1. religion and spirituality
2. christianity

Final Draft May 31, 2015
CONSTITUTION OF
IMMANUEL EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH
EASTON, MARYLAND
PREAMBLE
In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
We, the members of the Christian Church, which is the Body of Christ, desiring to be
blessed together with Word and Sacrament and to unite as a congregation in the
common confession, defense, and propagation of our faith in Jesus Christ our Lord and
Savior, do hereby adopt this constitution and solemnly pledge ourselves to be governed
by its provisions.
ARTICLE I
NAME AND INCORPORATION
The name of this congregation shall be Immanuel Evangelical Lutheran Church, Easton,
Maryland, incorporated under the Corporate Statutes of the State of Maryland.
ARTICLE II
STATEMENT OF PURPOSE
In grateful response to God’s grace and empowered by the Holy Spirit through the Word
and Sacraments, we glorify Jesus as Lord, nurture one another, grow spiritually, share
God’s gifts, and proclaim the Gospel to all.
In grateful response to God’s grace and empowered by the Holy Spirit through
the Word and Sacraments, we proclaim the Gospel of Christ to all by loving God
in worship and stewardship, growing together in God’s Word, and serving others
in mission and ministry.
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ARTICLE III
CONFESSION OF FAITH
This congregation acknowledges and accepts all the canonical books of the Old and
New Testament as the inspired Word of God.
In addition, the collective Symbolical Books of the Evangelical Lutheran Church as
contained in the Book of Concord of 1580 are acknowledged and accepted as the true
and sound exposition of the Word of God. The Symbolical Books include the three
Ecumenical Creeds, the Apostolic, the Nicene, and the Athanasian; the Unaltered
Augsburg Confession; the Apology thereof; the Smalcald Articles; Luther’s Large
Catechism; Luther’s Small Catechism; and the Formula of Concord.
Together these form the norm and standard for all doctrine and life in this congregation.
ARTICLE IV
SYNODICAL AFFILIATION
This congregation shall be affiliated with the Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod as long
as in doctrine and practice this Synod adheres to the Word of God and to the
Symbolical Books named in Article III of this constitution.
It shall be the duty of this congregation and its individual members to support the work
of the Synod and assist in its task of building up the kingdom of God.
ARTICLE V
MEMBERSHIP
A. Baptized Members
All those who are baptized “in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy
Spirit” and who are under the spiritual care of this congregation shall be considered
baptized members.
B. Communicant Members
All those baptized members who accept and adhere to the doctrinal standards of Article
III of this Constitution and who have been received through the rite of confirmation, by
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transfer from a sister congregation, by profession of faith, or by reaffirmation of faith in
accordance with the By-Laws of this Constitution, shall be considered communicant
members.
C. Voting Members
All communicant members of this congregation who have attained the age of eighteen
(18) and who have accepted and signed the Constitution and By-Laws of this
congregation shall be considered Voting Members.
ARTICLE VI
GOVERNING AUTHORITY
A. Voters’ Assembly
The Voters’ Assembly is a quorum of voting members present at a legally called or
regularly scheduled meeting of the membership. It shall be the governing authority in
the congregation and any member may appeal to it in regard to any matter relating to
the affairs and government of the congregation. Its decisions shall be final and binding,
but such decisions must always be in accord with the Word of God and the Symbolical
Books (Article III) of the Evangelical Lutheran Church.
B. Board of Trustees
The Voters’ Assembly shall elect six five members from the congregation to serve as a
Board of Trustees. They shall fill the offices of President, Vice President, Recording
Secretary, Financial Secretary, and Treasurer. , and Trustee-at-Large. Women may
serve in the offices of Recording Secretary, Financial Secretary, and Treasurer. The
Head Elder and the Pastor shall also be full members of this Board. The Trustees shall
be responsible for carrying out their duties of office and the business of the
congregation as authorized by this Constitution and By-laws and by the Voters’
Assembly.
C. Church Planning Council
The Church Planning Council shall consist of the Board of Trustees and the chairman
(or a representative) of each administrative board and shall be the forum for reporting
activities, expressing needs, and planning programs in each area of responsibility as
defined in the By-laws. Auxiliary Organizations
All programs and activities of auxiliary organizations and special interest groups shall
be subject to the control and guidance of the Board of Trustees.
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ARTICLE VII
PASTORS AND PROFESSIONAL STAFF
A. The right to call Pastors or professional church workers shall be vested in the Voters’
Assembly of this congregation.
B. Only such candidates shall be called to serve in these offices who profess
acceptance of and pledge faithful adherence to the Confession of Faith of Article III
of this Constitution and whose qualifications have been approved or are in the
process of being approved by the Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod.
C. Reasons for dismissal of Pastors and/or professional staff shall be persistent
adherence to false teaching contrary to the confessional standard of this
congregation, a scandalous life, willful neglect of duties, the inability to perform those
duties, or domineering in office. The congregation shall take the action only after
he/she has been pre-advised of the charges preferred against him/her and given the
opportunity to answer such charges. The congregation shall follow the established
procedure of the District relative to such action.
D. In the absence of adequate cause for dismissal as defined above, the tenure of the
office of a called Pastor or professional worker shall be for the remainder of his/her
active life, or until the Lord calls him/her into another field service.
ARTICLE VIII
PROPERTY RIGHTS
A. Subject to the approval by the Voters’ Assembly, the Board of Trustees may receive,
acquire, hold title to, and manage such real estate and other property as they may
deem necessary to accomplish the mission of the congregation and may sell or
dispose of such real estate and other property. The Board of Trustees shall also
have all the rights and powers that are granted by the laws of the state of Maryland
to trustees of religious corporations. The Board of Trustees shall be the legal
representatives of the Voters’ Assembly in all matters requiring signatures.
B. If at any time a division should take place within this congregation, the advice of the
officers of District and Synod shall be sought. If, despite all efforts to resolve
differences in peace and love, a division into factions of the congregation shall
occur, the property of the congregation and all benefits therewith connected shall
remain with those members who continue to adhere in confession and practice to
Articles II, III, and IV of this Constitution.
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ARTICLE IX
AMENDEMENTS TO THE CONSTITUTION AND BY-LAWS
A. Article III of this Constitution shall be irrevocable.
B. Proposed amendments to this Constitution and By-laws must be submitted to the
Board of Trustees in writing. The Board, within nine (9) months of receipt of the
proposed amendment, shall present the proposal to an authorized meeting of the
Voters’ Assembly along with the Board’s written recommendations.
C. Amendments to this Constitution may be made at any Voters’ Assembly meeting by
a two-thirds (2/3) vote of the eligible members who are present and voting, provided
that such amendments have been proposed in writing and submitted to the Board of
Trustees. Proposals for amendment shall be mailed delivered to all voting members
at least thirty (30) days prior to the meeting at which final action is to be taken. Such
amendments may be adopted which are not in conflict with the Constitution and Bylaws of the Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod, of which this congregation is a
member.
D. By-laws and amendments to the By-laws may be adopted by two-thirds (2/3)
majority vote at any Voters’ Assembly meeting, provided that such amendments
have been proposed in writing and submitted to the Board of Trustees. Such Bylaws and amendments may be adopted which are not in conflict with this
Constitution or the Constitution and By-laws of the Lutheran Church–Missouri
Synod, of which this congregation is a member.
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BY-LAWS OF IMMANUEL EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH
EASTON, MARYLAND
ARTICLE I
MEMBERSHIP
A. Admission
1. By Baptism
All those who have received Christian Baptism and who are under the spiritual
care of this Congregation shall be “Baptized Members.”
2. By Profession of Faith (Confirmation)
All those who are baptized in the Christian faith, instructed in the Lutheran
doctrine, and have given evidence of their faith before the congregation shall be
received as “Communicant Members.”
3. By Transfer
All those who desire to transfer their membership from Lutheran churches in
fellowship with this congregation shall present a letter of transfer to the Pastor or
elders and shall be received as a “Communicant” and/or “Baptized Member” in a
public worship service.
4. By Reaffirmation of Faith
In the case of applicants whose previous membership has lapsed or terminated
(see Section B, below), the applicant shall arrange for pastoral counseling and/or
a period of re-instruction with the Pastor and give evidence of reaffirmation of
faith before the congregation in public worship and shall thereby be received as a
“Communicant Member.”
B. Termination
1. Transfers
Communicant members, upon their request, shall be granted transfer to another
Lutheran church that is in fellowship with this congregation.
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2. Joining other Churches
In cases where communicant members have joined a church other than those in
fellowship with this congregation, they shall be considered to have terminated
their membership with this congregation and shall be granted a peaceful release.
3. Whereabouts Unknown
The names of members whose whereabouts are unknown and cannot be
established after a period of one year shall be removed from the list of
communicant members.
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Self-exclusion
Self-exclusion deals with a member who does not partake of the Sacraments or
share his faith within the fellowship of the congregation. He has declared by his
actions that he is no longer a “brother”. When he abandons the church in this
way for over a two-year period despite attempts by the pastor and elders to effect
reconciliation, and when he rejects the forgiveness of sins offered by the church,
he has excluded himself. He shall be declared as having excluded himself from
membership in this congregation by receiving a formal letter from the pastor
notifying him of termination of membership by self-exclusion. Announcement of it
shall be made at a regularly scheduled meeting of the Voters’ Assembly.
4. Self-exclusion
Self-exclusion deals with members who do not partake of the Sacraments or
share their faith within the fellowship of the congregation for over a two-year
period. At that time, the pastor and elders shall attempt to contact them to
determine their intentions and desire for continued membership.
5. Expulsion
Expulsion is necessary when a member persists in living as a “manifest and
impenitent sinner”. The offense must be a willful, wanton, and persistent
transgression against God’s Word and will. A member may be expelled only
after persistent admonition as prescribed in Matthew 18.
When a member persists in living as a “manifest and impenitent sinner” and has
resisted all efforts by the Pastor and Elders to convince him to amend his sinful
life, he shall be declared expelled. He shall receive a letter from the notifying him
of termination of membership by expulsion. Announcement of it shall be made at
a regularly scheduled meeting of the Voters’ Assembly.
5. Expulsion
Expulsion is necessary when a member persists in living as a “manifest and
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impenitent sinner.” The offense must be a willful, wanton, and persistent
transgression against God’s Word and will. A member may be expelled only
after persistent admonitions as prescribed in Matthew 18. When he has resisted
all efforts by the Pastor and elders to amend his life, he shall be declared
expelled.
ARTICLE II
VOTERS’ ASSEMBLY
A. Meetings of the Voters’ Assembly
1. Two regular meetings of the Voters’ Assembly shall be held annually. The first
meeting shall be held in February on a day and time determined by the Board of
Trustees. At this meeting annual reports on congregational life of the previous
year including an audit report shall be received and appointments to boards
announced. All annual reports shall be submitted in writing to the Board of
Trustees prior to the meeting.
2. The second meeting shall be held in November on a day and time determined by
the Board of Trustees. At this meeting officers shall be elected, financial reports
reviewed, the “Spending Guide” shall be submitted for approval, and guidelines
established for the coming year. The proposed Spending Guide shall be made
available two weeks prior to the meeting.
3. Special meetings may be called by the Board of Trustees or at the written
request of at least fifteen (15) voting members.
4. All meetings shall be announced to members in writing at least fifteen (15) days
two weeks prior to convening. When such announcement has been made, the
meeting shall be valid and legal, providing that a quorum is present.
5. A quorum shall be defined as 35 voting members in attendance.
6. Business requiring a formal vote shall first be presented to the Board of Trustees
for their consideration.
7. All meetings shall be conducted according to Robert’s Rules of Order. In all
meetings decisions shall be made by a two-thirds (2/3) majority of the votes cast
unless specifically stated otherwise in the Constitution and By-laws.
B. Order of Business for Meetings of the Voters’ Assembly
1. Opening Scripture and Prayer
2. Recognition of new voting members and signing of the Constitution
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3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
Quorum call
Reading of the Minutes
Unfinished Business
Pastor’s Report
Reports of Financial Secretary, Treasurer, Vice-President, Boards, and
Committees Ministries
8. New Business
9. Adjournment with Prayer
ARTICLE III
CALLING OF PASTORS AND PROFESSIONAL STAFF
A. Mode for Calling Pastors
At the time of vacancy in the Office of Pastor, the Board of Trustees shall notify the
District President and the Circuit Counselor and request the procedure for calling a
new Pastor. At a constitutionally qualified meeting of the Voters’ Assembly,
candidates may be proposed by an authorized Call Committee and/or by members
from the floor. The Call Committee shall consist of the congregational President and
the head Elder, and three (3) other members of the congregation agreed upon by
both the Board of Trustees and the Board of Elders. The persons so nominated
shall be recognized as candidates by the congregation. The selection shall be held
at a subsequent meeting by ballot, and the candidate receiving a 2/3 majority of the
votes cast shall be regarded as selected by the congregation. The Circuit
Counselor, or his representative, shall be invited to all meetings at which calls are to
be considered.
B. Calling Teachers or Professional Staff
1. When a professional staff position is under consideration, the Board of Trustees
in consultation with the board(s) involved shall recommend that the Voters’
Assembly approve, fund, and authorize filling of the position.
2. When appropriate, the District will be contacted to supply lists of candidates. The
Board of Trustees will select the candidate or candidates to fill the authorized
position subject to confirmation by 2/3 majority vote of the Voters’ Assembly.
ARTICLE IV
ADMINISTRATION
OFFICES OF THE CHURCH
A. Board of Trustees
1. Eligibility
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All members who have been voting members of this congregation for at least one
year as set forth in Article V, Section C of this Constitution.
2. Officers and Terms of Office
a. Members of the Board of Trustees are elected by the Voters’ Assembly for a
two year term. with the Voters’ Assembly electing three members each year.
Each may serve two consecutive terms, thereafter vacating the board for at
least one year.
b. Each elected member of the Board shall serve as an officer. The officers are
President, Vice-President, Recording Secretary, Financial Secretary, and
Treasurer. and Trustee-at Large.
c. The Pastor and Head Elder shall serve as voting members of the Board of
Trustees. with fullvoting privileges.
d. Members shall recuse themselves from voting on any matter where there is
an apparent conflict of interest.
e. Women are eligible and encouraged to serve on the Board of Trustees in the
following offices: Recording Secretary, Financial Secretary, and Treasurer.
3. Mode of Election of Officers
By September 1, a Nomination Committee of three voting members shall be
appointed by the President. Not more than one member of the existing Board
shall serve on the Nomination Committee. This Committee shall present a slate
of candidates to the Board of Trustees for approval at a Board meeting prior to
the November meeting of the Voters’ Assembly. A call for nominations from the
floor shall precede the closing of nomination. Election of officers shall be by
written ballot and the candidates receiving the majority of votes cast shall be
elected to the Board of Trustees.
b. The President of the Board of Trustees shall then be elected by the
congregation from the newly constituted Board. Prior to the January following his
election, the newly elected President, along with the Pastor and the Head Elder,
shall consider the talents and eligibility of the new Board members and recommend
positions for their consideration.
4. Assumption of Office
All officers shall assume their duties on January 1st following the election. They
shall be installed at a regularly scheduled worship service during January. In the
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meantime, newly elected Board members should attend interim board meetings
to familiarize themselves with the affairs of the congregation.
5. Duties of the Board
a. serve as Trustee of the congregation and as such shall be responsible for its
property and the management of its business and financial affairs. It shall
have the powers and be subject to the obligations which pertain to such
Boards under the laws of the State of Maryland. The Board, however, shall
not have the authority to buy, sell or encumber real property unless
specifically authorized to do so by the Voters’ Assembly
b. be responsible for the temporal welfare of the congregation and shall with the
Board of Elders support the Pastor in fulfilling his calling
c. see that provisions of this Constitution and By-laws are observed and that
resolutions of the Voters’ Assembly are carried out
d. prepare an annual Spending Guide for adoption by the Voters’ Assembly,
supervise the expenditure of funds following adoption of the Spending Guide.
Additional obligations of more than $5,000 over the Spending Guide must be
approved without approval by the Voters’ Assembly.
e. process all applications for membership and all requests for release upon
recommendation of the Pastor and/or the Board of Elders
f. normally meet each month to conduct the business of the congregation.
Special meetings may be called by the Pastor or the congregational president
g. submit a comprehensive report of congregational activities at the February
Voters’ Assembly
h. not conduct official business unless only when a majority of its members (4)
are present to constitute a quorum
i. serve as the executive arm of the Church Planning Council and, as such,
shall hear administrative board reports, determine direction for congregational
programs and provide support for the administrative boards so they may carry
out the mission and ministry of the congregation;
j.
annually appoint an Audit Committee to review all financial records of the
congregation and submit its audit report at the February meeting of the
Voters. The Audit Committee will consist of three non-Board of Trustee
members with the Financial Secretary and Treasurer serving in an advisory
capacity
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k. appoint eligible members of the congregation to fill temporary vacancies on
the Board when such vacancies occur prior to the November meeting of the
Voters’ Assembly. (see Article IV, Section A.1. of the By-laws)
l. make provision for periodic (not to exceed five ten years) review of the
Constitution and By-laws
m. appoint such officers, boards and/or committees ministry leaders as
described in Article VI of the By-laws upon receiving advice and counsel from
the Pastor.
n. have the responsibility sole authority for hiring and terminating for providing
an annual fall evaluation for non-called church staff
o. conduct an annual fall evaluation of all non-called church staff
p. serve as a nominating committee in consultation with the Pastor to develop a
list of candidates to fill vacancies on the Board of Elders. The list shall be
turned over to the Head Elder. If the Head Elder position is vacant, the Board
of Trustees will follow the process for electing Elders prescribed in Article VI,
B. 1. as amended, substituting its role for that of the Board of Elders, as
necessary
q. hold bi-annual meetings with the Board of Elders, one in January and one in
September. These meetings will be chaired by the Congregational President
B. The Board of Elders
1. Board of Elders
1. The nature of duties of this board requires that men noted for their Christian
knowledge, zeal, and experience in the spiritual aspect of the body of Christ shall
be chosen to serve.
This Board shall consist of a least one member for every fifty (50) baptized
members. When the need arises for expansion of the Board, or for the
replacement of a retiring/resigning Elder, the following process shall be used:
a. Announce the vacancy to the congregation
b. Elders will pray for God’s leading for prospective elders
c. The candidate(s) proposed by the congregation and the candidate(s)
proposed by the Board of Trustees shall be contacted to determine their
willingness and eligibility to serve.
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d. The Board of Elders will present the name(s) of the nominated members to
the congregation for prayer and/or comments at least 30 days prior to the
next regularly scheduled congregational meeting.
e. At the next regularly scheduled congregational meeting, the congregation will
elect new elder(s) by a 2/3 majority written ballot.
2. Elders will be elected for a three year term. Each may be elected to serve a
succeeding term, thereafter vacating the Board for at least one year.
3. The Head Elder is selected annually by the Board of Elders and the Pastor. His
term of office shall be for one year, and he may succeed himself each year with
re-nomination by the Board of Elders and the Pastor.
4. A member of the Board of Elders may not hold any other elective office. If he
wishes to serve on the Board of Trustees, he must resign his responsibilities as
an Elder.
5. The Trustee-at-Large shall serve as an ex-officio member of the Board of Elders
with no voting privileges
5. Duties of the Head Elder
a. serve as a voting member of the Board of Trustees
b. provide coordination with the Pastor and the Ministry of Love in planning
content, scheduling, and worship assistants, for all worship services
c. supervise the members of the Board of Elders to assure that their duties are
being carried out
d. serve as liaison between the Board of Elders and the Pastor
e. serve on the Pastoral Call Committee when a vacancy in the Pastorate
occurs
f. serve on the Board of Worship;
f. serve with the Congregational President in conducting an annual performance
review of the Pastor and all called staff
6. Duties of the Board of Elders
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a. assist the Pastor in the spiritual care of the congregation, especially in
brotherly love, admonition, and in the promotion of the general welfare of the
congregation
b. encourage faithful attendance at worship services and at the Lord’s Supper
c. visit and counsel with negligent members to remind them of their Christian
responsibilities
d. exercise particular concern and support for the spiritual, emotional, and
physical welfare of the Pastor and other professional staff members and their
families
e. coordinate, in cooperation with the Pastor, a program to orient and integrate
new members into the life of the congregation
f. coordinate the ongoing implementation of a program of confirmation for the
youth of the congregation
g. provide representation to the Ministry of Love
h. hold bi-annual meetings with the Board of Trustees, one in January and one
in September. These meetings will be chaired by the Congregational
President.
7. Dismissal of Elders
An Elder may be dismissed from his position for reasons of persistent adherence
to false teachings which are contrary to Article III of the Constitution of this
congregation; a scandalous life; or willful neglect of duties. After attempts to
reconcile have failed, the Head Elder shall initiate a joint meeting with the Pastor
and the President of the congregation, after which the Head Elder and at least
one other Elder shall meet with the Elder under consideration for dismissal.
Appropriate action shall take place thereafter, based on the recommendation of
the Board of Elders with the approval by the Board of Trustees.
ARTICLE V
DUTIES OF OFFICERS OF THE CONGREGATION
A. President
1. be the executive officer of the Voters’ Assembly and the Board of Trustees and,
as such, shall preside at all their respective meetings
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2. perform such duties as pertain to his office and shall serve as ex-officio member
of all boards and committees
3. sign all contracts and official documents that have been approved by the Voters’
Assembly
4. serve as an inspirational force behind the programs of the church, leading and
directing the business of the congregation and assuring that efforts are made for
continued growth and expansion
5. serve with the Head Elder in conducting an annual performance review of the
Pastor and all called staff
B. Vice-President
1. in the absence of the President or in the event of his inability to function, act for
the President
2. assist the President in every matter as requested or assigned
3. take charge of all congregational property with the understanding that he
manages the property in the name of and as steward of the congregation For the
accomplishment of
4. this duty the Board of Trustees shall appoint a Board of Church Properties. The
Vice-President shall serve as chairman. (See Article VI, Section B, No. 11)
C. Recording Secretary
1. faithfully keep and sign the minutes of all meetings of the Voters’ Assembly and
the Board of Trustees and enter them in a permanent record
2. conduct all authorized correspondence and issue all official notifications
3. bear responsibility for the seal, books, and other documents and papers of the
congregation
4. keep a record of the members present at all meetings and determine whether or
not a quorum is present for the transaction of legal business
e. oversee the publication of the congregational newsletter.
D. Financial Secretary
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1. be responsible for the accurate counting, recording, and depositing of all receipts
for the congregation in a local financial institution(s) and record all contributions
by members for whatever purpose
2. furnish the Treasurer with a duplicate deposit slip for all deposits and a list of earmarked funds and special offerings
3. be responsible for issuance of quarterly statements to members showing their
offerings to date
4. be responsible for requisition and distribution of offering envelopes
5. furnish the congregation a surety bond in the amount set by the Board of
Trustees and such bond shall be procured and paid for by the congregation
6. present a written financial report at all Voters’ Assemblies and at all Trustees’
meetings and post a monthly report for congregational review
7. serve in an advisory capacity to the Audit committee
E. Treasurer
1. receive from the Financial Secretary a report of all moneys received and duly
record same
2. keep and maintaining an accurate account of all congregational receipts and
disbursements according to proper accounting procedures
3. make timely payment of all authorized expenditures
4. present a written financial report at all Voters’ Assemblies and at all Trustees’
meetings and post a monthly report for congregational review
5. submit year-end written financial reports and serve in an advisory capacity on the
Audit Committee
6. furnish the congregation a surety bond in the amount set by the Board of
Trustees and such bond shall be procured and paid for by the congregation.
Because of the enormity of these duties the Board of Trustees may appoint
another qualified member of the congregation to assist in fulfilling this job
description. The Treasurer bears full responsibility for all these duties and for the
signing of all checks.
TRUSTEE-AT-LARGE
The Trustee-at-Large shall:
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a. be an ex-officio, non-voting member of the Board of Elders and serve as liaison
between the Board of Trustees and Board of Elders.
b. assist the Financial Secretary in the collection, counting and recording of the
offerings.
c. furnish the congregation a surety bond in an amount set by the Board of
Trustees, such bond to be purchased and paid for by the congregation.
d. perform other duties as assigned by the Congregational President.
ARTICLE VI
MINISTRIES OF THE CHURCH
A. General Responsibilities
1. The function of the ministries shall be under the direction of the Board of
Trustees. All actions of each group shall be subject to the Board of Trustees’
review and approval.
2. In order to fulfill Immanuel’s mission of Love God, Grow Together, and Serve
Others in an orderly manner, the ministry is divided into three main groups:
Ministry of Love, Ministry of Spiritual Growth, and Ministry of Service.
3. Each group will have one or more leaders, appointed by the Board of Trustees,
who will be responsible for coordinating the activities and programs within that
area of ministry.
4. Leaders of each ministry will engage congregational members as needed to
perform short-term tasks within that group’s area of responsibility.
B. Ministries of the Church
1. Ministry of Love through Worship and Stewardship
This Ministry shall have general oversight for all worship services and for
congregational stewardship. The group shall consist of the Pastor, an elder, the
organist, music leaders representing all services, and at least two other
members.
This Ministry shall
a. set the time, schedule and number of communion and special services with
congregational approval
b. coordinate the altar guild, ushers, greeters and acolytes, and sound system
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c. oversee sound system operators and radio ministry
d. encourage participation of members in the various aspects of worship.
e. maintain a church music library
f. support the organist and other musicians
g. supply attendance cards, prayer cards, and pencils in the pews
h. oversee adequate nursery facilities and recruitment of nursery personnel
i. develop an annual stewardship service
j.
maintain a membership profile of talents and skills
k. prepare recommendations for the Spending Guide covering all areas under
their ministry and present same to the Board of Trustees by October 1 each
year
2. Ministry of Spiritual Growth through Bible Study and Fellowship
This Ministry shall be responsible for maintaining an educational program and
Bible study and fellowship opportunities that reach all age groups within the
congregation. The group shall work in harmony with the Pastor and the Board of
Elders.
This Ministry shall
a. select curricula that are Christian, comprehensive, and balanced
b. recruit volunteer staff
c. publicize and promote family involvement in all Christian education
opportunities
d. encourage Bible reading in the home
e. promote Bible study within small groups
f. plan and develop Vacation Bible School for involvement of the children of the
congregation and community
g. plan church family gatherings
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h. assist the Ministry of Love in planning and arranging special services and
means to involve the entire congregation
i. plan activities for youth in congregational and mission activities
j.
involve the youth in an age-appropriate mission project
k. prepare recommendations for the Spending Guide covering all areas under
their ministry and present to the Board of Trustees by October 1st each year
3. Ministry of Service through Missions and Evangelism
This Ministry shall be responsible for encouraging members to share the Gospel
of Jesus Christ through personal witness, and through awareness and support of
world missions and local social concerns.
This Ministry shall
a. encourage members to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ as a witness of their
faith
b. publicize and promote interest in missions within the congregation
c. maintain contact with mission workers directly supported by the congregation
d. recommend mission goals for the congregation
e. provide information to the congregation about community needs and social
concerns and identify referral agencies
f. determine how the congregation might assist in meeting these needs
g. bring to the awareness of the congregation any social concerns of a national
or international nature in which congregational involvement is warranted
(such concerns may be presented by District, Synod, Lutheran Social
Services, missionaries, or other Christian organizations)
h. prepare recommendations for the Spending Guide covering all areas under
their jurisdiction and present to the Board of Trustees by October 1, each
year
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ARTICLE VII
AUXILIARY ORGANIZATIONS AND COMMITTEES
A. The School Board
The School Board shall have general oversight for the operation and funding of
Immanuel Lutheran School. The Board shall consist of at least five members
appointed by the Board of Trustees. The School Board shall elect its own Chairman,
Vice-chairman, and Secretary.
B. Auxiliary and Church Affiliated Organizations
Auxiliary and church affiliated organizations or special interest groups which serve to
promote “Christian fellowship” within or without the congregation are encouraged. A
“statement of purpose” and/or constitution shall be formulated and submitted to the
Board of Trustees for review and approval. All activities and programs of these
organizations are subject to review by the Board of Trustees. All meetings and
activities shall be open to both the Pastor and/or the congregational President.
C. Ad Hoc Committees
When the Board of Trustees determines the need for a committee to study and
develop plans or programs about congregational concerns, an Ad Hoc Committee
shall be convened. The Board of Trustees shall specify the purpose, guidelines,
authority, and time schedule for completion of the special assignment. The
congregation shall be notified of the Board of Trustees action and shall be kept
informed of the progress of the Ad Hoc Committee.
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