HOPE LUTHERAN CHURCH
of the
Evangelical Lutheran
Church in America
CONSTITUTION
Adopted by the Hope Lutheran congregation
at a special congregational meeting
December 11, 2005
Copyright 2003 by the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
*PREAMBLE
We, baptized members of the Church of Christ, responding in faith to the call
of the Holy Spirit through the Gospel, desiring to unite together to preach
the Word, administer the sacraments, and carry out God's mission, do hereby
adopt this constitution and solemnly pledge ourselves to be governed by its
provisions. In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.
Chapter 1.
NAME AND INCORPORATION
C1.01. The name of this congregation shall be HOPE LUTHERAN CHURCH of RIVER
FALLS, WISCONSIN
C1.02. For the purpose of this constitution and the accompanying bylaws, the
congregation of HOPE LUTHERAN CHURCH, RIVER FALLS, WISCONSIN is hereinafter
designated as "this congregation."
C1.11. This congregation shall be incorporated under the laws of the State of
WISCONSIN.
Chapter 2.
CONFESSION OF FAITH
*C2.01. This congregation confesses the Triune God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
*C2.02. This congregation confesses Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior and the
Gospel as the power of God for the salvation of all who believe.
a. Jesus Christ is the Word of God incarnate, through whom everything was made
and through whose life, death, and resurrection God fashions a new creation.
b. The proclamation of God's message to us as both Law and Gospel is the Word
of God, revealing judgment and mercy through word and deed, beginning with the
Word in creation, continuing in the history of Israel, and centering in all
its fullness in the person and work of Jesus Christ.
c. The canonical Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments are the written Word
of God. Inspired by God's Spirit speaking through their authors, they record
and announce God's revelation centering in Jesus Christ. Through them God's
Spirit speaks to us to create and sustain Christian faith and fellowship for
service in the world.
*C2.03. This congregation accepts the canonical Scriptures of the Old and New
Testaments as the inspired Word of God and the authoritative source and norm
of its proclamation, faith, and life.
*C2.04. This congregation accepts the Apostles', Nicene, and Athanasian Creeds
as true declarations of the faith of this congregation.
*C2.05. This congregation accepts the Unaltered Augsburg Confession as a true
witness to the Gospel, acknowledging as one with it in faith and doctrine all
churches that likewise accept the teachings of the Unaltered Augsburg Confession.
*C2.06. This congregation accepts the other confessional writings in the Book
of Concord, namely, the Apology of the Augsburg Confession, the Smalcald Articles
and the Treatise, the Small Catechism, the Large Catechism, and the Formula
of Concord, as further valid interpretations of the faith of the Church.
*C2.07. This congregation confesses the Gospel, recorded in the Holy Scriptures
and confessed in the ecumenical creeds and Lutheran confessional writings, as
the power of God to create and sustain the Church for God's mission in the world.
Chapter 3.
NATURE OF THE CHURCH
*C3.01. All power in the Church belongs to our Lord Jesus Christ, its head.
All actions of this congregation are to be carried out under his rule and authority.
*C3.02. The Church exists both as an inclusive fellowship and as local congregations
gathered for worship and Christian service. Congregations find their fulfillment
in the universal community of the Church, and the universal Church exists in
and through congregations. The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, therefore,
derives its character and powers both from the sanction and representation of
its congregations and from its inherent nature as an expression of the broader
fellowship of the faithful. In length, it acknowledges itself to be in the historic
continuity of the communion of saints; in breadth, it expresses the fellowship
of believers and congregations in our day.
Chapter 4.
STATEMENT OF PURPOSE
*C4.01. The Church is a people created by God in Christ, empowered by the Holy
Spirit, called and sent to bear witness to God's creative, redeeming, and sanctifying
activity in the world.
*C4.02. To participate in God's mission, this congregation as a part of the
Church shall:
a. Worship God in proclamation of the Word and administration of the sacraments
and through lives of prayer, praise, thanksgiving, witness, and service.
b. Proclaim God's saving Gospel of justification by grace for Christ's sake
through faith alone, according to the apostolic witness in the Holy Scripture,
preserving and transmitting the Gospel faithfully to future generations.
c. Carry out Christ's Great Commission by reaching out to all people to bring
them to faith in Christ and by doing all ministry with a global awareness consistent
with the understanding of God as Creator, Redeemer, and Sanctifier of all.
d. Serve in response to God's love to meet human needs, caring for the sick
and the aged, advocating dignity and justice for all people, working for peace
and reconciliation among the nations, and standing with the poor and powerless,
and committing itself to their needs.
e. Nurture its members in the Word of God so as to grow in faith and hope and
love, to see daily life as the primary setting for the exercise of their Christian
calling, and to use the gifts of the Spirit for their life together and for
their calling in the world.
f. Manifest the unity given to the people of God by living together in the love
of Christ and by joining with other Christians in prayer and action to express
and preserve the unity which the Spirit gives.
*C4.03. To fulfill these purposes, this congregation shall:
a. Provide services of worship at which the Word of God is preached and the
sacraments are administered.
b. Provide pastoral care and assist all members to participate in this ministry.
c. Challenge, equip, and support all members in carrying out their calling in
their daily lives and in their congregation.
d. Teach the Word of God.
e. Witness to the reconciling Word of God in Christ, reaching out to all people.
f. Respond to human need, work for justice and peace, care for the sick and
the suffering, and participate responsibly in society.
g. Motivate its members to provide financial support for the congregation's
ministry and the ministry of other parts of the Evangelical Lutheran Church
in America.
h. Foster and participate in interdependent relationships with other congregations,
the synod, and the churchwide organization of the Evangelical Lutheran Church
in America.
i. Foster and participate in ecumenical relationships consistent with churchwide
policy.
*C4.04. This congregation shall develop an organizational structure to be described
in the bylaws. The Congregation Council shall prepare descriptions of the responsibilities
of each committee, task force, or other organizational group and shall review
their actions.
*C4.05. This congregation shall, from time to time, adopt a mission statement
which will provide specific direction for its programs.
Chapter 5.
POWERS OF THE CONGREGATION
*C5.01. The powers of this congregation are those necessary to fulfill its purpose.
*C5.02. The powers of this congregation are vested in the Congregation Meeting
called and conducted as provided in this constitution and bylaws.
*C5.03. Only such authority as is delegated to the Congregation Council or other
organizational units in this congregation's governing documents is recognized.
All remaining authority is retained by the congregation. The congregation is
authorized to:
a. call a pastor as provided in Chapter 9;
b. terminate the call of a pastor as provided in Chapter 9;
c. call or terminate the call of associates in ministry, deaconesses, and diaconal
ministers in conformity with the applicable policy of the Evangelical Lutheran
Church in America;
d. adopt amendments to the constitution, as provided in Chapter 17, and amendments
to the bylaws, as specified in Chapter 16;
e. approve the annual budget;
f. acquire real and personal property by gift, devise, purchase, or other lawful
means;
g. hold title to and use its property for any and all activities consistent
with its purpose;
h. sell, mortgage, lease, transfer, or otherwise dispose of its property by
any lawful means;
i. elect its officers, and Congregation Council, and require them to carry out
their duties in accordance with the constitution, bylaws, and continuing resolutions;
and
j. terminate its relationship with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
as provided in Chapter 6.
*C5.04. This congregation shall choose from among its voting members laypersons
to serve as voting members of the Synod Assembly as well as persons to represent
it at meetings of any conference, cluster, coalition, or other area subdivision
of which it is a member. The number of persons to be elected by the congregation
and other qualifications shall be as prescribed in guidelines established by
the Northwest Synod of Wisconsin of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.
C5.05. This congregation shall have a mission endowment fund that will operate
as specified in this congregation’s bylaws continuing resolutions. The
purpose of the mission endowment fund is to provide for mission work beyond
the operational budget of this congregation.
Chapter 6.
CHURCH AFFILIATION
*C6.01. This congregation shall be an interdependent part of the Evangelical
Lutheran Church in America or its successor, and of the Northwest Synod of Wisconsin
of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. This congregation is subject
to the discipline of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.
*C6.02. This congregation accepts the Confession of Faith and agrees to the
Purposes of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America and shall act in accordance
with them.
*C6.03. This congregation acknowledges its relationship with the Evangelical
Lutheran Church in America in which:
a. This congregation agrees to be responsible for its life as a Christian community.
b. This congregation pledges its financial support and participation in the
life and mission of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.
c. This congregation agrees to call pastoral leadership from the clergy roster
of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America in accordance with its call procedures
except in special circumstances and with the approval of the bishop of the synod.
d. This congregation agrees to consider associates in ministry, deaconesses,
and diaconal ministers for call to other staff positions in the congregation
according to the procedures of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.
e. This congregation agrees to file this constitution and any subsequent changes
to this constitution with the synod for review to ascertain that all of its
provisions are in agreement with the constitution and bylaws of the Evangelical
Lutheran Church in America and with the constitution of the synod.
*C6.04. Affiliation with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America may be terminated
as follows:
a. This congregation takes action to dissolve.
b. This congregation ceases to exist.
c. This congregation is removed from membership in the Evangelical Lutheran
Church in America according to the procedures for discipline of the Evangelical
Lutheran Church in America.
d. This congregation follows the procedures outlined in *C6.05.
*C6.05. This congregation may terminate its relationship with the Evangelical
Lutheran Church in America by the following procedure:
a. A resolution indicating the desire of this congregation to terminate its
relationship must be adopted at a legally called and conducted special meeting
of this congregation by a two-thirds majority of the voting members present.
b. The secretary of this congregation shall submit a copy of the resolution
to the synodical bishop and shall mail a copy of the resolution to voting members
of this congregation. This notice shall be submitted within 10 days after the
resolution has been adopted.
c. The bishop of the synod shall consult with this congregation during a period
of at least 90 days.
d. If this congregation, after consultation, still desires to terminate its
relationship, such action may be taken at a legally called and conducted special
meeting by a two-thirds majority of the voting members present, at which meeting
the bishop of the synod or an authorized representative shall be present. Notice
of the meeting shall be mailed to all voting members at least 10 days in advance
of the meeting.
e. A certified copy of the resolution to terminate its relationship shall be
sent to the synodical bishop, at which time the relationship between this congregation
and the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America shall be terminated.
f. Notice of termination shall be forwarded by the synodical bishop to the secretary
of this church and published in the periodical of this church.
g. Since this congregation was a member of the Lutheran Church in America, it
shall be required, in addition to the foregoing provisions in *C6.05., to receive
synodical approval before terminating its membership in the Evangelical Lutheran
Church in America.
h. Since this congregation was established by the Evangelical Lutheran Church
in America, it shall be required, in addition to the foregoing provisions in
*C6.05., to receive synodical approval before terminating its membership in
the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.
*C6.06. If this congregation considers relocation, it shall confer with the
bishop of the synod in which it is territorially located before any steps are
taken leading to such action. The approval of the Synod Council shall be received
before any such action is effected.
Chapter 7.
PROPERTY OWNERSHIP
*C7.01. If this congregation ceases to exist, title to undisposed property shall
pass to the Northwest Synod of Wisconsin of the Evangelical Lutheran Church
in America.
*C7.02. If this congregation is removed from membership in the Evangelical Lutheran
Church in America according to its procedure for discipline, title to property
shall continue to reside in this congregation.
*C7.03. If a two-thirds majority of the voting members of this congregation
present at a legally called and conducted special meeting of this congregation
vote to transfer to another Lutheran church body, title to property shall continue
to reside in this congregation. Before this congregation takes action to transfer
to another Lutheran church body, it shall consult with representatives of the
Northwest Synod of Wisconsin.
*C7.04. If a two-thirds majority of the voting members of this congregation
present at a legally called and conducted special meeting of this congregation
vote to become independent or relate to a non-Lutheran church body, title to
property of this congregation shall continue to reside in this congregation
only with the consent of the Synod Council. The Synod Council, after consultation
with this congregation by the established synodical process, may give approval
to the request to become independent or to relate to a non-Lutheran church body,
in which case title shall remain with the majority of this congregation. If
the Synod Council fails to give such approval, title shall remain with those
members who desire to continue as a congregation of the Evangelical Lutheran
Church in America.
C7.05. Notwithstanding the provisions of *C7.02. and *C.7.03. above, where this
congregation has received property from the synod pursuant to a deed or other
instrument containing restrictions under provision 9.71.a. of the Constitution,
Bylaws, and Continuing Resolutions of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America,
this congregation accepts such restrictions and:
a. Shall not transfer, encumber, mortgage, or in any way burden or impair any
right, title, or interest in the property without prior approval of the Synod
Council.
b. Shall—upon written demand by the Synod Council, pursuant to †S13.23.
of the constitution of the Northwest Synod of Wisconsin, reconvey and transfer
all right, title, and interest in the property to the synod.
Chapter 8.
MEMBERSHIP
*C8.01. Members of this congregation shall be those baptized persons on the
roll of this congregation at the time that this constitution is adopted and
those who are admitted thereafter and who have declared and maintain their membership
in accordance with the provisions of this constitution and its bylaws.
*C8.02. Members shall be classified as follows:
a. Baptized members are those persons who have been received by the Sacrament
of Holy Baptism in this congregation, or, having been previously baptized in
the name of the Triune God, have been received by certificate of transfer from
other Lutheran congregations or by affirmation of faith.
b. Confirmed members are baptized persons who have been confirmed in this congregation,
those who have been received by adult baptism or by transfer as confirmed members
from other Lutheran congregations, or baptized persons received by affirmation
of faith.
c. Voting members are confirmed members. Such confirmed members, during the
current or preceding calendar year, shall have communed in this congregation
and shall have made a contribution of record to this congregation.
d. Associate members are persons holding membership in other Lutheran [Christian]
congregations who wish to retain such membership but desire to participate in
the life and mission of this congregation, or persons who wish to retain a relationship
with this congregation while being members of other congregations. They have
all the privileges and duties of membership except voting rights and eligibility
for elected offices or membership on the Congregation Council of this congregation.
*C8.03. All applications for confirmed membership shall be submitted to and
shall require the approval of the Congregation Council.
*C8.04. It shall be the privilege and duty of members of this congregation to:
a. make regular use of the means of grace, both Word and sacraments;
b. live a Christian life in accordance with the Word of God and the teachings
of the Lutheran church; and
c. support the work of this congregation, the synod, and the churchwide organization
of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America through contributions of their
time, abilities, and financial support as biblical stewards.
*C8.05. Membership in this congregation shall be terminated by any of the following:
a. death;
b. resignation;
c. transfer or release;
d. disciplinary action by the Congregation Council; or
e. removal from the roll due to inactivity as defined in the bylaws.
Such persons who have been removed from the roll of members shall remain persons
for whom the Church has a continuing pastoral concern.
Chapter 9.
THE PASTOR
*C9.01. Authority to call a pastor shall be in this congregation by at least
a two-thirds majority ballot vote of members present and voting at a meeting
legally called for that purpose. Before a call is issued, the officers, or a
committee elected by this congregation to recommend the call, shall seek the
advice and help of the bishop of the synod.
*C9.02. Only a member of the clergy roster of the Evangelical Lutheran Church
in America or a candidate for the roster of ordained ministers who has been
recommended for the congregation by the synodical bishop may be called as a
pastor of this congregation.
*C9.03. Consistent with the faith and practice of the Evangelical Lutheran Church
in America,
a. Every ordained minister shall:
1) preach the Word;
2) administer the sacraments;
3) conduct public worship;
4) provide pastoral care; and
5) speak publicly to the world in solidarity with the poor and oppressed, calling
for justice and proclaiming God's love for the world.
b. Each ordained minister with a congregational call shall, within the congregation:
1) offer instruction, confirm, marry, visit the sick and distressed, and bury
the dead;
2) supervise all schools and organizations of this congregation;
3) install regularly elected members of the Congregation Council; and
4) with the council, administer discipline.
c. Every pastor shall:
1) strive to extend the Kingdom of God in the community, in the nation, and
abroad;
2) seek out and encourage qualified persons to prepare for the ministry of the
Gospel;
3) impart knowledge of this church and its wider ministry through distribution
of its periodicals and other publications; and
4) endeavor to increase the support given by the congregation to the work of
the churchwide organization of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA)
and of the Northwest Synod of Wisconsin of the ELCA.
*C9.04. The specific duties of the pastor, compensation, and other matters pertaining
to the service of the pastor shall be included in a letter of call, which shall
be attested by the bishop of the synod.
*C9.05. a. The call of a congregation, when accepted by a pastor, shall constitute
a continuing mutual relationship and commitment, which, except in the case of
the death of the pastor, shall be terminated only following consultation with
the synodical bishop and for the following reasons:
1) mutual agreement to terminate the call or the completion of a call for a
specific term;
2) resignation of the pastor, which shall become effective, unless otherwise
agreed, 30 days after the date on which it was submitted;
3) inability to conduct the pastoral office effectively in the congregation
in view of local conditions, without reflection on the competence or the moral
and spiritual character of the pastor;
4) the physical or mental incapacity of the pastor;
5) disqualification of the pastor through discipline on grounds of doctrine,
morality, or continued neglect of duty;
6) the dissolution of the congregation; or
7) suspension of the congregation as a result of discipline proceedings.
b. When allegations of physical or mental incapacity of the pastor or ineffective
conduct of the pastoral office have come to the attention of the bishop of the
synod, the bishop in his or her sole discretion may, or when such allegations
have been brought to the synod's attention by an official recital of allegations
by the Congregation Council or by a petition signed by at least one-third of
the voting members of the congregation, the bishop shall, investigate such conditions
personally in company with a committee of two ordained ministers and one layperson.
c. In case of alleged physical or mental incapacity, competent medical testimony
shall be obtained. When such disability is evident, the bishop of the synod
with the advice of the committee shall declare the pastorate vacant. Upon the
restoration of a disabled pastor to health, the bishop of the synod shall take
steps to enable the pastor to resume the ministry, either in the congregation
last served or in another field of labor.
d. In the case of alleged local difficulties that imperil the effective functioning
of the congregation, all concerned persons shall be heard, after which the bishop
of the synod together with the committee described in *C9.05.b. shall decide
on the course of action to be recommended to the pastor and the congregation.
If they agree to carry out such recommendations, no further action shall be
taken by the synod. If either party fails to assent, the congregation may dismiss
the pastor at a legally called meeting after consultation with the bishop, either
(a) by a two-thirds majority vote of the voting members present and voting where
the bishop and the committee did not recommend termination of the call, or (b)
by a simple majority vote of the voting members present and voting where the
bishop and the committee recommended termination of the call.
e. If, in the course of proceedings described in *C9.05.d., the committee concludes
that there may be grounds for disciplinary action, the committee shall make
recommendations concerning disciplinary action to the synodical bishop who may
bring charges, in accordance with the provisions of the constitution and bylaws
of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America and the constitution of this synod.
f. If, following the appointment of the committee described in *C9.05.b. or
d., it should become apparent that the pastoral office cannot be conducted effectively
in the congregation(s) being served by the ordained minister due to local conditions,
the bishop of the synod may temporarily suspend the pastor from service in the
congregation(s) without prejudice and with pay provided through a joint synodical
and churchwide fund and with housing provided by the congregation(s).
*C9.06. At a time of pastoral vacancy, an interim pastor shall be appointed
by the bishop of the synod with the consent of this congregation or the Congregation
Council.
*C9.07. During the period of service, an interim pastor shall have the rights
and duties in the congregation of a regularly called pastor and may delegate
the same in part to a supply pastor with the consent of the bishop of the synod
and this congregation or Congregation Council. The interim pastor and any ordained
pastor providing assistance shall refrain from exerting influence in the selection
of a pastor.
*C9.08. This congregation shall make satisfactory settlement of all financial
obligations to a former pastor before calling a successor. A pastor shall make
satisfactory settlement of all financial obligations to this congregation before
beginning service in a call to another congregation or employment in another
ministry setting related to the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.
*C9.09. When a pastor is called to serve in company with another pastor or pastors,
the privileges and responsibilities of each pastor shall be specified in documents
to accompany the call and to be drafted in consultation involving the pastors,
the Congregation Council, and the bishop of the synod. As occasion requires,
the documents may be revised through a similar consultation.
*C9.11. With the approval of the bishop of the synod, the congregation may depart
from *C9.05.a. and call a pastor for a specific term. Details of such calls
shall be in writing setting forth the purpose and conditions involved. Prior
to the completion of a term, the bishop or a designated representative of the
bishop shall meet with the pastor and representatives of the congregation for
a review of the call. Such a call may also be terminated before its expiration
in accordance with the provisions of *C9.05.a.
*C9.12. The pastor of this congregation:
a. shall keep accurate parochial records of all baptisms, confirmations, marriages,
burials, communicants, members received, members dismissed, or members excluded
from the congregation;
b. shall submit a summary of such statistics annually to the synod; and
c. shall become a member of this congregation upon receipt and acceptance of
the letter of call. In a parish of multiple congregations, the pastor shall
hold membership in one of the congregations.
*C9.13. The pastor(s) shall submit a report of his or her ministry to the bishop
of the synod at least 90 days prior to each regular meeting of the Synod Assembly.
C9.20. Ecumenical pastoral ministry
C9.21. Under special circumstances, subject to the approval of the synodical
bishop and the concurrence of this congregation, an ordained minister of a church
body with which the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America officially has established
a relationship of full communion may serve temporarily as pastor of this congregation
under a contract between the congregation and the ordained minister in a form
proposed by the synodical bishop and approved by the congregation.
Chapter 10.
CONGREGATION MEETING
C10.01. The annual meeting of this congregation shall be held at a time specified
in the bylaws.
C10.02. A special Congregation Meeting may be called by the pastor, the Congregation
Council, or the president of this congregation, and shall be called by the president
of the congregation upon the written request of 15 percent of the voting members.
The call for each special meeting shall specify the purpose for which it is
to be held and no other business shall be transacted.
C10.03. Notice of all meetings of this congregation shall be given at the services
of worship on the preceding two consecutive Sundays and by mail to all [voting]
members at least 10 days in advance of the date of the meeting. The posting
of such notice in the regular mail, with the regular postage affixed or paid,
sent to the last known address of such members shall be sufficient.
C10.04. 30 voting members shall constitute a quorum.
C10.05. Voting by proxy or by absentee ballot shall not be permitted.
C10.06. All actions approved by the congregation shall be by majority vote of
those members present and voting, except as otherwise provided in this constitution
or by state law.
C10.07. Robert's Rules of Order, latest edition, shall govern parliamentary
procedure of all meetings of this congregation.
Chapter 11.
OFFICERS
C11.01. The officers of this congregation shall be a president, vice president,
secretary, and treasurer.
a. Duties of the officers shall be specified in the bylaws.
b. The officers shall be voting members of the congregation.
c. Officers of this congregation shall serve similar offices of the Congregation
Council and shall be voting members of the Congregation Council.
C11.02. The congregation shall elect its officers and they shall be the officers
of the congregation. The officers shall be elected by written ballot and shall
serve for one year or until their successors are elected. Their terms shall
begin at the close of the annual meeting at which they are elected.
C11.03. No officer shall hold more than one office at a time. No elected officer
shall be eligible to serve more than two consecutive terms in the same office.
Chapter 12.
CONGREGATION COUNCIL
C12.01. The voting membership of the Congregation Council shall consist of the
elected officers of the congregation, and not more than10 nor fewer than 5 members
of the congregation. Any voting member of the congregation may be elected as
an officer. Excluding officers of the congregation, all other Congregation Council
voting members shall be appointed, one from each Standing Committee, chosen
by that committee. These appointments will be made immediately following the
annual meeting at committee meetings called for that purpose. A member's place
on the Congregation Council shall be declared vacant if the member a) ceases
to be a voting member of this congregation or b) is absent from four successive
regular meetings of the Congregation Council without cause. Consistent with
the laws of the state in which this congregation is incorporated, the congregation
may adopt procedures for the removal of a member of the Congregation Council
in other circumstances.
C12.02. All terms shall be for 1 year from annual meeting to annual meeting.
Members may serve a maximum of two full terms consecutively.
C12.03. Should an officer's place on the Congregation Council be declared vacant,
the Congregation Council shall elect by majority vote, a successor until the
next annual meeting. Similarly, should an appointed Congregation Council member's
position be declared vacant, that member would be replaced by appointing another
from the same committee. Individuals who have served less than one-half of a
regular term shall be eligible for nomination and possible election to a full
term.
C12.04. The Congregation Council shall have general oversight of the life and
activities of this congregation in accordance with the Word of God and the faith
and practice of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America including:
a. To lead Hope Lutheran in stating its mission, long-range planning, setting
goals and priorities, and evaluating its activities in light of its mission
and goals.
b. To seek to involve all members of this congregation in worship, learning,
witness, service, and support.
c. To oversee and provide for the administration of this congregation to enable
it to fulfill its functions and perform its mission.
d. To maintain supportive relationships with the pastor(s) and staff and help
them annually to evaluate the fulfillment of their calling or employment.
e. To be examples individually and corporately of the style of life and ministry
expected of all baptized persons.
f. To promote a congregational climate of peace and goodwill, and, as differences
and conflicts arise, to endeavor to foster mutual understanding.
g. To arrange for pastoral service during the sickness or absence of the pastor.
h. To emphasize partnership with the synod and churchwide organization of the
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America as well as cooperation with other congregations,
both Lutheran and non-Lutheran, subject to established policies of the synod
and the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.
i. To recommend and encourage the use of program resources produced or approved
by the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.
j. To seek out and encourage qualified persons to prepare for the ministry of
the Gospel.
C12.05. The Congregation Council shall be responsible for the financial and
property matters of this congregation.
a. The Congregation Council shall be the board of directors of this congregation,
and as such shall be responsible for maintaining and protecting its property
and the management of its business and fiscal affairs. It shall have the powers
and be subject to the obligations that pertain to such boards under the laws
of the State of WI, except as otherwise provided herein.
b. The Congregation Council shall not have the authority to buy, sell, or encumber
real property unless specifically authorized to do so by a meeting of the congregation.
c. The Congregation Council may enter into contracts of up to $5000 for items
not included in the budget.
d. The Congregation Council shall prepare a Ministry Plan (formerly referred
to as 'budget') for adoption by this congregation, shall supervise the expenditure
of resources in accordance therewith following its adoption, and may incur obligations
of more than $5,000 in excess of the anticipated receipts only after approval
by a Congregation Meeting. The Ministry Plan shall include this congregation's
full indicated share in support of the wider ministry being carried on in partnership
with the synod and churchwide organization.
e. The Congregation Council shall ascertain that the financial affairs of this
congregation are being conducted efficiently, giving particular attention to
the prompt payment of all obligations and to the regular forwarding of benevolence
monies to the synodical treasurer.
f. The Congregation Council shall be responsible for this congregation's investments
and its total insurance program.
C12.06. The Congregation Council shall see that the provisions of this constitution
its bylaws, and the continuing resolutions are carried out.
C12.07. The Congregation Council shall provide for an annual review of the membership
roster.
C12.08. The Congregation Council shall be responsible for the employment and
supervision of the salaried lay workers of this congregation.
C12.09. The Congregation Council shall submit a comprehensive report to this
congregation at the annual meeting.
C12.11. The Congregation Council shall normally meet once a month. Special meetings
may be called by the pastor or the president, and shall be called by the president
at the request of at least one-half of its members. Notice of each special meeting
shall be given to all who are entitled to be present.
C12.12. A quorum for the transaction of business shall consist of a majority
of the members of the Congregation Council, including the pastor or interim
pastor, except when the pastor or interim pastor requests or consents to be
absent and has given prior approval to the agenda for a particular regular or
special meeting, which shall be the only business considered at that meeting.
Chronic or repeated absence of the pastor or interim pastor who has refused
approval of the agenda of a subsequent regular or special meeting shall not
preclude action by the Congregation Council, following consultation with the
synodical bishop.
Chapter 13.
CONGREGATION COMMITTEES
C13.01. The officers of this congregation and the pastor shall constitute the
Executive Committee.
C13.02. A Nominating Committee of three voting-members of this congregation
(plus the Vice President of the Congregation Council) shall be elected at the
annual meeting for a term of one year. Members of the Nominating Committee are
not eligible for consecutive reelection.
C13.03. An Audit Committee of two voting members shall be elected by the Congregation
Council. Audit Committee members shall not be members of the Congregation Council.
Term of office shall be two years, with one member elected each year. Members
shall be eligible for reelection.
C13.04. A Mutual Ministry Committee shall be appointed jointly by the president
and the pastor. Term of office shall be two years, with three members to be
appointed each successive year. In the absence of a Mutual Ministry Committee,
these duties shall be fulfilled by the officers of the Congregation Council.
C13.05. When a pastoral vacancy occurs, a Call Committee of six voting members
shall be elected by this congregation. Term of office will terminate upon installation
of the newly called pastor.
C13.06. Other committees of this congregation may be formed, as the need arises,
by decision of the Congregation Council.
C13.07. Duties of committees of this congregation shall be specified in the
bylaws.
Chapter 14.
MINISTRIES OF HOPE LUTHERAN CONGREGATION
C14.01. All ministries of Hope Lutheran shall exist to extend God's grace in
Christ Jesus to all persons. As outgrowths and expressions of this congregation's
life, these ministries will be guided by God's vision for Hope Lutheran's ministry
as discerned and articulated by Hope Lutheran congregation. Such discernment
will be fluid and on-going, led by the Holy Spirit, and celebrated as reports
concerning membership, work, and finances are received.
Chapter 15.
DISCIPLINE OF MEMBERS AND ADJUDICATION
*C15.01. Denial of the Christian faith as described in this constitution, conduct
grossly unbecoming a member of the Church of Christ, or persistent trouble-making
in this congregation are sufficient cause for discipline of a member. Prior
to disciplinary action, reconciliation will be attempted following Matthew 18:15-17,
proceeding through these successive steps: a) private admonition by the pastor,
b) admonition by the pastor in the presence of two or three witnesses, and c)
citation to appear before the Congregation Council. If for any reason, the pastor
is unable to administer the admonitions required by a. and b. hereof, the president
(if not the pastor) or vice president shall administer such admonitions.
*C15.02. The process for discipline of a member of the congregation shall be
governed as prescribed by the chapter on discipline in the Constitution, Bylaws,
and Continuing Resolutions of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. If
discipline against a member proceeds beyond counseling and admonition by the
pastor, charges against the accused member(s) that are specific and in writing
shall be prepared by member(s) of the congregation who shall sign the charges
as the accuser(s). The written charges shall be filed with the pastor, who shall
advise the Congregation Council of the need to issue a written citation to the
accused and the accusers that specifies the time and place of the hearing before
the Congregation Council. The written charges shall accompany the written citation
to the accused. A member charged with the offense shall appear before the Congregation
Council after having received a written citation, at least ten days prior to
the meeting. If the member charged with the offense fails to appear at the scheduled
hearing, the Congregation Council may proceed with the hearing and may pass
judgment in the member’s absence.
*C15.03. Members of the Congregation Council who participate in the preparation
of the written charges or who present evidence or testimony in the hearing before
the Congregation Council are disqualified from voting upon the question of the
guilt of the accused member. Should the allegations be sustained by a two-thirds
majority vote of the members of the Congregation Council who are not disqualified
but who are present and voting, and renewed admonition prove ineffectual, the
council shall impose one of the following disciplinary actions:
a. censure before the council or congregation;
b. suspension from membership for a definite period of time; or
c. exclusion from membership in this congregation.
Disciplinary actions b. and c. shall be delivered to the member in writing.
*C15.04. The member against whom disciplinary action has been taken by the Congregation
Council shall have the right to appeal the decision to the Synod Council. Such
right may not be abridged and the decision of the Synod Council shall be final.
*C15.05. Disciplinary actions may be reconsidered and revoked by the Congregation
Council upon receipt of a) evidence that injustice has been done or b) evidence
of repentance and amendment.
*C15.06. For disciplinary actions in this congregation, "due process"
shall be observed as specified in 20.41.04. in the Constitution, Bylaws, and
Continuing Resolutions of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.
*C15.07. No member of a congregation shall be subject to discipline for offenses
that the Congregation Council has previously heard and decided, unless so ordered
by the Synod Council after an appeal.
*C15.10. Adjudication
*C15.11. When there is disagreement among factions within this congregation
on a substantive issue that cannot be resolved by the parties, members of this
congregation shall have access to the synodical bishop for consultation after
informing the chair of the Congregation Council of their intent. If the consultation
fails to resolve the issue(s), the Consultation Committee of the synod shall
consider the matter. If the Consultation Committee of the synod shall fail to
resolve the issue(s), the matter shall be referred to the Synod Council, whose
decision shall be final.
Chapter 16.
BYLAWS
*C16.01. This congregation may adopt bylaws. No bylaw may conflict with this
constitution.
*C16.02. Bylaws may be adopted or amended at any legally called meeting of this
congregation with a quorum present by a majority vote of those voting members
present and voting.
*C16.03. Changes to the bylaws may be proposed by any voting member provided,
however, that such additions or amendments be submitted in writing to the Congregation
Council at least 60 days before a regular or special Congregation Meeting called
for that purpose and that the Congregation Council notify the congregation’s
members by mail of the proposal with the council’s recommendations at
least 30 days in advance of the Congregation Meeting.
*C16.04. Approved changes to the bylaws shall be sent by the secretary of this
congregation to the synod.
Chapter 17.
AMENDMENTS
*C17.01. Those sections of this constitution that are not required, in accord
with the Model Constitution for Congregations of the Evangelical Lutheran Church
in America, may be amended in the following manner. Amendments may be proposed
by at least 15% voting members or by the Congregation Council. Proposals must
be filed in writing with the Congregation Council 60 days before formal consideration
by this congregation at a regular or special Congregation Meeting called for
that purpose. The Congregation Council shall notify the congregation’s
members by mail of the proposal together with the council's recommendations
at least 30 days in advance of the meeting.
*C17.02. An amendment to this constitution, proposed under *C17.01., shall:
a. be approved at a legally called Congregation Meeting according to this constitution
by a majority vote of those present and voting;
b. be ratified without change at the next annual meeting by a two-thirds majority
vote of those present and voting; and
c. have the effective date included in the resolution3 and noted in the constitution.
*C17.03. Any amendments to this constitution that result from the processes
provided in *C17.01. and *C17.02. shall be sent by the secretary of this congregation
to the synod. The amendment shall become effective within 120 days from the
date of the receipt of the notice by the synod unless the synod informs this
congregation that the amendment is in conflict with the constitution and bylaws
of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America or the constitution of the Northwest
Synod of Wisconsin of the ELCA.
*C17.04. Whenever the Model Constitution for Congregations is amended by the
Churchwide Assembly, this constitution may be amended to incorporate any such
amendment by a simple majority vote of those voting members present and voting
at any subsequent meeting of the congregation without presentation at a prior
meeting of the congregation, provided that the Congregation Council has submitted
by mail notice to the congregation of such an amendment or amendments, together
with the council’s recommendations, at least 30 days prior to the meeting.
Following the adoption of an amendment, the secretary of the congregation shall
submit a copy thereof to the synod. Such provisions shall become effective immediately
following a vote of approval.
Chapter 18.
CONTINUING RESOLUTIONS
*C18.01. The Congregation Council may enact continuing resolutions. Such continuing
resolutions may not conflict with the constitution or bylaws of this congregation.
*C18.02. Continuing resolutions shall be enacted or amended by a two-thirds
vote of all voting members of the Congregation Council.
Chapter 19.
INDEMNIFICATION
*C19.01. Consistent with the provisions of the laws under which this congregation
is incorporated, this congregation may adopt provisions providing indemnification
for each person who, by reason of the fact that such person is or was a Congregation
Council member, officer, employee, agent, or other member of any committee of
this congregation, was or is threatened to be made a party to any threatened,
pending, or completed civil, criminal, administrative, arbitration, or investigative
proceeding.
Chapter 20.
PARISH AUTHORIZATION
[* Required provisions when congregation is part of a parish]
*C20.01. This congregation may unite in partnership with one or more other congregations
recognized by the synod named in *C6.01. to form a parish. Except as provided
in *C20.02. and *C20.03., a written agreement, developed in consultation with
the synod and approved by the voting members of each congregation participating
in the parish, shall specify the powers and responsibilities that have been
delegated to a Parish Council.
*C20.02. Whenever a letter of call is being recommended for extension to an
ordained minister of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America or a candidate
for the roster of ordained ministers who has been recommended to the congregation
by the synodical bishop to serve the congregations of a parish, such letter
of call shall be first approved by a two-thirds vote at congregational meetings
of each of the congregations forming the parish. If any congregation of the
parish should fail to approve extending this call, the other congregation(s)
in the same parish shall have the right to terminate the parish arrangement.
*C20.03. Any one of the congregations of a parish may terminate the call of
a pastor as provided in †S14.13.d. of the synodical constitution of the
synod named in *C6.01. In such case, the other congregation(s) in the same parish
shall have the right to terminate the parish arrangement.