Constitution | Article VIII | pp. 13-14

Synodical Meetings

Article VIII Synodical Meetings A. Time and Legality of Meetings 1. The Synod convenes every three years for its regular meeting. 2. For a legal convention a constitutional convocation of the meeting and the presence of at least one- fourth of the constitutionally elected voting representatives are necessary. B. Special Sessions of the Synod 1. The Synod ma

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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

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Constitution | Article XIV | p. 18

Bylaws

Article XIV Bylaws The Synod in convention may adopt bylaws that are consistent with and do not contradict the Constitution of the Synod, which controls and supersedes such bylaws and all other rules and regulations of the Synod. Bylaws, which may be adopted, revised, or eliminated by a simple majority vote of a national convention, are binding regulations f

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Page | 26 | p. 26

Handbook page 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

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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

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Page | 188 | p. 188

Handbook page 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

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Page | 200 | p. 200

Handbook page 200

4.4.8 The district president shall , with the assistance of his district’s circuit visitors, promote and pursue unanimous participation by congregations in the submission of annual statistical reports as an expectation of membership in the Synod. 4.5 District Boards of Directors 4.5.1 Each district shall elect a board of directors, the size and composition o

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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

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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

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The LCMS Handbook is official LCMS governance material. This Field Guide provides navigation, search aids, references, and study helps. Readers should verify all quotations, procedures, and requirements against the official Handbook.

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.

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