Bylaws

revised 9/23/91

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BYLAWS

SECTION 1-THE CONGREGATIONAL MEETING

1.1. All congregational meetings shall be opened and closed with appropriate devotional exercises.

1.2. In the following cases the vote shall be by ballot.

1.2.1. A quorum for any regular or special meeting of the congregation shall be five percent (5%) of the voting members.

1.2.2. To elect officers and members of all boards.

1.2.3. To adopt, repeal, change or amend the Articles of Incorporation, Constitution, or Bylaws of the congregation.

1.2.4. To call a pastor or to sever official connections with her/him.

1.2.5. To suspend or dismiss any officer of the congregation.

1.2.6. To authorize an expenditure of more than three hundred dollars ($300.00).

1.3. The order of business at the annual meeting shall be:

1. The minutes

2. The reports of:


The Pastor(s)
Cabinet Treasurer
Other reports

3. Elections

4. Other Business

1.4. The secretary of the congregation shall at each annual meeting provide the president with an up-to-date alphabetical list of the voting members in good standing.

1.5. In all matters not specifically provided for herein, procedure shall be according to Robert's Rules of Order, Newly Revised.

SECTION 2 - MEMBERSHIP

2.1. Baptized members

2.1.1. A child, one or both of whose parents or guardians are members of the congregation, shall upon receiving baptism, become a baptized member.

2.1.2. A child, neither of whose parents or guardians is a member of the congregation, shall upon receiving baptism become a baptized member, unless for good reason she/he is to be a baptized member of another congregation, in which case her/his membership shall be transferred to that congregation.

2.1.3. A child baptized in another congregation shall be received as a baptized member in the congregation when a transfer has been received or when the Cabinet has determined the applicant meets the membership standards specified in the constitution and bylaws.

2.1.4. An unbaptized adult who has received instruction and has given evidence of an adequate understanding and acceptance of the teachings of the Word of God as confessed by the Lutheran Church, shall upon confession of faith and baptism, become a baptized member of the congregation.

2.2. Confirmed Members

2.2.1. A baptized adult, not previously a confirmed member of a Lutheran congregation, shall become a confirmed member of the congregation through the rite of confirmation or affirmation of faith after having received instruction and given evidence of adequate understanding of the teachings of the Word of God as confessed by the Lutheran Church.

2.2.2. A baptized member of the congregation shall become a confirmed member through the rite of confirmation; except that an adult who has become a baptized member in accordance with the provisions of Part 2.1.4. of this Section of the bylaws shall be considered a confirmed member without participation in the rite of confirmation.

2.2.3. An applicant for membership who presents a Letter of Transfer which certifies that she/he is a confirmed member in good standing of a Lutheran congregation shall become a confirmed member of the congregation upon approval by the Cabinet. The acceptance of the application shall be reported to the congregation.

2.2.4. An applicant for membership who presents evidence of confirmation in a Lutheran congregation but does not have a Letter of Transfer shall be admitted to confirmed membership when the Cabinet has determined that she/he meets the standards of Christian faith and life indicated in the constitution and bylaws and when she/he has reaffirmed his faith before the congregation.

2.3. Voting Members

2.3.1. The Cabinet shall determine the roster of voting members of the congregation in accordance with the provisions of the constitution and bylaws. The term "in good standing" shall be defined to include:

2.3.1.1. those who partake of Holy Communion;

2.3.1.2. those who contribute to the congregational treasury according to the congregation's record;

2.3.1.3. those who participate in the life and worship of the congregation.

2.3.2. All confirmed members shall be entitled to vote at meetings of the congregation, provided, however, that minors who are confirmed members shall not be entitled to vote on those matters which the laws of the State of Minnesota reserve to persons who have reached majority.

2.4. Discontinuance of Membership

2.4.1. The congregation shall, in the event of removal of a member from the community it serves, encourage the member to request a transfer to a Lutheran congregation which can serve her/him effectively. Should the member fail to request a transfer, a Lutheran congregation in the community of her/his residence shall be notified.

2.4.2. A confirmed member in good standing desiring to change her/his membership to another Lutheran congregation shall, upon request, receive a Letter of Transfer.

2.4.3. A confirmed member who does not, for a period of one year, partake of Holy Communion, support the church with her/his offerings, and does not appear to desire to participate in the life and worship of the congregation shall be visited by the pastor and the congregation's officers and encouraged by them to active membership. If, during the second year, the confirmed member does not actively participate, her/his name shall be removed from the membership roster of the congregation but be retained on a responsibility list as one who is in special need of the congregation's prayer and concern.

2.4.4. A child, neither of whose parents or guardians is a member of the congregation, may be removed from the roster of baptized members if she/he fails to participate in the life and the worship of the.church.

2.5. Discipline

2.5.1. In exercising discipline as provided in the constitution, the following shall be the procedure:

2.5.1.1. A person who is requested to appear before the Cabinet for possible discipline, shall be advised in writing no less than ten days prior to the hearing. The written notice shall include the time and place of the hearing and shall specify the exact reason for the possible discipline. If a person fails to appear at the time and place without valid excuse, the Cabinet may proceed with the hearing and may reach its conclusion in her/his absence.

2.5.1.2. Should the person be found guilty by a two-thirds vote of the members of the Cabinet, the Cabinet shall impose one of the following:


(a) censure before the Cabinet or congregation;
(b) suspension from membership until proof is given of sufficient repentance and amendment;
(c) exclusion from membership and denial of Sacraments.

2.5.1.3. In the event of the imposition of (b) or (c) above, the action of the Cabinet shall be in writing.

SECTION 3 - THE PASTORAL CALL

3.1. The congregation having voted, in accordance with Article 9 to call a pastor, shall issue a letter of call in a form approved by the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America which shall bear the signature of the President and Secretary and shall be attested by the Synod Bishop.

3.2. Calls to an associate ministry shall be issued in consultation with the present ministry and in accordance with the provisions of this section. The letter of call shall in each instance clearly specify relationships.

3.3. The call shall be for an indefinite time, except that calls for a limited time may be issued to pastors who are qualified for emeritus status and are otherwise eligible for call.

3.4. Since a pastor ministers to the congregation primarily in the public preaching of the Word and in the administration of the Sacraments, and since both pastor and congregation are parties to the call, no pastor shall announce her/his decision on any subsequent call without first having consulted with the congregation or at least with its church council. Should a pastor thereupon resign to accept another call, her/his resignation shall be presented to the congregation and mutually satisfactory arrangements sought for terminating her/his services, normally within 30 days.

3.5. A desire for a change in pastorate, either by congregation or pastor, shall be brought to the attention of the Synod Bishop, who shall advise in the matter according to ARTICLE 9 of the Constitution and established procedure of the church.

SECTION 4 - OFFICERS, BOARDS, COMMITTEES

4.1. Duties of Officers

4.1.1. President The President shall preside over all meetings of the congregation and the Cabinet and the Executive Committee. The President shall be an advisory member of all Commissions. She/He shall, with the Pastor, oversee the work of the Commissions to see that the duties of each Commission are carried out.

4.1.2. Vice President The Vice President shall perform the duties of the President in the event of absence, disability or vacancy in the office of President. She/He may hold the President's advisory membership on any Commission if so designated by the President.

4.1.3. Secretary The Secretary shall keep the minutes of the congregation, Executive Committee and Cabinet, and provide the President with a current alphabetical list of the voting membership of the congregation at each congregational meeting.

4.2. Duties of the Executive Committee

4.2.1. To conduct the necessary business of the congregation between Cabinet meetings. Action by the Executive Committee shall be subject to review by the Cabinet.

4.2.2. To carry out the necessary business of the congregation between Cabinet meetings. Action by the Executive Committee shall be subject to review by the Cabinet.

4.3. Duties of the Cabinet

In addition to the duties assigned in the Constitution, the Cabinet shall:

4.3.1. Provide leadership in the congregation working with the pastor to guide the work, witness, worship and service the congregation.

4.3.2. Promote the implementation of programs of concern and assistance for the sick and needy, in both body and spirit.

4.3.3. Examine and pass upon the applicants for membership in the congregation

4.3.4. In the event of a vacancy in the pastoral office, make temporary arrangements for conducting the duties of this office.

4.3.5. Be responsible for short and long range planning. Special committees may be appointed to fulfill this responsibility.

4.3.6. Be responsible for the use of the buildings of the congregation.

4.3.7. As legal trustees, be the custodian of the congregation's property, have charge of the finances pertaining to the maintenance of the congregation and care for these in conformity with the constitution, bylaws and resolutions of the congregation.

4.3.8. Not sell, convey, encumber or otherwise dispose of any of the real property of the congregation without authorization by the congregation and in accordance with Minnesota Statutes 315.12.

4.3.9. Have authority to transfer funds from any unused budget item to any other budget item. It shall not authorize expenditures in excess of the total budget without prior approval of the congregation.

4.3.10. Provide leadership and supervision of the educational program of the congregation.

4.3.11. Secure necessary staff other than pastors; maintain job descriptions for each position; prepare and implement a personnel policy.

4.3.12. Annually prepare a budget for submission to the congregation.

4.3.13. Fill any vacancies that occur on the Cabinet or on any Commission.

4.4. Commissions and Their Duties

4.4.1. The Commissions of the congregation shall direct the activities of the congregation in their respective areas and shall implement additional duties assigned by the Cabinet. Functions of each of the Commissions are specified below.

4.4.2. Commission on Business Management shall:

4.4.2.1. Have charge of the congregation's budget expenditure, purchasing and accounting procedures; payroll and financial records; legal matters and documents;

4.4.2.2. Maintain appropriate insurance on the congregation's property;

4.4.2.3. Annually appoint a Treasurer from the congregation, subject to approval by the Cabinet. The Treasurer shall be custodian of the funds of the congregation and shall disburse such funds in accordance with the resolutions of the congregation and Cabinet. She/He shall make payments only on order of the Cabinet or the congregation. She/He shall provide the Commission on Business Management and the Cabinet with a monthly report. She/He shall be an advisory member of the Commission;

4.4.2.4. Annually appoint a Financial Secretary from the congregation, subject to approval by the Cabinet. The Financial Secretary shall maintain records of all contributions and furnish a statement of contributions to all members of the congregation as required by the Commission. She/He shall be an advisory member of the Commission;

4.4.2.5. Receive budget requests from the Commissions and other organizations and shall draft an annual budget for submission to the Cabinet;

4.4.2.6. Prepare job descriptions, salary and other benefit schedules in consultation with appropriate commission for submission to the Cabinet;

4.4.2.7. Appoint an auditing committee to audit the books of the Treasurer and report to the annual meeting;

4.4.2.8. Assure itself that the Treasurer and others who have access to the funds of the congregation are adequately bonded;

4.4.2.9. Have charge of the maintenance, upkeep and repair of all the congregation's property, including janitorial services and property orderliness, cleanliness and appearance;

4.4.2.10. Maintain a property inventory;

4.4.2.11. Formulate property rules and regulations and regulate use of buildings.

4.4.3. Commission on Membership and Church Life shall:

4.4.3.1. Be responsible for involving members in the life of the congregation, including arranging for new member receptions;

4.4.3.2. Cooperate in the sponsorship of all church activities; such as family nights, social, recreational and athletic activities;

4.4.3.3. As a nominating committee, nominate at least one person for each position to be elected at the annual meeting and, in the event of a vacancy, shall submit a nominee to the Cabinet;

4.4.3.4. Be certain that membership records are current.

4.4.4. Commission on Outreach shall:

4.4.4.1. Plan and implement, with Cabinet approval, services and action which will enrich the spiritual life of the congregation and community;

4.4.4.2. Seek to recover inactive members;

4.4.4.3. Seek out the unchurched;

4.4.4.4. Enlist and equip members for verbal witness.

4.4.5. Commission on Pastoral Affairs shall:

4.4.5.1. Give help and counsel to the pastor(s) in her/his central tasks of preaching, administering the Sacraments, and performing the other duties of his office;

4.4.5.2. Secure and bring to the pastor(s) any unmet needs for pastoral service;

4.4.5.3. Counsel with the pastor(s) on matters of doctrine, church policy and disciplinary action.

4.4.6. Commission on Worship Music and Arts shall:

4.4.6.1. Have charge of arrangement for the congregation's service of worship, and preparation for administration of the Sacraments and care of the altar;

4.4.6.2. Oversee the music program of the church;

4.4.6.3. Make recommendations for the positions of choir director(s) and organist. The choir director(s) and organist shall be advisory members of the Commission;

4.4.6.4. Study and select liturgical services, including experimental services;

4.4.6.5. Promote and foster the effective use of music and arts in the life of the congregation;

4.4.6.6. Be certain ushers, lectors and communion assistants are selected for all regular and special services.

4.4.7. Commission on Church in Society shall:

4.4.7.1. Have charge of those activities that can express the congregation's concern in the community, nation and world;

4.4.7.2. Conduct an on-going program to inform the congregation and to attempt to involve the membership in such activities;

4.4.7.3. Develop relations with other churches and groups in the community in meeting common community needs.

4.4.8. Commission on Education shall:

4.4.8.1. Have charge of the entire Christian education program of the congregation;

4.4.8.2. Select and train all teachers and select instructional material;

4.4.8.3. Consult with the pastor(s) regarding confirmation instruction and materials;

4.4.8.4. Develop and maintain adult education programs;

4.4.8.5. Select a librarian(s) and oversee the library program.

4.4.9. Commission on Youth shall:

4.4.9.1. Have charge of and supervise all youth activities, including junior high and senior high programs;

4.4.9.2. Oversee young adult ministry of the congregation.

4.4.10. Commission on Stewardship shall:

4.4.10.1. Be responsible for benevolence education and giving;

4.4.10.2. Prepare and execute an ingathering of pledges and underwriting the budget.

4.4.11. Commission on Communications shall:

4.4.11.1. Be responsible for developing means of communication with the members of the congregation, including publishing newsletters and congregational directories.

4.4.12. Commission on Long-Range Planning shall:

4.4.12.1. Be responsible for long-range planning for the congregation;

4.4.12.2. Accept and be responsive to requests for assistance submitted by the Cabinet or congregation.

4.5. Membership of Cabinet and Commissions

4.5.1. Members of the Commissions shall be elected at the May congregational meeting, each for a term of two years. Members shall be elected so that approximately one-half the membership is elected each year.

4.5.2. The number of members on each Commission shall be determined by Cabinet. Each shall have at least five members including the chairperson.

4.5.3. Any voting member in good standing who has attained the age of eighteen (18) years may be a member of the Cabinet. Any confirmed member may be a member of a Commission.

4.5.4. The pastor(s) shall be advisory members of all Commissions.

4.5.5. No person shall hold any one elective position for more than two consecutive, full terms.

4.5.6. No member shall hold more than one office or serve on more than one Commission at a time.

4.5.7. In the event of any vacancy in any elective office, the Cabinet shall elect a successor to complete the term of office.

4.5.8. Any member of the Cabinet who is absent from two consecutive meetings of the Cabinet shall be consulted by the President. If she/he is absent from three consecutive regular meetings without valid excuse the Cabinet shall declare the position vacant.

4.5.9. Any member of a Commission who is absent from two consecutive meetings of the Commission shall be consulted by the Commission chairperson. If she/he is absent from three consecutive regular meetings without valid excuse the Cabinet shall declare the position vacant.

4.6. Meetings of the Cabinet and Commissions

4.6.1. A quorum for any meeting of the Cabinet or a Commission shall be one-half the membership excluding ex-officio and advisory members.

4.6.2. The Cabinet and Commissions shall meet at least once each month.

4.6.3. Each Commission shall prepare a monthly report of activities to be presented in writing to the Cabinet.

4.6.4. A special meeting of the Cabinet or any Commission may be called by the Pastor(s), President or Chairperson of the Commission or by any three members of the Cabinet or Commission.

4.6.5. Unless otherwise provided, procedure shall be in accordance with "Robert's Rules of Order, Newly Revised" for all Cabinet and Commission meetings.

SECTION 5 - REPORTS OF ORGANIZATIONS

5.1. All committee and organizations handling funds within the congregation shall submit reports to the Treasurer or the church office at least ten days prior to the January congregational meeting.

SECTION 6 - AMENDMENTS

6.1. Bylaws may be amended in the following manner:

(1) The proposed amendment must be presented at a legally called meeting of the congregation and approved by a majority vote of those present and voting.

(2) The proposed amendment must be ratified without further change at a subsequent legally called meeting of the congregation by a majority vote of those present and voting.

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