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PREAMBLE
It is the will of our Lord Jesus Christ that His
disciples should preach the Gospel to the whole
world (Matthew 28: 18-20) so that Christ's mission
for His church might be carried out according to His
will. He has commanded that Christians teach the
Word of God, unite in worship, practice fellowship
with one another and serve the needs of all men in
Christian love.
Since Christians are also to administer the
Office of the Keys as His church and to maintain
decency and order in the church (1 Cor. 14:40), we,
the members of Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church of
Bay City, Michigan, do accept and subscribe to the
following Constitution and By-Laws, in accordance
with which all spiritual and material affairs of our
congregation shall be governed.
ARTICLE I - NAME
The name of this congregation shall be Zion
Evangelical Lutheran Church of Bay City, Michigan.
ARTICLE II - PURPOSE
Compelled by the love of God working through Word
and Sacrament, this gathering of believers is to
glorify anti praise God, strengthen and support
fellow members and reach a lost world with the good
news of Jesus so that more might be saved. We are
compelled by the love of God toward these endeavors
as He works in us through the Word and Sacrament.
ARTICLE III - DOCTRINAL
STANDARD
ARTICLES OF FAITH AND CONFESSION
This congregation accepts all the canonical books of
the Old and New Testaments (Bible) as the inspired
and revealed Word of God and all the following
Symbolical Books of the Evangelical Lutheran Church,
contained in the Book of Concord 1580, as the
correct presentation and true exposition of
Christian Doctrine drawn from the Holy Scripture:
The three Ecumenical Creeds, namely: the Apostolic,
the Nicene and the Athanasian, The Unaltered
Augsburg Confession, The Apology of the Augsburg
Confession, The Smalcald Articles, Luther’s Large
Catechism, Luther’s Small Catechism, and The Formula
of Concord. No doctrine or practice in conflict or
inconsistent with the above norms of our faith or
life shall be taught or practiced in this
congregation.
ARTICLE IV – MEMBERSHIP
The membership of the congregation includes the
following:
- Baptized Membership: All those, regardless of
age, who have been baptised in the name of the
Triune God.
- Communicant Membership: The communicant
membership includes those baptised members who have
been confirmed in the Lutheran faith, accept the
confessional standards of Article III, are familiar
at least with the basic Christian doctrines and who
are not members of organizations whose principles
and conduct conflict with the Word of God.
- Reception:
-
Baptized members are received through
the Sacrament of Holy Baptism, through
transfer, or with the consent of one or both
parents in the case of children who have
been baptized in another Christian
congregation.
-
Communicant members are received by the
rite of Confirmation, by transfer from a
sister congregation, upon profession of
faith or by re-affirmation of faith. All
membership shall be approved by the
Administrative Board of Elders.
- Duties: It shall be the privilege and duty of
communicant members of this congregation to:
- Grow in the Christian faith and life
through faithful use of the means of grace,
partake of the Lord’s Supper frequently,
attend worship and Bible classes faithfully,
and search the scriptures at home and in
fellowship with other members of the
congregation and its agencies.
- Live a morally decent life before God
and men, abstain from open works of the
flesh (Gal. 5:18-21) and so conduct
themselves at all times as to bring credit
rather than blame upon the Church of Jesus
Christ.
- Provide the proper Christian training of
their children by instruction at home and
through the agencies of the church.
- Contribute toward the maintenance and
the extension of the congregation and the
entire Kingdom of God at home and abroad in
proportion to their financial ability.
- Place their God-given talents and
abilities at the disposal of the pastor(s),
the officers and other agencies of the
congregation as set forth in its
constitution and by-laws, so that the
purposes and functions of the congregation
may be effectively implemented.
- Termination: Membership shall be terminated by
transfer to a sister congregation, by death, by
joining another congregation, by excommunication or
by self-exclusion.
- Communicant members who conduct themselves in an
unchristian manner shall be admonished according to
Matthew 18:15-20. If they still remain impenitent
after proper admonishment, they shall be
excommunicated. On behalf of the congregation, each
case shall be presented individually to the
Administrative Board of Elders for its
recommendation.
- Voting Membership: Communicant members who have
reached the age of eighteen years shall have the
privilege of voting at the Voters Assembly.
- Elected and Appointed Positions: Both men and
women may serve as voters, officers, and members of
boards and committees. Women, in accordance with the
Doctrinal Standards adhered to by the Lutheran
Church-Missouri Synod, may not serve in the position
of Administrative Elder or Chairman of the Church
Administrative Board.
ARTICLE V – THE OFFICE OF
PASTOR, TEACHER OR OTHER CALLED
STAFF POSITIONS
The pastoral office, the office of a tenured
teacher, or a non-tenured called teacher, or other
called staff positions shall be conferred only on
such pastors, teachers and candidates who profess
and adhere to the confessional standard set forth in
Article III of this constitution.
ARTICLE VI – AUTHORITY OF
THE CONGREGATION
- General:
- The Voters Assembly shall be the
ultimate governing body of the congregation.
It alone has the right of calling pastors,
tenured teachers and other called staff
positions, the election of the Church
Administrative Board, Treasurer and
Administrative Board of Elders, approval of
the budget, membership changes and the
approval of building programs.
- The Church Administrative Board shall be
charged with the month-to-month decisions
and programs of the congregation. It shall
be held accountable to the Voters Assembly
for the progress of the congregation toward
its stated purposes. The establishment and
conduct of all organizations and societies
within the congregation shall be subject to
the approval and supervision of the Church
Administrative Board.
- Legal Authority:
As the
legal representatives of the congregation, the
chairman and secretary shall sign legal documents,
make contracts, represent the congregation in court,
approve called non-tenured workers and hire
non-called workers.
- Decisions:
All matters of doctrine and of conscience
shall be decided only by the Word of God. All
other matters shall be decided by a majority
vote of those present at a Voters Assembly.
- Removal
from Office:
- Any pastor, teacher or officer my be
removed from office by the Voters Assembly
by a two-thirds majority ballot vote of
those present and voting in Christian and
lawful order, for one of the following
reasons: persistent adherence to false
doctrine, scandalous life, or willful
neglect of duties.
- The congregation may request the
resignation of any pastor, teacher or
officer from his/her position in the
congregation due to prolonged incapacity or
general incompetence.
ARTICLE VII – OFFICERS
- The officers of this congregation shall be
such officers as prescribed in the by-laws of this
constitution.
- No congregational officer, board or committee
member shall have authority beyond that which has
been conferred upon them by the Voters Assembly
and/or the Church Administrative Board.
ARTICLE VIII – PROPERTY
RIGHTS
If, at any time, a separation should take place
in this fellowship, the property of the fellowship
and all the benefits connected therewith shall
remain with those members who shall continue to
adhere to those doctrines, tenets, and practices,
which prevailed when this constitution was adopted.
This remains in effect even if those members
constitute a minority of the membership. In the
event the congregation should totally disband, the
property and all rights connected therewith, shall
be transferred to the Michigan District of the
Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod.
ARTICLE IX – SYNODICAL
MEMBERSHIP
In order to do the Lord’s work more efficiently
within and also beyond our own congregation, we
maintain voting membership in the Lutheran Church –
Missouri Synod, as long as the Synodical church body
adheres to the confessional basis detailed in
Article III above. As members of this Synod, we
participate in its meetings and deliberations,
proclaim the good news and extend His Kingdom.
ARTICLE X – ADOPTION AND
REVISION
The constitution and/or proposed amendments to it
shall be declared adopted and valid at any scheduled
Voters Assembly, provided:
- That Articles III (Doctrinal Standards), IV
(Membership), V (Office of Pastor, Teacher or Other
Called Staff), VIII (Property Rights) and IX (Synod
Membership) of this constitution shall not be
changed or repealed.
- That the proposed change does not conflict with
the provisions defined in Articles II (Purpose), III
(Doctrinal Standards), and V (Office of Pastor,
Teacher or Other Called Staff).
- That any proposed amendment has been submitted in
writing and reviewed by the Church Administrative
Board and published in the church bulletin for two
Sundays prior to the meeting at which the proposed
amendment will be acted upon; and
- That an affirmative written vote of a two-thirds
majority of voters present is received.
BY-LAWS
ARTICLE I – VOTERS ASSEMBLY
- Regular Meeting: The Voters Assembly shall
meet as needed to conduct the following business
items:
- Approve the congregational budget
- Elect Church Administrative Board,
Administrative Board of Elders and Treasurer
- Approve the congregational mission and
ministry work plan
- Receive congregational progress reports
- Approve building programs
- Extend calls to pastors and
called-tenured teachers and other called
staff positions
- Other business items that pertain to the
overall direction of the congregation
Voters’ meetings shall be called by the Church
Administrative Board by publishing notices in the
church bulletin for two Sundays prior to the
meeting.
- Special Meetings: Special meetings of the Voters
Assembly may be called by the Church Administrative
Board, The Administrative Board of Elders, or the pastor(s). Notice of the date and time of such a
meeting and the nature of the business to be
transacted shall be given at two Sunday worship
services proceeding the date of the meeting.
- Order: The Chairman of the Church Administrative
Board shall chair all Voters Assembly meetings.
Likewise, the Secretary of the Church Administrative
Board shall serve as secretary. The meeting will be
conducted according to Christian conduct and
Robert’s Rules of Order. The Church Administrative
Board shall provide a printed agenda.
- Officers of the Congregation are: Chairman of the
Church Administrative Board, Secretary of the Church
Administrative Board, and Treasurer. If financial
records are being prepared and maintained by a
member of the congregational paid staff, these
functions shall be overseen by the Treasurer.
ARTICLE II – CHURCH
ADMINISTRATIVE BOARD
- Membership: The board will be made up of seven
voting members to be elected from the congregation.
A pastor shall serve as an ex officio member.
- Order: The board shall elect its own chairman and
secretary from its elected members. The board shall
appoint a financial secretary to work in conjunction
with the finance committee. The chairman will be
responsible for conducting meetings and will be the
official representative of the board. He shall also
work with the pastor in the implementation of board
decisions. The secretary shall be responsible for
the recording of minutes and assisting with
correspondence. The chairman and the pastor shall be
responsible for providing a printed agenda.
- Standing Committees: The Church Administrative
Board shall appoint the following committees:
- Christian Community: This committee
shall work in concert with the
Administrative Board of Elders to oversee
the development of Christian
community/fellowship within the membership.
The specific areas of responsibility will
include worship, Vacation Bible School, One
to One LayCARE, ChristCARE small group
ministry, mid-week cell Bible groups and
adult and youth groups.
- Program Development: To continue the
growth of the family of Christ at Zion, this
committee shall be responsible for
developing new programs and/or activities
that meet the needs of the community, both
members and non-members. This development
includes the innovation, implementation and
establishment of these programs and/or
activities. If and when the above become
ongoing, they will be placed under the
supervision of the appropriate committee.
- Christian Day School: This committee
shall consist of five members appointed by
the Church Administrative Board. The
principal shall be an ex officio member of
the committee. This committee is accountable
to the Church Administrative Board. The
responsibilities of the Christian Day School
Committee are to:
a) Show concern for the educational
staff by praying, encouraging and
supporting them with action.
b) Show concern for the families of the
church and school by working to:
1) Foster spiritual growth in the
life of the individual Christian
2) Strengthen the Christian home and
help equip parents, children and
young people for Christian living
3) Encourage the congregation to
support present and future
educational growth opportunities for
members of the Christian Day School
and parish
c) Recommend all policies for the
Christian Day School.
d) Encourage and promote a system of
open communications between the school
staff, families of students and the
Christian Day School Committee.
e) Foster the commitment of the
Christian Day School parents as related
to time, talents and treasures
contributed to the day school.
f) Establish short-range and long-range
goals of the Christian Day School in
conjunction with principal.
g) Arrange for the appropriate calling
of non-tenured teaching positions in
accord with the policies of the
Christian Day School Committee approved
by the Church Administrative Board.
- Property: This committee shall be
responsible for:
-
Care of all congregational properties
-
Insurance protection and coverage for
congregational properties
-
Recommendation to the Church
Administrative Board for replacement or
expansion of properties or major equipment
that is a component part of the
congregational property
-
Policies governing the rental, lending or
use of church property and equipment.
- Finance: This committee shall be
responsible for:
- Policies that direct the internal
controls for safeguarding the financial
assets of the congregation.
- Overseeing the functional
responsibilities of the Treasurer and the
Financial Secretary.
- Policies that direct the receipt of
income and disbursement of expenses of the
congregation.
-
Annual stewardship campaign for the
congregation.
Congregational mission emphasis –
selection and support.
- Member Resources: This committee shall
develop and maintain an up-to-date roster of all
Zion members with appropriate biographical
information and an inventory of members’
interests and skills which may be utilized in
service for Zion’s work and programs.
- Task Forces and Program Committees: The Church
Administrative Board shall accomplish its specific
tasks through the appointment of task forces and
program committees. The length of office for these
positions will be determined by each situation.
- Meetings: The Church Administrative Board shall
meet once a month. The standing committees shall
meet as necessary.
- Board and standing committee meetings shall be
open to voting members’ attendance. Board and
standing committee agendas and minutes are available
in the church office for review by voting members.
- Term: Persons elected in accordance with by-laws
Article I, A.2 shall serve for two years. No elected
person may serve more than two consecutive terms in
the same elected position.
- Policies: The Church Administrative Board shall
be responsible for the approval of all policies for
boards and standing committees.
ARTICLE III – ADMINISTRATIVE
BOARD OF ELDERS
- Membership: The congregation will elect five
Administrative Elders.
- Order: The board shall elect its own chairman and
secretary. The chairman shall be responsible for
conducting the meeting. The secretary shall be
responsible for the recording of minutes. The
chairman and pastor shall be responsible for
providing a printed agenda.
- Responsibilities:
- The spiritual growth and care of the
members.
- The worship life of the congregation.
- The compensation and benefits for all paid
workers.
- The supervision of doctrine.
- The appointment of a sufficient number of
individuals to serve in the above areas of
responsibility.
- Establish the process for call committees to
call pastors, called-tenured teachers, or other
called staff position.
- Meetings: The board shall meet al least once a
month.
ARTICLE IV – FINANCIAL
MATTERS
- Treasurer: A Treasurer shall be elected by the
congregation to oversee all expenses of the
congregation, to supervise, in the case of a paid
staff person (Article I.D) and/or maintain the
financial books of the congregation and to provide a
prepared monthly accounting of the congregation’s
financial position to the Church Administrative
Board.
- Financial Secretary: A Financial Secretary shall
be appointed by the Church Administrative Board to
oversee all congregational income. Specifically, the
Financial Secretary shall make provision for the
weekly counting of the congregation’s income.
- Bonding: The Treasurer and Financial Secretary
shall be bonded.
ARTICLE V – NOMINATIONS AND
ELECTION OF CHURCH
ADMINISTRATIVE BOARD, ADMINISTRATIVE ELDERS AND
TREASURER
- The Church Administrative Board shall appoint
a nominating committee.
- The nominating committee shall recommend a
list of qualified nominees to the Voters Assembly.
ARTICLE VI – FISCAL/PROGRAM
YEAR
It shall be at the discretion of the Church
Administrative Board to determine the most
appropriate fiscal/program calendar. All financial
books shall receive a yearly review/audit.
ARTICLE VII – CALLING OF A
PASTOR, TEACHER, OR OTHER CALLED
STAFF PERSON
- In case of a vacancy, the Administrative Board
of Elders shall assist the secretary of the Church
Administrative Board in drafting a letter to the
District President which states the desired
qualifications, lists nominated candidates proposed
by our congregation and requests a list of current
suitable Missouri Synod pastors or tenured teachers
or other called staff persons. Nominations from this
list provided by the Michigan District shall be
proposed and considered at a regular or special
meeting of the Voters Assembly. Synodical guidelines
shall be followed throughout the calling process.
- These nominees are eligible for election at any
subsequent regular or special meeting of the Voters
Assembly and shall be known as candidates. The
candidate receiving a majority vote from the voting
members present shall be declared elected and
extended the Call after the election has been made
unanimous.
- The pastor or tenured teacher or other called
staff person thus elected shall then be extended a
Call in the name of the congregation. The Call
extended shall be duly signed by the Chairman of the
Administrative Board of Elders and the pastor, the
principal or the interim pastor.
- When a pastoral candidate from one of our
seminaries is called, such a Call shall be extended
through the District President, the Council of
Presidents and the Seminary.
ARTICLE VIII – AMENDMENTS
These by-laws may be amended at any scheduled
meeting of the Voters Assembly by an affirmative
vote of a two-thirds majority of all members present
and voting, provided the proposed amendment has been
submitted in writing and reviewed by the Church
Administrative Board and published in the church
bulletin for two Sundays prior to the meeting at
which the proposed amendment will be acted upon
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