1. Congregation Name and Primary Location

The Name of this congregation shall be: THE FIRST LUTHERAN CHURCH OF BIRMINGHAM, ALABAMA. Ministries provided by this congregation may be held in a variety of locations and additional remote properties may be associated with this congregation.

 

2. Mission

First Lutheran Church exists to:

Connect People to Jesus so that lives are changed now and forever.

 

3. Confessional Standard
   • This congregation accepts and acknowledges all the canonical books of the Bible, Old and New Testament, as the inspired inerrant Word of God.
   • We further accept and acknowledge all the Symbolical Books of the Evangelical Lutheran Church contained in the Book of Concord, 1580, as a true and sound exposition of the Christian Doctrine taken from and in full agreement with the Holy Scriptures. No doctrine shall be taught which is contrary to the following:

     The three Ecumenical Creeds: Apostolic, Nicene, Athanasian.

The Unaltered Augsburg Confession.

The Apology of the Augsburg Confession.

The Smalcald Articles.

The Formula of Concord.

Luther’s Large Catechism.

Luther’s Small Catechism.

 

4. Synodical Membership
   This congregation is and shall remain a member of the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod (LCMS) as long as the Synod remains steadfast in the doctrinal basis as outlined in Article 3.0: Statement of Teaching. Synodical nonconformance shall be agreed upon by a two-thirds majority vote of a properly called voters’ meeting for that specific purpose and following interactive communication with District.

 

5. Membership
   • The congregation acknowledges three types of membership: baptized, confirmed, and voting.
     • Baptized members are those baptized in the name of the Triune God, the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, and who are under the spiritual care of the church, including children who have not yet been confirmed, and those transferring from another Christian church where they were baptized.
     • Confirmed members are those baptized members who have received a course of instruction in Christian doctrine, which meets with the approval of the Senior/Sole Pastor and have agreed to the covenant of membership.
     • Voting members are confirmed members that have reached the age of 16 years and participate in a legally called Congregational Assembly. Voting members must have reached the age of 18 to vote on matters which require the congregation to enter into a legal contractual agreement.

 

6. Duties and Privileges of Membership
   • The Christian Life
     • Members of First Lutheran Church understand that our faith is primarily lived out as we interact and connect with others in our family, the community and the world. Regularly “connecting to God” through worship, Bible study and prayer empowers us to follow Jesus and witness to him in our daily life.
     • Members of the Congregation shall:
       • lead a Christian life as taught in Galatians 5:19-26;
       • attend worship services faithfully and regularly;
       • partake of the Lord’s Supper frequently as commanded by Christ in Matthew 26:26-29;
       • As God has blessed them, contribute of their financial resources to the support, ministry and mission of this congregation.
       • Connect to their neighbors and the world by serving in a ministry that uses their gifts, abilities and passions.
       • Share the message of Christ and First Lutheran Church with others so that the kingdom of Christ grows (I Corinthians 16:2);
       • Submit to Christian correction according to Matthew 18, when having erred or offended; and
       • Not participate in or be members of any organization conflicting with the Word of God (Matthew 10:32).
     • Membership Termination
       • Membership shall be terminated by transfer to a sister congregation, by death, by joining a congregation outside the fellowship of the congregation, by excommunication, or by self-exclusion.
       • Confirmed members who conduct themselves in an un-Christian like manner shall be admonished according to Matthew 18:15-20. If they remain impenitent after proper admonition, they shall be excommunicated. In all disciplinary cases, the congregation will follow Matthew 18:15-20 and the procedure outlined in the Congregational Policy Manual.
       • Members are expected to live their lives in a manner that positively reflects on the ministry of First Lutheran Church. Membership in “secret organizations” or societies that publicly demonstrate anti-Christian views will lead to the disciplinary process (6.2.2) and if no resolution is reached the termination of membership.

 

7. The Offices of Pastor or Other Called Persons
   • The pastoral office of this Congregation as well as other called positions shall be conferred only on such ministers and other called candidates who profess and adhere to the confessional standard set forth in Article 3.0 of this Constitution and who are qualified for their work. Pastors and other called persons shall be pledged to this confessional standard. All pastors and called staff must be members of The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod and certified by the LCMS.
   • All called workers shall be selected by a two-thirds majority vote of the Congregational Assembly. The balloting shall be by secret ballot.
   • Removal from office: Any pastor or other Called worker may be removed from office by the Congregational Assembly by a three-fourths vote for one of the following reasons:
     • persistent adherence to false doctrine;
     • scandalous life;
     • neglect of duties; or
     • inability to perform duties

The balloting shall be by secret ballot.

• In the case of a vacancy in the office of an ordained or commissioned minister, the congregation shall notify the president of the District so that he or his representative may assist in temporarily filling the office and the call process.

 

8. Authority of the Congregational Assembly
   • The Congregational Assembly shall decide all matters relating to the Congregation brought before it in accordance with this Constitution and the Bylaws. All matters shall be decided by a majority vote unless otherwise specified by this Constitution or Bylaws. Matters of doctrine and conscience shall be decided only on the basis of the Word of God. This Assembly is the final authority and has the sole responsibility which cannot be delegated for:
     • amending the Constitution and Bylaws;
     • purchasing and selling of real property;
     • approving of the annual operating budget, including incurring a substantial indebtedness and any indebtedness secured by Congregational property;
     • approving of Officers, members of the Church Council and members of the Board of Deacons;
     • erecting of facilities (with a total projected cost of more than 50% of the annual church operating budget);
     • adopting of the long range plan;
     • the calling or release/removal of Pastor(s) and other called staff.
   • Right of Calling: The right of calling Pastors and called workers shall be vested in the Congregational Assembly and shall not be delegated to a smaller body or an individual.

 

9. Officers and Teams
   • This congregation, its ministries, business, facilities, and planning are led by the Senior/Sole Pastor and managed by called and contracted staff and lay leaders.
   • This Congregation shall have the following Officers and two standing teams:
     • The Church Council to govern through policy. They are accountable for setting and reviewing policy for congregational matters.
     • The Board of Deacons are to oversee the general spiritual life of the congregation. They are responsible for the evaluating doctrinal teaching for compliance to the Statement of Teaching (Article 3), and for assisting in member care.
   • The Congregational Assembly shall approve Confirmed Members at least 18 years of age to serve on the Church Council and on Board of Deacons.
   • The Assembly shall also approve the following Officers and Administrative Board chairmen of the Congregation who serve on the Church Council:
     • President
     • Vice President
     • Treasurer
     • Secretary
     • Chairmen of the following administrative boards
       • Christian Education
       • Evangelism
       • Fellowship
       • Stewardship
       • Trustees
     • The number of Church Council and Board of Deacons members shall be set by the Congregational Assembly and may be changed by it to meet the growth and responsibilities of the congregation, but in no case will there be less than six elected members on each team.
     • The Board of Deacons shall designate a Chairman from its members annually at the first regular meeting following the election of officers. The Board of Deacons Chairman shall be an ex officio member of the Church Council without vote.
     • The Senior/Sole Pastor serves on both the Board of Deacons and the Church Council as a voting member but is restricted from being chairman.

 

10. The Board of Deacons
    • Has the responsibility and authority to see that the Congregation remains faithful to and operates in accordance with the Bible, in accord with the congregation’s Statement of Teaching (Article 3 above) and is focused on the stated mission. The Team shall always keep the mission of First Lutheran Church (“To connect people to Jesus so that lives are changed now and forever”) at the heart of the congregation’s ministry.
    • Will assure that people are growing toward spiritual maturity through insightful and accurate biblical teaching.
    • Will assure that the corporate spiritual life of the congregation is being well They will raise up and support competent and godly leaders so that the spiritual and physical well being of those connected to First Lutheran Church is being encouraged and supported.
    • Shall regularly pray for all the needs of the congregation and its people and make certain that prayer is at the center of congregational life.
    • Shall be responsible for ensuring that the people of our community are engaged through a variety of events, servant opportunities and other appropriate ways.
    • Shall guard the Congregation against harmful influences. In the manner prescribed by Scripture, they shall confront those who are contradicting Biblical truth or who are continuing in patterns of sinful behavior. In every case they will see that the truth of Christ remain credible to both the Congregation and the community.

 

11. The Church Council
    • Shall have the power to govern by developing and implementing those policies and procedures as required to execute the plans approved by the Congregational Assembly, in accord with the Congregation’s Statement of Teaching (Article 3 above) and mission (“to connect people to Jesus so that lives are changed now and forever.”) The Church Council shall have no authority beyond that which has been conferred upon it by the Constitution, its Bylaws, or the Congregational Assembly, and powers delegated to the Church Council may at any time be altered or revoked by the Congregational Assembly.
    • Shall transact or supervise the transaction of all legal and general business of the Congregation (except that which is reserved for the Congregational Assembly and the Board of Deacons), including:
      • conduct business within the limitations of the annual operating budget plan approved by the Congregational Assembly,
      • annually report to the Congregational Assembly on the organizational and financial condition of the Congregation,
      • recommend an annual operating budget at the Congregational Assembly
    • Shall be responsible for developing policies that govern Senior/Sole Pastor as the accountable leader, identifying opportunities that support ministries, and approving resources to facilitate consulting or strategic planning.
    • Will assist in completing annual performance appraisals for Senior/Sole Pastor and Senior staff members identified by the Senior/Sole Pastor and the Church Council.
    • Will meet to address policy issues, review updates from staff, and coordinate official business of the congregation.

 

12. Division and Property Rights
    • All property of this Congregation shall be held in the corporate name as stated in Article 1.0.
    • If at any time a division should take place on account of doctrine, the property of the Congregation and all benefits connected therewith shall remain with those Confirmed Members who continue to adhere in confession and practice to Article 3.0 of this Constitution, as determined by the dispute resolution procedures of the LCMS.
    • If division takes place for any other reason, the property shall remain with the majority of the Confirmed Members who continue to adhere in confession and practice to Article 3.0 of this Constitution, as determined by the dispute resolution procedures of the LCMS.
    • In the event the Congregation should dissolve, the property and all rights connected therewith shall be transferred to the District of the LCMS in which the Congregation held membership at the time of dissolution.

 

13. Congregational Assembly Meetings
    • Regular Bi-Annual meetings of the Congregational Assembly shall be scheduled by the Notice of the meeting, place, date, time and the primary agenda to be considered shall be published in the Congregation’s bulletin or newsletter at least two weeks prior to the meeting date.
    • Members present at a validly called meeting shall constitute a quorum.
    • Special meetings of the Congregational Assembly may be called by the Senior/Sole Pastor, the President of the Congregation, the Board of Deacons, or the Church Council by announcing the purpose, date, time and place at least ten days prior to the meeting. Only announced agenda items may be considered at special meetings of the Assembly.
    • Policies may include provision for absentee voting and remote discussion

 

14. Amendments
    • Amendments to provisions of this Constitution may be adopted at a validly called meeting of the Congregational Assembly provided that:
      • The proposed amendment has been submitted in writing at a previous meeting of the Church Council and a majority of the team present has voted for its approval and the amendment has been published to the voting membership by mail at least two weeks prior to the meeting at which the proposed amendment will be acted upon;
      • An affirmative vote of two-thirds of the Voters present shall be secured.
      • Upon adoption, such amendment shall be submitted to the District of the LCMS in which the congregation holds membership for approval in accordance with LCMS Bylaws.

 

Bylaws

 

15. Standing Teams and Officers
    • Nominating Committee: The Board of Deacons shall act as the nominating committee for the congregation. While it may delegate its work to a subcommittee, the final slate of nominees must be approved by a majority of the Board of Deacons at an official meeting.
    • Nominations: Prior to a June Congregational Voters Assembly the existing Board of Deacons shall announce candidates to replace members that have fulfilled their respective terms for:
      • Congregational Officers (President, Vice President, Treasurer and Secretary.)
      • The Board of Deacons
      • The Church Council
    • Any Voting Member may nominate a candidate for any position at the Congregational Assembly.
    • Qualifications of Candidates: Candidates shall be confirmed members of the congregation who are 18 years of age or over and who possess the qualities of a spiritual leader at First Lutheran Church as enumerated below:
      • They are committed to the furthering of Christ’s Kingdom.
      • They remain informed about the issues, events, and ministry decisions that impact the congregation.
      • They are visionary in that they are able to see the whole picture (i.e. Keeping the congregation’s mission in mind, looking into the future, and the impact of the church’s ministry on the future).
      • They reflect an unbiased attitude with people and issues (empathetic to see all sides of the issues), and they have no hidden agendas shaping those decisions.
      • They are committed to growing spiritually and are consistently seeking spiritual counsel from the Lord through the ongoing study of God’s Word through Bible study and growth groups, an active prayer life, and regular attendance in worship and participation in the Lord’s Supper.
      • They reflect the attitude, heart, and mind of a servant.
      • They are committed to unity within the Body of Christ.
      • They are committed to carrying out God’s mission at First Lutheran Church.
      • They display mature stewardship of their time and talents and treasure.
      • They shall not be a paid staff member or the spouse of a paid staff (These individuals may serve as advisory members of the Board of Deacons.)
      • They consent to being nominated and fulfilling the responsibilities of the office to which they are to be elected.

 

16. Approvals and Terms of Office
    • The Officers of the Congregation (President, Vice-President, Secretary and Treasurer), members of the Board of Deacons and Church Council shall be approved by the Congregational Assembly. Each candidate approved by the congregation must receive a majority of the votes cast for each position. The approvals are by secret ballot.
    • The term of office shall be for two years, with approximately one-half of each team being chosen and approved each year.
    • Those elected as officers are approved for a two-year term. Every term of office shall begin on the first day of fiscal/program year following their election.
    • In the event of a vacancy in the Officers, on either the Board of Deacons or The Church Council, appointments to fill the unexpired terms shall be made by a majority vote of the Board of Deacons for a deacon position or the Church Council for a council position . The appointed individual shall serve until the term for that particular position expires.

 

17. Meetings
    • The Board of Deacons shall meet at least quarterly and may be called to meet more frequently at the request of the Senior/Sole Pastor or three Board of Deacons members. Minutes of the meetings shall be kept and shall disclose all official actions taken by the Board with the exception of personal spiritual matters and discussions which shall remain confidential.
    • The Church Council shall meet at least quarterly and may be called to meet more frequently at the request of the President, the Senior/Sole Pastor or three Church Council Minutes of each meeting shall be kept and shall disclose all actions taken by the Board.
    • Minutes of the meetings shall be available to Voting Members of the Congregation upon request.
    • The presence of a majority of the members shall constitute a quorum for any Board of Deacons or Church Council

 

18. Duties of Officers
    • The President of the Congregation
      • shall be the principal Officer of the Congregation, subject to the direction and control of the Church Council.
      • shall preside over the Congregational Assembly (in accordance with the latest revised edition of Roberts Rules of Order).
      • preside over the Church Council
      • shall sign all legal documents with the Secretary, on behalf of the Congregation.
      • shall enforce the Constitution and Bylaws
      • shall perform such additional duties as may be directed by the Congregational Assembly from time to time.
      • The President shall have the authority to appoint additional members to serve with the Church Council from time to time when it is in the best interest of the church. The appointed members shall have equal rights in the Church Council, but they will not assume any of the duties of the elected Church Council members.(adopted 11/23/25)
      •  
    • The Vice-President of the Congregation
      • shall perform those duties assigned by the President,
      • in the absence of the President, shall assume and perform the duties of the President.
    • The Secretary of the Congregation.
      • shall keep accurate records of all Congregational Assembly Meetings.
      • shall prepare agendas and minutes of previous meetings for distribution at the Congregational Assembly.
      • shall maintain an accurate list of all members of the Congregational Assembly and all Officers of the Congregation.
      • shall maintain an accurate copy of the Constitution and Bylaws of this Congregation, as amended, governing policies, and any other documents vital to the legal and business interests of the Congregation.
      • shall sign all legal documents, with the President, on behalf of the Congregation.
    • The Treasurer of the Congregation
      • is the principal financial and accounting officer of the Congregation and shall oversee the financial assets of the Congregation.
      • shall be responsible for seeing that the collection, receipt, custody, and disbursement of all funds and securities are handled in compliance of policy and provided for, and that all moneys and other valuable effects in the name and for the credit of the Congregation are deposited in banks or other legal depositories.
      • shall be responsible for seeing that the policies of the Congregation relating to the approval, grant, or extension of credit by the Congregation are carried out and that adequate insurance for the Congregation is procured and maintained.
      • shall ensure that persons responsible for the maintenance of adequate books of financial accounts for the Congregation are in compliance with policies, and shall monitor and ensure that accurate records of the financial position of the Congregation are kept on a fiscal year basis.
      • shall make recommendations to the Church Council concerning financial trends and planning, and shall cause to be performed an annual financial review by a qualified third party.

18.5 The Administrative Boards-General Duties and Powers of the Administrative Boards:

18.5.1 Each Administrative Board shall submit a report of its activities at each regular meeting of the Voters Assembly 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.

18.5.2. Each Administrative 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.

18.5.3. Each Administrative Board shall be empowered to administer all funds set aside for its work by budget appropriation or by special resolutions of the Voters Assembly, provided that the Voters Assembly may at its discretion, restrict such expenditures to conform with the actual financial condition of the Congregation at any given time.

18.5.4. Each Administrative Board shall be jointly and severally liable for all expenditures not authorized either by the budget or by special resolution of the congregation.

18.5.5. Each Administrative Board shall keep a permanent set of minutes of each meeting and such minutes shall be the property of the congregation.

18.5.6. Each Administrative Board shall be under the direct control and supervision of the Director of that Board. Following the election of the Director of each Board the Board Director shall recruit additional members of the Board as needed to accomplish its responsibilities. The Director of the respective Board shall designate and appoint from among the Board members, at his/her own discretion, those individuals who are to be responsible for 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.

18.5.7.The time and frequency of Board meetings shall be at the discretion of the Director of the Board and the Board members, except that, as a minimum a meeting shall be held sometime during the two weeks prior to the regular Voters Meeting and for good and sufficient reason, either the President of the congregation or the Pastor may call a meeting of the Board at any time. 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.

18.6.The Board of Deacons:

18.6.1. 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 at least 6 members, including the elected Director of the Board. The basic objectives of this Board is the actual welfare of the Pastor and the 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 designed 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 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 new pastor when a vacancy occurs.
7. Maintain discipline within the congregation according to Scripture, the Lutheran Confessions and Section 10 of the Constitution of this congregation and exercise discipline when required.
8. Take spiritual charge and oversight of the geographical or family groupings assigned to them in liaison with the Pastor(s) and other concerned Boards of the congregation.
9. Ensure that the congregation functions in accordance with the established doctrine of the Church as listed in Section 3 of the Constitution.

• Determine eligibility for membership of all individuals and families applying for membership in this congregation according to Section 5 of the Constitution.
• See to the prompt transfer of all members who move away and of new Lutheran families moving into the community,
• Engage in member conservation and discipleship training in conjunction with the Board of Evangelism and the Board of Stewardship,
• 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 Committee and engage in visitation of all sick, hospitalized, aged, and shut-ins in the congregation continually.

• Investigate cases of severe financial need within the congregation and make specific recommendations to the Pastor (a) and the Board of Stewardship.
• 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.
• 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,
• Be present for periodic training as determined by the Pastor (s) and this Board,

19. For administrative purposes and program development, the Lutheran Women’s League, and Adult League will be accountable to this Board.

• Encourage spiritual programs in the societies of the congregation generally.
• Submit an annual budget request in the form and at the time requested by the Board of Stewardship.

18.6.2 FOR THE WORSHIP OF THE CONGREGATION

1. Supervise the organist of the congregation.
2. Provide for vicars, assistants, substitute pastors and guest speakers as needed.
3. Staff, train and supervise the ushering staff.
4. Assist the Pastor (s) with communion distribution, reading of Scripture, preaching, etc. as required,
5. Set the time, schedule and number of communion services in conjunction with the Pastor (s), and the Voters Assembly.
6. Approve and disapprove new forms of worship, liturgies, and hymns for use in public worship,
7. Supervise the Altar Guild in the care, use, and maintenance of the sacred vessels, the altar, the altar furnishings, and vestments,
8. 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,
9. Coordinate with the Altar Guild all church and chancel decorations, and the distribution of altar flowers to the sick and shut-ins,
10. Plan and publicize the services for the year.
11. Supervise the budgeted allotment for the selections and procurement of appropriate music, supervision of choirs, and other related matters in conjunction with the Director of Music.
12. Recommend and annually compensation and personnel for the music staff as required for public worship.
13. Arrange and publicize special services as required,
14. Maintain and supervise adequate nursery facilities and personnel.

18.7.    The Board of Trustees

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

 

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

1. Make an annual inspection of the church properties and equipment and recommend to the Voters Assembly needed repairs, improvements, or replacements.
2. Conduct an 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 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, and 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 and negotiate insurance contracts.
12. Check all property twice a year for fire hazards.
13. Enlist work crews for special repair, improvement, cleaning, painting, decorating, landscaping, and other projects.
14. Arrange for immediate repairs 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.

• Make an annual inventory of official documents in safekeeping, and enter its completion in the official minutes of the congregation.
• Sign official documents and contracts that have been negotiated and approved by the congregation.
• Obtain legal information on the laws governing nonprofit organizations.
• Set all policies and fees for rental, use and lending of church properties.
• Submit an annual budget request to the Board of Stewardship in the form and at the time requested by that Board.

18.8.    The Board of Christian Education

• The basic objectives of this Board are to plan and administer the total educational program 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 program of the congregation. 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, 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 Christian Day School, Sunday School, weekday 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.
7. Maintain a “people accounting system” to record members’ participation in the education program and to follow-up the uninvolved
8. Work with organizations and other Boards and Committees to coordinate educational activities within the congregation.
9. Provide, in conjunction with the Board of Evangelism, for the recruitment of pupils for the educational agencies of the church.
10. Encourage increasing participation of every congregation member in Bible Study, privately and in formal and informal groups.
11. Delegate administration of education agencies to qualified persons.
12. Exercise leadership in gathering lists of candidates for vacancies in the teaching staff and for properly calling or contracting professional teachers.
13. Identify, 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.
16. Encourage Christian education programs in societies of the congregation such as the LLL, Business Women’s Club, Adult League, Lutheran Women’s League.
17. Consider special classes, courses, conferences, retreats, and the like for special purposes and for special groups.
18. Maintain, improve, and cultivate the use of the church library.
19. Provide for and promote the use of audiovisual aids and to this end establish and maintain a film library.
20. Provide and/or promote subscriptions to church periodicals.
21. Study and adopt or adapt helps suggested by the education departments of Synod, District, and Circuit.
22. 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 Pastor, teachers, and the
23. Annually examine the education facilities and equipment and make recommendations to the Board of Trustees as to upkeep, repairs, and replacements needed as well as new equipment needed.
24. Check the safety of education facilities, steps, handrails, lights, exits, housekeeping practices, fire drills, and the like on a regular basis.
25. Prepare and submit an annual budget request in the form and at the time requested by the Board of Stewardship.

18.9.    The Board of Parish Fellowship

18.9.1. The basic objectives of this Board are the strengthening of the fellowship between the congregation members spiritually and socially, the integration of new members into the life of the congregation and the general upbuilding of mutual cooperation. 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 to 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 night, 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 night, 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 Trustees.
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 and equipment use for the various activities sponsored by this and other Boards, groups, and committees who have requested and received approval of an activity in our facilities. This includes the kitchen, fellowship hall, etc.
12. Submit an annual budget request in the form and at the time requested by the Board of Stewardship.

18.10.The Board of Stewardship

• 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, first fruits giving.
• That the objectives of this Board may be carried out, the Board, either corporately or through specifically designated individuals shall:

• Study the Scriptural principles regarding the total stewardship calling of the Christian as a member of his/her family, as a neighbor and citizen, and as a congregation member and share these insights with congregation members.
• 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.
• Maintain a program to discover and enlist for Kingdom service the talents God has given members, old and new, young people and adults.
• 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.
• 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, first fruits giving in response to received blessings and recognized needs.
8. Annually give every member an opportunity to make a commitment of his/her treasure for Kingdom work through the congregation.
9. Initiate an annual preparation and presentation to the congregation of a 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, film and filmstrips, letters and tracts, appearances of missionaries and the like.
11. Administer the congregation’s Welfare Fund in conjunction with the recommendations of the Board of Deacons.
12. 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.
13. Enlist a Visitation Committee in conjunction with the Pastor (s) and the Board of Deacons.
14. Annually prepare and submit as part of the budget a selected list of charities for the congregation and suggest the source of revenue designated for the purpose.
15. Evaluate and make recommendations for gifts of love by individuals and the congregation as a whole.
16. 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.
17. Review, accept, or decline all offers of non-solicited gifts to the congregation.
18. Evaluate various programs for endowments, remembrance of the congregation in wills, bequests, and the like.
19. 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 life either of Lutheran, private or public nature.
20. 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.
21. Encourage and enlist the young people of the congregation for full-time service in the church as Pastors, teachers, and the like.
22. 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.
23. Evaluate the offerings of the congregation regularly, and share these evaluations with the members of the congregation.
24. Encourage stewardship programs in the societies and auxiliaries of the congregation.
25. Annually review the budgeting procedures of the congregation in conjunction with the Treasurer and Financial Secretary and recommend to the congregation any necessary improvements or revisions.

 

18.10.3.    Financial Secretary

• The Director of Stewardship shall appoint a Financial Secretary from among those men and women of the congregation. They shall:

1. Be responsible for the accurate accounting, 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 nonmembers. 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 annual statement to members, showing their offerings to date.
3. Furnish the Treasurer with a duplicate deposit slip for all deposits.
4. Be responsible for 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 the congregation, and such bond shall be procured and the premium paid by the congregation.
7. Give an annual report to the Voters Assembly
   • The Board of Evangelism

18.11.1. 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 an intensive every member education program annually.
5. Maintain an ongoing visitation program, 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 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 maintenance and follow-up of lay visitors.
14. Before organization of Pastor’s instruction classes, conduct special visitation 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 about 6 to 12 months.
17. Periodically sponsor dinners, fellowship nights, etc., in conjunction with the Board of Parish Fellowship which will serve as 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. Encourage evangelism programs in the societies of the congregation.
21. Engage at least once yearly, in self-study of methods, progress, and the life of the Boards work.
22. Submit to the Board of Stewardship, in the appropriate form and at the time requested, a budget request for the coming year’s work.

 

18.11.2. The Board of Evangelism shall be responsible for Public Relations.

1. Represent the congregation in community activities as well as keeping the congregation informed of social, political, and economic developments within the community.
2. 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.
3. Work with other churches to improve the unified Christian image to the community and to implement the Church’s mission.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. Publish and distribute to members and prospects a newsletter at least 10 times a year.
7. Maintain the church bulletin boards indoors and outdoors and recommend appropriate messages and theme for publication.
8. Establish and vigorously pursue a program for endowing the congregation through wills, bequests, foundations, and other sources.
9. Work for the overall enhancement of the congregation’s image in the various news media and publications of the community.
10. Establish and maintain friendly relations between the congregation and the professional community service and governmental agencies within the community.
11. Work together with the Board of Deacons in making the visitors feel welcome in our midst.
12. Submit an annual budget request.

 

 

19. Amending the Bylaws
    • Amendments to these Bylaws may be adopted at a validly called meeting of the Congregational Assembly provided that:
    • The proposed amendment has been submitted in writing at a previous meeting of the Board of Directors and a majority of the team present has voted for its approval
    • The amendment has been distributed in the usual public manner to the congregation at least two weeks prior to the meeting at which the proposed amendment will be acted upon;
    • An affirmative vote of a majority of the Voters present shall be secured.
    • Upon adoption, such amendment shall be submitted to the Southern District LCMS Committee on Constitutions/Bylaws for approval in accordance with LCMS Bylaws.

 

20. Daily Operations and Procedures
    • Operations and Procedures which are not specifically addressed in the Constitution and Bylaws are covered by the Board of Directors Policy Manual of First Lutheran Church.