Ad Crucem NewsLCMS 2026 ConventionArticles of Incorporation
Of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod, as carried in the Handbook of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod, 2023 Edition.
a. The name of this corporation shall be “The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod.” b. The period of duration of this corporation is perpetual. c. The address of the registered office of this corporation is 120 S. Central Ave., Clayton, Missouri. d. The name of the registered agent of this corporation is CT Corporation System.
The objectives and purposes of this corporation are: a. To unite in a corporate body Evangelical Lutheran congregations that acknowledge and remain true to the Book of Concord of the year of our Lord 1580 as a true exhibition of sound Christian doctrine. b. To assist in the establishment of Evangelical Lutheran congregations and preaching stations. c. To assist, advise, and protect member congregations and ministers of religion—ordained and ministers of religion—commissioned of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod, to provide for their ecclesiastical supervision in matters of doctrine and practice and their administration of official duties, and to acknowledge and assert the protections granted by the First Amendment to the Constitution of the United States. d. To support the establishment and maintenance of theological seminaries, colleges, universities, and other institutions of learning to train ministers of religion–—ordained, ministers of religion—commissioned, and laity for service in the Evangelical Lutheran Church. e. To spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ throughout the world by every means possible. f. To provide assistance and resources to the congregations, schools, Sunday schools, preaching stations, and agencies of the Synod for the dissemination of the Christian Gospel. g. To establish and conduct all such enterprises and endeavors and to exercise such further power as may be necessary or expedient to carry out the objectives stated in the Constitution of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod.
Membership in this corporation is held and may be acquired by congregations, ministers of religion—ordained and ministers of religion—commissioned, as defined by the Constitution and Bylaws of this corporation, who confess and accept the confessional basis of Article II of the Constitution of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. The member congregations of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod shall be the voting members of this corporation. Congregations shall exercise their voting power through clergy and lay delegates representing the member congregations in such number as may be determined from time to time in accord with the Constitution and Bylaws of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod.
This corporation shall have general meetings, called conventions, at least once every three years, or as often as may be determined by resolution of the Synod in convention. Special meetings may be called in such manner as may be provided by the Constitution or Bylaws of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. All officers and agencies of the Synod, defined in such Constitution or Bylaws, shall be responsible to the Synod convention, which is the ultimate authority of this corporation.
This corporation shall have a board of directors of such number and qualifications and who shall be elected in such manner and for such terms of office as shall be set forth in the Constitution or Bylaws of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. In addition, this corporation shall have other officers having such qualifications and who shall be elected or appointed in such manner and for such terms of office as provided for in the Constitution or Bylaws of The Lutheran Church— Missouri Synod. The management authority and duties of the Board of Directors of this corporation shall be limited to the extent such authority and duties are delegated by the Constitution and Bylaws of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod to other officers and agencies of the Synod. The management authority and duties of the Board of Directors and such other officers and agencies shall be defined in the Constitution and Bylaws, and each of them shall be responsible to The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod for the proper and prudent fulfillment of the authority and duties so designated to them. In the case of any conflict or uncertainty in determining the authority and duties of the officers and agencies, the opinions of the Commission on Constitutional Matters of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod interpreting the Constitution and Bylaws of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod shall be binding, unless and until overruled by a convention of the Synod. In case of any conflict or uncertainty relative to the applicability of the laws of the State of Missouri, such issues shall be resolved in accord with the provisions in the Constitution and Bylaws of The Lutheran Church— Missouri Synod.
This corporation shall have power to acquire by gift, grant, demise, devise, bequest, purchase, or otherwise, property of every kind and description, real, personal, or mixed; to hold and use such property and deal with, or dispose of, any or all such property by sale, exchange, or gift, when necessary or expedient to carry out the objects and purposes of this corporation; to receive, maintain, and administer endowments, legacies, pension funds, retirement funds, and such other general or trust funds as may be necessary for the operation of said corporation or for the accomplishment of its purposes; provided that all such property shall be acquired, dealt with, or disposed of in a manner not in conflict with the laws of the State of Missouri or of the laws of any state in which said property is located.
This corporation shall have such constitution and bylaws as may be necessary to accomplish its purposes and shall have power to create such corporations, boards, offices, and other subordinate bodies as may be necessary to accomplish its general and special objectives and in such bylaws assign responsibilities to those bodies.
Amendments to these Articles of Incorporation may be made at any time at a general or special meeting of this corporation by the affirmative vote of a two-thirds majority of the delegates present and voting or by a simple majority of all delegates, whichever is less, provided such amendments are not inconsistent with the Constitution or Bylaws of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod or the Constitution and laws of the United States or the State of Missouri. * The Articles of Incorporation of the Synod were approved July 3 and filed July 18, 1894. They were amended in their entirety by the synodical convention of 1956. Article IV was amended by the 1962 synodical convention and Article V, paragraph 2, by the 1965 convention. Both of the amendments were approved by the Circuit Court of the City of St. Louis. The Synod at its 1967 convention, on advice of counsel, resolved to accept the provisions of the Missouri “General Not-for-Profit Corporation Act” enacted in 1959. This act simplifies corporate procedure and makes it unnecessary to apply to the Circuit Court of the City of St. Louis for approval of amendments. Only two changes were needed. In Article I, sections b, c, and d were added, and the clause in Article VIII for court approval of amendments was deleted. In 1981, Article IV was amended to reflect adoption of a triennial convention schedule and Article V, to reflect changes to the voting and nonvoting membership of the Board of Directors. In 1998, changes were made in Articles I and V deleting references to specific officers, incorporating the objectives of the Synod by reference in Article II, and clarifying Articles III and IV regarding congregations as the voting members of the Synod and the conventions of the Synod as its general meetings. The Constitution and Bylaws were referenced in Articles VII and VIII. In 2004, a change was made to Article III by deleting references to specific categories of ministers of religion— commissioned and referring to definitions provided in the Constitution and Bylaws. A second change, adding a second paragraph to Article V, clarifies that limitations are placed upon the Board of Directors and other officers and agencies of the Synod by its Constitution and Bylaws. In 2007, Article V was amended by adding a final sentence that directs all disputes regarding the applicability of the laws of the State of Missouri to provisions for resolution of such disputes in the Constitution and Bylaws. In 2010, numerous changes were made, especially to Article II Objectives, as the entire document was amended and restated to accurately reflect the operations of the Synod. In the process of filing in early 2011, the address of the registered office was changed to correspond to that of the Synod’s registered agent. INDEX Organization of this Index: Please note that many of the entries are “chained” so that the item sought can be considered in context; for example, the entry for “Board for International Mission” leads you to the entry for “Mission Boards of the Synod” to give the reader the opportunity to find not only the adjacent “Mission Offices of the Synod” but also the reference to the mission board “as a board of the Synod.” Under that reference may be found the general rules for operation of a Synod board, such as the Board for International Mission. In addition, entries for general categories of persons or entities (congregations, ordained and commissioned ministers, agencies, boards, commissions, etc.) link to passages that may be relevant, though less obviously so. Accusation. See under Complaint or accusation Active membership status, 63 Address of the Synod, 2 Administrative Team of the Synod, 127 assistance to Board of Directors, 121 President as leader, 117 President’s CPH representative, 118 Advisory delegates (members). See under Conventions of the Synod or Conventions of districts of districts, 17, 209 of Synod, 14, 106 Advisory nature of Synod, 13, 34–37 Advisory representatives. See under Conventions of the Synod Agency of the Synod, 21 accountable to Synod, 25 and other church body, 25 archive-historical unit, 132 board member ethical obligations, 27, calling ministers of religion, 31 chief executive, 21 conflict resolution, 31, 39–55 delegation of property powers and duties to, 16, 23, 121, 123 doctrinal review of materials, 37 ecclesiastical supervision, 22, 116 full financial disclosure by, 30–31 governing board powers and duties, 26 governing documents, requirements, 29–30, 120, 155 international protocols, 117 investment management services, legacies, bequests, devises, endowments, annuity gifts, and other trust funds, 135 legacies and bequests, reporting, 125 meetings of, 28–30 minutes of, 29 officers, executives, professional staff, 25, 63 operations (human resources), 31 organization of, 28–30 partner church protocol documents, 117 publishing and distribution services, records and information request, Board of Directors, 124 records retention and transfer, 131 regulations for, 27–34 removal of board members, 31 review of action by President, 117 review of action or policy by Board of Directors (certain agencies), 122 staff, 26 staff ethical obligations, 27 Agent of the Synod, 229 Agreements, 36 Amendments to agency articles and bylaws, 155 benefit plans, 147 Concordia University System Articles, district articles and bylaws, 155, 208 doctrinal resolutions and statements, Foundation articles, 135 Lutheran Church Extension Fund Articles and Bylaws, 134 Synod Articles of Incorporation, 158, Synod Bylaws, 101, 155, 158, 227 Synod Constitution, 19, 24, 101, 155, 158 synodwide corporate entity governing instruments, 130 Appointed officers of the Synod. See Officers of the Synod, appointed Appointment of officers, board and commission members, 114–15 Archives and History of the Synod, Department of. See Concordia Historical Institute Articles of Incorporation of agencies, requirements, 29–30, 155 of the Synod, 121, 227–31 civil authority and church autonomy, Assignment of first calls, 61 Assistants, parish. See Ministers of religion—commissioned Assisting capacity call. See under Ministers of religion—ordained Assisting capacity call designation. See under Ministers of religion—ordained Association school. See Schools, association (definition) Auxiliary organizations, 221–23 archival requirements, 132 calling ministers of religion, 221 call-related disputes, 40, 222 doctrinal review of published materials, executives and professional staff, 63 International Lutheran Laymen’s League, 221 LCMS Foundation services and representation, 135–37 Lutheran Women’s Missionary League, partner church protocol documents, 117 Board for International Mission. See under Mission Boards of the Synod Board for National Mission. See under Mission Boards of the Synod Board of Assignments, 59, 61, 62, 163, 179, See also Council of Presidents as agency of the Synod. See Agency of the Synod interim placement, 163 Board of Directors of the Synod, 14, 16, 121–24, 230 appointments by, 121, 124, 125, 126, 134, 136, 148 assistance by Administrative Team, 121 colleges and universities of the Synod, 124, 181, 182, 183, 184, 185, 188, 189, conflict of interest policy of, 27–28 presidential incapacity, determination of, 119 recognized service organization policies, 226 referral to by the President, 117 relationships of, 25–27 removal of members, 31–34 removal of officers by, 34 review of synodwide corporate entity governing instruments, 130 right to agency records, 124 submission of overtures by, 109 submission of report by, 108 synodwide board, designated representative, 133, 134, 136, 140 Boards of directors of districts, 212–13 acceptance of congregational membership by, 56 amendment of bylaws by, 155 appointments by, 48 electoral circuits, determination by, 102 funds, allocation for national and district budgets, 213 nominations by, 115, 154, 158 property authority of, 123 records retention and transfer, 131 removal of members, 31–34 removal of officers by, 34 representation at Synod convention, review of regent nominations by, 184 submission of overtures by, 109 transfer of congregations by, 207 Boards of the Synod, 113 directed reports, doctrinal review, 37 financial transparency, 28–30 for Church Extension, 196–97 for International Mission. See under Mission Boards of the Synod for National Mission. See under Mission Boards of the Synod governing board, definition, 22 member ethical obligations, 27, 31 mission board, definition, 23 of colleges and universities, 180–96 of Concordia Historical Institute, 131–32 of Concordia Plans / Concordia Plan Services, 147–49 of Concordia Publishing House, 132–33 of Directors. See Board of Directors of the Synod of seminaries, 166–79 of the Concordia University System, 137–47 of the LCMS Foundation, 135–37 of the Lutheran Church Extension Fund, 133–35 organization of, 28–30 public material, doctrinal review, 37 records retention and transfer, 131 relationships of, 25–27 removal of members, 31–34 submission of overtures by, 109 submission of report by, 108 terms of office, 114–15 Borrowing authority, capital funds, 123 Broadcasts doctrinal review, 37 Budget, 26, 30, 122, 130, 166, 185, 213 Bylaws of the Synod, 19–227, 231 adoption of, 18 amendments to, 227 Calls assignment of first (placement) by Board of Assignments, 61 assisting capacity, 58–59 by association schools, 57–59 by congregations, 13, 57–59 installation forms and practices, 211 multi-congregation parish, 58–59 of candidates, 60–61 qualification for first, 61–62 role of district president in, 31, 57–59, 210, 221, 225 Candidate membership status, 12, 64 district transfer, 65 Candidates for ordination/commissioning, 61–62 Capital fund borrowing authority, 123 Certified lay minister. See under Minister of religion—commissioned Chaplains district membership and ecclesiastical supervision (military), 65 endorsement by Synod, 63 Chaplains, military representation at Synod convention, Chief Administrative Officer, 126 as convention manager, 111 member of Administrative Team, 127 Commission on Handbook (advisory), 157 Operations Team (convener), 127 verification of regent qualifications, Chief Administrative OfficerPresident of the Synod verification of regent qualificationsCUS director qualifications, 140 Chief executive, 21, See Executive Chief Financial Officer, 125–26 borrowing of capital funds, 123 default member of Concordia Publishing House board (nonvoting), 133 Lutheran Church Extension Fund board (nonvoting), 134 deposit of surplus seminary funds with, detault member of LCMS Foundation (nonvoting), 136, member of Administrative Team, 127 Concordia Plans board (nonvoting), Lutheran Church Extension Fund, Operations Team, 127 submission of report by, 108 Chief Mission Officer, 126–27 member of Administrative Team, 127 Concordia University System board, Operations Team, 127 supervision of International Mission, supervision of National Mission, 151 Christian education, director of. See Ministers of religion—commissioned Christian outreach, director of. See Ministers of religion—commissioned Church extension funds Board for Church Extension, 196–97 Lutheran Church Extension Fund, 133– of districts, 196–97 Church fellowship and relations (interchurch relations) membership in national inter-Lutheran entities, 25 protocol documents, 117, 222, 224 role of CTCR in, 159–60 role of President in, 116 Church ministries, director of. See Ministers of religion—commissioned Circuit counselor. See Circuit visitor Circuit visitor, 216–18 administration of delegate election by, 102–6 as officer of district, 17, 210 nomination of reconcilers by, 48 representation of district president in visitation and supervision, 17, 211–12 role in securing statistical reports, 212 SMP pastors ineligible to be, 66 Circuits of the Synod, 215–20 circuit visitor election, 216 convocations, 220 electoral, 102–6 forums, 218–19 submission of overtures by, 109 obligation to carry out Synod resolutions, 25 relationships, 24–25 structure, 24, 216–18 visitation, 215–16 visitor. See Circuit visitor Colleges and universities, 180–96 academic programs, 181 as agencies of the Synod. See Agency of the Synod assistance and coordination by CUS, boards of regents, 22, 113, 180–90 appointed members, 183 as board of the Synod. See Boards of the Synod qualifications and their verification, 183, 203, 205 removal of member, 33 training, 184 closure or sale, 187, 188 Concordia University System, 137–47 consolidation, 188 consolidation, relocation, separation, divestiture, 142 coordination and collaboration, 189 coordination of, 141 dispute resolution, 195 doctrinal review, 37 president, 194 faculty, 164, 195–96 academic freedom, 195 appointments and contracts, 182, 195 declaration of qualification, 59, 60– 61, 60–61 doctrinal training, 180 extension of qualification, 60 modified service, 195 organization, 195 performance reviews, 195 prior approval, 195 representation on Commission on Theology and Church Relations, sabbaticals and study leaves, 182 submission of overtures by, 109 graduates of disaffirmed or discontinued programs, 165 institution master plan, 181 institution strategic plan, 181 joining Concordia University System, Lutheran Identity and Mission Outcome Standards, 138, 143–47 monitoring by Concordia University System, 138 official visitation, 116, 117, 143–47 outlook report, 139 policies, 181, 195 policy regulation of, 142, 143 presidents, 138, 141, 142, 164, 182, 190– professional church work programs, relocation, separation, divestiture, 188 representation at Synod convention, sabbaticals, 195 student life and behavior, 180 Synod Board of Directors oversight, 124 Colloquy First Vice-President chairman of committees, 119 for commissioned ministry, 13, 164–65 for pastoral ministry, 13, 163–64 membership by, 59, 60 of emeritus pastors, 60 placement after, 61 Commission on Constitutional Matters, 154–55 appeal of presidential actions to, 119 as commission of Synod. See Commissions of the Synod development of standard operating procedures, 42, 55, 71, 81, 88, 93, 101, 138, 143, 178, 196 opinion request dispute resolution, 43, 46, 54 expulsion, 72, 77, 78, 81, 85, 88, 92, faculty complaint, 177 referral to by the President, 117 review of bylaw amendments, 227 review of governing instruments of agencies, 155 of districts, 207 of synodwide corporate entities, 130 Commission on Doctrinal Review, 155–57 as commission of Synod. See Commissions of the Synod procedures, 37–39 Commission on Handbook, 157–58 as commission of Synod. See Commissions of the Synod Commission on Theology and Church Relations, 158–63 as commission of Synod. See Commissions of the Synod designated representative on Concordia University System board, dissent, role in, 36 doctrinal statements, development of, opinion request dispute resolution, 43, 46, 54 expulsion, 72, 77, 78, 81, 85, 88, 92, faculty complaint, 177 Commissioned ministers. See Ministers of religion—commissioned Commissioning, 61–62, See under Ministers of religion—commissioned Commissions of the Synod, 21 appointment or election to, 113 directed reports, doctrinal review, 37 member ethical obligations, 27, 31 organization of, 28–30 public material, doctrinal review, 37 records retention and transfer, 131 relationships of, 25–27 removal of members, 31–34 representation at conventions, 107 submission of overtures by, 109 submission of report by, 108 terms of office, 114–15 Committee for Convention Nominations, 201–5 preliminary work by Secretary, 120 subcommittee (“3.2.5”) for vacancy nominations, 115 Committee on Elections, 205–6 Committee, Colloquy, for Commissioned Ministry, 164–65 Committee, Colloquy, for Pastoral Ministry, 163–64 Committee, convention, 109 directed reports, doctrinal review, 37 public material, doctrinal review, 37 submission of overtures by, 109 Committee, district constitution, 55–57 Complaint. See under Complaint or accusation Complaint or accusation accusation congregation or individual member, 69–81 district president or Synod officer, 81–88 President of the Synod, 88–93 sexual misconduct or criminal behavior, 93–101 complaint college or university faculty or administration, 138, 143 Concordia Plans, 149 member, 39–55 seminary faculty or administration, 176–78 within circuit, 217 within corporate entity, 26 within or among agencies, 31 consultation with ecclesiastical supervisor, 43–44, 72, 81–82, 88–89, Concordia Historical Institute, 131–32 as synodwide corporate entity. See Synodwide corporate entity board of governors, 131 as board of the Synod. See Boards of the Synod custodian of dispute resolution records, custodian of expulsion records, 77 Department of Archives and History for the Synod, 131 Concordia Plans / Concordia Plan Services, 22, 147–49 appeal process, 25 as agency of the Synod. See Agency of the Synod Board of Trustees / Board of Directors, Concordia Disability and Survivor Plan, Concordia Health Plan, 147 Concordia Retirement Plan, 147 Concordia Retirement Savings Plan, 148 Support Program, 148 Concordia Publishing House, 132–33 as synodwide corporate entity. See Synodwide corporate entity board of directors, 133 as board of the Synod. See Boards of the Synod Convention Proceedings, 112 Concordia University System, 137–47, 164 Advisory Council (institution presidents), 141, 142 as synodwide corporate entity. See Synodwide corporate entity board of directors, 137, 138 as board of the Synod. See Boards of the Synod, See Boards of the Synod composition, 140 qualifications and their verification, 140, 203, 205 college and university minutes and policies, 181 ecclesiastical review of college, university presidents, 194 Lutheran Identity and Mission Outcome Standards, 143–47 Lutheran Identity and Mission Outcomes Standards, 181 regent, notice of cause for removal, 33 Conferences of districts official, 214–15 official, submission of overtures by, 109 unofficial, 215 Confessional position of the Synod, 11, 34– agreement to, 36 dissent from, 36–37 doctrinal resolutions, 35 doctrinal statements, 35 Conflict of interest, 27–28 disqualification for, 52, 70, 76 policy, 27–28 Conflict resolution. See Dispute resolution Congregations of the Synod calling ministers of religion, 57–59, See also Calls constitutions of, 13, 55–57 ecclesiastical supervision of. See Ecclesiastical supervision election of the President by, 199 eligibility and application for membership, 13, 55–57 expulsion of, 18, 69–81 members of, 24 membership in the Synod, 12–13, 24–25, See further Membership in the Synod nominations by, 198, 200 relation to circuit, 25, 215–20 relation to circuit visitor, 216–18 relation to district, 25, 206–8 relation to Synod, 12–13, 24–25 reporting to Synod, annual, 25 right to financial disclosures, 30–31 self-governance, 13, 34–37, 47 submission of overtures by, 109 transfer between districts and partner churches, 207 transfer of records, 131 voting members, 14, 17, 24 written vote of, 15 Congregations, non-member service by Synod members, 36, 63 Constitution committee. See under Districts of the Synod Constitution of the Synod, 11–19, 11–19 amendments to, 19 Constitutional Matters, Commission on. See Commission on Constitutional Matters Convention Nominations, Committee for. See Committee for Convention Nominations Conventions of districts, 17–18, 208–10 advisory delegates, 17, 209 attendance and absences, 209–10 delegate accreditation, 209 election of circuit visitors by, 217 election of Synod Committee for Convention Nominations by, 202 powers, 25 powers and duties, 208 presiding officer, 15 publications, 209 rules and order, 209 special sessions, 18 submission of overtures by, 109, 209 voting delegates, 17, 209 Conventions of the Synod, 13–14, 230 advisory delegates, 14, 106 advisory representatives, 14, 107–8 appeal of presidential actions to, 119 attendance and absences, 106, 108 Committee for Convention Nominations, 120, 201–5 Committee on Elections, 205–6 committees, floor, 110 delegate certification, 106 delegate orientation, 112 delegate representation, 12, 14, 102–6 delegate responsibilities, 105 doctrinal resolutions and statements, 34–36 expenses, 111 governing documents, adoption and amendment, 18, 19, 231 local committee, 111 management, 111 nominations and elections. See Nominations and elections order, 110–12 overtures, 108, 109, 112, 154, 155, 209, 215, 219 parliamentary rules, 112 powers and duties, 12, 25 preachers, worship leaders, essayists, presiding officer, 15 Proceedings, 112, 118, 120 publications, post-convention, 112 publications, pre-convention, 110 quorum, 13 referral to by the President, 117 relationships of, 25–27 reports, 108–9, 112, 155, 204, 222, 223 resolutions, 14, 36 rights and duties, 15–16 special sessions, 14, 112–13, 230 time and place, 13, 112 Today’s Business, 110, 112 voting delegates, 14, 102–6 Workbook, 109, 110, 112, 130, 198, 199, youth representatives, 108 Convocations, of circuits, 220 Corporate entities, synodwide. See Synodwide Corporate Entities Corporate Synod, 12, 16, 22, 227–31 Articles of Incorporation, 227–31 objectives, 229 powers, 12 regulations for, 27–34 Council, 22 Council of Presidents, 22, 163 acting as Board of Assignments. See Board of Assignments and member status, 63–65, 67 and reinstatement, 101 appointments by, 140, 159, 163, 166 as agency of the Synod. See Agency of the Synod concurrence on standard operating procedures, 71, 81, 88, 93, 101 designation of coordinative roles for Office of National Mission, 151 policies non-member congregational service, presidential consultation, 109, 116 records retention and transfer, 131 Deaconesses. See Ministers of religion— commissioned Definition of terms, 21–24 in dispute resolution, 41–43 in expulsion processes, 70–71 Delegates to district convention. See under Conventions of districts to Synod convention. See under Conventions of the Synod Department of Archives and History. See Concordia Historical Institute Director of Christian education. See Ministers of religion—commissioned Director of Christian outreach. See Ministers of religion—commissioned Director of church ministries. See Ministers of religion—commissioned Director of family life ministry. See Ministers of religion—commissioned Director of parish music. See Ministers of religion—commissioned Disclosure conflict of interest, 27–28 conflict of interest (partiality), 52, 70, financial, 30–31 Dispute resolution, 39–55 agency conflict resolution, 31 Appeal Panel, 46–47, 50–51 basis, 39–40 circuit visitor as mediator, 217 colleges and universities, 195, 196 Concordia Plans, enrollment, claims and benefits, 149 congregational self-governance, 47 corporate entities, within, 26 decisions, 52–53 definition of terms, 41–43 Dispute Resolution Panel, 45–46, 49– disqualification, 52 exceptions to use of process, 41 formal efforts, 44–45 hearing facilitators, 49 informal efforts and consultation, 43– parties, eligible, 40–41 process, 46–47 purpose and applicability, 40–41 reconcilers, 48–49 Review Panel, 47, 51 rules of procedure, 53–55 seminaries, 176–78 Standard Operating Procedures Manual, 42, 55, 178 Dispute Resolution Panel. See under Dispute resolution Dissent, 36–37 agency, to decisions of, 31 District conventions. See Conventions of districts District presidents, 16, 17, 210–12 counsel of calling congregations by, 57– ecclesiastical oversight by, 22 ecclesiastical supervision by. See under Ecclesiastical supervision members of Council of Presidents, 163 representation by circuit visitor in visitation and supervision, 17, 211–12 District secretaries, 17 call of advisory delegate selection meeting by, 106 circuit visitor election, reporting to, 217 congregational constitutions, filing, 57 congregational membership, recording by, 56 dispute resolution, administrator of certain cases, 48 dispute resolution, exhaustion of reconcilers, 49 district convention accreditation by, Synod delegate certification by, 105, District treasurers, 17, 111, 210 Districts of the Synod, 16–18, 22, 206–15 appointments, 213–14 as agencies of the Synod. See Agency of the Synod board of directors, 212–13, See further Boards of directors of districts boards and commissions, 17, 28–30 conferences, 214–15 constitution and bylaws, 16 constitution committee, 55, 57 conventions. See Conventions of districts coordination with national programs, definition, 16, 206 doctrinal review of published materials, formation and realignment, 207 governing documents, 207 governing principles, 206–8 membership, 65, 207 nominations and elections, 17, 210, 213– regional selections, 210 non-geographical, 65, 223 obligation to carry out Synod resolutions, 25 officers, 16, 17, 210 ethical obligations, 34 officers, executives, professional staff, officers, implementation of decisions, other meetings, 215 presidents, 17, 210–12 reconcilers, 48–49 records retention and transfer, 131 relationships, 16, 24–25, 206 stewardship promotion, 213 transfer of congregations between, 207 Doctrinal position of the Synod. See Confessional position of the Synod Doctrinal resolutions, 35 Doctrinal review, 37–39 appeals following publication, 156 appeals prior to publication, 156 Commission on, 155–57 Concordia Publishing House materials, doctrinal reviewers, 38 procedure, 38 Doctrinal statements, 35 Domestic (definition), 65 Ecclesiastical oversight, 22 Ecclesiastical supervision, 22, 55, 69 by district presidents, 17, 65 by the President of the Synod, 15, 116– 17, 118–19, 150, 151, 152, 153 circuit visitors assist in, 218 expulsion. See Expulsion from the Synod of faculty, 175, 196 official visitation, 17, 116, 117, 211, 212, regarding overtures, 109 Ecumenical relations. See Church fellowship and relations Elected officers of the Synod. See Officers of the Synod, elected Elections. See Nominations and elections Electronic meetings, BOD policy regarding, 28 Emeritus membership status, 64 district transfer, 65 Emphases, mission and ministry. See Triennial mission and ministry emphases Endorsed specialized ministry, 63 Entities, national inter-Lutheran. See National inter-Lutheran entities Excommunication challenge of procedure, 40 Executive, 21, 27, 28, 108, 116, 117, 118, 119, 127, 128, 136, 149, 161, 168, 173, 210 Executive committees, 29 Expulsion from the Synod, 18, 69–101 Appeal Panel, 78–80, 85–87, 98–100 appeal to the President for action, 73, application of process to nonmember college, university presidents, 192 commencing action and formal proceedings, 72–74, 82–83, 89–90, 94–96 consultation, 72, 81–82, 88–89, 94 Decision by congregations (2.16 only), 92–93 definitions, 70–71, 81, 88, 94 Final Hearing by council (2.16 only), 92 Final Hearing Panel, 80, 87, 100 for sexual misconduct or criminal behavior, 93–101 formal proceedings, 74, 83, 90, 96 general regulations, 80–81, 87–88, 93, 100–101 Hearing Panel, 74–78, 83–85, 91–92, 96–98 of congregations or individuals, 69–81 of district president or officer, 81–88 of President of the Synod, 88–93 principles, 69–70, 81, 88, 93–94 Standard Operating Procedures Manual, 81, 88, 93, 101 suspension, 17, 68–69, 74, 83, 90, 96 Extension Fund. See Lutheran Church Extension Fund Family life ministry, director of. See Ministers of religion—commissioned Financial disclosure by the Synod, 30–31 First Vice-President of the Synod, 14, 119 assumption of duties for incapacitated president, 119 consultation with President, 81, 118, 119, 154, 158, 159 designated to seminary board of regents, 166 duties established by President, 118 expulsion of president, 93 member of Administrative Team, 127 Board of Directors (nonvoting), 16, colloquy committees (chair), 163, 164 Commission on Theology and Church Relations (advisory), 159 Council of Presidents, 163 Praesidium, 23 performance of presidential duties, 16, submission of report by, 108 succession to presidency, 16 vacancy in office, 119 Foreign (definition), 65 Foreign mission area, 107 Foundation. See Lutheran Church— Missouri Synod Foundation Fraternal organizations, 162 Governing board, 22 as agency of the Synod. See Agency of the Synod powers and duties, 26 Handbook, Commission on. See Commission on Handbook Hearing facilitator. See under Dispute resolution Hearing Panel. See under Expulsion from the Synod or Restricted membership status Inactive membership status, 63–65 district transfer, 65 Incorporation, Articles of. See Articles of Incorporation Installation, 61–62, See under Ministers of religion—ordained or —commissioned Interchurch relations. See Church fellowship and relations Inter-Lutheran entities, national. See National inter-Lutheran entities International Lutheran Laymen’s League, as auxiliary organization. See Auxiliary organizations International Mission, Board for. See under Mission Boards of the Synod International Mission, Office of. See under Mission Offices of the Synod Investigation, official, 17, 71, 73, 82, 89, 94, Jurisdiction in the Synod, 13, 15–16, 16–18, 206–8 Lay minister, certified. See under Minister of religion—commissioned Legal entities of the Synod powers, 12 Lutheran Church Extension Fund— Missouri Synod, 133–35 as synodwide corporate entity. See Synodwide corporate entity board of directors, 134 as board of the Synod. See Boards of the Synod Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod Foundation, 135–37 as synodwide corporate entity. See Synodwide corporate entity board of trustees, 136 as board of the Synod. See Boards of the Synod Lutheran Hour Ministries. See International Lutheran Laymen’s League Lutheran Witness, 127 Lutheran Women in Mission. See Lutheran Women’s Missionary League Lutheran Women’s Missionary League, as auxiliary organization. See Auxiliary organizations Matters arising between conventions, written vote on, 15 May, 23 Meetings BOD policy regarding, 28 electronic, 28 parliamentary rules, 29 Meetings of the Synod. See Conventions of the Synod Member of the Synod, 23 Membership in the Synod, 12–13, 23, 55– 101, 230 commitments inherent in, 24–25, 34– conditions of, 13 congregations, 12, 24–25, 55–57 dissent, 36–37 district membership and ecclesiastical supervision, 65 expulsion from, 18, 69–101 financial support of Synod, 25 individual, 12, 59–65 reinstatement of individuals to, 101 restriction, 66–68 roster, 60, 63, 64, 66, 106, 120, 148, 174, 175, 179, 196, 212, 222 specific ministry pastor status and limitations, 66, 103, 104, 106 standards for, 24, 55 status, 63–65, See also Membership status suspension, 68–69 voting, 12 Membership status, 63–65 active, 63 and district transfer, 59–65 inactive, 63–65 candidate, 12, 64 annual report, 64 emeritus, 12, 64 annual report, 64 pastor colloquy as, 60 restricted, 66–68 suspended, 68–69 Ministers of religion—commissioned, 12 as advisory members, 17 as Ministers of the Gospel, 59 assignment of first calls, 61 calling by congregations, 57–59 candidates for commissioning, 61–62 colloquy. See under Colloquy commissioning and installation, 17, 59, 61–62 conferences of, 215 district membership and ecclesiastical supervision, 65 ecclesiastical supervision of. See Ecclesiastical supervision eligibility for membership, 59–60 initial membership, 59 meetings of, 215 membership in the Synod. See Membership in the Synod membership status. See Membership status official conferences of, 214–15 programs of study and certification for, qualification for first calls, 60–61, 208 termination of active service, 63 types of deaconess, 59 director of Christian education, 59 director of Christian outreach, 59 director of church ministries (formerly, certified lay minister), director of family life ministry, 59 director of parish music, 59 parish assistant, 59 teacher, 59 Ministers of religion—ordained as Ministers of the Gospel, 59 assignment of first calls, 61 assisting capacity call, 58–59 circuit visitor restriction, 103 pastoral delegate restriction, 104 President of the Synod, 116 voting restriction, 102 calling by congregations, 57–59 candidates for ordination, 61–62 colloquy. See under Colloquy conferences of, 215 district membership and ecclesiastical supervision, 65 ecclesiastical supervision of. See Ecclesiastical supervision eligibility for membership, 59–60 individual members of the Synod. See Membership in the Synod initial membership, 59 meetings of, 215 membership status. See Membership status non-parish service, 12 official conferences of, 214–15 ordination and installation, 17, 59, 61– parish service, 12 qualification for first calls, 60–61, 208 routes to ordination, 165–66 specific ministry pastors, 66, 103, 104, termination of active service, 63 Ministers of the Gospel, 59 Minutes of agencies, mission boards, and commissions, 29 Mission, 226 Mission and ministry emphases. See Triennial mission and ministry emphases Mission Boards of the Synod, 23, 149 as agencies of the Synod. See Agency of the Synod as boards of the Synod. See Boards of the Synod for International Mission, 107, 108, 126, 151–53, 153 for National Mission, 107, 126, 150–51, Mission Offices of the Synod Chief Mission Officer. See Chief Mission Officer of International Mission, 65, 107, 153 of National Mission, 65, 107, 151 strategic plan, 150, 152 Missionaries representation at Synod convention, Model Operating Procedures Manual, 138, 143, 196 Multi-congregation parish. See Parish, multi-congregation Name of the Synod, 11, 229 National inter-Lutheran entities, 25 executives, professional staff, 63 formation, 25 National Mission, Board for. See under Mission Boards of the Synod National Mission, Office of. See under Mission Offices of the Synod National office teams. See Administrative Team and Operations Team Nominations and elections at district level, 213–14 at Synod level, 198–206 ballots, regulations for, 205 Committee for Convention Nominations, 201–5 Committee on Elections, 205–6 of circuit visitors, 216 of President and First Vice-President, 198–200 of regional board members, 201 of regional vice-presidents, 200 order of elections, 206 region designation and membership, role of Secretary in, 120, 140, 183, 200, 201, 204, 201–5, 205, 206 vacancies, 115 Objectives of the Synod, 11–12, 21, 229 Office holding conflicting offices/positions, 27 holding multiple offices, 27 removal from, 31–34, 34 terms of. see Terms of service Office of International Mission. See under Mission Offices of the Synod Office of National Mission. See under Mission Offices of the Synod Officer, 23 Officers of districts, 16, 210 presidents, 210–12 Officers of the Synod, 14–15, 230 Administrative Team, 127 appointed, 14, 113 Board of Directors. See Board of Directors of the Synod Chief Administrative Officer. See Chief Administrative Officer Chief Financial Officer. See Chief Financial Officer Chief Mission Officer. See Chief Mission Officer definition of officer, 23 disclosure, conflict of interest, 27–28 elected, 113 ethical obligations, 27, 34 induction of, 114 interim authority, 114 nomination and election of. See Nominations and elections Operations Team, 127 President. See President of the Synod records retention and transfer, 131 relationships of, 15, 25–27 rights and duties of, 15–16 Secretary. See Secretary of the Synod terms of office, 14, 114–15 Official conferences, 214–15 Official investigation. See Investigation, official Official periodicals doctrinal review, 37 Lutheran Witness, 127 official notices, 15, 19, 30, 35, 92, 101, 110, 120, 125, 128, 170, 192, 199, 204 Reporter, 127 Official visit. See under Ecclesiastical supervision Operations Team of the Synod, 127 Ordained ministers. See Ministers of religion—ordained Ordination, 61–62, See under Ministers of religion—ordained Oversight, 23, Compare Supervision ecclesiastical, 22 Parish assistant. See Ministers of religion—commissioned Parish music, director of. See Ministers of religion—commissioned Parish, multi-congregation assisting capacity calls and, 58–59 definition, 58 representation, 17, 102, 104, 105, 199, 209, 219 Pastoral Formation Committee, 165–66 Pastors. See Ministers of religion— ordained Pension Plan for Pastors and Teachers. See under Concordia Plans / Concordia Plan Services Periodicals, official. See Official periodicals Placement of ministers of religion, initial, Position of the Synod. See Confessional position of the Synod Powers of the Synod, 12 Praesidium, 23, 163 appointments by, 183 presidential consultation, 81, 109, 118, 119, 154, 158, 159, 160 President of the Synod, 14–15, 15–16, 116– appointments by, 109, 126, 154, 156, 157, 159, 164, 205 convention report, 118 designation by, 166 disability, deposition, or death, 16 ecclesiastical supervision by. See under Ecclesiastical supervision electoral circuits, requirement exceptions, 102 inability to serve, 119 member of Administrative Team (leader), 127 Board of Directors, 16, 121 Commission on Theology and Church Relations (advisory), 159 Concordia Publishing House board (or representative), 133 Council of Presidents, 116, 117, 163 Lutheran Church Extension Fund (or representative), 134 Praesidium, 23 orientation of district presidents, board and commission members, 118 powers and duties, 15–16 administrative, 117 oversight, 23 ecclesiastical, 116–17 ecclesiastical supervision, 22 ecclesiastical and administrative, 118–19 ecumenical, 116 executive, 119 representation at board and commission meetings, 118 review of officer, executive, agency actions, 117 special boards and committees, 119 submission of report by, 108 trustee of Foundation, 136 vacancy in office, 16 Presidents, Council of. See Council of Presidents Process Administrator, 41 Property of the Synod, 23, 230–31 Board of Directors as custodian of, 26, 121, 123 Publications Lutheran Annual, 120, 212, 223 Lutheran Witness, 127 Reporter, 127 Purpose of the Synod, 11–12, 21 Radio broadcasts doctrinal review, 37 Recognized service organizations (RSO), 223–27 calling ministers of religion, 224, 225 call-related disputes, 40, 222 ecclesiastical oversight by district presidents, 22 educational service organizations, 224 executives and professional staff, 63 LCMS Foundation services, 135–37 mercy service organizations, 224 partner church protocol documents, 117 tiers of status, 225 witness service organizations, 224 Reconciler. See under Dispute resolution Reconciliation. See Dispute resolution Records retention and transfer to archives, 131 Regents, boards of. See under Colleges and universities or Seminaries Regional elections. See various entries under Nominations and elections Regions of the Synod, 23, 24, 163 designation, 198 residence standard, 198 Regulations for corporate Synod and its agencies, 27–34 Reinstatement to membership, 101 Relationships congregation, national, district, circuit, 24–25 conventions, officers, boards, commissions, staffs, 25–27 corporate, 231 district, 206–8 Religion, ministers of. See Ministers of the Gospel Reporter, 127 Reports. See under Conventions of the Synod Resolutions of the Synod. See under Conventions of the Synod Restricted membership status, 66–68 hearing panel, 67 petition for removal of, 67 Roster. See under Membership in the Synod Schools association (definition), 63 association, calling ministers of religion, 63 calling ministers of religion, 57–59 Secretary of the Synod, 14, 120 convention duties, 16, 19, 35, 106, 108, 110, 112, 120 file of governing instruments, 130 file of minutes, 29 general duties, 16, 120 member of Administrative Team, 127 Board of Directors, 16, 121 Commission on Constitutional Matters, 154 Commission on Handbook (advisory), 157 Concordia Historical Institute board, nomination and election duties, 115, 120, 140, 183, 198–200, 201, 204, 201–5, 205, 206 process administrator for dispute and expulsion cases, 41, 42, 44, 49, 55, 74, 83, 96, 101 submission of report by, 108 Seminaries, 166–79 as agencies of the Synod. See Agency of the Synod boards of regents, 22, 166–68 as board of the Synod. See Boards of the Synod dispute resolution, 176–78 faculty, 172–79 academic freedom, 173 complaints against and termination, declaration of qualification, 59, 60– extension of qualification, 60 prior approval of, 173 representation on Commission on Theology and Church Relations, submission of overtures by, 109 oversight, 127 Pastoral Formation Committee, 165–66 presidents, 168–72 representation at Synod convention, Shall, 23 exceptions, 42, 71 Specialized ministry, endorsed, 63 Specific ministry pastor. See under Ministers of religion—ordained Staff, 26, 27–34, 197 ethical obligations, 27 Stewardship promotion, 56, 150, 151, 211, Study documents and exploratory material doctrinal review exclusion and notice, Supervision, 12, 15, 16, 17, 23, 26, 29, Compare Oversight administrative, 23 ecclesiastical, 22, See Ecclesiastical supervision of specific ministry pastor, 66 Support Program. See under Concordia Plans / Concordia Plan Services Suspended membership status, 68–69 district transfer prohibited, 65 Synod, 23 Synodwide corporate entities, 23, 128–47 as agencies of the Synod. See Agency of the Synod boards, 129 as boards of Synod, 113 chief executive (and interim), 128 Concordia Historical Institute. See Concordia Historical Institute Concordia Publishing House. See Concordia Publishing House Concordia University System. See Concordia University System dissolution, 131 formation, 128 governance, 128–31 LCMS Foundation. See Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod Foundation Lutheran Church Extension Fund. See Lutheran Church Extension Fund purpose, 128 Synodwide trust entities, 147–49, See Concordia Plans / Concordia Plan Services Task force, 24 directed reports, doctrinal review, 37 public material, doctrinal review, 37 Teachers. See Ministers of religion— commissioned Terms of service, 114–15 of commission executive director, 161 of district officers, board and commission members, 214 of hearing facilitator, 49 of members of Commission on Constitutional Matters, 154 of members of Commission on Handbook, 157 of reconciler, 48 of synodwide corporate entity chief executive, 129 Theology and Church Relations, Commission on. See Commission on Theology and Church Relations Treasurer. See Chief Financial Officer Triennial mission and ministry emphases development, 209, 217, 219 establishment, 101 goal identification, 116, 150, 151 implementation, 116, 127, 150, 151, 153, 210, 217, 219 report and proposal by mission boards, 150, 152 Trust Entities, Synodwide. See Synodwide Trust Entities Universitites. See Colleges and Universities Vacancies, 115 appointed board or commission, 115 appointment to fill elected offices, 27 circuit visitor, 217 college / university board of regents, college / university president, 192 Commission on Constitutional Matters, Commission on Handbook, 157 Commission on Theology and Church Relations, 159 convention delegate / alternate, 105 district offices, 213 elected board or commission, 115 Executive Director of CTCR, 161 Foundation trustee, 136 hearing facilitator, 49 LCEF director, 134 reconciler, 48 seminary board of regents, 166 seminary faculty, 175 seminary president, 170 synodwide corporate entity chief executive, 128 Vice-President of the Synod, 119 Vicarage, 60, 179 Vice-Presidents of the Synod, 14, 16, 119 designated to seminary board of regents, 166 members of Council of Presidents, 163 Praesidium, 23 performance of presidential duties, 16, presidential consultation, 81, 109, 118, 119, 154, 158, 159, 160 submission of reports by, 108 succession to presidency, 16 vacancy in office, 119 Visitation. See Ecclesiastical supervision, official visitation Visitor. See Circuit visitor Voting delegates. See under Conventions of the Synod or Conventions of districts Voting member, 24 REFERENCES Constitutional Provisions Const. Preface .......................................... 189 .... 24, 32, 69, 116, 138, 141, 175, 180, 185, 192, 194, 196, 230 . 21, 24, 138, 142, 180, 211, 229 1, 6 ..................................... 158 3 ......................................... 165 8, 9 ............. 53, 55, 76, 85, 92 ............................................... 23 A ............................................ 24 ........................................24, 69 .................................... 24, 208 B ....................................... 112 A ...................................... 23, 30 .............................................. 23 A ........................................... 81 A 1–2 ............ 150, 151, 152, 153 B ................................... 151, 153 B 1 ...................... 37, 38, 65, 81 B 1–3 .... 46, 53, 70, 73, 76, 78, 85, 92, 95, 98 B 1–4 ..... 118, 150, 151, 152, 153 B 2 ....................................... 117 B 7 ............................... 150, 152 C 2........................................ 93 E ......................................... 124 E 2 ...................................... 124 10 A .................................... 58 3 .......................................... 23 Const. Art. XIII41, 48, 66, 68, 70, 72, 73, 74, 75, 81, 82, 83, 84, 88, 89, 90, 91, 93, 94, 96, 176 1 ................................... 69, 75 Scripture ............................................. 39 ................................................ 162 ...... 41, 43, 70, 72, 82, 89, 94, 176 . 73, 75, 82, 83, 84, 89, 90, 91 ............................................ 39 .......................................... 44, 176 .................................................. 11 .................................................... 11 ..................................................... 11 ......................................................... 39 .................................................. 39 ............................................. 162 ................................................. 162 ....................................... 11, 189 .................................................. 40 ........................................................ 40 .................................................... 11 ............................................... 39 ........................................................ 39 .................................................... 218 NOTES NOTES
