1. The Board of Deacons:

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.
10. Determine eligibility for membership of all individuals and families applying for membership in this congregation according to Section 5 of the Constitution.
11. See to the prompt transfer of all members who move away and of new Lutheran families moving into the community,
12. Engage in member conservation and discipleship training in conjunction with the Board of Evangelism and the Board of Stewardship,
13. Engage in continual review of communion and church attendance of all members, make calls on delinquents, follow-up on all newborn children in the congregation until they are baptized.

14.Train and supervise a Visitation Committee and engage in visitation of all sick, hospitalized, aged, and shut-ins in the congregation continually.

15. Investigate cases of severe financial need within the congregation and make specific recommendations to the Pastor (a) and the Board of Stewardship.

1. Be concerned about and supervise thorough instruction of youth and adults for confirmation and church membership in accordance with the policies and aims of the Board of Christian Education.

17. Be responsible for a friendly personal welcome of visitors at worship and for orientation and integration of new members in conjunction with the Board of Evangelism,

1. 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.
20. Encourage spiritual programs in the societies of the congregation generally.

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

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.

B. 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.

.C. 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.

D. The Board of Parish Fellowship

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.

E. 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.

 

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
8. The Board of Evangelism

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.

 

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.