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
Verify in official Handbook before formal use.
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
Verify in official Handbook before formal use.
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
Verify in official Handbook before formal use.
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
Verify in official Handbook before formal use.
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
Verify in official Handbook before formal use.
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
Verify in official Handbook before formal use.
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
Verify in official Handbook before formal use.
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
Verify in official Handbook before formal use.
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
Verify in official Handbook before formal use.
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
Verify in official Handbook before formal use.
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
Verify in official Handbook before formal use.
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
Verify in official Handbook before formal use.
Page | 105 | p. 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
Verify in official Handbook before formal use.
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
Verify in official Handbook before formal use.
Page | 106 | p. 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
Verify in official Handbook before formal use.
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
Verify in official Handbook before formal use.
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
Verify in official Handbook before formal use.
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
Verify in official Handbook before formal use.
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
Verify in official Handbook before formal use.
Page | 196 | p. 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
Verify in official Handbook before formal use.
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
Verify in official Handbook before formal use.
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
Verify in official Handbook before formal use.
Page | 144 | p. 144
• church planting and revitalization
• youth ministry
3.8.2.5 In carrying out its mission responsibilities, the Office of National Mission
shall receive its primary focus from the mission and ministry emphases
developed triennially by the national Synod in convention and from the
policies developed and determined by the Board for National Mission.
Through th
Verify in official Handbook before formal use.
Page | 107 | p. 107
Pre-Convention Publications
3.1.8 A Convention Workbook containing a convention manual, reports and
overtures, the names and congregations of all voting delegates, and other
information shall be published under the editorship of the Secretary
subject to approval of the President.
(a) The President shall also decide which of the matters accepted for
present
Verify in official Handbook before formal use.
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
Verify in official Handbook before formal use.
Page | 100 | p. 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
Verify in official Handbook before formal use.
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
Verify in official Handbook before formal use.
Page | 104 | p. 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
Verify in official Handbook before formal use.
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
Verify in official Handbook before formal use.
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
Verify in official Handbook before formal use.
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
Verify in official Handbook before formal use.
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
Verify in official Handbook before formal use.
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
Verify in official Handbook before formal use.
Page | 123 | p. 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
Verify in official Handbook before formal use.
Page | 178 | p. 178
that the ratio of elected to appointed regents is not decreased and that
all members of the resulting board of regents are members of member
congregations of the Synod. Such plan must indicate a definite plan of
no more than six years’ duration to bring the composition of the board
of regents of the institution into compliance with Bylaw 3.10.6.2, and
contin
Verify in official Handbook before formal use.
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
Verify in official Handbook before formal use.
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
Verify in official Handbook before formal use.
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
Verify in official Handbook before formal use.
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
Verify in official Handbook before formal use.
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
Verify in official Handbook before formal use.
Page | 6 | p. 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 ..........................
Verify in official Handbook before formal use.
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
Verify in official Handbook before formal use.
Page | 109 | p. 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
Verify in official Handbook before formal use.
Page | 142 | p. 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
Verify in official Handbook before formal use.
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
Verify in official Handbook before formal use.
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
Verify in official Handbook before formal use.
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
Verify in official Handbook before formal use.
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
Verify in official Handbook before formal use.
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
Verify in official Handbook before formal use.
Page | 114 | p. 114
oversight over their administration as it relates to adherence to the
Constitution, Bylaws, and resolutions of the Synod.
(1) With regard to Synod’s colleges and universities, regular
visitation shall be conducted through the Concordia University
System as described in Bylaw 3.6.6.4 and following.
(2) He may in addition and at any time specially visit or cau
Verify in official Handbook before formal use.
Page | 171 | p. 171
(i) Controversies and disagreements among faculty members or other
employees (other than those involving matters described in Bylaw
3.10.5.7.5) shall be submitted to the president of the seminary for
mediation.
(1) If this proves unsuccessful, he shall report the matter to the
board of regents for arbitration.
(2) After hearing the parties to the matter, the
Verify in official Handbook before formal use.
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,
Verify in official Handbook before formal use.
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
Verify in official Handbook before formal use.
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
Verify in official Handbook before formal use.
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
Verify in official Handbook before formal use.
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
Verify in official Handbook before formal use.
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
Verify in official Handbook before formal use.
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
Verify in official Handbook before formal use.
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
Verify in official Handbook before formal use.
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
Verify in official Handbook before formal use.
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
Verify in official Handbook before formal use.
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
Verify in official Handbook before formal use.
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
Verify in official Handbook before formal use.
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
Verify in official Handbook before formal use.
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
Verify in official Handbook before formal use.
Page | 167 | p. 167
3.10.5.7.6 The board of regents may decline to renew the appointment of a faculty
member during an initial -level appointment period without a formal
statement of cause.
3.10.5.7.6.1 No member of the faculty on a continuing -level appointment or on an
initial-level appointment except at the expiration of the term of
appointment shall be removed from the facu
Verify in official Handbook before formal use.
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
Verify in official Handbook before formal use.
Page | 176 | p. 176
3.10.6.2.2 Persons elected or appointed to a board of regents shall undergo training
for such service.
(a) The Concordia University System and Synod Board of Directors
shall provide for training of elected and appointed regents concerning
their responsibilities under the Synod Constitution, Bylaws, and
resolutions, to advance the Synod’s confession and missi
Verify in official Handbook before formal use.
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
Verify in official Handbook before formal use.
Page | 7 | p. 7
3.6 Synodwide Corporate Entities ........................................................................... 124
General Principles ........................................................................................... 124
Concordia Historical Institute ....................................................................... 127
Concordia Publishing Hous
Verify in official Handbook before formal use.
Page | 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,
Verify in official Handbook before formal use.
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
Verify in official Handbook before formal use.
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
Verify in official Handbook before formal use.
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
Verify in official Handbook before formal use.
Page | 133 | p. 133
3.6.5.3.1 The Foundation shall distribute designated funds in accordance with the
contractual instructions of the donor. The distribution of undesignated
funds shall be determined by its board of trustees in consultation with the
Board of Directors of The Lutheran Church— Missouri Synod.
3.6.5.3.2 The Foundation shall be audited annually by independent certi
Verify in official Handbook before formal use.
Page | 135 | p. 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
Verify in official Handbook before formal use.
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
Verify in official Handbook before formal use.
Page | 158 | p. 158
The Executive Director of the Office of Pastoral Education
3.10.4.7 The Pastoral Formation Committee shall meet at least once per year, and
shall report on its work at the annual joint meeting of the two seminary
boards of regents. Additional meetings shall be determined by the
chairman in consultation with the committee members.
E. Seminary Boards of Regent
Verify in official Handbook before formal use.
Page | 174 | p. 174
(v) effect the removal from office of the institution’s president upon a
finding, under the procedure of Bylaw 3.10.6.8.3 or Bylaw 3.10.6.8.1 (e)
or (f) , that he is unfit to serve as the spiritual head of the college or
university;
(w) effectively and intentionally govern the institution and its
president so that administration and faculty carry out their
m
Verify in official Handbook before formal use.
Page | 177 | p. 177
and have ultimate authority and independence in the operation of the
institution subject to appropriate pre -established policies and rules (e.g.,
Synod Bylaws), under no circumstances shall a board delegate its authority
to, nor commingle its authority wit h, any other body that includes non-
board members. Boards of regents may meet with advisory groups (e
Verify in official Handbook before formal use.