Conscientiously and prayerfully exercise their right of suffrage in all measures that
will advance the work of Christ’s Kingdom both locally and in the church-at-large;
Willingly serve in any office or capacity for which their talents and abilities equip
them;
Faithfully attend all meetings of the Voters Assembly;
Assist with wholehearted diligence in administering the temporal and spiritual affairs
of the congregation.
D. Termination of Membership
1. Transfers. A member desiring transfer to a sister Lutheran congregation shall
apply to the Pastor. Upon approval by the Pastor and the Board of Elders, a letter of
transfer shall be issued by the Pastor. The Board of Elders shall report all transfers to
the congregation via church publications and to the Voters Assembly at the next regular
meeting of the body.
2. Joining other Churches. In cases where communicant members of this congregation have
joined a non-Lutheran congregation, they shall, upon the decision of the Pastor(s) and the
Board of Elders, be deemed to have terminated their membership in this congregation,
forfeiting all rights and privileges of such membership. Their name(s) shall be removed
from he membership list of the congregation.
3. Whereabouts Unknown. The names of members whose whereabouts are unknown and cannot
be established within a period of six months shall be removed from the membership list of
the congregation and placed in a file designated "Whereabouts Unknown". Such
membership is terminated and shall be reported as such to the next regular meeting of the
Voters’ Assembly.
4. Excommunication and Self-Exclusion. The intent of this section is to help reconcile
people to Jesus and the church in the manner directed by Jesus in Matthew 18:15-20. The
procedure should be carried out in a loving way, always keeping in mind that God’s
love is unconditional. No one may be removed from membership without the prescribed
personal visits noted below. Persons who have been removed from membership for whatever
reason shall be restored with all rights and privileges when they repent and ask
forgiveness through the Pastor(s) and the Board of Elders. Both acts of discipline and
restoration shall be made known to all communicant members by whatever method the
Pastor(s) and the Board of Elders deem most suitable.
When a member of this congregation has not attended for three months or communed in six
months, he or she will receive a visit from their respective Elder. The person should be
asked if there is a problem with which the church may help and encouraged to return to
worship and/communion. If such a member has not attended after six months or communed
after nine months, he or she shall receive another visit by at least two members of the
congregation, one their respective Elder and the Pastor or some other concerned member of
the congregation. Additional concern shall be expressed and encouragement shall be given.
If, after nine months, such a member still is not attending the worship services of the
Church, he or she shall be evangelically admonished more firmly and told that if such
neglect continues for another three months, it shall be interpreted as impenitence, lack
of faith in Jesus Christ, and indifference to church membership, privileges, and
responsibilities. If, then, after 12 months, the member has not responded to Christian
admonition as outlined above, the member’s name shall be transferred to the mission
file of the congregation or turned over to the Board of Evangelism and Church Growth. The
individual shall be notified of such action by registered mail and shall be declared to
have excluded himself from this Christian congregation.
Such self exclusion releases the individual from all responsibilities to this
congregation, but it also excludes the former member from the privileges of church
membership, such as Christian burial, Holy Communion, transfer to a sister congregation,
and of any claim against the properties of this congregation. Such a person, however, will
at all times be cordially welcome to attend all divine services in our church.
Excommunication is to be applied to any member who conducts himself in an unchristian
manner; i.e., to one who openly adheres to false doctrine, gives evidence of an immoral
and offensive life, or willfully despises the preaching of the Gospel and the Lord’s
Supper. The Board of Elders shall administer excommunication at the direction of a
unanimous vote of the congregation.
ARTICLE II: Meetings of the Congregation
A. Regular Meetings
Regular meetings of the Voters’ Assembly shall be held two times during each
calendar year, in the months of December and May. The May meeting will be for election of
officers and the December meeting will be for consideration and acceptance of the annual
operating budget of the congregation. Dates and times of all Voters’ Assembly
meetings shall be set by the President with the consent of the Church Council.
All communicant members of the congregation may attend the meetings of the Voters’
Assembly and may, with the consent of the Assembly submit recommendations, or participate
in a discussion of any given item of business before the Assembly.
Notice of the date and time of every meeting of the Voters’ Assembly, and of the
nature of business to be transacted, shall be announced at least the Sunday prior to the
time of the meeting.
B. Special Meetings
Special meetings of the Voters’ Assembly may be called by the Board of Elders,
the Pastor(s), at the request of the Administrative Boards, or at the written request of
10 voting members of the congregation. Notice of the date and time of every meeting of the
Voters’ Assembly, and of the Nature of business to be transacted, shall be announced
at least the Sunday prior to the time of the meeting.
C. Order of Business at Voters’ Assembly Meetings
In general, for purposes of order, Robert’s Rules of Order shall prevail.
D. Restriction Pertaining to Voters’ Assembly Meetings
Attendance of 25 voting members at a properly called Voters’ Assembly meeting
shall constitute a quorum. The presiding officer of the meeting may only vote when their
vote may change the outcome of the decision. There shall be no voting by absentee ballot
or by proxy.
ARTICLE III: Calling of Pastors, Teachers, and Professional Staff
THE PASTOR
The Pastoral Office is the authority conferred upon pastors by God, through a call
of the congregation (the holder of the priest hood and of all congregational authority) to
exercise in public office the common rights or spiritual priesthood in behalf of all.
However, the congregation may establish as many auxiliary office as its needs require and
determine what work is to be assigned to such offices.
Upon being installed the pastor is authorized and obligated:
1. To proclaim to the congregation, jointly and severally, the Word of God in its full
truth and purity as contained in the canonical writings of the Old and New Testaments and
professed in the Book of Concord of the year 1580.
2. To administer the sacraments in accordance with their divine institution;
3. To discharge toward all members of the congregation the functions of a minister and
curate of their souls in an evangelical manner, in particular to visit the sick and the
dying and to admonish indifferent and erring members;
4. To guard the spiritual welfare of the younger members of the congregation and adults
during their preparation for acceptance of Holy Communion;
5. To guide the congregation in applying the divinely ordained discipline of the
church;
6. To provide spiritual leadership and oversight in the educational agencies and the
various adult and youth organizations within the congregation;
7. To serve as an example by Christian conduct and to do all that is possible for the
up-building of the congregation and for the advancement of the Kingdom of Christ.
By reason of his position the pastor is not only a servant and steward of God, but also
of the congregation. The pastor(s) shall have the authority and responsibility for
supervising the musical portion of all worship services in conjunction with the Board of
Elders so that it is at all times in harmony with the doctrine and practice of Lutheran
Church-Missouri Synod. Members of the congregation are obligated to accord the pastor(s)
honor, love, and obedience in his ministry of God’s Word, and to support his
ministrations with diligence and faithful prayers; to help him in the discharge of his
duties by willing readiness, by peaceable conduct, and in every other way possible; and to
provide for his maintenance according to the ability of the congregation.
In calling a pastor to preach the Word of God and to administer the sacraments on their
behalf, the members of the congregation exercise their royal priesthood and by no means
relinquish it. This is the privilege and responsibility of all members of the Church.
PRINCIPAL, TEACHER OR PROFESSIONAL STAFF
The office of a called teacher or other professional staff person (i.e. deaconess,
director of Christian education (DCE), director of evangelism (DE), etc.) is the authority
conferred upon a person by God, through a call of the congregation, to perform the duties
of his office in all its parts according to the Word of God and the needs of the
congregation.
Upon being installed, a called teacher is authorized and obligated:
1. To instruct and train the children under his care diligently and faithfully in the
Word of God as contained in the canonical books of the old and New Testaments and
confessed in the Confessional Writings of the Lutheran Church, (Constitution, Article II),
and to base such instruction on the Small Catechism of Martin Luther.
2. To accord them also a thorough Christian education in branches of learning
prescribed by a course of study adopted or approved by the congregation;
3. To maintain Christian discipline in the school and to this end employ such means as
are in accord with the Holy Scriptures and within the bounds of Christian reason and
justice.
4. To serve the congregation as an example of Christian conduct, to endeavor earnestly
to live in brotherly unity with his pastor(s) and his fellow teachers, to work under the
supervision of the principal and, by the grace of God, to do everything possible within
the sphere of his calling towards the promotion of the school and for the general
advancement of the Kingdom of Christ, both locally and generally.
5. To perform such other offices as are in the interest of Christian education and for
the welfare of church and school and as have been mutually agreed upon, as the
circumstances of the congregation may require and as time and ability may permit.
The following duties are assigned to the Principal:
1. The principal shall represent the school whenever representation of the school as a
whole is necessary and endeavor to work for the efficiency of the entire school.
2. The principal shall exercise his office in a climate of brotherly unity, and serve
as educational leader of the school.
3. The principal shall lead all his colleagues, in zeal for, and devotion to, his
school, and its improvement as an educational agency and a Christian institution.
4. The principal shall keep the pastor(s) fully informed as to school activities and
problems, counsel with the pastor(s) and strive to manage and lead the school in
accordance with the pastor(s) spiritual advise, based on the Word of God.
5. The principal shall serve as executive advisor to the Board of School Directors. He
shall keep the Board informed as to the courses of study outlined by the Board of Parish
Education of Synod, the local and the State Department of Education. He shall administer
the policies established by this Board.
6. The principal shall periodically submit a report on some area of school work at
regular meetings of the congregation.
7. The principal shall supervise instruction in the school, have charge of enrollment,
attendance, hygiene and sanitation, decorum, safety, and records.
8. The principal shall be responsible for supervising the school lunchroom program.
9. The principal shall show interest in all endeavors in the field of Christian
education, and perform such other duties as are assigned by the congregation.
10. The principal shall endeavor to advance professionally.
11. The principal shall help prepare and administer the school budget in cooperation
with the staff and the Board of School Directors.
Members of the congregation are obligated:
To receive each called person as a servant of the Word, to honor and love him as such,
and to support his work among us with diligent, faithful assistance and prayer.
To render the discharge of his duties pleasant for him by a peaceable conduct and in
every other possible way, to encourage him by word and deed; to provide for him
maintenance according to the ability of the congregation.
Nomination Procedures
At least two months prior to elections, the Church Council shall announce its
selection of a minimum of six (6) qualified Voting Members who, together with the Pastor,
shall serve as the Nominating Committee. The six qualified voting members shall include
one Elder who will not be leaving office in the upcoming election, and at least two
members who are not holding any elected office. At this time, the voters may submit to the
Committee the names of possible candidates for office.
The Nominating Committee, as soon after the announcement as possible, shall prepare a
list of candidates drawn from among communicant members of the congregation who are 18
years of age or over, either male or female, and from the list submitted by the voters
previously. This list shall then be made available to the communicant members of the
congregation at least 3 weeks prior to the May meeting. Only male candidates shall be
eligible for Board of Elders, President and Vice President.
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 the
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(s) and the Board
of Elders, shall have investigated the status of the proposed candidates and found them
spiritually eligible for office and willing to serve.
The Nominating Committee, at least one week before the date of the May meeting, shall
post conspicuously on the Church bulletin board the list of candidates for the following
offices:
President, Vice-President, Treasurer, Financial Secretary, Secretary, Chairpersons of
the various Administrative Boards, and Board members as necessary to complete the
membership of each of the Boards.
Election Procedures
From the list of candidates for each elective office submitted by the Nominating
Committee, the Voting Membership shall, at its May meeting of major election years, elect
by ballot and simple majority, the following officers in the order herein indicated:
1. President
2. Vice-President
3. Three Elders
4. A Treasurer
5. A Secretary
6. A Financial Secretary
7. Nine chairpersons, specifically nominated for the chairmanship of one of the
following Boards: Evangelism and Church Growth, Christian Education and Youth,
Stewardship, Buildings and Grounds, Social Ministry, Camp Ministry, School Directors, and
Parish Fellowship.
8. Board Members, to the number required to complete the membership of each of the
Administrative Boards. The determination of the number of members required on each Board
shall be an annual function of the Church Council and shall be decided no later than the
March meeting of that body. Only candidates defeated for office may be placed in
nomination by the Voting Membership at the election meeting for any office not yet filled.
During minor election years, the Voters’ Assembly shall, at its May meeting, elect
by ballot and simple majority, the following officers in the order herein indicated:
1. Three Elders
2. Two persons to serve on the Board of School Directors.
3. Board Members, to the number required to complete the membership of each of the
Administrative Boards. The determination of the number of members required on each Board
shall be an annual function of the Church Council and shall be decided no later than the
March meeting of that body. Only candidates defeated for office may be placed in
nomination by the Voting Membership at the election meeting for any office not yet filled.
The newly elected officers and Board members of the congregation shall be installed on
the last Sunday in June, and shall assume their duties of office as of July 1st. The term
of office of all officers, chairpersons, and board members, except Elders, shall be two
years, terminating on
June 30th of the second year of their terms. Elders shall be elected for three year
terms. The President, Vice-President, Secretary, and Chairpersons, may succeed themselves
in the same position only once. The Treasurer, the Financial Secretary, Elders, and Board
Members may serve an unlimited number of terms.
ARTICLE V: Duties of Officers and Administrative Boards
President of the Congregation
The President of the congregation shall preside at all meetings of the Voting
Membership. He shall, to the best of his ability, enforce the Constitution and Bylaws of
the congregation and carry out the expressed will of the congregation as embodied in the
resolutions of the Voting Membership. All Boards, committees, auxiliaries, groups, etc. in
the congregation shall be responsible to the President, and he shall be welcome at any and
all meetings of such groups, either in person or as represented by such person or persons
as he may appoint. He shall also call and preside over the meetings of the Church Council
and shall endeavor to coordinate the functions, plans, and activities of the congregation
in all its parts for the total furtherance of the work of Christ’s Kingdom in our
midst.
The President shall appoint an Auditing Committee consisting of any two qualified
communicant members of the congregation other than the Treasurer and Financial Secretary
to audit the financial records of the congregation. The President shall submit the Audit
Committee’s report at the May meeting of the Voting Membership in each year.
Along with the Secretary, he shall sign official documents and contracts that have been
negotiated and approved by the congregation.
Vice-President
The Vice-President of the congregation in the absence of the President, shall act
for and in the stead of the President. He shall be available for whatever duties the
President shall assign to him as his representative. He shall be welcome at any and all
meetings of all Boards, committees, auxiliaries, groups, etc. in the congregation. In
addition, he shall serve as a Council Member at Large. Members of the congregation who
have been unable to get action on a specific problem or request through the responsible
administrative board may ask the Vice-President to bring the matter directly to the Church
Council. If the matter is still not resolved to the member’s satisfaction, the member
may request a special meeting of the Voters’ Assembly as specified in Article II,
Section B. of these By-Laws.
The Treasurer
1. Be responsible for accurate recording of congregational receipts and
disbursements and budgeted and actual expenditures according to proper accounting
procedures and, as deemed advisable, shall suggest improved methods for congregational
consideration.
2. Shall present a written, duplicated financial report at Voters’ Assembly
meetings and a preliminary report at the Council Meetings.
3. Shall submit permanent financial records for annual audit.
4. Shall be responsible for monthly remission of offerings for missions and church
agencies and for prompt payment of salaries and bills authorized by the congregation or
the Boards and Chairmen as duly constituted sources.
5. Shall furnish the congregation a surety bond in the sum designated by the
Voters’ Assembly, and such bond shall be procured and the premiums paid by the
congregation.
6. Shall coordinate the flow of money from the treasury to the various Boards in such a
way that an adequate balance is retained for the payment of salaries and other regularly
recurring expenses.
7. Shall remit to the professional workers of the congregation for documented expenses
while attending professional workshops, conferences, conventions, etc. approved by the
Board under whose jurisdiction they function.
8. Shall receive from the Financial Secretary a report of all monies received through
worship services, special offerings, or any other source and duly record same.
9. Shall sign all checks for payment of bills, salaries, or other financial commitments
of the congregation on any sort.
10. Shall have available for all Boards a current record of their accrued disbursements
and budget allotment.
11. Shall have the authority to work out with salaried workers of the congregation a
breakdown of the worker’s total compensation into salary and fringe benefits as the
worker requests.
Secretary
The Secretary shall be present at all Voters’ Assembly meetings of the
congregation and all meetings of the Church Council and shall enter the minutes of all
meetings of said groups in a permanent record book over their signature. They shall
conduct all official correspondence of the congregational Boards and committees under the
supervision of the President. In general they shall perform all the duties normally
pertaining to their office and such additional duties as the Voting Membership may
delegate to them.
Along with the President, they shall sign official documents and contracts that have
been negotiated and approved by the congregation.
Financial Secretary
1. Be responsible for the accurate counting, recording, and depositing of all
receipts for the congregation in a local financial institution or institutions and to that
end shall enlist a staff of recording secretaries and a Finance Committee. The recording
secretaries shall record all contributions by members for whatever purpose and shall
notify the Board of Stewardship and the Pastor(s) concerning contributions by non-members.
The Finance Committee shall be responsible, under the direction of the Financial Secretary
for the prompt counting of Sunday and other receipts.
2. Be responsible for issuance of regular quarterly statements to members, showing
their offerings to date.
3. Furnish the Treasurer with a duplicate deposit slip for all deposits.
4. Be responsible for the expediting and safe deposit and keeping of all funds.
5. Be responsible for requisitioning and distribution of offering envelopes.
6. Furnish the congregation a surety bond in the amount set by they congregation, and
such bond shall be procured and the premium paid by the congregation.
7. Give reports to the regular meetings of the Voters’ Assembly.
The Church Council
The Church Council shall consist of the President, Vice-President, Treasurer,
Secretary, Financial Secretary, Chief Elder, the Chairmen of the Administrative Boards,
(all whom will hold membership on the Church Council until their term of office expires).
The School Principal and the Pastor(s) shall be non-voting members of the Council. The
Church Council shall be responsible for the following:
1. Serve as the point of liaison between the Pastor(s), the officers of the
congregation, and the various Administrative Boards in planning the total work of the
congregation.
2. Settle jurisdictional disputes between the several Administrative Boards.
3. Present to the Voters’ Assembly at its December meeting a yearly plan of
activity for the entire congregation as well as long-range plans for the development and
expansion of Christ’s work in our midst.
4. Prepare the agenda for the regular and special meetings of the Voters Assembly.
5. Set the dates and times for the Voters’ Assembly meetings.
6. Appoint the Nominating committee as required and at the time specified.
7. Fill unexpired terms or shortages of personnel by appointment.
8. Authorization of non-budgeted expenditures, not to exceed $1000. Such expenditures
must be reported to the congregation within 2 weeks of such authorization.
The Church Council shall normally meet monthly. Additional meetings may be called by
the President of the congregation and/or the Pastor(s) as required.
Organization and Meetings of Boards
Each Board shall be under the direct control and supervision of the Chairman of the
Board. Following the election of the chairman of each Board and the number of Board
members required, the Chairman of the respective Board shall designate and appoint from
among the Board membership at his discretion those individuals who are to be responsible
for various phases of the work of that Board. Such appointments are to be made within two
weeks of the date of their election, and notification of such appointments is to be given
to the President of the Congregation for publication to the members in the manner he deems
most advisable.
The time and frequency of Board meetings shall be specified by the Church Council. The
President or the Pastor(s) may call a meeting of the Board at any time for good and
sufficient reason. Meetings thus called shall be classified as special meetings, and each
person involved shall be notified of the date, time and purpose of such a meeting.
General Duties and Powers of Administrative Boards
Each Board shall submit a report of its activities at each regular meeting of the
Church Council and Voting Membership, and on such other occasions as the Voting Membership
shall require. Such reports shall include specific recommendations (if any) for
congregational action and/or approval.
Each Board shall initiate and carry out such activities and programs within the
congregation as will enable it to effectively perform the functions and duties assigned to
it by the Constitution and By-Laws, or by specific resolution of the Voting Membership.
Each Board shall be empowered to administer all funds set aside for its work by budget
appropriation or by special resolution of the Voters’ Assembly, provided that the
Voting Membership may, at its discretion, restrict such expenditures to confirm with the
actual financial condition of the congregation at any given time. Each Board shall be
jointly and severally liable for all expenditures not authorized either by the budget or
by special resolution of the congregation.
Each Board shall keep a permanent set of minutes for each meeting, and such minutes
shall be the property of the congregation.
Responsibility of Board of Elders
The nature of the duties of this board requires that only men noted for their
Christian knowledge, zeal, and experience in the spiritual work of the Kingdom of Christ
shall be elected to membership. The Board shall consist of 9 members. Three members are
elected each year to serve three year terms. The Chairman shall be elected each year by
the members of the Board.
The basic objectives of this Board are the spiritual welfare of the Pastor(s) and
congregation members, individually and corporately, and the supervision of everything
pertaining to congregational worship.
That the objectives of this Board may be carried out, the Board, either corporately or
through specifically designated individuals, shall:
1. Pray for the Pastor(s) and other spiritual leaders.
2. Encourage the Pastor(s) in his work by word and action.
3. Be concerned about the spiritual, emotional, and physical health and welfare of the
Pastor(s) and his family (adequate compensation, housing, free time, vacation, assistance
in times of illness), and to that end specifically review these items once a year.
4. Assist the Pastor(s) in counseling with difficult cases and in finding peaceful and
God-pleasing solutions to personal problems within the congregation.
5. Review yearly the salary and performance of the Church Office Secretary(ies) and
make appropriate recommendations to the Voting Membership, or, in case of vacancy,
interview and hire a replacement in conjunction with the Pastor(s).
6. Exercise leadership in gathering call lists and calling a new Pastor when a vacancy
occurs.
7. Maintain discipline within the congregation according to Scripture, the Lutheran
Confessions and the Constitution and By-Laws of this congregation and exercise and
discipline when required.
8. Take spiritual charge and oversight of the geographical or familial groupings
assigned to them in liaison with the Pastor(s) and other concerned Boards of the
Congregation.
9. Insure that the congregation functions in accordance with the established doctrine
of the Church as listed in the Constitution.
10. Determine eligibility for membership of all individuals and families applying for
membership in this congregation according to the Constitution and By-Laws.
11. See to the prompt transfer of all members who move away and of new Lutheran
families moving into the community.
12. Engage in member conservation and discipleship training in conjunction with the
Board of Evangelism and Church Growth and the Board of Stewardship.
13. 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.
14. Train and supervise a Visitation program to help the Elders in visitation of all
sick, hospitalized, aged, and shut-ins in the congregation continually.
15. Investigate cases of severe financial need within the congregation and make
specific recommendations to the Pastor(s) and the Board of Social Ministry.
16. Be concerned about and supervise thorough instruction of youth and adults for
confirmation and church membership in accordance with the policies and aims of the Board
of Christian Education.
17. Be responsible for a friendly personal welcome of visitors at worship and for
orientation and integration of new members in conjunction with the Board of Evangelism and
Church Growth.
18. Be present for periodic training as determined by the Pastor(s) and this Board.
19. Encourage spiritual programs in the societies of the congregation generally.
20. Be responsible for welfare of professional staff of congregation.
21. Be responsible for Professional growth and development of professional staff
through continuing education.
22. Submit an annual budget request in the form and at the time requested by the Board
of Stewardship.
Worship Responsibilities
23. Supervise the organists of the congregation.
24. Provide for vicars, assistants, substitute pastors and guest speakers as needed.
25. Staff, train, and supervise the ushering staff.
26. Assist the Pastor(s) with communion distribution, reading of Scripture, preaching,
etc., as required.
27. Set the time, schedule, and number of communion services in conjunction with the
Pastor(s) and the Voting Membership.
28. Approve and disapprove new forms of worship, liturgies, and hymns for use in public
worship.
29. Supervise the Altar Guild in the care, use, and maintenance of the sacred vessels,
the altar, the altar furnishings, and vestments.
30. Maintain an adequate supply of expendable items for worship such as communion
cards, pencils, communion wine and wafers, baptismal napkins, candles, etc. in conjunction
with the Altar Guild.
31. Coordinate with the Altar Guild all church and chancel decorations, and the
distribution of altar flowers to the sick and shut-ins.
32. In conjunction with the pastor, plan the worship services for the year and make
schedule public.
33. Supervise the budgeted allotment for the selection and procurement of appropriate
music, supervision of choirs, and other related matters in conjunction with the Director
of Music.
34. Recommend and annually review compensation and personnel for the music staff as
required for public worship.
35. Arrange and publicize special services as required.
36. Maintain and supervise adequate nursery facilities.
Responsibility of Board of Evangelism and Church Growth
The Board of Evangelism and Church Growth shall consist of a minimum of three (3)
members, including the elected Chairman of the Board, who will serve for a two (2) year
term.
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 and activity of the members of this congregation, and proper
soul-accounting at all times.
That the objectives of this Board may be carried out, the Board, either corporately or
through specifically designated individuals, shall:
1. Share with the Pastor(s) in the entire program of proclaiming the Gospel to all men.
2. Encourage prayer in church and homes for sincere evangelistic concern toward all
people inside and outside the Church.
3. Foster a climate of evangelism that encourages congregation members informally and
spontaneously to share Christ with one another, the backsliding, and the unsaved.
4. Emphasize evangelism through intensive education programs annually.
5. Maintain an ongoing visitation program to potential members, offering people more
than membership in a church -- a saving relationship with Christ.
6. Promote and direct congregation - wide evangelism undertakings.
7. Be responsible for a program of community relations that identifies the congregation
with the Gospel of Christ.
8. Utilize the evangelism potential of The Lutheran Hour, This is the Life,
and other Synodical or Christian programs.
9. Emphasize evangelism and encourage evangelism programs in and through the societies
and auxiliary organizations of the congregation and suggest projects for such
organizations.
10. Emphasize, in conjunction with the Board of Christian Education, child and youth
evangelism, both in participation and outreach.
11. Canvass the congregation’s area of responsibility and effectively record,
study, and utilize the results in churching the lost and straying.
12. Be responsible for maintenance and follow-up of a prospect file at all times.
13. Be responsible for identification and follow-up of visitors.
14. Before organization of Pastor’s instruction classes, conduct special
visitations to witness for Christ and to invite prospective members to attend.
15. Be genuinely concerned for those moving into the community and for those (both
members and prospects) moving into other areas. Use any and all means available for
maintaining such contacts.
16. Be concerned for the reception, orientation, and integration of new members into
the congregation. Review their progress after 6 to 12 months with Board of Elders.
17. Periodically sponsor dinners, fellowship nights, etc. in conjunction with Board of
Parish Fellowship which will serve the cultivation, reception, orientation, and
integration of new families or individuals.
18. Be conscious of the atmosphere of friendliness in the congregation toward members
and visitors and suggest ways and means of improvement.
19. Study and adopt or adapt suggestions by the evangelism departments of Synod,
District, and circuit.
20. Engage at least once yearly in a self-study of methods, progress, and the like of
the Board’s work.
21. Work with other churches to improve the unified Christian image to the community
and to implement the church’s mission.
22. 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.
23. Work for the overall enhancement of the congregation’s image in the various
news media and publications of the community.
24. Establish and maintain friendly relationships between the congregation and the
professional, community service, and governmental agencies within the community.
25. Submit to the Board of Stewardship, in the appropriate form and at the time
requested, a budget request for the coming year’s work.
Responsibility of Board of Christian Education and Youth Work
The Board of Christian Education and Youth shall consist of a minimum of three
elected members, including the chairman of the board, to serve a two year term.
The basic objectives of this Board are to plan and administer the total educational and
youth programs of the 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 and youth programs of the congregation.
That the objectives of the Board may be carried out, the Board, either corporately or
through specifically designated individuals, shall:
1. Be responsible for the Christian nurture of children, youth, and adults in the
congregation and, through them, in the community and beyond.
2. Establish objectives, set policies for, and supervise the total education program
for each education agency in the congregation, including the personnel; i.e., for the
Sunday School, Vacation Bible School, confirmation classes, Bible classes, and all other
educational groups.
3. Provide for active expression of Christian love and concern as an integral part of
the total education program.
4. Approve curriculum and analyze performance of each education agency and seek
constant improvement.
5. Continually review existing agencies to determine whether all age groups are being
served, and recommend revisions and additions as deemed advisable.
6. Make annual analyses, by age groups, to determine the degree of participation of the
total membership of the congregation in its total educational program and report analysis
to congregation.
7. Maintain a "people accounting system" to record member’s
participation in the education program and to follow up the uninvolved.
8. Be concerned for the assimilation of newly confirmed youth into appropriate agencies
for study and activity.
9. Work with organizations and other boards and committees to coordinate educational
activities within the congregation.
10. Provide, in conjunction with the Board of Evangelism, for the recruitment of pupils
for the educational agencies of the Church.
11. Encourage increasing participation of every congregation member in Bible study,
privately and in formal and informal groups.
12. Delegate administration of education agencies to qualified persons.
13. Enlist, train, place, and continue to train lay teachers and leaders as the
congregation’s needs require.
14. Establish a system of commendation for and recognition of faithful service by all
persons involved in the educational task of the congregation.
15. Strengthen families as basic units of Christian education and closely relate
congregational agencies to the homes through parent-teacher conferences, etc.
16. Encourage Christian educational programs in societies of the congregation such as
the L.L.L., L.W.M.L., Sonshine Club, etc.
17. Consider special classes, courses, conferences, retreats and the like for special
purposes and for special groups.
18. Consider provision of special education opportunities for mentally retarded and
other handicapped persons.
19. Provide for the 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.
20. Maintain, improve, and cultivate the use of a church library.
21. Provide for and promote the use of audiovisual aids and to this end establish and
maintain a film library.
22. Provide and/or promote subscriptions to church periodicals.
23. Study and adopt or adapt helps suggested by the education departments of Synod,
District, and circuit.
24. Establish and maintain, in conjunction with other boards, a continuing program for
the recruitment of full-time workers in the church-at-large such as pastors, teachers,
deaconesses, and the like.
25. 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 is kept
continually up to date. Example: Cradle Roll.
26. Annually examine the education facilities and equipment, and make recommendations
to the Board of Church Properties as to upkeep, repairs, and replacements needed as well
as new equipment needed.
27. Check the safety of education facilities -- steps, handrails, lights, exits,
housekeeping practices, and the like on a regular basis.
28. Prepare and submit an annual budget request in the form and at the time requested
by the Board of Stewardship.
Youth Responsibilities
The basic objectives of this Board are also 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 these
objectives may be carried out, the Board, either corporately or through specifically
designated individuals shall:
29. Promote attendance and involvement of the congregation’s youth at all youth
activities.
30. Provide for the continuing spiritual growth of the young people of the congregation
through Bible study, prayer, and Christian services.
31. Plan and carry out, together with other concerned Boards, a year-round program for
the young people of the congregation.
32. Involve youth leaders from all parts of the congregation’s work in developing
a planned parish program for young people.
33. Develop a program for the social fellowship of both young people and the young
adults of the congregation, including various recreational programs in conjunction with
Board of Fellowship.
34. Actively engage in the selection and training of leaders for the young
people’s program at all times.
35. Plan and observe, together with the Pastor(s), a yearly congregational Young
People’s Sunday.
36. Plan a special event to welcome the newly confirmed young people of the
congregation and to invite them to join the high school youth group.
37. Provide for continual education of young people on topics of current interest to
them.
38. Provide opportunities for involvement as servants in the life of the community such
as civic, school, cultural, humanitarian, recreational, and social groups.
39. Provide for public recognition of various youth achievements and our
accomplishments.
40. Plan and coordinate activities for youth with other young people’s groups
outside the congregation, particularly with other Lutheran young people’s groups at
various levels.
41. In conjunction with the Board of Evangelism, train and involve the young people of
the congregation in bringing others to faith in Christ.
42. Provide counseling for the spiritual, moral, social, and vocational development of
young people.
43. Recruit young people for full-time service in the church as pastors, teachers, and
the like.
44. Welcome and use college students during the summer months for various young
people’s activities.
45. For administrative purposes and program development, supervise the work of all
youth and Young Adult groups in the congregation.
Responsibility of Board of Stewardship
The Board of Stewardship shall consist of a minimum of three elected members,
including the chairman of the board, to serve a two-year term.
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 ensure the financial stability of the
congregation and its work through a developed program of dedicated, proportionate,
firstfruits giving.
That the objectives of this Board may be carried out, the Board, either corporately or
through specifically designated individuals, shall:
1. Study the Scriptural principles regarding the total stewardship calling of the
Christian -- as a member of his family, as a neighbor and citizen, and as a congregation
member -- and share these insights with congregation members.
2. 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.
3. Maintain a program to discover and enlist for Kingdom service the talents God has
given members, old, and new, young people and adults.
4. 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.
5. Provide opportunities for the development of talents (training courses, workshops,
and the like).
6. Conduct an intensive program annually to confront every member personally with basic
Biblical stewardship principles and practices.
7. Encourage the Gospel-motivated practice of joyous, worshipful, liberal,
proportionate, firstfruits giving in response to received blessings and recognized needs.
8. Annually give every member an opportunity to make a commitment of his treasure for
Kingdom work through the congregation.
9. Initiate preparation and presentation to the congregation of an annual God-pleasing
work program, determine anticipated receipts, and recommend a budget for adoption by the
Voters’ Assembly.
10. 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.
11. Evaluate and make recommendations for gifts of love by individuals and the
congregation as a whole.
12. Screen all outside appeals for funds and make the appropriate recommendations to
the Voters’ Assembly or initiate the necessary action appropriate to such an appeal.
13. Review, accept, or decline all offers of non-solicited gifts to the congregation.
14. Evaluate various programs for endowments, remembrance of the congregation in wills,
bequests, and the like, and suggest ways of implementation to the Council.
15. Together with the Pastor(s), study the possibilities and recommend implementation
of offering spiritual services and care to hospitals, homes for the aged, prisons, and
other institutions within the community.
16. Encourage and enlist the young people of the congregation for full time service in
the church as pastors, teachers, and the like.
17. Be concerned, together with the Treasurer and Financial Secretary, for safe deposit
and recording of all funds, monthly remissions of offerings for missions and church
agencies, and prompt payment of salaries and bills as authorized by the congregation and
the appropriate Boards.
18. Evaluate the offerings of the congregation regularly, and share these evaluations
with the members of the congregation.
19. Encourage stewardship programs in the societies and auxiliaries of the
congregation.
20. Annually review the budgeting procedures of the congregation in conjunction with
the Treasurer and the Financial Secretary and recommend to the congregation any necessary
improvements or revisions.
21. Consolidate the various Board’s budgets and submit them to the Church Council
as well as prepare the recommended budget from the Church Council for submission to the
congregation.
Responsibility of Board of Camp Ministry
This Board shall consist of a minimum of three elected members, including the
chairman of the board, to serve a two-year term.
The basic objectives of this Board are to establish and promote programs which
encourage the members, potential members and Christian friends of the congregation to use
the camp facilities in Christian fellowship, education, and recreation. This Board shall
also be responsible for the proper maintenance and repair of the camp property and the
general protection of the camp against loss or damage of whatever nature.
That the basic objectives of this Board may be carried out, the Board, either
corporately or through specifically designated individuals, shall:
1. Be responsible for planning and administering the Summer Camp program of the
congregation.
2. Be responsible for developing and implementing various camp programs, such as
vespers, to utilize the camp for growth and outreach.
3. In conjunction with other boards, consider special classes, courses, conferences,
retreats and the like at the camp for special purposes and for special groups.
4. Make an annual inspection of camp properties and equipment and recommend to the
Voters’ Assembly needed repairs, improvements, or replacements.
5. Conduct an annual inventory of all camp properties, equipment, and supplies,
including acquisition date and approximate value of each item.
6. Carry out all resolutions of the Voters’ Assembly on purchases, repairs,
replacement of camp property and equipment.
7. Determine and establish, with the approval of the Voters’ Assembly, regulations
governing the use of camp property and equipment.
8. Coordinate the schedule of activities within the camp facilities in conjunction with
the Board of Parish Fellowship.
9. Make and issue keys for camp property, and keep and review annually a list of the
keys issued.
10. Enlist work crews for special repair, improvement, cleaning, painting, decorating,
landscaping and other projects.
11. Arrange for immediate repair of an urgent nature and all normal repairs and
alterations for which budget funds have been allocated.
12. Set all policies and fees for rental, use, and lending of camp properties.
13. Be responsible for the recruitment, supervision, and compensation of caretakers for
the camp.
14. Submit an annual budget to the Board of Stewardship in the form and at the time
requested by that Board.
Responsibility of Board of Buildings and Grounds
The Board of Buildings and Grounds shall consist of a minimum of three elected
members, including the chairman of the board, to serve for a two-year term.
The basic objectives of this Board are the proper maintenance and repair of the church
property, and the general protection of the congregation against loss or damage of
whatever nature.
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.
2. Conduct an annual inventory of all church properties, equipment, and supplies,
including acquisition date and approximate value of each item.
3. Carry out all resolutions of the Voters’ Assembly on purchases, repairs,
replacement of church property and equipment.
4. Determine and engage, with congregational approval, adequate custodial help. The
Board shall also meet periodically with the custodians to discuss the care of the
buildings, needs and problems in custodial service, and the like.
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. Determine and establish, with the approval of the Voters’ Assembly, regulations
governing the use of church property and equipment.
8. Coordinate the schedule of activities within the facilities in conjunction with the
Board of Parish Fellowship.
9. Make and issue keys for church property, and keep and review annually a list of the
keys issued.
10. Supervise, control, recommend adequate storage facilities for all church property,
equipment, and supplies and the orderly maintenance of the same.
11. Annually check the adequacy of all types of insurance for church property and
equipment (including school and church camp), and negotiate insurance contracts.
12. Check all properties twice a year for fire hazard.
13. Enlist work crews for special repair, improvement, cleaning, painting, decorating,
landscaping and other projects.
14. Arrange for immediate repair of an urgent nature and all normal repairs and
alterations for which budget funds have been allocated.
15. Obtain legal information necessary for the wise consideration of contracts, deeds,
and the like by the congregation.
16. Negotiate service contracts for the organ, office machines, and the like.
17. Make an annual inventory of official documents in safekeeping, and enter its
completion in the official minutes of the congregation.
18. Obtain legal information on the laws governing nonprofit organizations.
19. Set all policies and fees for rental, use and lending of church properties.
20. Submit an annual budget to the Board of Stewardship in the form and at the time
requested by that Board.
Responsibility of Board of Parish Fellowship
The Board of Parish Fellowship shall consist of a minimum of three elected members,
including the chairman of the board, to serve a two-year term.
The basic objectives of the Board are the strengthening of the fellowship between
congregation members spiritually and socially, the integration of new members into the
life of the congregation, and the general upbuilding of mutual cooperation, trust, and
enjoyment among the members of the congregation.
That the objectives of this Board may be carried out, the Board, either corporately or
through specifically designated individuals, shall:
1. Plan, supervise, and implement larger gatherings of the congregation from time to
time through the year which will further the goals of the congregation.
2. Maintain constant contact with other Administrative Boards both suggesting to them
ways of furthering the work of their Boards through fellowship and drawing from them
requests and suggestions for fellowship activities.
3. Maintain an adequate group of willing workers who will help plan, coordinate and
execute the work necessary to the successful accomplishment of fellowship goals.
4. Provide a general atmosphere of friendliness among the members on a smaller scale by
suggesting to groups, societies, Bible classes, and the like ways of bringing their
members into meaningful personal relationships.
5. Provide for the integration of new members and their families into the congregation
through periodic fellowship nights, dinners, rallies and the like in conjunction with the
Board of Evangelism.
6. Review and adopt or adapt materials and ideas from various sources which will bring
congregation members into personal contact in groups such as family nights, plays fun
fairs, talent shows, and the like.
7. Plan, supervise and implement recurring yearly events which will focus attention on
the major aspects of the congregation’s work.
8. Receive and approve 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.
9. Develop policies and rules for the use of the facilities at the functions sponsored
by this Board in conjunction with the Board of Church Properties.
10. Maintain and publish a weekly and monthly schedule of activities within the
congregation’s facilities and coordinate, approve or disapprove requests for such
activities in the best interests of the congregation.
11. Be responsible for and supervise the use of all property, supplies, and equipment
for the various activities sponsored by this and other Boards, groups or committees who
have requested and received approval of an activity in our facilities. This includes the
kitchen, fellowship hall, etc. as well as the stocking of the supplies closet with paper
plates, tablecloths, etc.
12. Submit an annual budget request in the form and at the time requested by the Board
of Stewardship.
Responsibility of Board of Social Ministry
The Board of Social Ministry shall consist of a minimum of three elected members,
including the chairman of the board, to serve a two-year term.
The basic objectives of this Board are to establish and continue programs that serve
the persons of the community in their physical, emotional, and social needs through the
use of congregational resources to promote the work of Christ’s Kingdom here on
earth.
That the objectives of this Board may be carried out, the Board, either corporately or
through specifically designated individuals, 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.
2. Maintain contact with benevolent and charitable agencies in the community, state,
and on the national level and recommend to the congregation responses to opportunities for
service.
3. Administer the congregation’s Welfare fund in conjunction with the
recommendations of the Board of Elders.
4. Administer the congregation’s Food pantry.
5. Plan and recommend a year-round program of support for Lutheran World Relief
(financial gifts, clothing drives, kiddie kits, and the like) through the various agencies
and committees of the congregation.
6. Study and maintain a list of available social agencies for help with alcoholics,
drug problems, delinquents, mental retardation, emotionally disturbed individuals, unwed
mothers, and the like, either of Lutheran, private, or public nature.
7. Coordinate social ministry activities of the congregation with the Lutheran
Activities Council and Lutheran Social Ministries of Tennessee. The board shall appoint a
representative to serve on the Lutheran Activities Council.
8. Annually prepare and submit as part of the budget of this Board a selected list of
charities for the congregation and suggest the source of revenue designated for that
purpose.
9. Submit an annual budget request in the form and at the time requested by the Board
of Stewardship.
Responsibility of Board of School Directors
The Board of School
Directors shall consist of four elected members from First Lutheran and four
elected members from Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, and one at large member,
not a member of either congregation, chosen by the Board of School
Directors. The Board of School Directors shall elect by majority vote, the
Chairperson of the Board from within their ranks. Members from First
Lutheran will serve a two year term with two board members elected one year
and two board members being elected in the alternating year. The presidents
of each congregation become voting members of the Board in the absence of a
board member form their respective congregation. The pastors of First
Lutheran Church and Good Shepherd Lutheran Church shall serve as
Co-Superintendents of the school.
The basic objectives of this Board are to plan and administer the total educational
program of the school, to determine policies, to select personnel for the various
programs, to provide the necessary means and facilities for the programs, and to direct
and supervise the entire educational program of the school.
That the objectives of this Board may be carried out, the Board, either corporately or
through specifically designated individuals, shall:
1. Be responsible for the Christian nurture of children in the school and through them,
in the community and beyond.
2. Establish objectives, set policies for, and supervise the total education program
for the school, including the personnel.
3. Provide for active expression of Christian love and concern as an integral part of
the total education program.
4. Approve curriculum and analyze performance of the school and seek constant
improvement.
5. Continually review existing programs to determine whether all needs are being
served, and recommend revisions and additions as deemed advisable.
6. Provide for the recruitment of pupils.
7. Delegate administration of education agencies to qualified persons.
8. Exercise leadership in gathering lists of candidates for vacancies in the teaching
staff and for properly calling or contracting professional teachers.
9. Supervise the conduct of professional teachers on the staff of the congregation.
10. Be concerned about the spiritual, emotional and physical health and welfare of the
professional teachers on the staff.
11. Annually review and make recommendations concerning the adequate compensation of
all professional teachers on the staff.
12. For administrative purposes and program development, supervise the work of the
Parent- Teacher League, children’s groups such as Boy Scouts, and all other such
agencies.
13. 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.
14. Study and adopt or adapt helps suggested by the education departments of Synod,
District, and Circuit.
15. Check the safety of education facilities -- steps, handrails, lights, exits and
housekeeping practices, fire drills and the like on a regular basis.
16. Prepare and submit an annual budget request in the form and at the time requested
by the Board of Stewardship.
PROPOSED ADDITION TO ARTICLE V: OF THE CHURCH BYLAWS
Responsibility of the Satellite Mission and Ministry Board.
PREAMBLE
