Constitution and By-laws dated 4/24/77, Revised 11-2-97, Adopted 4-13-2008 MESSIAH LUTHERAN CHURCH CONSTITUTION Table of Contents Preamble ……………………………………………………….1 Constitution Article I Name……………………………………………………….. 1 Article II Purpose……………………………………………………1 Article III Confessions………………………………………………2 Article IV Membership…………………………………………….. 2 Article V Office of the Ministry……………………………………4 Article VI Authority of the Congregation……………………….. 6 Article VII Property Rights………………………………………... 6 Article VIII Doctrinal Literature…………………………………. 7 Article IX Synodical Membership........................................... 7 Article X By-Laws………………………………………………….. 7 Article XI Amendments……...…….………………… ……………7 By-Laws Article I Election of Officers………………………………………. 9 Article II The Officers of the Congregation……………………. 10 Article III The Church Council………………………………….. 10 Article IV Qualifications, Terms, and Duties of Officers…... 12 A. Chairman………………………………………………. 12 B. Vice-Chairman…………………………………………13 C. Secretary……………………………………………….. 13 D. Treasurer………………………………………………. 14 E. Financial Secretary……………………………………14 Article V Qualifications, Terms, and Responsibilities of Boards A. Board of Elders……………………………………….. 15 B. Board of Trustees…………………………………….. 17 C. Board of Education………………………………….. 17 Sunday School Superintendent…………………. 18 D. Board of Evangelism…………………………………18 E. Board of Stewardship………………………………... 19 Article VI The Voters Assembly…………………………………20
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Constitution and By-laws dated 4/24/77, Revised 11-2-97, Adopted 4-13-2008
MESSIAH LUTHERAN CHURCH
CONSTITUTION
Table of Contents
Preamble ……………………………………………………….1
Constitution
Article I Name………………………………………………………..1
Article II Purpose……………………………………………………1
Article III Confessions………………………………………………2
Article IV Membership……………………………………………..2
Article V Office of the Ministry……………………………………4
Article VI Authority of the Congregation………………………..6
Article VII Property Rights………………………………………...6 Article VIII Doctrinal Literature………………………………….7
Article IX Synodical Membership........................................... 7
Article X By-Laws…………………………………………………..7
Article XI Amendments……...…….………………… ……………7
By-Laws
Article I Election of Officers……………………………………….9
Article II The Officers of the Congregation…………………….10
Article III The Church Council…………………………………..10 Article IV Qualifications, Terms, and Duties of Officers…...12
A. Chairman……………………………………………….12
B. Vice-Chairman…………………………………………13
C. Secretary………………………………………………..13
D. Treasurer……………………………………………….14
E. Financial Secretary……………………………………14
Article V Qualifications, Terms, and Responsibilities of Boards
A. Board of Elders………………………………………..15
B. Board of Trustees……………………………………..17
C. Board of Education…………………………………..17
Sunday School Superintendent………………….18
D. Board of Evangelism…………………………………18
E. Board of Stewardship………………………………...19
Article VI The Voters Assembly…………………………………20
Constitution and By-laws dated 4/24/77, Revised 11-2-97, Adopted 4-13-2008 1
MESSIAH LUTHERAN CHURCH
Salem, Oregon
CONSTITUTION
PREAMBLE
Be it resolved, that we, a congregation of Lutherans of the City of Salem, County of
Marion, State of Oregon, do in the Name of the Triune God, Father, Son, and Holy
Ghost, and subscribing our names hereto, adopt the following:
CONSTITUTION
ARTICLE I
NAME
The name of this congregation shall be Messiah Lutheran Church of Salem, Oregon.
This congregation is a gathering of Believers in Christ and a nonprofit corporation.
ARTICLE II
PURPOSE
The purpose of this congregation is: To glorify God, the Father, through His Son, Jesus
Christ, empowered by the Holy Ghost. To that end, this congregation endeavors to (1)
build up one another in faith which centers in Jesus Christ the Son of God, and, (2) to
bring others into a relationship with Jesus Christ through individual and group
evangelism. To accomplish this purpose, this congregation shall depend upon those
means of grace and power so designed by our Lord, namely the Word, and the
Sacraments of Holy Baptism and the Lord's Supper.
This congregation is affiliated with the visible organization known as The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod.
ARTICLE III
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CONFESSIONS
A. This congregation accepts without reservation:
1. The Scriptures of the Old and New Testament as the written, inerrant Word of
God and the only rule and norm of faith and of practice;
2. All the Symbolical Books of the Evangelical Lutheran Church as a true and
unadulterated statement and exposition of the Word of God, namely: the three
Ecumenical Creeds (the Apostles', the Nicene, and the Athanasian Creeds), as
faithful testimonies to the truth of the Holy Scriptures, and rejects all the errors
which the creeds condemn; the Unaltered Augsburg Confession, as a true
exposition of the Word of God and a correct exhibition of doctrine of the
Evangelical Lutheran Church; and the Apology of the Augsburg Confession, the Small and Large Catechisms of Martin Luther, the Smalcald Articles, the
Treatise of the Authority and Primacy of the Pope, and the Formula of Concord.
3. Any controversy involving matters of faith or doctrine that may arise in this
congregation shall be examined and corrected according to these standards.
B. All hymnals, text books, forms, writings, etc., used by this congregation for education
and worship shall conform in doctrinal content as stated in Article III, section A.
ARTICLE IV
MEMBERSHIP
Membership in the congregation includes:
A. Baptized members: all whom have been baptized in the name of the Triune God and
who are under the spiritual care of the pastor of this congregation, including children
who have not yet been confirmed.
B. Communicant members: baptized members who are in the Christian faith, accept the confessional standards of this Lutheran church, are familiar with the contents of
Luther's Small Catechism, and are not members of organizations whose principles and
conduct conflict with the Word of God.
1. Responsibilities of communicant membership:
Constitution and By-laws dated 4/24/77, Revised 11-2-97, Adopted 4-13-2008 3
a. Acceptance of the confessional standards of this congregation as stated in
Article III of this constitution.
b. Faithful attendance at divine worship.
c. Receive the Lord's Supper regularly.
d. Use the Word of God in the home through personal devotions.
e. By the power and direction of the Holy Ghost, strives to live a sanctified
life as an expression of God's love.
f. Scriptural giving of one's time, talent and treasure to the extension of
Christ's Kingdom.
2. Admission as a communicant member.
a. Rite of Confirmation
The rite whereby men, women, and children declare their intent to remain
faithful in the confession of the Triune God, even unto death.
b. Peaceful transfer from a sister Lutheran Congregation
Such transfers are secured through application to the congregation in
which the membership is held.
c. Affirmation of faith
Such persons are received who, upon their own declaration, choose to join
this Christian congregation.
3. Means of terminating membership.
a. Peaceful transfer to a sister Lutheran congregation.
b. Members who on their own have excluded themselves from the benefits of this congregation shall have their names removed by resolution of the
Voters Assembly.
c. A member whose conduct is unchristian shall be admonished according to
Matthew 18:15-20. If he or she remains impenitent after proper
Constitution and By-laws dated 4/24/77, Revised 11-2-97, Adopted 4-13-2008 4
admonition, he or she shall be excommunicated. Each case shall be
presented individually to the Voters Assembly for action. A two-thirds
vote by the voters present shall be required for excommunication. If such
a member deliberately absents him or herself from the meeting at which
the case is considered, or in some other manner makes it impossible to deal with the member, that member is excommunicated.
d. Those who have terminated membership forfeit all benefits of this
congregation.
C. Voting members: communicant members who have reached the age of 18 years, have
read the constitution of this congregation, and have been received by the Voters
Assembly.
1. Duties and privileges of voting membership
a. Attend meetings of the Voters Assembly.
b. Prayerfully consider service as an officer, board member, or committee
member.
2. A voting member may request release from voter status membership. The voter
member should submit such request to the Church Council for addition to the
agenda at the next voters meeting. Upon a "yes" vote of the voters assembly,
voter status will be terminated. Termination of voter membership will not affect standing as a communicant member. A member may ask to be reinstated as a
voting member.
ARTICLE V
OFFICE OF THE MINISTRY
A. This congregation has the exclusive right to call ordained and commissioned ministers.
The pastoral office shall be conferred only on such a male pastor or male candidate who
professes and adheres to the confessional standard set forth in this constitution, which is the canonical books of the Old and New Testaments as the inspired Word of God and
the only infallible rule of faith and practice; the three Ecumenical Creeds, namely, the
Apostles', the Nicene, and the Athanasian Creeds, as faithful testimonies to the truth of
the Holy Scriptures, and rejects all the errors which the creeds condemn; the Unaltered
Augsburg Confession, as a true exposition of the Word of God and a correct exhibition
Constitution and By-laws dated 4/24/77, Revised 11-2-97, Adopted 4-13-2008 5
of doctrine of the Evangelical Lutheran Church; the Apology of the Augsburg
Confession, the Small and Large Catechisms of Martin Luther, the Smalcald Articles,
the Treatise of the Authority and Primacy of the Pope, and the Formula of Concord -- as
they are contained in the Book of Concord, and who is scripturally qualified for this
work.
B. Call of the pastor - The call of a pastor shall follow this procedure: The Church Council
shall appoint a call committee which shall consist of the chairman, vice-chairman,
secretary, treasurer, head elder and one additional voting member. As a part of its
duties, the call committee may consult with the congregation, the Circuit Counselor, and
the District President, as deemed necessary. The names of the candidates nominated by
the call committee shall be made known to all members by public announcement or by
bulletin. If, within a period of 14 days, no objection is entered and sustained, the
persons nominated and published shall be recognized as candidates and shall, in a
meeting constitutionally convened, proceed to an election by ballot. The candidate shall be chosen by receipt of the majority vote and the unanimous approval of the members.
The congregational members then shall recommend that the Voters Assembly, by
unanimous vote, issue a call to the chosen candidate. When a candidate is called
directly from an orthodox seminary, the constitutional authorities of Synod may be
requested to appoint the person to whom the call shall be extended.
C. Any ordained or commissioned minister may be removed from office by the Voters
Assembly by a two-thirds majority ballot vote, in Christian and lawful order, for one of
the following reasons: persistent adherence to false doctrine, scandalous life, willful
neglect, abuse of the pastoral office, or inability or unwillingness to perform the duties of the pastoral office.
D. A vacancy pastor shall be appointed by the Voters Assembly upon a two-thirds majority
vote of the voters present. The vacancy pastor shall serve the congregation in
accordance with the terms agreed upon in the vacancy pastor contract until the induction
of a called pastor duly elected and qualified in accordance with Sections A and B of
Article V.
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ARTICLE VI
AUTHORITY OF THE CONGREGATION
A. General - The congregation, through its Voters Assembly, shall have supreme authority in all external and internal administration and management thereof. The Voters
Assembly is not empowered to make decisions contrary to the Word of God and the
Lutheran confessions.
B. Right of Calling - The right to call a pastor is vested in the Voters Assembly and shall
not be delegated.
C. Decisions - Church business shall be decided by a majority vote of the Voters Assembly
unless otherwise specified by this constitution or bylaws. Issues of doctrine and
conscience shall be decided only on the basis of the Word of God and affirmed by the Voters Assembly.
D. Authority of Elected/Appointed Officers - Elected or appointed officers and boards shall
have no authority beyond that conferred upon them.
E. Removal from office - Any individual may be dismissed from office by the Voters
Assembly by a two-thirds majority vote. Sufficient causes for dismissal are persistent
adherence to a false doctrine, scandalous life, inability to perform, abuse of office, or
willful neglect of his or her official duties.
ARTICLE VII
PROPERTY RIGHTS
All property and assets of this congregation belong to Messiah Lutheran Church, a
confessional Lutheran Church as defined by Article III of this constitution. In the event
of a separation due to doctrinal differences, those members who remain faithful to
Messiah Lutheran Church and this constitution shall control the property and assets.
In the event that this congregation is dissolved, the property, and its disposition, shall be directed, after all outstanding debts have been paid, to a not for profit Lutheran
organization(s) engaged in affairs substantially similar to those of Messiah Lutheran
Church, which qualify under the provisions of Section 501(c) (3) of the Internal
Revenue Code and its regulations, as amended, upon a two-thirds majority vote of the
members.
Constitution and By-laws dated 4/24/77, Revised 11-2-97, Adopted 4-13-2008 7
ARTICLE VIII
DOCTRINAL LITERATURE
In public services of this congregation, and in all ministerial acts, only such hymns,
prayers, and liturgies shall be used as conform to the confessional standards of Article
III. Likewise, in all classes for instruction in Christian Doctrine, only such books shall
be used that conform to the standards set out in Article III.
ARTICLE IX
SYNODICAL MEMBERSHIP
This congregation shall hold membership in the Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod, so as long as the Synod remains true to the Word of God and the Lutheran Confessions.
ARTICLE X
BY-LAWS
This congregation may adopt by-laws. Any by-law may be suspended or revised by a
two-thirds majority vote of those present at a meeting of the Voters Assembly properly
convened.
ARTICLE XI
AMENDMENTS
Amendments to this constitution may be adopted at a Voters Assembly
A. Amendments shall not conflict with the provisions laid down in Article III or with any
section of any other article that pertains to Scriptural doctrine and practice.
B. The proposed amendment(s) shall be published in the weekly bulletin for two consecutive weeks immediately preceding the Voters Assembly at which the
amendment is to be voted upon.
C. The affirmative vote of a two-thirds majority of the voting members present shall be
required for the adoption of amendments.
Constitution and By-laws dated 4/24/77, Revised 11-2-97, Adopted 4-13-2008 8
END OF CONSTITUTION
Constitution and By-laws dated 4/24/77, Revised 11-2-97, Adopted 4-13-2008 9
BY-LAWS
ARTICLE I
ELECTION OF OFFICERS
A. The Nominating Committee - The Nominating Committee shall be composed of:
1. The members of the Board of Elders whose term of office is not expiring at
the end of the current year.
2. The members of the Board of Trustees whose term of office is not expiring
at the end of the current year.
3. The Pastor as advisory member.
B. Duties of the Nominating Committee - The Nominating Committee shall present a
slate of candidates to the Church Council prior to the Voters Assembly at which
the election is held. The proposed slate should consist of two names, if possible,
for each office. The list of candidates shall be published at least two weeks prior
to the voters meeting. Additional nominations may be made from the floor.
C. Annual Election - Annual elections are held in November of each year. Elections
may be by paper ballot or acclamation.
D. Vacancies - In the event of a vacancy in any office, the Church Council shall
appoint a successor to serve until the next annual election.
E. Restriction of Terms of Office - All elected officers shall be permitted to hold the
same office for three consecutive terms. Terms run from January 1 through
December 31.
F. Restrictions on Holding Offices - No member shall chair more than one board at
one time.
G. Installation of Officers - All officers of the congregation shall be installed by the
Pastor during a public service.
Constitution and By-laws dated 4/24/77, Revised 11-2-97, Adopted 4-13-2008 10
ARTICLE II
THE OFFICERS OF THE CONGREGATION
A. THE PASTOR
"Let the Elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honor, especially they
who labor in the Word and doctrine." (1 Tim. 5:17) The minister of the Gospel,
who labors in the Word and doctrine, is classified as an elder worthy of double
honor. He is to be regarded as a ruling elder and his counsel should be sought
concerning the important matters of the church. The Pastor is a voting member of
the Church Council and an advisor to all other boards and committees.
B. EXECUTIVE OFFICERS:
1. Chairman
2. Vice Chairman
3. Secretary
4. Treasurer
5. Financial Secretary
C. BOARDS
1. Board of Elders
2. Board of Trustees 3. Board of Evangelism
4. Board of Education
5. Board of Stewardship
ARTICLE III
THE CHURCH COUNCIL
A. ORGANIZATION AND FUNCTIONS
1. Composition of the Church Council - The Church Council shall be
composed of the Pastor, executive officers, and board chairs.
2. Meetings - The Church Council shall ordinarily meet monthly in open
session and at other times as necessary, either in open or closed sessions
3. Presiding and Convening Authority - Any member of the Church Council
may call a special meeting of the council for the presentation of any
Constitution and By-laws dated 4/24/77, Revised 11-2-97, Adopted 4-13-2008 11
pressing matter relative to his or her duties. The convening authority for
regular meetings of the council is vested with its presiding officer, the
Chairman, or in his absence, the Vice-Chairman, or the Chairman of the
Board of Elders, in the order named.
B. DUTIES
The Church Council is vested with the management of congregational
affairs and consideration of the general welfare of the congregation. In this
regard, the council is charged:
1. To serve as the managing body of the congregation.
2. To serve as the planning body of the congregation, to submit long-range
plans and programs to the Voters Assembly for approval, and to implement those long-range plans.
3. To create necessary committees and appoint members to such committees.
4. To participate in the Voters Assembly.
5. To carry out resolutions of the Voters Assembly.
6. To write job descriptions.
7. To approve board chairs.
8. To report upon the insurance of the property of the congregation at the first
meeting of the Voters Assembly of each year.
9. To annually review all salaries and recommend adjustments.
10. To be jointly responsible for the conduct of corporate affairs. In this regard
the council's duties shall include:
a. Negotiate and sign all contracts and documents on behalf of Messiah
Lutheran Church. A valid contract must have the signature of three
executive officers.
b. Represent Messiah Lutheran Church in all legal matters and
transacts all necessary business of Messiah Lutheran Church as an
incorporated body.
Constitution and By-laws dated 4/24/77, Revised 11-2-97, Adopted 4-13-2008 12
c. Accept grants and bequests on behalf of Messiah Lutheran Church.
11. Arrange for election by the Voters Assembly of a delegate and an alternate
to District Conventions and other Circuit, District, or Synod sponsored meetings. The Church Council shall act as a nominating committee for
such delegates and representatives.
12. Each year, to appoint a financial review committee to perform a financial
review of the church's books and prepare a report for the April meeting of
the Voters Assembly.
ARTICLE IV
QUALIFICATIONS, TERMS, AND DUTIES OF OFFICERS
All officers of the congregation, whether elected or appointed, shall meet the
requirements outlined in Holy Scriptures:
"Likewise deacons must be reverent, not double-tongued, not given to much wine, not greedy for
money, holding the mystery of the faith with a pure conscience. But let these also first be tested;
then let them serve as deacons, being found blameless. Likewise, their wives must be reverent, not
slanderers, temperate, faithful in all things. Let deacons be the husbands of one wife, ruling their
children and their own houses well. For those who have served well as deacons obtain for
themselves a good standing and great boldness in the faith which is in Christ Jesus." 1 Tim 3:8-13
"Therefore, brethren, seek out from among you seven men of good reputation, full of the Holy
Spirit and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business[.]"
Acts 6:3
A. CHAIRMAN
Qualifications - The chairman shall be a male voting member in good standing for the past two years.
Term of Office - One year.
Duties - The duties of the chairman shall be those generally required of an
executive officer.
1. Preside over all meetings of the Voters Assembly and the Church Council.
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2. Ensure that all meetings of the Voters Assembly and Church Council are
conducted according to Robert's Rules of Parliamentary Procedure where
those rules do not conflict with the Word of God or Christian charity and to
recommend likewise to all other boards and committees.
3. Consult with the Pastor and make recommendations to the council for
board chairs.
4. Make recommendations to the council for committee appointments as
required by the By-laws or prescribed by the council or the Voters
Assembly.
5. Ensure that all boards and committees are functioning properly, attending
meetings whenever necessary.
6. Prepare the agenda for each council meeting and Voters Assembly.
B. VICE-CHAIRMAN
Qualifications - The vice-chairman shall be a male voting member in good
standing for the past two years
Term of Office - One year.
Duties:
1. Preside over meetings of the Voters Assembly or the Church Council when
the Chairman is not present.
2. Attend board or committee meetings as requested by the Chairman.
3. In the event of the resignation or removal of the Chairman, the Vice-
Chairman shall succeed to the office of Chairman for the unexpired term.
C. SECRETARY
Qualifications - A voting member in good standing for the past two years.
Term of Office - One year.
Constitution and By-laws dated 4/24/77, Revised 11-2-97, Adopted 4-13-2008 14
Duties
1. Keep an accurate and permanent record of all meetings of the Voters
Assembly and the Church Council, including attendance records.
2. Maintain an accurate list of all voting members, officers (both elected and
appointed), and their terms of office.
3. Reproduce the minutes of Voters Assembly and council meetings in
sufficient number for distribution at the next meeting and for distribution to
boards and committees as requested.
4. Notify voters and council members of the date and time of regular and
special meetings.
5. Maintain files for committee reports, preserve the records of the Church
Council and Voters Assembly, and perform all such duties as generally
pertain to the office of secretary.
D. TREASURER
Qualifications - A voting member in good standing for the past two years.
Term of Office - Three years.
Duties:
1. Keep an accurate book of account.
2. Make disbursements as authorized by the council or the Voters Assembly.
3. Prepare and present a report at each council and Voters Assembly meeting.
4. Prepare an annual financial statement to be given to members at the end of
the calendar year.
5. Serve as member of the Board of Stewardship.
E. FINANCIAL SECRETARY
Qualifications - A voting member in good standing for two years.
Constitution and By-laws dated 4/24/77, Revised 11-2-97, Adopted 4-13-2008 15
Term of Office - Three years.
Duties:
1. Receive, count, record, report to treasurer and verify funds via an authorizing signature, all contributions.
a. The Financial Secretary shall be assisted by another person
designated by the Church Council in the count and deposit
verification.
2. Maintain an accurate and comprehensive set of records listing individual
contributors accounts.
3. Serve as a member of the Board of Stewardship.
4. Distribute, with the assistance of the Board of Stewardship, the offering
envelopes to all members of the congregation.
5. Make available quarterly statements of contributions received to all
members of the congregation.
6. Annually order offering envelopes.
ARTICLE V
QUALIFICATIONS, TERMS, AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF BOARDS
All boards shall meet no less frequently than once a quarter, but it is recommended
that each board meet once a month. Written reports of all meetings are to be
submitted to the Church Council. The Pastor is an ex officio member of all boards.
A. BOARD OF ELDERS
Number - A minimum of three men.
Qualifications - Men who are above reproach, having demonstrated their Christian
faith by living an exemplary life and possessing a mature understanding of the
teachings and confessions of the Evangelical Lutheran Church. In addition, elders
shall be voting members in good standing.
Term of Office - Three years.
Constitution and By-laws dated 4/24/77, Revised 11-2-97, Adopted 4-13-2008 16
Duties:
1. Ordinarily meet with the Pastor monthly.
2. Assist the Pastor in matters pertaining to the spiritual welfare of the
congregation.
3. Assist the Pastor in carrying out church discipline according to Scripture.
4. Encourage a high level of spirituality in the congregation.
5. Endeavor to maintain and promote harmony in all areas of congregational
life.
6. Encourage members to attend services, to receive the Sacraments, to live
lives of Christian stewardship, and to encourage children in Christian
education.
7. Each elder shall be responsible for members assigned to him; he shall
contact his members on a regular basis, especially those that are spiritually
inactive to return to active service.
8. Assist in the service of worship so that everything is done in an orderly,
proper, and reverent manner in accord with Lutheran worship tradition.
9. Assist the Pastor in arranging for pulpit assistance, special services, and
guest speakers/pastors. If called upon, elders shall assist in the communion
service.
10. Supervise the organist, choirmaster, church ushers, acolytes, and altar guild.
11. Elders shall act as ex officio members of all boards and committees.
12. Be responsible for supplies and materials needed for worship services.
13. Be responsible for the welfare of the pastor and his family.
14. Submit a proposed board budget to the Budget Committee by September
15th
of each year.
Constitution and By-laws dated 4/24/77, Revised 11-2-97, Adopted 4-13-2008 17
B. BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Number - A minimum of three members.
Qualifications - Voting members in good standing.
Term of Office - Three years.
Duties:
1. Administer physical property belonging to the congregation.
2. Organize congregational workdays.
3. Procure necessary equipment and supplies for efficient maintenance.
4. Conduct annual safety and maintenance inspection of church property, with
a written report submitted to the Church Council within one week of this
inspection.
5. Submit a proposed board budget to the Budget Committee by September
15th
of each year.
C. BOARD OF EDUCATION
Members/Qualifications/Terms
1. The Sunday School Superintendent.
2. A minimum of three voting members in good standing.
3. A term shall be three years.
Duties:
1. Supervise and direct all education including, but not limited to, Sunday
School, Confirmation, Cradle Roll, etc.
2. Submit a proposed board budget to the Budget Committee by September
15th
of each year.
Constitution and By-laws dated 4/24/77, Revised 11-2-97, Adopted 4-13-2008 18
The Sunday School Superintendent
1. The Sunday School Superintendent shall be a voting member in good
standing for the past two years, appointed by the pastor and the Board of
Elders.
2. Duties:
a. Enlist, in conjunction with the Pastor and Board of Education, a
teaching staff and workers for the Sunday School and obtain
substitutes when needed. The Sunday School staff shall be approved
annually by the Voters Assembly.
b. Supervise the Sunday School and be responsible for good order and
discipline.
c. Submit written reports to the Church Council and the Voters
Assembly at regularly scheduled meetings.
d. Systematically visit all classes of the Sunday School.
e. Preside as chair during business sessions of the Sunday School staff.
f. Keep Sunday School records.
D. BOARD OF EVANGELISM
Members/Terms:
1. A minimum of three voting members in good standing.
2. A term shall be three years.
Duties:
1. Plan an evangelism program to reach out to the community.
2. Assist Pastor in training members of the congregation in lay visitation.
3. Make certain that all visitors are welcomed.
4. Submit a proposed board budget to the budget committee by September
15th
of each year.
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E. BOARD OF STEWARDSHIP
Members/Terms:
1. Treasurer
2. Financial Secretary
3. Three voting members in good standing.
4. A term shall be three years.
Duties:
1. Promote a scriptural program of personal stewardship.
2. Submit a proposed board budget to the budget committee by September
15th
of each year.
Constitution and By-laws dated 4/24/77, Revised 11-2-97, Adopted 4-13-2008 20
ARTICLE VI - THE VOTERS ASSEMBLY
1. GENERAL
a. Meeting announcements - All regular and special meeting shall be announced in the public service (orally or in the bulletin) at least one
week prior to the meeting.
b. Additions to the Agenda of Regular Meetings - Any resolutions or
new business, not on the agenda, should be brought to the attention
of the chair prior to the meeting.
c. Special Meeting Agenda - The agenda of special meetings should be
limited to those items for which the meeting is called.
2. QUORUM
A quorum shall be 25 percent of all current voters in good standing. A
simple majority shall be required in ordinary business matters.
3. REPORTS
Regular Reports - The following shall present a report at all Voters
Assemblies: Pastor, Treasurer, Financial Secretary, Board of Elders, Board
of Trustees, Board of Evangelism, Board of Education and Board of Stewardship, and any appointed committee, shall submit a written report at
each regular council meeting. The Treasurer's report shall be submitted in
writing.
4. LENGTH OF MEETINGS
Every effort shall be made to conduct the business of the meeting in a
period not to exceed two (2) hours duration, exclusive of recesses.
Business meeting time may be extended in successive fifteen (15) minute
periods by majority consent of those members present.
5. MEETING REQUIREMENTS
a. Regular Meetings - shall be held during the first month of each
quarter beginning in January. An exception to this schedule shall be
November, at which meeting officers will be elected and the
proposed budget for the following year will be presented for
discussion and adoption.
Constitution and By-laws dated 4/24/77, Revised 11-2-97, Adopted 4-13-2008 21
b. Special Meetings - shall be called by the Chairman, the Pastor, a
majority of the Church Council, or by written request of 10 or more
voting members, approved by the Church Council
6. ORDER OF BUSINESS
Following is the suggested order of business for regular meetings of the
Voters Assembly:
1) Prayer
2) Attendance
3) Acceptance of minutes.
4) Reception of new voting members
5) Pastor report 6) Financial Secretary report
7) Treasurer report
8) Board reports/Sunday School Superintendent
9) Committee reports
10) Old Business
11) New business
12) Open
13) Adjournment with the Lord’s Prayer.
7. COMMITTEES AND ORGANIZATIONS
a. The council shall be empowered, through the Voters Assembly, to
appoint, establish, or elect such boards and committees as are
deemed essential for its proper function.
8. THE SEAL OF THE CONGREGATION
The Seal of the congregation presents the Cross and the Crown, as symbol
of Jesus Christ the crucified and risen Savior, and as King and Lord of the
Church. The Seal shall be affixed to all wedding, baptismal, and confirmation certificates; transfers and releases; pastoral calls; agreements
with workers; and to any other official document of Messiah Lutheran
Church when a seal is deemed advisable. The seal has no legal effect.