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 | 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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Bylaws | 3.12 | pp. 186-194
3.12 Nominations and Elections Regional Elections 3.12.1 For all elections requiring regional representation, the Board of Directors of the Synod and the Council of Presidents acting jointly shall designate five geographic regions. (a) Regions shall be designated 24 months prior to conventions of the Synod and shall take into consideration geogra phical and
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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 | 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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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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Bylaws | 3.1 | pp. 100-112
3.1 National Conventions 3.1.1 The national convention of the Synod shall afford an opportunity for worship, nurture, inspiration, fellowship, and the communication of vital information. It is the principal legislative assembly, which amends the Constitution and Bylaws, considers and ta kes action on reports and overtures, and handles appropriate appeals. It
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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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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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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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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 | 9 | p. 9
Foreword The Handbook of The Lutheran Church— Missouri Synod contains the body of laws that our member congregations have set out to order our life together— a body of laws in service of the Gospel . This edition incorporates changes made by the 68 th Regular Convention of the Synod , meeting in Milwaukee, Wisc., July 29– August 3, 2023, to the Bylaws of th
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Page | 186 | p. 186
3.12 Nominations and Elections Regional Elections 3.12.1 For all elections requiring regional representation, the Board of Directors of the Synod and the Council of Presidents acting jointly shall designate five geographic regions. (a) Regions shall be designated 24 months prior to conventions of the Synod and shall take into consideration geogra phical and
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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 | 193 | p. 193
Committee on Elections 3.12.4 Prior to the convention of the Synod, the President shall appoint a Committee on Elections, which shall make the necessary arrangements for the elections, shall be responsible for the preparation and distribution of ballots, and shall supervise the elections and the tabulation of the votes. (a) The President shall designate a ch
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Page | 192 | p. 192
(e) The committee shall, whenever possible, prepare and hold in readiness a slate of candidates for any new board or commission likely to be established at a convention of the Synod, and of these the committee should, whenever possible, be informed in advance. (f) Any changes to the complete list of candidates and alternates necessitated by unavailability, d
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Articles of Incorporation | Article V | p. 216
Article V Officers This corporation shall have a board of directors of such number and qualifications and who shall be elected in such manner and for such terms of office as shall be set forth in the Constitution or Bylaws of The Lutheran Church— Missouri Synod. In addition, this corporation shall have other officers having such qualifications and who shall
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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 X | pp. 14-15
Article X Officers —A— The officers of the Synod are: 1. A President 2. Vice-presidents, in line of succession, as prescribed by the Bylaws 3. A Secretary 4. A Board of Directors 5. Other officers, as specified in the Bylaws —B— 1. The President, the vice- presidents, and the Secretary must be ministers of religion— ordained of The Lutheran Church— Missouri
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Page | 188 | p. 188
(a) The President-elect shall select from the list of 20 nominees for the Office of First Vice -President five nominees who have consented to serve if elected, at least two of whom shall be taken from the top five nominees. (b) Balloting will proceed with the candidate receiving the smallest number of votes eliminated from consideration until one candidate r
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Page | 189 | p. 189
individual members of the Synod, along with lay persons of the congregations of the Synod. Nominations may be received from persons or parties outside the region. (c) All nominees for a particular regional position must reside within the boundaries of the region for which they are nominated. (d) All incumbents eligible for reelection shall be considered to b
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Bylaws | 5 | pp. 203-207
5. CIRCUITS 5.1 Visitation Circuits 5.1.1 A visitation circuit is a network of congregations that “walks together ” for mutual care, support, advice, study, ecclesiastical encouragement, service, coordination, resources, and counsel — all for the sake of greater congregational participation in God’s mission. 5.1.2 Districts shall establish visitation circuit
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Page | 86 | p. 86
(d) be publicized as deemed appropriate under the circumstances by the President of the Synod. General Regulations 2.15.10 The President of the Synod shall take those steps necessary to assure that the spiritual needs of the respective members (accuser and accused) are attended to and shall continue efforts to resolve those matters which led to the commencem
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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 | 216 | p. 216
confessional basis of Article II of the Constitution of The Lutheran Church— Missouri Synod. The member congregations of The Lutheran Church— Missouri Synod shall be the voting members of this corporation. Congregations shall exercise their voting power through clergy and lay delegates representing the member congregations in such number as may be determine
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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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Constitution | Article XII | pp. 16-18
Article XII Districts of the Synod and Their Regulation 1. The Synod is divided into districts, the geographical boundaries of which are determined by the Synod and are altered by it according to circumstances. 2. This Constitution is also the constitution of each district of the Synod; however, each district is at liberty to adopt such bylaws and pass such
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Bylaws | 7 | p. 214
7. AMENDMENTS TO BYLAWS 7.1 Amendments to the Bylaws may be made using one of two procedures, provided they are not contrary to the Constitution of the Synod. 7.1.1 Amendments may be made by conventions of the Synod. (a) They shall be presented in writing to a convention of the Synod. (b) They shall be specified as bylaw amendments and considered by a conven
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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 | 224 | p. 224
ecclesiastical supervision of. See Ecclesiastical supervision election of the President by, 187 eligibility and application for membership, 13, 55– 56 expulsion of, 18, 67– 79 members of, 24 membership in the Synod, 12– 13, 24– 25, See further Membership in the Synod nominations by, 186, 188 relation to circuit, 25, 203–7 relation to circuit visitor, 203–5 r
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Constitution | Article XI | pp. 15-16
Article XI Rights and Duties of Officers A. In General 1. The officers of the Synod must assume only such rights as have been expressly conferred upon them by the Synod, and in everything pertaining to their rights and the performance of their duties they are responsible to the Synod. 2. The Synod at all times has the right to call its officers to account an
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Page | 33 | p. 33
regents pursuant to Bylaw 1.5.7 (2), (8), or (9), the written notice shall be handled as follows: (1) The board of regents shall schedule and hold a special meeting as required under Bylaw 1.5.7.1 (a) and (b) and consider a recommendation for removal under Bylaw 1.5.7.1 (c) (1). (2) If the board of regents fails to take action or declines to recommend remova
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Page | 79 | p. 79
(c) be carried out by the district president or the President of the Synod; and (d) be publicized as deemed appropriate under the circumstances by the district president or the President of the Synod. General Regulations 2.14.10 The district president of the accused/suspended member and the district president of the accuser shall take those steps necessary t
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Bylaws | 1.9 | pp. 36-39
1.9 Doctrinal Review Definition 1.9.1 Doctrinal review is the exercise of the Synod ’s responsibility to determine that every doctrinal statement made in its or any of its agencies’ or auxiliaries’ materials is in accord with the Scriptures and the Lutheran Confessions. Material Subject to Doctrinal Review 1.9.1.1 The following materials are subject to doct
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Page | 68 | p. 68
terminated after previous futile admonition have acted contrary to the confession laid down in Constitution Art. II or the conditions of membership laid down in Constitution Art. VI or have persisted in offensive conduct ( Constitution Art. XIII 1). For this reason the Synod establishes procedures for such action including the identification of those who are
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Page | 71 | p. 71
(b) The district president shall require the accuser to follow the correct bylaw provision under the circumstance, if any, and shall provide evangelical supervision, counsel, and care to the persons involved. (c) If Bylaw section 2.14 applies, the district president shall ensure that the accuser has met face -to-face with the accused in the manner described
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Page | 87 | p. 87
Consultation 2.16.3 When a district president of the Synod is aware of information which could lead to the expulsion of the President of the Synod from the Synod under Article XIII of the Constitution, prior to any formal written complaint or accusation, the district president shall consult with the Council of Presidents to seek advice and also so that it ca
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Page | 101 | p. 101
manner prescribed by the congregation or parish. Congregations of a multi-congregation parish not contributing a lay voter may send an advisory lay representative, with voice but no vote. A pastor serving a congregation in an assisting capacity (Bylaw 2.5.6) is not eligible to cast that congregation’s pastoral vote. (d) Should a multi-congregation parish in
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Page | 187 | p. 187
become a candidate. In the event of a tie for the final candidate position, all names involved in the tie shall be included as candidates. 3.12.2.2 The Secretary of the Synod shall publish in the Convention Workbook and post on the Synod Website brief biographies of the five candidates for President and the 20 candidates for First Vice -President. This re
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Page | 190 | p. 190
Iowa East Ohio Kansas Rocky Mountain Michigan South Wisconsin Mid-South Southeastern Minnesota North Pacific Southwest Montana Southern Illinois New England Texas 3.12.3.3 One-half of the electing districts shall be designated by the Secretary of the Synod to elect a professional church worker and the other half a layperson, with roles reversed every six yea
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Constitution | Article XIV | p. 18
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 | 80 | p. 80
seek advice and also so that it can be determined whether this is the appropriate bylaw procedure (Bylaw section 2.15) or whether the matter falls under Bylaw sections 2.14, 2.17, or 1.8, or dispute resolution under Bylaw section 1.10. In regard to this consultation: (a) If and when the accuser’s district president (if the district president is not the one a
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Page | 92 | p. 92
shall amend as necessary the Standard Operating Procedures Manual that serves as a comprehensive procedures manual for the bylaw provisions set forth in Bylaw section 2.16. 2.17 Expulsion of Individuals from Membership in the Synod as a Result of Sexual Misconduct or Criminal Behavior 2.17.1 The action to commence expulsion of an individual from membership i
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Page | 103 | p. 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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Page | 217 | p. 217
dealt with, or disposed of in a manner not in conflict with the laws of the State of Missouri or of the laws of any state in which said property is located. Article VII Bylaws This corporation shall have such constitution and bylaws as may be necessary to accomplish its purposes and shall have power to create such corporations, boards, offices, and other sub
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Page | 14 | p. 14
B. Special Sessions of the Synod 1. The Synod may under circumstances call a special session if two- thirds of the voting representatives present so decide. 2. In cases of urgent necessity a special session may be called by the President with the consent of two-thirds of the district presidents or by three-fourths of the district presidents without the conse
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Page | 26 | p. 26
appropriate bylaws. Primary responsibility is given to each officer, to the extent of his jurisdiction, for implementing specific decisions of the appropriate conventions, boards, and commissions and for supervising and coordinating the day -to-day activities of the respective staffs. Elected officers are to report their activities and recommendations to the
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Page | 99 | p. 99
housing, and insurance of individual members until the final decision is rendered. 2.17.10.2 Any member participating in this bylaw procedure that violates any of the requirements or procedures in this bylaw or is persistent in false accusations is subject to the disciplinary measures as set forth in Bylaw section 2.14 or Bylaw section 2 .15. Violations of t
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Page | 194 | p. 194
required background check, the office will be deemed vacant and will be filled according to Bylaw 3.2.5. 3.12.4.3 The Committee on Elections shall report the official results of each election to the convention and shall file a written report of the tabulation of votes of each election, certified by the chairman and at least one other member of the committee,
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Page | 201 | p. 201
4.7 District Nominations, Elections, and Appointments 4.7.1 Each district may adopt regulations for the nomination and election of its president; the nomination, selection, election, ranking, and succession in case of vacancies of its vice-presidents; and the nomination or selection of any regional officers or regional board of directors members, as long as
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Articles of Incorporation | Article VII | p. 217
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 | 16 | p. 16
by presidential letter and has been published in an official periodical of the Synod. If such matters are related to the business affairs of the Synod, such a vote shall be conducted only after the President has consulted with the synodical Board of Directors. In all cases at least one -fourth of the member congregations must register their vote. C. Duties
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Page | 23 | p. 23
a board of trustees, a board of regents, a board of managers, or a board of governors. (l) May: Permissive, expressing ability, liberty, or the possibility to act. (m) Member of the Synod : See Constitution Art. V. Members of the Synod are of two classes: corporate members (congregations that have joined the Synod) and individual members (ministers of religi
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Page | 29 | p. 29
meetings. Unless otherwise specified in the Bylaws, each agency is free to select a manner of meeting, consistent with Board of Directors policy, that best enhances its ability to accomplish its mission, taking into consideration fostering the open exchang e of ideas, availability of technology to all members, stewardship of resources, perception of fairness
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Page | 56 | p. 56
shall submit the application and a full report concerning its denial to the next regularly scheduled convention of the district, which shall determine whether to grant the application or to affirm the denial. 2.3.2 A copy of the signed constitution shall be forwarded to the secretary of the district. Acceptance by the district board of directors shall be rep
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Page | 57 | p. 57
admitted to their respective ministries in accordance with the rules and regulations set forth in these Bylaws and have thereby become members of the Synod; (2) candidates for the pastoral ministry who have satisfied the qualifications and requirements for assignment of first calls by the Council of Presidents acting as the Board of Assignments; or (3) ordai
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Page | 70 | p. 70
notice, including information that results in public notice, whether or not the person or persons delivering it gave approval to the bringing of the information to public notice. (r) Reconciliation committee: A small committee appointed by the ecclesiastical supervisor (prior to the determination whether or not to proceed) to assist in reconciliation efforts
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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 | 116 | p. 116
(a) The Board of Directors of the Synod shall determine when the President is unable to serve in that capacity because of prolonged illness or disability. (b) The First Vice-President shall remain as the acting president until that board determines that such illness or disability has been removed. Vice-Presidents 3.3.2 The vice-presidents shall be elected ad
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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 | 147 | p. 147
(c) Thereafter, the appointments shall become effective upon ratification by a majority vote of the members of the Council of Presidents. (d) Vacancies in appointed positions shall be filled by following the procedure set forth above. 3.9.2.2 The Commission on Constitutional Matters shall interpret the Synod ’s Constitution, Bylaws, and resolutions upon the
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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 | 191 | p. 191
candidates from the list of nominees gathered by the nominations process. (d) In the case of boards of directors of synodwide corporate entities, the committee shall consult with the governing boards of each synodwide corporate entity, through their chief executive, to receive input for the committee’s consideration. (e) In the case of the boards of regents
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Page | 203 | p. 203
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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Articles of Incorporation | Article VIII | p. 217
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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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 | 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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Page | 25 | p. 25
and work together and which the congregations alone have the authority to adopt or amend through conventions. 1.3.4.2 Members of the Synod, compelled by love for one another, accept the responsibility to support financially the work of the Synod. 1.3.4.3 Congregations of the Synod, to enable the Synod to plan current and future ministry efforts and to lend a
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Page | 58 | p. 58
2.6.1.1 The roster of commissioned ministers shall admit eligible teachers, directors of Christian education, directors of Christian outreach, directors of family life ministry, directors of parish music, deaconesses, parish assistants, and directors of church ministries. 2.6.2 Individuals who have been declared qualified for a first call and assigned first
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Page | 102 | p. 102
(2) The congregation or congregations served (in other than an assisting capacity) by the elected pastoral delegate shall be removed from consideration for supplying candidates for the other delegate and alternate elections for that particular convention. (i) For the election of the alternate lay delegate: All lay nominees except those who have been disquali
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Page | 112 | p. 112
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 | 4.2 | pp. 196-197
4.2 District Conventions 4.2.1 Conventions of the districts shall afford opportunities for worship, nurture, inspiration, fellowship, and the communication of vital information. They are the principal legislative assemblies, which amend the district’s Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws, consider and take action on reports and overtures, and handle appropri
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Page | 197 | p. 197
(b) All duly elected voting delegates shall attend all sessions of the convention regularly until the close of the convention. (c) Should a multi -congregation parish involve congregations having membership in different districts, the pastoral delegate shall be accredited in the convention of the district in which he holds membership and lay delegates, votin
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Bylaws | 5.3 | pp. 205-207
5.3 Circuit Forums 5.3.1 The circuit forum is the group which aids the process of keeping congregations, particularly the lay leaders, commissioned ministers, and pastors, supportive of one another in their common confession and mutually active in developing programs for the good of member congregations, in considering and recommending new work, and in sug
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Page | 15 | p. 15
3. Any officer or any member of any board or commission ceases to be an officer of the Synod or a member of any board or commission as soon as he ceases to be a member of a congregation affiliated with the Synod. 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 u
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Page | 17 | p. 17
c. As many circuit visitors as each district may determine upon d. A district secretary e. A district treasurer, who may be elected by the district convention or appointed in such manner as the district may prescribe 4. Additional officers, boards, and commissions are elected by the districts as they are required for the execution of the business of the dist
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Page | 22 | p. 22
(3) Commission on Handbook (4) Commission on Theology and Church Relations (d) Concordia Plan Services : Concordia Plan Services is a controlled entity of The Lutheran Church— Missouri Synod created to manage the Concordia Plans. (e) Concordia Plans: The Concordia Plans, while operating under the supervision of the Synod Board of Directors, are trust agencie
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Page | 41 | p. 41
(a) Disputes concerning property rights (e.g., real estate agreements, mortgages, fraud, or embezzlement); and (b) Disputes arising under contractual arrangements of all kinds (e.g., contracts for goods, services, or employment benefits). Even in the case of disputes concerning property rights or disputes arising under contractual arrangements, this dispute
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Page | 43 | p. 43
Matthew 18:15 and may involve the informal use of a reconciler. And further, before any matter is submitted to the formal reconciliation process, the complainant must meet and consult with the appropriate ecclesiastical supervisor to seek advice and also so that it can be determined whether this is the appropriate bylaw procedure (Bylaw section 1.10) or whet
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Page | 54 | p. 54
(3) An individual member of the panel may, through the hearing facilitator, also request resource materials and personal assistance from the executive director of the CTCR or from a theologian recommended by the executive director, this to provide an opportunity to read about, discuss with a knowledgeable person, and better comprehend doctrina l matters asso
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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.
