LCMS Handbook
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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 | 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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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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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 | 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 | 148 | p. 148
3.9.2.2.3 The Commission on Constitutional Matters shall examine the articles of incorporation, bylaws, and policy manuals of every agency of the Synod to ascertain whether they are in harmony with the Constitution, Bylaws, and resolutions of the Synod. (a) Agencies intending to make amendments to articles of incorporation or bylaws shall make such intention
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Page | 149 | p. 149
(c) To aid objectivity, the identity of author and review panel shall ordinarily not be disclosed. However, consultation may at times be necessary for clarification. (d) In making its recommendation, the panel shall decide within 30 days whether the item in question (1) is suitable for publication; or (2) may be published after alteration; or (3) may be publ
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Page | 38 | p. 38
(1) Each board, commission, and other subordinate group of the Synod shall advise the President of the Synod of the number and desired competency of doctrinal reviewers needed by it and may suggest a list of qualified persons. The President shall appoint reviewers for each group according to its needs. They shall be broadly representative of the ministry of
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Page | 222 | p. 222
appointed members, 174 as board of the Synod. See Boards of the Synod qualifications and their verification, 175, 191, 192 removal of member, 32 training, 176 closure or sale, 177 Concordia University System, 133– 40 consolidation, 177 coordination and collaboration, 178 doctrinal review, 37 president, 182 faculty, 157, 183– 84 academic freedom, 183 appointm
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Bylaws | 1.6 | pp. 34-36
1.6 Confessional Position of the Synod 1.6.1 The confessional position of the Synod is set forth in Article II of its Constitution, to which all who wish to be and remain members of the Synod shall subscribe. Doctrinal Resolutions and Statements 1.6.2 The Synod, in seeking to clarify its witness or to settle doctrinal controversy, so that all who seek to par
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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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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 | 226 | p. 226
doctrinal review of published materials, 37 formation and realignment, 194 governing documents, 194 governing principles, 194–96 membership, 63– 64, 195 nominations and elections, 17, 197, 201 regional selections, 197 non-geographical, 64, 210 obligation to carry out Synod resolutions, 25 officers, 16, 17, 197 ethical obligations, 33 officers, executives, pr
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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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Page | 36 | p. 36
(10) In the interim, those who submit overtures to amend or to repeal shall, while retaining their right to dissent, continue to honor and uphold publicly the statement as the position of the Synod, notwithstanding further study and action by the Synod in convention. 1.7 Agreements 1.7.1 The Constitution, Bylaws, and all other rules and regulations of the Sy
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Page | 39 | p. 39
(l) Should any problem arise between an author, the reviewer(s), the publisher, or any other party involved with respect to the material submitted for review, the sponsoring group shall endeavor to resolve it to the satisfaction of the reviewer(s). If it cannot do so, the problem shall be submitted to the Commission on Doctrinal Review which shall follow the
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Page | 223 | p. 223
submission of report by, 105 terms of office, 110– 12 Committee for Convention Nominations, 189–92 preliminary work by Secretary, 116 subcommittee (“3.2.5”) for vacancy nominations, 112 Committee on Elections, 193–94 Committee, Colloquy, for Commissioned Ministry, 156– 57 Committee, Colloquy, for Pastoral Ministry, 156 Committee, convention, 106 directed rep
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Page | 4 | p. 4
1. RELATIONSHIPS WITHIN AND THROUGH THE SYNOD ................................................ 21 1.1 Purpose of the Synod ............................................................................................ 21 1.2 Definition of Terms ............................................................................................... 21 1.3 Synod Relation
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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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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 | 172 | p. 172
(b) govern the institution at all times according to the commitment of the institution, in its mission and otherwise, to carry out its affairs as part of the Concordia University System and in accordance with the Constitution, Bylaws, and resolutions of the Synod; (c) govern the institution with consistent attention to specific ways that the institution is c
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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 | 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 | 7 | p. 7
3.6 Synodwide Corporate Entities ........................................................................... 124 General Principles ........................................................................................... 124 Concordia Historical Institute ....................................................................... 127 Concordia Publishing Hous
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Constitution | Article II | p. 11
Article II Confession The Synod, and every member of the Synod, accepts without reservation: 1. The Scriptures of the Old and the New Testament as the written Word of God and the only rule and norm of faith and of practice; 2. All the Symbolical Books of the Evangelical Lutheran Church as a true and unadulterated statement and exposition of the Word of God,
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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 | 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 | 110 | p. 110
Officers Appointed by the President and Board of Directors 3.2.1.1 The appointed officers of the Synod shall be the Chief Financial Officer and the Chief Administrative Officer, appointed by the Board of Directors of the Synod, and the Chief Mission Officer, appointed by the President of the Synod. Boards 3.2.2 The governing boards of the Synod whose members
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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 | 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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Page | 150 | p. 150
Lutheran Confessions, and withdraw the publication until such agreement is reached. (g) The panel will appoint one of its members to be the doctrinal reviewer for the recycling of the revised material to assure the item ’s agreement with Scripture and the Lutheran Confessions if republished. Commission on Handbook 3.9.4 The Commission on Handbook provides fo
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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 | 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 | 53 | p. 53
properly advise or inform the involved congregation(s) and/or the district or Synod as to the status of the process. (e) Any party and/or parties to a dispute may seek, at its/their own personal expense, the assistance of individuals familiar with the issues involved in the dispute. They may actively participate in research and the preparation of necessary d
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Page | 166 | p. 166
(e) The board of regents shall maintain standards of good practice that provide uniform procedures for renewing faculty employment contracts. (f) Each seminary shall state policies regarding faculty appointments, employment contracts, contract renewal, and contract termination for all employees. 3.10.5.7.4 A formal procedure shall be in place to carry out pe
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Page | 169 | p. 169
of the question(s). The request for an opinion must be made within 30 days of the final formation of the review committee. If a party does not request such an opinion within the designated time, such a request may still be made to the review committee, which shall, at its discretion, determine whether the request shall be forwar ded. The review committee sh
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Page | 35 | p. 35
Constitution and shall ordinarily cite the pertinent passages of the Scriptures, the Lutheran Confessions, and any previously adopted official doctrinal statements and resolutions of the Synod. Such resolutions come into being in the same manner as any oth er resolutions of a convention of the Synod and are to be honored and upheld until such time as the Syn
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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 | 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 | 52 | p. 52
shall be from the same district. If more names remain than are needed, the final selection shall be made by blind draw. (d) In the event that additional names are needed, three names shall again be selected in the manner set forth above, which names shall be submitted to each party with the right to strike one name before returning the list to the Secretary
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Page | 138 | p. 138
(d) Concordia University System may, upon finding a church work preparation program to be in breach of the Standards, either on the basis of a regular visitation report or of a focused review, place the program on probation for up to a one -year period. If Conc ordia University System determines that substantial progress has been made and that verifiable pla
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Page | 168 | p. 168
(1) The president of the seminary shall assist in this attempt. (2) If the president himself is the respondent, the chairman of the board shall act in his stead. (b) Should allegations involve information that could lead to the expulsion of the member from the Synod under Article XIII of the Constitution, the member’s ecclesiastical supervisor is to be infor
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Page | 34 | p. 34
(1) Incapacity (2) Breach of fiduciary responsibilities to the Synod or a district (3) Neglect or refusal to perform duties of office (4) Conviction of a felony 1.5.8.1 Unless otherwise specified in these Bylaws, the procedure for removal of an officer of the Synod or a district from office shall be as follows: (a) Action for removal of an officer of a distr
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Bylaws | 1.8 | p. 36
1.8 Dissent 1.8.1 While retaining the right of brotherly dissent, members of the Synod are expected as part of the life together within the fellowship of the Synod to honor and uphold the resolutions of the Synod. 1.8.2 Dissent from the doctrinal position of the Synod as expressed in its resolutions and doctrinal statements is to be expressed first within th
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Page | 46 | p. 46
Reconsideration of a Dispute Resolution Panel Decision 1.10.8 Within 15 days after receiving the decision of the Dispute Resolution Panel, any party to the dispute or the President of the Synod, if a question of doctrine or practice is involved (Constitution Art. XI B 1–3), may appeal the decision. The President may also request that an opinion of the Commis
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Bylaws | 2.14 | pp. 67-77
2.14 Expulsion of Congregations or Individuals from Membership in the Synod Preamble 2.14.1 Termination of membership in the Synod is a serious matter involving both the doctrine and life of those to whom it has been granted. Such action should only be taken as a final step when it is clear that those who are being terminated after previous futile admonitio
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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 | 181 | p. 181
(1) The board of regents shall initiate a transition review of the campus, which shall include consultation with Concordia University System on the basis of the Lutheran Identity and Mission Outcomes Standards and the institution’s most recent affirmation review. The review is to provide a report on the state of the campus for use by the search committee, t
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Page | 50 | p. 50
(d) The Secretary of the Synod shall correct any problem with the panel from the remaining names by blind draw according to the SOPM. In the event that additional names are needed, three names will be selected in the manner set forth above and those names submitted to each party, who shall have the right to strike one. In the event that there is more than on
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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 | 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 | 137 | p. 137
mission outcomes. They shall also enable the drawing of summative conclusions, concretely identifying strengths and weaknesses in institutions and programs, ultimately to provide clear rationale for decisions about continuation or termination of affirmation. (c) In addition to the standards with institution -wide applicability, the Concordia University Syste
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Page | 159 | p. 159
(b) It shall participate in and coordinate institutional planning for the seminary. (c) It shall review and approve new academic programs recommended by the administration and faculty after assessment of system policies in accordance with accreditation standards and guidelines and institutional interests and capacities. (d) It shall review and approve the in
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Page | 165 | p. 165
to do so, in which case the individual either may continue at the initial-level appointment or be terminated. Any continuation of employment at the initial -level appointment shall be on a year -to- year basis. Faculty employment during the initial -level appointment period may be terminated without disclosure of cause. In cases in which the decision is made
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Page | 180 | p. 180
(c) Nine months prior to the end of each five -year term, the board of regents shall conduct a formal review of the president’s effectiveness in the current term of office , evaluating his leadership, both of the administration of the institution and of the institution’s advancement of Synod’s confession and pursuit of Synod’s mission objectives. Upon comple
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Page | 182 | p. 182
Concordia University System to enable him to convene a prior approval panel consisting of the President of the Synod, the district president serving on the institution’s board of regents, and the chair of the Board of Concordia University System. The names of the nominees shall not otherwise be disclosed outside the board of regents. (7) The prior approval
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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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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 | 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 | 42 | p. 42
(k) Persons involved : “Persons involved” includes the complainant, the respondent, the administrator of the process, the ecclesiastical supervisor, a reconciler, panel members, the hearing facilitator, a witness, an advisor, or any others involved in the dispute resolution process. (l) Reconciler: As used in this chapter, a member of The Lutheran Church— Mi
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Page | 77 | p. 77
Appeal Panel 2.14.8 The decision of the Hearing Panel may be appealed by the accused (if an active participant in the hearing before the Hearing Panel) , by the suspending ecclesiastical supervisor , or by the President of the Synod if a question of doctrine or practice is involved (Constitution Art. XI B 1 – 3) within 15 days after receiving the decision. S
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Page | 84 | p. 84
(4) be publicized as deemed appropriate under the circumstances by the district president or the President of the Synod. Appeal Panel 2.15.8 The decision of the Hearing Panel may be appealed by the accused (if an active participant in the hearing before the Hearing Panel ), or by the President of the Synod if a question of doctrine or practice is involved (C
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Page | 97 | p. 97
(a) Within 21 days after receipt of an appeal from the accused , the suspending ecclesiastical supervisor, or the President of the Synod, an Appeal Panel shall be selected by the Secretary of the Synod. The Appeal Panel shall be made up of three district presidents who shall be trained for such service. (1) One district president shall be selected by the acc
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Page | 118 | p. 118
and lay) and no more than two voting members total may be elected from any one district. The First Vice -President of the Synod shall be the nonvoting member. 3.3.4.2 The Board of Directors shall have the powers and duties that have been accorded to it by the Articles of Incorporation , Constitution, Bylaws, and resolutions of the Synod, and the laws of the
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Page | 125 | p. 125
3.6.1.4 Each governing board of a synodwide corporate entity shall elect its own chair, vice -chair, and secretary and such operating officers as may be necessary. 3.6.1.5 Synodwide corporate entities may create chief executive positions (who may be designated as an officer of the corporation) pursuant to Bylaw 1.2.1, and fill them in accordance with the Byl
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Page | 126 | p. 126
(a) It is vested with the supervision of the business, financial, property, personnel, and legal affairs of the Synod assigned to that synodwide corporate entity. (b) It shall develop policies governing its operations. (c) It shall have an independent audit. (d) It shall provide for insurance and fidelity bonding. (e) It shall use common policies with other
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Page | 139 | p. 139
initial application, or initiate withdrawal of affirmation; or (5) initiate further investigation, with the same or a new visitation team. (d) The institution reviewed may within 30 days of being notified of Concordia University System’s visitation determination(s) submit a written appeal and/or response to Concordia University System’s determination. Once C
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Page | 143 | p. 143
• youth ministry Upon recommendation of the Office of National Mission, the Board for National Mission shall serve as a calling agency for institutional and agency chaplains and other non- foreign specialized ministers (e.g., Veterans Administration chaplains, Bureau of Prison chaplains, hospital chaplains, pastoral counselors, and teachers of chaplaincy an
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Page | 145 | p. 145
appointing, assigning, withdrawing, and releasing of missionaries (ministers of religion — ordained and ministers of religion — commissioned) and other workers for the ministries in foreign areas. 3.8.3.1 The Board for International Mission shall have oversight of the implementation of policies adopted by the board and implemented by the Office of Internatio
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Page | 152 | p. 152
(f) Vacancies that occur in the positions that were filled by appointment shall be filled by the same appointing body. (g) In the case of vacancies that occur in positions that were filled by election of a national convention of the Synod, the appointing body shall be the Board of Directors of The Lutheran Church — Missouri Synod, which shall follow the nomi
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Page | 153 | p. 153
3.9.5.2.3 The executive committee of the commission shall, within 30 days, provide opinions on theological matters in response to questions presented by ecclesiastical supervisors or panels as described in the dispute resolution and suspension/expulsion processes of the Synod (Bylaw sections 1.10 and 2.14– 2.17). Because these opinions are in response to a s
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Page | 157 | p. 157
3.10.3.1 The Colloquy Committee for Commissioned Ministry shall consist of the First Vice -President of the Synod as chairman, a representative of Concordia University System, and two presidents of affirmed colleges or universities of the Synod that operate a program or programs that are affirmed by the Synod to qualify graduates for commissioned ministry a
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Page | 173 | p. 173
and other institutions, as it makes decisions with impact beyond its campus, especially as it plans new programs, discontinues existing programs, cooperates and consolidates operations with other Synod schools, operates in a worldwide online marketplace, cooperates with the Synod Board of Directors in the legal defense of the right to the free exercise of ou
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Page | 183 | p. 183
(b) Should the action or inaction prove, to the satisfaction of the Concordia University System Board of Directors and with the concurrence of the President of the Synod, to violate the doctrine and practice of the Synod (Const. Art. II) or to have caused the institution to be not in good standing with the Synod (Bylaw 3.6.6.4.1 [e]), the Concordia Universit
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Page | 184 | p. 184
3.10.6.9.3 A formal procedure shall be in place to carry out performance reviews for all faculty on a regular basis. 3.10.6.9.4 Other than honorable retirement, termination of faculty employment may only be the result of the following: (a) professional incompetency; (b) incapacity for the performance of duty; (c) insubordination; (d) neglect of or refusal to
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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 | 202 | p. 202
office of the district president for review and for the district ’s record within one month following such conference. (d) Professional conferences have no administrative functions in the Synod. 4.8.2 Official conferences for all ordained and commissioned ministers on the respective rosters of the Synod shall meet, if possible, in plenary sessions at least o
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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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Page | 10 | p. 10
• A bylaw related to eligibility for ordained colloquy has been clarified (Bylaw 3.10.2.4 — Res. 6-05). • The requirement that seminaries deposit surplus institutional funds with the Synod has been removed (Bylaw 3.10.5.5 [e][2] — Res. 9-02 [E]). • Procedures for nomination and election of the President and vice -presidents of the Synod have received minor,
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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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The LCMS Handbook is official LCMS governance material. This Field Guide provides navigation, search aids, references, and study helps. Readers should verify all quotations, procedures, and requirements against the official Handbook.
At 3:07 each day, remember John 15:7 and pray for Christ's Church, the convention, our leaders, and the work of the Gospel among us.
