CONSTITUTION AND BY  LAWS

St. Paul Lutheran Church
Parkersburg, West Virginia


CONSTITUTION

PREAMBLE

ARTICLE I. NAME 1

ARTICLE II. PURPOSE 1

ARTICLE III. CONFESSIONS 1

ARTICLE IV. MEMBERSHIPS 1

ARTICLE V. ORGANIZATION 2

ARTICLE VI. THE OFFICES OF PASTOR AND OTHER CALLED CHURCH WORKERS 3

ARTICLE VII. SOCIETIES OR GROUPS 3

ARTICLE VIII. PROPERTY RIGHTS 3

ARTICLE IX. LITURGICAL AND EDUCATIONAL MATERIALS 3

ARTICLE X. SYNODICAL AFFILIATION 3

ARTICLE XI. AMENDING THE CONSTITUTION 3

ARTICLE XII. BY  LAWS 4

ARTICLE XIII. QUORUM AND MAJORITY AT VOTERS' MEETINGS 4

BY  LAWS

SECTION I. MEMBERSHIP 5

SECTION II. VOTERS' ASSEMBLY 7

SECTION III. OFFICES OF PASTOR AND OTHER CALLED WORKERS 7

SECTION IV. CHURCH COUNCIL 8

SECTION V. ELECTION OF OFFICERS AND ADMINISTRATIVE BOARDS 9

SECTION VI. DUTIES OF OFFICERS AND BOARDS 10

CONSTITUTION AND BY  LAWS

St. Paul Lutheran Church
Parkersburg, West Virginia


PREAMBLE


Jesus Christ, our Lord, has established His Church in the midst of the world (Matthew 16:18). This Church is the very Body of Christ (I Corinthians 12:12  27; Ephesians 5:23ff). As a local congregation in Parkersburg, West Virginia, we subscribe to the following Constitution with the joyful assurance that His Word will prosper and grow among us. The temporal and spiritual affairs of the congregation shall be governed by this Constitution in prayerful hope that thereby His Word may not be bound, but have free course and be preached and taught to the edifying of Christ's holy people.


ARTICLE I. NAME


The name of this congregation shall be ST. PAUL LUTHERAN CHURCH, located at Parkersburg, Wood County, West Virginia.


ARTICLE II. PURPOSE


The purpose of this congregation is to proclaim the full witness of the Gospel of the grace and truth of God in Jesus Christ to all men, everywhere (Luke 24:45  49), through God's own Word and His blessed Sacraments, to equip those called by that Gospel to build the fellowship of Christians, to engage in the work of Christ's loving ministries, and to nurture those in the fellowship (Ephesians 4:11  16) according to the Word of God and the Confessions of the Lutheran Church.


ARTICLE III. CONFESSIONS


This congregation accepts all the canonical books of the Old and New Testaments as the inspired and revealed Word of God, and all the Symbolical Books of the Lutheran Church, contained in the Book of Concord of the year 1580, as the correct presentation and true exposition of Christian Doctrine drawn from the Holy Scriptures, viz:


The Three Ecumenical Creeds: Apostolic, Nicene, and Athanasian.

The Unaltered Augsburg Confession

The Apology of the Augsburg Confession

The Smalcald Articles

Luther's Large Catechism

Luther's Small Catechism

The Formula of Concord


No doctrine or practice in conflict, or inconsistent, with the above norms of our faith and life shall be taught or tolerated in this congregation.


ARTICLE IV. MEMBERSHIP


In the firm belief that God's Word and His Blessed Sacraments bring faith, salvation and membership in the Church, Christ's Body, the membership of this congregation shall include:


Baptized Members

Baptized membership in this congregation is held by all those who are baptized with water in the name of the triune God and are under our pastoral care.

Communicant Members

Communicant membership in this congregation may be held only by those who:

Are baptized in the name of the triune God.

Have declared their acceptance of the confessions of this congregation as contained in Article III of this Constitution.

Have been accepted into communicant membership in accordance with the By  Laws of this congregation and shall remain faithful to the responsibilities of membership as contained in these By  Laws.

Strive to live by the Holy Spirit to manifest the fruit of the Spirit in their lives (Galatians 5:22  25), and strive to not live in the manifest works of the flesh (Galatians 5:19  21).

Do not hold membership in organizations, secret or open, whose tenets conflict with the Word of God, and which practice forms of religion without confessing faith in the triune God and in Jesus Christ as the only way of salvation.

Voting Members

This congregation shall administer all its affairs through the Voting Membership. Only communicant members, who have qualified according to the membership provisions of the By  Laws, shall be received as voting members of this congregation.


ARTICLE V. ORGANIZATION


A. Voters' Assembly

The congregation as a body through the voting members has supreme power to manage and administer all its eternal and internal affairs. The congregation, however, is not empowered to decide anything contrary to the Word of God and the Confessions of the Lutheran church.


B. Church Council for Administration and Planning


1. The Church Council consists of the elected officers and board chairpersons and under authority received from the Voters' Assembly administers the affairs of the congregation as set forth in the By  Laws.


2. The Church Council shall hold at least two separate meetings each year for congregational planning. The Council may invite other people.


C. Officers and Boards
The officers and boards of the congregation are such officers and boards as prescribed in the By  Laws of this constitution.


D. Administrative Boards
The suggested Administrative Boards of the congregation are Elders; Evangelism; Christian Education; Stewardship; Church Properties; Youth Ministry; and Social Ministry and Parish Fellowship.


E. Rights and Powers


1. Right of Calling

The right of calling pastors and other called church workers is vested in the congregation through its voting members and shall never be delegated to a smaller group or an individual.

2. Right of Creating Contracted Church Employee Positions

The right of creating contracted church employee positions is vested in the congregation through its voting members and shall never be delegated to a smaller group or an individual. The Church Council delegates oversight responsibility of all contracted church employees to the appropriate administrative board(s).

3. Decisions

Matters of doctrine are decided by the Word of God. Other matters are decided by the Voters' Assembly by a majority vote unless otherwise specified in the Constitution or By  Laws.

4. Powers of Officers

Congregational officers, the Church Council, and elected or appointed boards have no authority beyond that which has been conferred upon them by the Voters' Assembly.

5. Removal from Office

The Pastor, other called church workers, congregational officers, or elected board members may be removed from office in a Christian manner by the Voters' Assembly for one of the following reasons: persistent adherence to false doctrine, scandalous life, inability to perform official duties, or willful neglect of them. See Article XIII for required quorum and majority.

6. Contracted Church Employees Contracts

The Church Council, based on recommendations from oversight board(s), hires, renews, terminates or changes terms of contracted church employees. The Church Council will communicate such decisions to the Voting Membership.


ARTICLE VI. THE OFFICES OF PASTOR AND OTHER CALLED CHURCH WORKERS


The pastoral office of this congregation as well as that of other called church workers is conferred only upon those who profess and adhere to the confessional standards set forth in Article III of this Constitution and are well qualified for their work.


ARTICLE VII. SOCIETIES OR GROUPS


Societies or groups may be organized within the congregation only with the expressed approval of the Voting Membership, and all such societies or groups are under the supervision of the appropriate administrative board(s) under whose jurisdiction they function. Officers of such societies or groups must be members of this congregation. Any decisions, enactment, or performance of or by societies or groups are invalid if they conflict with this Constitution and its associated By  Laws. The Pastor by virtue of his office, is the advisor for such societies or groups within the congregation.


ARTICLE VIII. PROPERTY RIGHTS


If at any time a separation should take place in this congregation on account of doctrine, the advice of the officers of District and Synod shall be sought. The property of the congregation, and all rights and benefits therewith connected, shall remain with those members who continue to adhere to Article III of this Constitution in confession and practice. If division takes place for any other reason, the property shall remain with the Majority of the communicant members. In the event the congregation should totally disband, the properties and all rights connected therewith shall be transferred to the District of the Lutheran Church    Missouri Synod in which the congregation holds membership.


ARTICLE IX. LITURGICAL AND EDUCATIONAL MATERIALS


Hymns, prayers, and liturgies used in the public worship of the congregation, in all ministerial acts and materials used in Christian education shall be in agreement with Article III of this Constitution.


ARTICLE X. SYNODICAL AFFILIATION


This congregation is affiliated with the Lutheran Church    Missouri Synod as long as the confessions and constitution of said Synod are in accord with the confessions and constitution of this congregation as laid down in Article III.


This congregation shall collaborate with said Synod and assist it in the building up of the Kingdom of God.


ARTICLE XI. AMENDING THE CONSTITUTION


Articles III, VI, and VIII of this Constitution are unalterable and may not be repealed. Changes made in the other Articles of this Constitution must be approved by the District Board of Directors before being functional (as per Synod's Handbook).


Amendments to this Constitution and By  Laws may be adopted at any proper Voters' Assembly, provided:


  1. That they do not conflict with the provisions laid down in Article III or any section or any article that pertains to the Scriptural doctrine and practice;

  2. That the proposed amendment has been submitted in writing at a previous Voters' Assembly;

  3. See Article XIII for required quorum and majority.


ARTICLE XII. BY  LAWS


This congregation may adopt such By  Laws as may be required for the accomplishment of its purpose.


ARTICLE XIII. QUORUM AND MAJORITY AT VOTERS' MEETINGS


For the purpose of determining a quorum, the Recording Secretary determines the number of voting members required for a quorum per the following quorum rule: the total voting membership includes only those members who have attended any of the meetings held during the preceding twelve month period and other voting members in attendance at the meeting in progress.


A. Conduct of Normal Business

When a quorum of twenty five percent plus one of the voting members of the congregation is in attendance, the Assembly is considered a properly convened and legal meeting, capable of transacting business. A simple majority of those present is required for adoption of normal business resolutions such as the annual budget and the election of officers and administrative boards.


B. Calling a Pastor or Other Called Church Worker
Twenty five percent plus one of the voting members constitutes a quorum. The candidate receiving a simple majority of the votes cast is considered elected.


C. Creating Contracted Church Employee Positions
Twenty five percent plus one of the voting members constitutes a quorum. A simple majority of the votes cast in favor creates the new position.


D. Cases of Excommunication or Self  exclusion
Fifty percent plus one of the voting members constitutes a quorum. A unanimous vote of those present is required for adoption of a resolution.


E. Removal from Office
This applies to the Pastor, other called church workers, congregational officers, or elected board members. Fifty percent plus one of the voting members constitutes a quorum. A three  fourths vote of those present is required for adoption of a resolution.


F. Some Other Exceptions to Normal Business
For amending the Constitution or By  Laws, the erection of buildings, the purchase, encumbrance, or sale of real property, fifty percent plus one of the voting members constitutes a quorum. A two  thirds vote of those present is required for adoption of a resolution.


THE BY  LAWS OF THE CONSTITUTION

of St. Paul Lutheran Church

Parkersburg, West Virginia


SECTION I. MEMBERSHIP


A. Eligibility and Duties of Membership


1. Baptized Membership

a. By Holy Baptism
Baptized members are received through the Sacrament of Holy Baptism.


b. By Transfer
Baptized children coming from a congregation in church fellowship shall be received into membership with their parents or guardians.


c. By Consent
Children who have been baptized in another Christian congregation shall be received with the consent of a parent or guardian.


2. Communicant Membership
a. Eligibility
(1) By Holy Baptism
Unbaptized adults, who have been instructed in the fundamentals of the Christian faith as taught and practiced in the Lutheran church, shall be received into communicant membership through the Sacrament of Holy Baptism, and shall publicly confirm their faith.


(2) By the Rite of Confirmation
All who complete the instruction course in the fundamentals of the Christian faith as taught and practiced in the Lutheran church, and publicly confess their faith, shall become communicant members.


(3) By Transfer
Persons coming to the Pastor with a communicant letter of transfer from a congregation in church fellowship, provided they conform in all respects to the requirements of membership in this congregation, shall be received by the Pastor and Board of Elders and promptly recognized by the congregation in a worship service.


(4) Profession or Reaffirmation of Faith
Other persons shall submit their request to the Pastor, and after giving satisfactory evidence of qualifications for membership to the Pastor and the Board of Elders, they shall be received as communicant members by publicly confirming their faith.


b. Privileges and Duties of Communicant Members
It shall be the privilege and duty of members of this congregation to become disciples of Jesus Christ to:


Grow in Christian faith and life through regular attendance at worship services, searching the Scriptures at home, in fellowship with other members of the congregation, and partaking of the Lord's Supper.


Live a morally decent life before God and men, abstaining from open works of the flesh (Galatians 5:18  21), and so conducting themselves at all times as to bring credit, rather than blame, upon the Church of Jesus Christ.


Share their faith in Christ with those they come in contact with in their daily lives.


Provide for the proper Christian training of their children by instruction at home and through the agencies of the church.


Contribute toward the maintenance of the congregation and the extension of the Kingdom of God at home and abroad to the limit of their financial ability.


Offer their God  given talents and abilities to the Pastor, the officers, and other agencies of the congregation as set forth in its Constitution and By  Laws, so that the purpose of the congregation as stated in Article II of the Constitution may be effectively implemented.


3. Voting Membership
a. Eligibility
Any communicant member of the congregation who is eighteen years of age or over, male or female, shall be eligible to become a voting member. This shall be done at a regular Voters' Meeting of the congregation. They shall be required to sign the official copy of the Constitution and By  Laws of the Congregation before acceptance into Voting Membership.


b. Duties
It shall be the duty of every voting member to attend the Voters' Assembly and generally participate in the activities of the Voters' Assembly. By failing to attend a meeting, a member waives the right to cast his vote at that meeting. Only voting members shall be eligible to accept nominations for offices, committee appointments, etc.


B. Termination of Membership


1. By Transfer
Communicant members, desiring to join a congregation in church fellowship, shall present their requests to the Pastor and the Board of Elders, to whom authorization is granted to issue such transfers.


2. By Joining Other Churches
In cases where communicant members have joined another congregation outside our church fellowship, their membership shall be terminated, and their names shall be removed from membership by the Pastor and the Board of Elders.


3. Whereabouts Unknown
The names of members whose whereabouts are unknown for a period of one year shall be removed from membership by the Pastor and the Board of Elders.


4. Inactive After Moving
Members who move out of the area of the congregation shall be encouraged to transfer their memberships as soon as they establish residence. Every effort shall be made to communicate with them and the nearest congregation in church fellowship. If communication cannot be established during the period of one year concerning their situation or intent, their names shall be removed from membership by the Pastor and Board of Elders.


5. Excommunication and Self  Exclusion
Any baptized or communicant member who conducts himself contrary to the Word of God and life in the Holy Spirit shall be admonished in Christian patience and love (Matthew 18:15  22; Galatians 6:1). If he is openly impenitent or refuses to attend the meeting of the Voters' Assembly or with the Board of Elders acting officially for the Voters' Assembly to discuss his case, he has thereby excluded himself. A unanimous ballot vote on each person separately shall be required for every resolution by the Voters' Assembly for excommunication. The person charged with misconduct shall not be allowed to vote on the matter. No vote shall be taken until every effort is made to restore the person to his relationship with Christ Jesus. Excommunication or self  exclusion terminates membership and the privileges of membership, but does not deny the right to attend worship services of the congregation. As soon as evidence of penitence and a desire to be received into fellowship again have been demonstrated, he shall be received as a communicant member once more by the Pastor and the Board of Elders.


6. Privileges
A person whose communicant membership has been terminated has forfeited all rights as a member of this congregation and all claims upon the property of the congregation as such, or upon any part thereof, so long as he is not reinstated into membership.

SECTION II. VOTERS' ASSEMBLY


A. Meeting Dates
Voters' Assemblies shall be held twice each year, the first Sunday in November for approval of the annual budget and the first Sunday in May. Election of officers and boards shall be held every other year in the May meeting.


B. Special Meetings
Special meetings of the Voters' Assembly may be called by the President, or the Pastor, or the Church Council, or by any five voters and only the agenda item(s) for which the special meeting was called can be voted upon at that meeting.


C. Announcement
Every Voters' Assembly shall be announced at a prior Sunday service. See Article XIII in the Constitution for the required quorum and majority.


D. Board Reports
Each board shall present a written report of its activities at the November and May meetings.


E. Order of Business
The following shall be the order of business for the regular Voters' Assemblies:


Devotion, including a scripture reading

Roll call of voting members

Admission of new voting members

Reading of minutes of the previous regular meeting and of special meetings held since the previous regular meeting

Reports of Treasurer and Financial Secretary

Reports of officers and boards

Unfinished business

Report by the Pastor

New business

Adjournment including the Lord's Prayer.


F. Rules of Order
In general, for purposes of order, ROBERT'S RULES OF ORDER shall prevail.


SECTION III. OFFICES OF PASTOR AND OTHER CALLED WORKERS


A. Pastoral Office
The pastoral office of the Congregation shall be conferred only upon those ministers who profess and adhere to the confessional standard set forth in Article III of this constitution, who are properly called by the congregation, and who are qualified by the Lutheran Church    Missouri Synod for their work.


The Pastor, in the call extended to him, shall be pledged to this confessional standard. The responsibility assigned to the pastoral office is to be shared by all elected officers, boards, and each congregational member. The members of the congregation are encouraged to accord the Pastor honor, love, and obedience in his ministry of God's Word, and to support his ministrations with diligent and faithful prayers, willing readiness, by peaceful conduct, and in any way possible; and to provide for his maintenance according to the ability of the congregation.


B. Calling of a Pastor
1. Vacancies
In the event of a vacancy in the pastorate of the congregation, the Board of Elders shall notify the congregational President and the Circuit Counselor of the vacancy and request the Circuit Counselor's advice and assistance in securing a Vacancy Pastor.

2. Nominations
The Call Committee shall consist of the Board of Elders. They shall secure a list of candidates, with all available information concerning them, from the District President. Any member of the congregation may submit the name of a candidate through a member of the Call Committee. The Call Committee shall obtain all possible information concerning the additional nominees. This becomes the official call list from which the Pastor  elect is selected. The list shall be published for the congregation for two Sundays in advance of the call meeting.


3. Election
The election of a Pastor shall be by ballot in a special meeting of the Voters' Assembly called by the President. See Article XIII in the Constitution for the required quorum and majority. The call shall be signed by the Vacancy Pastor, the President, the Recording Secretary, and the Chairman of the Board of Elders; and then sent to the Pastor  elect. The Call Committee shall furnish additional data and material which will help the Pastor  elect arrive at his decision.


C. Calling of Other Called Church Workers
1. Nominations
The Church Council, in consultation with the Pastor, shall select the Call Committee. The Call Committee shall secure a list of candidates, with all available information concerning them, from the District President. Any member of the congregation may submit the name of a candidate through a member of the Call Committee. The Call Committee shall obtain all possible information concerning the additional nominees. This becomes the official call list from which the called church worker is selected. The list shall be published for the congregation for two Sundays in advance of the call meeting.


2. Election
The election of a called church worker shall be by ballot in a special meeting of the Voters' Assembly called by the President. See Article XIII in the Constitution for the required quorum and majority.


SECTION IV. CHURCH COUNCIL


A. Members of the Council


Voting members of the Church Council shall consist of the President, Treasurer, Recording Secretary, seven Board Chairpersons and the Pastor.
B. Duties and Powers of the Council


The Church Council shall serve as a forum where the activities of the Administrative Boards may be discussed, evaluated, and coordinated, and where all such activities may be integrated into an overall congregational program.


It shall be the duty of the Church Council, under the authority received from the Voters' Assembly, to administer the affairs of the congregation, to review all procedures, progress, and problems in connection with the congregation, to give direction to the individual members of the Council, and to work with the Pastor in administering the total mission of the congregation.


Each individual member of the Council shall have the authority to carry out the responsibilities of his position as outlined in the Congregational Handbook. The Council as a group shall retain the right to exercise, as it may deem necessary, final authority over all matters as empowered by the Voters' Assembly.


C. Meetings


The Church Council shall meet monthly. Special meetings of the Council may be called by the President, the Pastor, or any other three voting members of the Church Council. Anyone may attend meetings of the Church Council.


SECTION V. ELECTION OF OFFICERS AND ADMINISTRATIVE BOARDS


A. Nomination Procedure


Each board will consist of at least three members, including the Chairperson.


The final determination of the number of members to be elected to each board shall be a function of the Church Council and shall be communicated to the Nominating Committee at their first meeting.


At the November meeting of the Voters' Assembly prior to an election year, the Church Council shall announce its selection of six voting members who, together with the Pastor, shall serve as the Nominating Committee. Of the six voting members, three shall be from the Church Council, and three from at large. At this meeting, the voters may submit to the Committee the names of possible candidates for office.


Normally, the Nominating Committee will provide only one nomination for each specific elected position. Only male candidates shall be eligible for President and for membership on the Board of Elders.

Members of the Nominating Committee are eligible for elected positions.


The Nominating Committee shall prepare a list of members nominated for specific elected positions. This list will be drawn from the list submitted by the voters at the November meeting, and from among communicant members of the congregation who are 18 years of age or over, male or female.


The Nominating Committee's list shall be made available to communicant members of the congregation at least three weeks prior to the May meeting.


Following the publication of the Nominating Committee's list, any communicant member of the congregation may submit to the Committee additional names for inclusion on the list, and such names shall be placed in nomination by the Committee along with candidates already chosen, provided:


1. That such names shall be submitted at least 10 days before the date of the May meeting of the Voters' Assembly, and


2. That the Nominating Committee, through consultation with the Pastor and the Board of Lay Ministry, shall have investigated the status of the proposed candidates and found them spiritually eligible for office and willing to serve.


At least one week before the date of the May meeting the Nominating Committee shall post conspicuously on the church bulletin board the list of candidates for the following offices:


President, chairpersons of the various Administrative Boards, Treasurer, Trustees, Financial Secretary, Sunday School Superintendent, Secretary, and members of Administrative Boards.


B. Election Procedure


The election will be held every other year at the May Voters' Assembly.


From the list of candidates for each elective office submitted by the Nominating Committee, the Voters' Assembly at its May meeting shall elect by ballot and simple majority, the following officers in the order herein indicated:


  1. President

  2. Chairman of the Board of Elders

  3. Members of the Board of Elders

  4. Chairperson of the Board of Evangelism

  5. Chairperson of the Board of Christian Education

  6. Chairperson of the Board of Stewardship

  7. Chairperson of the Board of Church Properties

  8. Chairperson of the Board of Youth Ministry

  9. Chairperson of the Board of Social Ministry and Parish Fellowship

  10. Treasurer

  11. Three Trustees

  12. Financial Secretary

  13. Sunday School Superintendent

  14. Recording Secretary

  15. Board Members, to the number required to complete the membership of each of the Administrative Boards. The boards are to be elected in the same order as the chairpersons.


Or shall elect by voice vote and simple majority, the list of candidates submitted by the nominating committee.


If two or more candidates are nominated for any one office, the candidates shall be reduced to one by ballot and simple majority before the election of the nominating committee’s list.


No one can hold more than one elected position. Only candidates defeated for office may be placed in nomination by the Voters' Assembly at the election meeting for any office not filled.


C. Installation of Officers


The newly elected officers and board members of the congregation shall be installed on the last Sunday in May, and shall assume their duties of office as of June 1.


D. Term of Office


The term of office of all officers, chairpersons, and board members shall be two years, terminating on May 31 of the second year of their terms. All elected persons are permitted to succeed themselves in office for any number of consecutive two  year terms.


E. Vacancies


Vacancies on the Church Council are filled by appointment done by the Church Council.


Vacancies on committees are filled by appointment done by the committee. New members desiring to be active in the church should be given strong consideration.


Date approved: May 1, 1994


SECTION VI. DUTIES OF OFFICERS AND BOARDS


A. President   The President shall:


  1. Prepare the agenda for and preside at all meetings of the Church Council and voters' Assembly.

  2. As executive officer of the Voters' Assembly, enforce the Constitution and the By  Laws.

  3. See that the decisions of the church council and Voters' Assembly are carried out.

  4. Encourage the members of the church Council to perform their tasks responsibly and efficiently.

  5. Commend the leaders and members of the congregation for "work well done."

  6. Be an ex  officio member of all boards and committees.

  7. Meet at least once a month with the Pastor to analyze past progress, determine present needs, and plan future efforts and emphases.

  8. Appoint the necessary committees (audit, etc.) to meet the needs of the voters' Assembly and the Church council.

  9. Execute any documents authorized by the voters' Assembly Or Church Council.

  10. Be authorized to sign checks for the disbursement of funds in the event of the absence or disability of the Treasurer.

  11. Report the actions and recommendations of the Church Council at each Voters' Assembly meeting.

  12. Shall be a male.

B. Recording Secretary   The Secretary shall:


  1. Record and keep permanent minutes of the meetings of the Voters' Assembly and the Church Council.

  2. Conduct official correspondence of the Voters' Assembly and the Church Council.

  3. Register all persons attending the Voters' Assembly meetings and maintain an active and inactive list of the Voters' Assemblv.

  4. Be responsible for notifying members of the Voters' .Assembly about the date, time, and place of regular and special meetings.

  5. Record all amendments on a master copy of the Constitution and By  Laws.

  6. Be the custodian of the permanent minutes, past and present, of the congregation.


C. Treasurer   The Treasurer shall:


  1. Disburse the funds of the congregation in accordance with the budget and as directed by the Voters' Assembly, Church Council, and boards.

  2. Keep an accurate record of all monies, according to proper accounting procedures, in books which shall be and remain the permanent property of the Congregation.

  3. Be authorized to sign checks for the disbursement of funds.

  4. Be responsible for prompt payment of salaries and bills and for regular remission of mission offerings.

  5. Submit written reports at each regular meeting of the Church Council and Voters' Assembly, indicating receipts, expenditures, and the condition and status of the budget and any special funds.

  6. Submit records for audit at the close of the year.

  7. Maintain a system for the boards to submit invoices for purchases, showing the budget line item to be credited.


D. Board of Elders


  1. The Board of Elders shall consist of male members only. ­

  2. Consist of at least four members including the chairman.

  3. Be composed of men having the following qualities:

    1. Should not be a recent convert, but one who is experienced in the faith.

    2. Should be regular in attendance at worship and Holy Communion.

    3. Should demonstrate his love for the Word of the Gospel by his personal attendance at Bible Study.

    4. Should be mature, in his personal attitudes. This does not necessarily imply that he is old or older.

    5. Must love people and be willing to cope with their problems out of love and concern rather than personal prestige.

    6. Must be a "man of prayer" who understands his own limitations.

    7. Must understand that he is doing the work of Christ.

    8. Must be prepared to take training in each of the areas in which special skills are needed for the performance of his duties.


  1. Have basic objectives consisting of the spiritual welfare of the Pastor and congregation members, individually and corporately, and the supervision of everything pertaining to congregational worship.

  2. Have the following specific objectives and duties:

    1. Pray for the Pastor and other spiritual leaders.

    2. Encourage and counsel the Pastor in his work by word and action.

    3. Be concerned about the spiritual, emotional, and physical health and welfare of the Pastor and his family (adequate compensation, housing, free time, vacation, assistance in time of illness), and to that end specifically review these items.

    4. Approve employment of the office secretary and review performance and compensation annually. The office secretary is directed by the Pastor. The board initiates and terminates employment.

    5. Supervise the music program of the congregation. Annually review compensation and personnel needs for the music staff as required for public worship.

    6. Submit an annual budget request in the form and at the time requested by the Budget Committee.

    7. Assist the Pastor in counseling with difficult cases and in finding peaceful and God  pleasing solutions to personal problems within the congregation.

    8. Exercise leadership in gathering call lists and calling a new Pastor when a vacancy occurs.

    9. Maintain discipline within the congregation according to scripture, Article III, and Article IV of the Constitution.

    10. Each Elder is to take spiritual charge and oversight of the families and individuals assigned to him in liaison with the Pastor and other concerned boards of the congregation.

    11. Insure that the congregation functions in accordance with the established doctrine of the church as listed in Articles II and III of the Constitution.

    12. Determine eligibility for membership of all individuals and families applying for membership in this congregation according to Article IV of the Constitution and Section I of the By  laws.

    13. See to the prompt transfer of all members who move away and of new Lutheran families.

    14. Engage in member conservation and discipleship training in conjunction with the Boards of Evangelism and Stewardship.

    15. Engage in continual review of communion and church attendance of all members, make calls on delinquents, follow  up on all newborn children in the congregation until they are baptized.

    16. Investigate cases of need within the congregation and make specific recommendations to the Pastor and the Board of Social Ministry and Parish Fellowship.

    17. Be present for periodic training as determined by the Pastor and this Board.

    18. Provide guidance and coordination to ad hoc committees associated with the Board of Elders.

    19. Provide for vicars, assistants, substitute pastors and guest speakers as needed.

    20. Staff, train, and supervise the ushering staff.

    21. Assist the Pastor with communion distribution, reading of Scripture, preaching, etc., as required.

    22. Set the time, schedule, type, and number of services in conjunction with the Pastor, ad hoc committees, and the desires of the voting membership.

    23. Administer the congregation's welfare fund in coordination with the Pastor.

    24. As needed, implement spiritual services and care to hospitals, homes for the aged, prisons, and other institutions within the community. This effort is in coordination with the Pastor.


E. Board of Evangelism


  1. The Board of Evangelism shall consist of at least four members including the chairperson.

  2. The basic objectives of this board are the bringing of the Gospel to the unchurched; the enlistment of all of God's people in the work of spreading the Gospel; the deepening of the faith of the members of this congregation.


  1. That the basic objectives of the board may be carried out, the board either corporately or through specifically designated individuals shall:


    1. Share with the Pastor in the entire program of proclaiming the Gospel to all men.


    1. Encourage prayer in church and homes for sincere evangelistic concern toward all people inside and outside the Church.


    1. Greet visitors effectively and make them feel welcome in our midst.


    1. Maintain an ongoing visitation program which offers people a saving relationship with Christ, not just membership in a church.


    1. In coordination with the Pastor, make an initial call promptly after a person or family from the local area visits our church and make appropriate followup calls. Try to witness for Christ at every such visit.


    1. Maintain a prospect file. Meet monthly to go through the file, assign visitors, and review progress on all levels.


    1. Try to assimilate regular visitors into our church life through Bible study groups, church functions, etc.


    1. Be concerned for the reception, orientation, and assimilation of new members into the congregation. Review their progress periodically. Provide New Member Packets when new members are received.


    1. In conjunction with Pastor and appropriate boards, initiate additional Bible study groups at church and in homes, cell groups, retreats, special study groups (example: training for witnessing), to create opportunities for involvement and better assimilation of new members and uninvolved members.


    1. Be concerned about church growth and be aware if conditions and attitudes arise that hamper growth. With Pastor and the appropriate boards, initiate corrective measures.


    1. Study and adapt or adopt suggestions by the evangelism departments of Synod, District and circuit.


    1. Promote and direct congregation  wide evangelism programs.


    1. Enlist callers and conduct an ongoing Bible study and witnessing training program for callers.


    1. Make available for visitors informational brochures about our church, visitors cards in pews, and other appropriate cards or brochures.


    1. Be responsible, together with the Board of Social Ministry and Parish Fellowship, for a program of community relations that identifies the congregation with the Gospel of Christ.


    1. Emphasize, in conjunction with the Board of Christian Education, child and youth evangelism, both in participation and outreach.


    1. Set up and maintain tract racks.


    1. Submit to the Board of Stewardship, in the appropriate form and at the time requested, a budget request for the coming year's work.


F. Board of Christian Education


The Board of Christian Education shall:


  1. Consist of at least seven members including the chairperson and the Sunday School Superintendent.


  1. Have basic objectives to plan and administer the total educational program of he congregation, to determine policies, to select personnel for the various agencies, to provide the necessary means and facilities for the agencies, and to direct and supervise the entire educational program of the congregation.


  1. Have the following specific objectives and duties:


    1. Establish agencies to provide learning opportunities for all age levels with Christ  centered objectives.


    1. Be responsible for the Christian nurture of children, youth, and adults.


    1. Establish objectives, set policies for, and supervise the total education program for each educational agency of the congregation, including the personnel; i.e., for the pre  school, Sunday School, Vacation Bible School, confirmation classes, Bible classes, and all other educational groups.


    1. Establish all policies of enrollment, home co  operation, attendance, calendar, and standards for the formal agencies of the congregation.


    1. Provide ways and means of strengthening the use of the Word of Clod in the Christian home.

    2. Approve curriculum of each education agency.


    1. Continually review existing agencies to determine whether all age groups (and Christian maturity levels) are being served and seek revisions and additions as deemed advisable.


    1. Maintain a "people accounting system" to record members' participation in the education program and to follow up the uninvolved.


    1. Provide, in conjunction with the Board of Evangelism, for the recruitment of pupils for the educational opportunities of the church.


    1. Encourage increasing participation of every congregational member in Bible study, privately and in formal or informal groups.


    1. Exercise leadership in gathering lists of candidates for vacancies in the teaching staff and for properly calling or contracting professional teachers.


    1. Enlist, train, place, and continue to train lay teachers and Bible class leaders.


    1. Be concerned about the spiritual, emotional, and physical health and welfare of the pre  school staff.


    1. Annually review and make recommendations concerning the compensation of the pre  school staff.


    1. Publicly recognize faithful service by all persons involved in the educational task of the congregation.


    1. in conjunction with the Board of Evangelism consider special classes, courses, conferences, retreats and the like for special purposes and special groups.


    1. Provide for the professional growth of the educational staff through conferences, conventions, continuing education and the like, and request the necessary funds for the same in the yearly budget.


    1. Maintain, improve and cultivate the use of a church library and provide for and promote the use of audiovisual aids.

    2. Provide and/or promote subscriptions to church periodicals.


    1. Study and adopt or adapt helps suggested by the education departments of synod, district, and circuit.


    1. Establish and maintain a permanent file of all children and youth of the congregation by age, grade level, and the like and see to it that such a file in kept continually up to date.


    1. At least annually examine the education facilities and equipments and make recommendations to the Board of Church Properties as to upkeep, repairs, and replacements needed as well as new equipment needed.


    1. Check the safety of education facilities steps, handrails, lights, exits, housekeeping practices, fire drills and the like on a regular basis.


    1. Prepare and submit an annual budget request in the form and at the time requested by the Board of Stewardship.


  1. Meet at least quarterly. The Pastor (or acting pre  school principal), the pre  school teachers, and the Sunday School Superintendent shall also attend the meetings of the Board of Christian Education.


  1. Have the board chairperson act as pre  school principal in the event of pastoral vacancy.


  1. The Sunday School Superintendent as a member of the Board of Christian Education shall:


    1. See to orderly and proper facilities, pupil attendance, and teacher attendance.


    1. Preside at regularly called meetings of the Sunday School teachers.


    1. Supervise ordering all materials and distribute and care for these teaching materials.

    2. Suggest improvements in teaching aids and methods, home co  operation, pupil attendance, reaching new pupils, and Sunday School worship to the Board of Christian Education.


    1. Carry out the board's programs in the Sunday School.


    1. Arrange for Sunday School openings.


Board of Stewardship


The Board of Stewardship shall:


  1. Consist of at least five members, including the elected chairperson of the Board and the elected Financial Secretary.


  1. The basic objectives of this board are to initiate programs for the development of good stewardship attitudes in the members of the congregation in regard to time, talents, and treasures, to provide for the training and utilization of members of the congregation for the work of Christ's Kingdom, and to insure the financial stability of the congregation and its work through a developed program of dedicated, proportionate, firstfruits giving.


  1. Shall act as the public relations agency for the congregation.


  1. That the objectives of this board may be carried out, the board, either corporately or through specifically designated individuals shall:


    1. Contact and encourage new members for service to the congregation and endeavor to stir up the talents of present members for use in Christ's work.


    1. Maintain a program to discover and enlist for Kingdom service the talents trod has given members old and new, young people and adults.


    1. Be responsible for maintenance of a congregational talent file at all times, and provide for the immediate recording of the talents and abilities of incoming members.


    1. Provide opportunities for the development of talents (training courses, workshops and the like).


    1. Conduct an extensive program periodically to confront every member personally with basic Biblical stewardship principles and practices.


    1. Prepare and present to the congregation an annual God  pleasing work program, determine anticipated receipts, and recommend a budget for adoption by the Voters' Assembly.


    1. Foster support for missions and charities through an ongoing program of mission information and education through education agencies, committees and organizations, rallies, festivals, films and filmstrips, letters and tracts, appearances of missionaries and the like.


    1. Evaluate and make recommendations for memorials, special gifts, etc.


    1. Screen all outside appeals for funds and initiate the action appropriate to such an appeal.


    1. Review, accept or decline all offers of nonsolicited gifts to the congregation.


    1. Evaluate the offerings and expenditures of the congregation as needed and share these evaluations with the congregation.


    1. Annually review the budgeting procedures of the congregation in conjunction with the Treasurer and Financial Secretary and recommend any necessary improvements or revisions.


    1. Submit an annual budget request including district and synod giving and direct giving to missions, all in proportion to clod's blessings on this congregation.


    1. Distribute direct giving mission funds as appropriate.

    2. In conjunction with the Treasurer, decide. where to deposit various funds (checking account, savings account, church extension fund, etc.).


5. The Financial Secretary shall:


    1. Be responsible for the prompt accurate counting, recording, and depositing of all receipts for the congregation in appropriate financial institutions and to that end shall enlist from the Board of Stewardship an assistant Financial Secretary. All contributions by members for whatever purpose shall be recorded.


    1. Be responsible for issuance of regular statements to members, showing their offerings to date.


    1. Furnish the Treasurer with a duplicate deposit slip and a breakdown of the funds received, i.e., for current expenses and missions, building debt retirement, memorials, special gifts, etc.


    1. Be responsible for requisitioning and distribution of offering envelopes.


6. The public relations activity for the congregation shall:


    1. Be concerned, together with other appropriate boards, with the congregation's role in the community, and develop useful means of becoming a better servant to the community.


    1. Establish and maintain a continuing program of publicity for the congregation and its activities which will reflect favorably on the congregation and its commitment to the Gospel of Christ.


    1. Maintain the church bulletin boards.


    1. Work for the overall enhancement of the con­ gregation's image in the various news media and publications of the community.

H. Board of Church Properties


The Board of Church Properties shall:


  1. Consist of at least five members, including the elected chairperson of the board. It shall also consist of a continuing subcommittee designated as Trustees, consisting of three additional members.


  1. The basic objectives of the board are the proper maintenance and repair of church property, the representation of the congregation in all legal matters, and the general protection of the congregation against loss or damage of whatever nature.


  1. That the basic objectives of this board may be carried out, the board, either corporately or through specifically designated individuals, shall:


    1. Make an annual inspection of church properties and equipment and recommend to the Voters' Assembly needed repairs, improvements, or replacements.


    1. Conduct an annual inventory of all church properties, equipment, and supplies, including acquisition date and approximate value of each item.


    1. Carry out all resolutions of the Voters' Assembly on purchases, repairs, replacement of church property and equipment.


    1. Determine and engage, with congregational approval, adequate custodial help. The Board shall also meet periodically with custodians to discuss the care of the buildings, needs and problems in custodial service, and the like.


    1. Prepare for the custodial help a detailed list of the required daily and weekly, monthly, or annual maintenance of the facilities and equipment of the congregation.


    1. Annually review and recommend salaries for all custodial help and to that end study and recommend policies regarding union labor, fair employment practices and the like to be applied to suppliers and to the congregation.

    2. Determine and establish, with the approval of the Voters' Assembly, regulations governing the use of church property and equipment.


    1. Make and issue keys for church property, and keep and review annually a list of the keys issued.


    1. Supervise, control and recommend adequate storage facilities for all church property, equipment, and supplies and the orderly maintenance of the same.


    1. check all property twice a year for fire hazards.


    1. Enlist work crews for special repair, improvement, cleaning, painting, decorating, landscaping and other projects.


    1. Arrange for immediate repairs of an urgent nature and all normal repairs and alterations for which budget funds have been allocated.


    1. Negotiate service contracts for the organ, office machines, and the like.


    1. Submit an annual budget request to the Board of stewardship in the form and at the time requested by that board.


4. The Trustees shall:


  1. Legally represent the congregation in accordance with the laws of this state.


  1. Obtain legal information necessary for the wise consideration of contracts, deeds, and the like by the congregation.


  1. Sign official documents and contracts that have been negotiated and approved by the congregation.


  1. Make an annual inventory of official documents in safekeeping, and enter its completion in the official minutes of the congregation.


  1. Accept and receive grants and bequests.


  1. Annually check the adequacy of all types of insurance for church property and equipment and negotiate insurance contracts.


I. Board of Youth Ministry


The Board of Youth Ministry shall consist of at least three members, including the elected chairperson of the board.


The basic objectives of this board are to involve the young people of the congregation in the work of Christ, provide for their spiritual growth and nurture, and to promote genuine Christian fellowship for the young people of the congregation.


That the objectives of this board may be carried out, the board, either corporately or through specifically designated individuals, shall:


  1. Promote attendance and involvement of the congregation's youth at all youth activities.


  1. Provide for the continuing spiritual growth of the young people of the congregation through Bible study, prayer, and Christian service.


  1. Plan and carry out, together with other concerned boards, a year  round program for the young people of the congregation.


  1. Involve youth leaders from all parts of the congregation's work in developing a planned parish program for young people.

  2. Develop a program for the social fellowship of both young people and the young adults of the congregation, including various recreational programs.


  1. Actively engage in the selection and training of leaders for the young people's program at all times.


  1. Plan and observe, together with the Pastor, a yearly congregational Young Peoples' Sunday.

  2. Plan a special event to welcome the newly confirmed young people of the congregation and to invite them to
    join the young people's groups.

  3. Provide for topics of current interest to young people.

  4. Plan and coordinate activities for youth with other young people's groups outaide the congregation, particularly with other Lutheran young people's groups at various levels.

  5. in conjunction with the Board of Evangelism, train and involve the young people of the congregation in bringing others to faith in Christ.

  6. Submit, at the time and in the form required, an annual budget as requested by the Board of Stewardship.

  7. For administrative purposes and program development, supervise the work of all youth and young adult groups in the congregation.


J. Board of Social Ministry and Parish Fellowship


  1. The Board of Social Ministry and Parish Fellowship shall consist of at least five members including the chairperson and the President of the Lutheran Women's Missionary League.


  1. The basic objectives of this board are to provide as we are able a ministry of Christian service to persons or agencies where needs exist in this congregation, in the community, in the Lutheran Church    Missouri Synod, in the nation and world; to strengthen the followship between congregation members spiritually and socially; to aid in the assimilation of new members into the life of the congregation; and the general upbuilding of mutual cooperation, trust, and enjoyment among members of the congregation.


  1. That the basic. objectives of the board may be carried out, the board either corporately or though specifically designated individuals shall:


    1. Develop goals and objectives each year in the light of the congregation's needs for a ministry of Christian service and concern.


    1. Know the service agencies of the church and community and relate them to the congregation and the congregation to them.


    1. Provide appropriate help to those within the congregation and those without who are in need.

    2. Refer those problems, when they are beyond the congregation’s abilities, to appropriate agencies for professional help.


    1. offer and supervise, as feasible, the use of the church facilities (with congregational approval) for community service and programs in the area of social ministry.


    1. Use a variety of resources to make the congregation aware of and sensitive to the opportunities in Christian service as they relate to the needs of mankind.


    1. Study and adopt or adapt suggestions from the social ministry departments of the synod and district.


    1. For administrative purposes include the Lutheran Women's Missionary League under this board. In addition to the functions set forth in its constitution, the LWML will supervise the Nursery Guild, the Altar Guild and kitchen maintenance.


    1. Plan and supervise adult and family fellowship activities of the congregation (example: church picnic, family nights, etc.).


    1. Plan and supervise the athletic activities of the congregation.


    1. Review and adopt or adapt materials and ideas from various sources which will bring congregational members into personal contact in groups such as family nights, plays, fun fairs, talent shows, and the like.


    1. Aid in the assimilation of new members into the life of the congregation through coffee socials and other appropriate activities in conjunction with the Board of Evangelism.


    1. Receive and take action on requests for the use of the congregation's facilities for wedding receptions, recreational activities by various groups and all other activities of whatever nature and from whatever source.


    1. Provide and decorate the Christmas tree and provide any plants or flowers needed at Christmas, Master, etc.


    1. Submit to the Board of Stewardship in the appropriate form and at the time requested, a budget request for the coming year's work.


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