Constitution and By-Laws
Preamble
The word of God demands that all things be done decently and in order, (1 Corinthians 14:40). We, the members of Trinity-St. James Evangelical Lutheran Church, Munger, Michigan, set for this document, the constitution and by-laws, in accordance with which our congregational affairs shall be conducted. This document shall supersede previous constitutions and by-laws of our congregation.
Article I - Name
The name of this Congregation shall be: Trinity-St. James Evangelical Lutheran Church.
Article II - Purpose
The purpose of this Congregation shall be to provide Pastoral care for its members, to teach the Word of God, to administer the Sacraments, to preserve purity of doctrine, to manifest the unity of our faith in Jesus Christ as God and Savior, to exercise Christian love and fellowship, to provide Christian training for the young, and to extend the Kingdom of God at large. This paragraph may not be repealed or altered.
To further such purpose, the Congregation may acquire, hold title to, sell, transfer, convey, or otherwise dispose of property (real, personal and mixed).
To do the Lord's work more effectively beyond the confines of our own Congregation, we shall maintain voting membership in the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod as long as said Synod adheres to the confessional standard detailed in Article III of this Constitution. As members of the Synod, we shall participate in its meetings and deliberations, and share in its work of building the Kingdom of God.
Article III - Confessional Standard
This Congregation acknowledges and accepts all the canonical books of the Old Testament and the New Testament as the revealed and inerrant World of God, verbally inspired, and submits to them as the only infallible authority in all matters of faith and life. This Congregation acknowledges and accepts all the confessional writings of the Evangelical Lutheran Church, contained in the Book of Concord of the year 1580, as true and genuine expositions of the doctrines of the Bible. These confessional writings are:
- The three Ecumenical Creeds: the Apostle's, the Nicene and the Athanasian;
- The Unaltered Augsburg Confession;
- The Apology (the defense and explanation) of the Unaltered Augsburg Confession;
- The Smalcald Articles;
- Luther's Small and Large Catechism;
- The Formula of Concord
This form of doctrine shall decide and settle all doctrinal controversies and all religious disputes which may arise in our Congregation.
This article may not be repealed or altered.
Article IV - Membership - The Congregation
This Congregation welcomes into membership all souls who adhere to the confessional standard of this Congregation as outlined in Article III.
Membership includes the following:
- Baptized membership
- Baptized members are all members who have been baptized in the name of the Triune God and who are under the spiritual care of the pastor of the Congregation, including the children who have not yet confirmed their baptismal vow.
- Baptized members are received through the Sacrament of Holy Baptism, through transfer, or with the consent of one or both parents or guardians in the case of children who have been baptized in another Christian congregation.
- Communicant membership
- Communicant members are those baptized members who have been confirmed in the Lutheran faith, accepts the doctrinal standards or Article III of this Constitution.
- Communicant members are received through the rite of confirmation, by transfer from a sister congregation, upon profession of faith, or by reaffirmation of faith, provided they conform to the requirements for membership in this Congregation. Their reception shall be approved by the Board of Elders.
Only such can be and remain a member and enjoy the rights and privileges of membership in the Congregation and are eligible to receive the Lord's Supper who:
- Accepts the Bible as the verbally inspired revelation of God as the only divine rule and standard of faith and life;
- Is familiar with the doctrines of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod at least to the extent as they are set forth in Luther's Small Catechism, and that he declares his acceptance thereof;
- Attends divine services faithfully;
- Promises to receive the Sacrament frequently;
- Lead a Christian life (Galatians 5:22-23) and do not live in the manifest work of the flesh (Galatians 5:19-21);
- Submits, for the sake of peace and love, to the regulations already made, or to be made by the Voters' Assembly, provided they do not conflict with the Word of God;
- Accepts admonition, when he has erred, has become delinquent in the requirements of membership, or has otherwise given offense (Matthew 18:15-17)
- Is not a member of a secret society or lodge or other organization conflicting with the Word of God;
- Contributes, as the Lord has prospered him (1 Corinthians 16:2), toward the maintenance of the Congregation and its functions, and to the extension of the Kingdom of God at large.
Article V - Voting Membership
Voting members are communicants who have reached the age of 18 years and who have been received by the Voters' Assembly.
Persons desiring admission as voting members must announce their intention personally or through a member to the Pastor, who will then present this request to the meeting of the Congregation. If the request for reception is not opposed, such application is postponed for action until the next regular meeting of the Congregation. Failure to attend a regular Voters' meeting without excuse during a period of two years shall termination his right of voting membership. Honorary members and members of ill health being excused.
The Voters shall have the sole right, privilege and duty to select officers according to the electoral process as outlined the constitution.
All major policy decisions shall be submitted to the Voters for final resolution for and on behalf of the entire Congregation, and their determinations shall be sovereign to any other authority within the Church. All matters Scriptural and secular, delegated or undelegated, shall be subject to final review by the body in any duly called and constituted meeting.
Article VI - Termination of Membership
Membership shall be terminated when a member:
- Declares that he no longer wishes to be a member;
- Receives a transfer to another Christian congregation;
- Joins another religions congregation or other organization which does not subscribe to the confessional standard of this Congregation;
- Refuses to accepts Christian love and discipline as outlined in Matthew 18:15-35, regarding excommunication, which is to proceed as follows:
- The male Voters have the authority to exercise the power of excommunication for reasons laid down in Scripture;
- In matters of excommunication, Christian love and discipline shall prevail as outlined in Matthew 18:15-35;
- Should excommunication become necessary, it would necessitate a unanimous vote of those male Voters present;
- When a person(s) is under Church discipline, he shall not have the privilege to vote in proceedings against him.
- Can no longer be located or contacted after a reasonable period of time, following a concerted effort by the Board of Elders.
A member whose membership has been terminated shall have no further rights in the conduct and affairs of the Congregation nor a claim to any of its property or function.
Article VII - Governing Structure
- Elected Officers and Board Members
- The Voters shall elect all officers and board members as follows:
- President
- Vice-President
- Secretary
- Treasurer
- Financial Secretary
- Financial Recording Secretary
- The Board of Elders
- The Board of Missions and Evangelism
- The Board of Trustees
- The Board of Christian Education
- The Board of Stewardship
- Only male members shall be permitted to serve as President, Vice-President, and on the Board of Elders, or any other function involving the Office of the Keys.
- Members shall not hold more than one elective office at any one time.
- The President and the Vice-President shall be elected to a one year term, and not service more than three consecutive terms. The term of all other elected officers or Board members shall be limited to two consecutive three-year terms in the same office. However, in the event of a vacancy in the office of the President, the Vice-President shall serve for the balance of the vacated presidential term. He may thereafter become a nominee for re-election to the full subsequent presidential term.
- The Voters shall elect all officers and board members as follows:
- The Church Council
- The Council shall be composed of the President, Vice-President, Secretary, Treasurer, Financial Secretary, and Financial Recording Secretary of the Congregation, including the Chairman of each of the Boards enumerated in Paragraph A of this Article. The Pastor shall be ex-officio member of the Church Council.
- Committees
- The following shall be standing committees to which no less than three members shall be appointed by the President.
- The Nominations and Election Committee
- The Auditing Committee
- The Budget Committee
- The Salary and Wage Committee
- The Christian Service Committee
- All standing committee members appointed by the President shall be for a one year term and may be appointed to successive terms. They are subject to approval by the Church Council and/or the Voters.
- The following shall be standing committees to which no less than three members shall be appointed by the President.
- All nominations for elected officers must be approved by the Church Council and published one month prior to the December meeting. At the December meeting, additional nomination may be presented from the floor.
- The Voters reserve the right to terminate the service of an elected officer or appointee before the expiration of the regular term. Such action requires a two-thirds majority vote of the Voters present at a regularly scheduled or a specially called meeting.
- The ex-officio member, as expressed in this Constitution and attached By-Laws, shall have the privilege and right to attend meetings, to speak, advise and council with full rights and privileges to vote.
Article VIII - Elections
- Elections shall be supervised by the Nominations and Elections Committee.
- Elections shall be conducted annually in December at time and place to be designated by the Church Council.
- Elections shall be by secret ballots.
- Elections shall be conducted by the Church Council and the Board of Elders.
- Absentee ballots shall be made available to those Voters who request them, providing they are filed with the Secretary of the Congregation at least three days prior to the day such election is to be conducted.
Article IX - The Office of Pastor and Teacher
Only such pastors and teachers shall be called by our Congregation who declare their adherence to the Bible and the Confessional Writings listed in Article III of this Constitution and who are qualified for the work for which they are being called.
Only the Voters may vote to call a pastor or a teacher, and a majority of votes cast shall prevail.
Reasons for deposing a pastor or teacher may be:
- Adherence to false doctrine;
- Conduct unbecoming to a servant of the Word;
- Neglect of duty;
- The Congregation may request the resignation of any pastor, teacher or officer from his position in the Congregation in the case of prolonged incapacity or general incompetence.
In deposing a pastor or teacher, a two-thirds majority of votes cast shall be required, in a constitutionally called meeting.
Article X - Property Rights
Every member is entitled to full rights and privileges under this Constitution, but upon separating from this Congregation for any reason whatsoever, he loses all claim to its property or functions.
Should a separation of this Congregation occur, which God may graciously prevent, all property of the Congregation shall remain in the possession of those members who continue to adhere to the purposes of the Congregation as established in Article II and to its confessional standard as set forth in Article III of this Constitution.
In the event the Congregation should totally disband for any reason, that property which does not legally revert back to the hears of the original donors, and all rights connected therewith, shall be transferred to the Michigan District of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod, as long as said Synod adheres to the confessional standard detailed in Article III of this Constitution.
Article XI - Societies and Organizations
The name and constitution of each auxiliary organization shall be approved by the Church Council before it has a right to function.
Article XII - Changing the Constitution
Unalterable Articles:
Articles II, III and IX, of this Constitution shall not be subject to change or repeal.
Amendments:
Amendments to this Constitution may be adopted at a regular Voters' Assembly, provided:
-
That they do not conflict with the provisions laid down in Article III, or with any other article that pertains to a Scriptural doctrine and practice;
-
That the propose amendment has been submitted in writing at a previous meeting of the Voters' Assembly and published to the Congregation prior to the meeting at which the proposed amendment will be acted upon;
-
That an affirmative vote of a two-thirds majority of the Voters present, "in a legal meeting", is secured.
Article A - The Voters' Meeting
- The Voters are to meet a minimum of four times per year, upon call by the Church Council and must be announced in public service on the previous Sunday.
- A special meeting may be called by the President or at the request of any of the following to the President:
- Church Council
- Board of Elders
- Ten voting members of the Congregation
- Meetings shall start and end with prayer and shall be conducted according to Robert's Rules of Order, if not otherwise contrary to an expressly stated Article or By-Law. At the discretion of the Chairman, a voice or standing vote shall be used to decide most questions. In the conduct of elections however, the secret ballot shall be used. The vote upon other substantial or important questions shall be taken by ballot when the best interest of the Congregation seems to demand it or when ten percent of the Voters present favor it.
- The number of Voters necessary to constitute a quorum shall be thirty three percent of the registered Voters (excluding honorary members).
- No meeting shall continue for more than two hours unless the Voters vote to extend the time.
- A chairman shall preside at all meetings.
- The Secretary shall keep a written account of the proceedings.
- The Congregation shall operate on a budget accepted by the Voters.
- No individual or Board is empowered to spend money not appropriated in the budget.
- Monies for special projects must be approved by the Voters before commitments or purchases are made.
Article B - The President
- The President of the Congregation shall:
- preside at all meetings of the Church Council and Voters
- prepare and submit an agenda for each meeting of the Church Council and Voters
- conduct all meetings in a Christian and brotherly manner
- supervise the execution of this Constitution and its By-Laws and all resolutions of the Voters
- be familiar with this Constitution and its By-Laws, the basic doctrines of the Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod and Robert's Rules of Order
- subject to ratification by the Church Council and/or Voters, appoint Committees as outlined in Article VII, Section C (1)(a) thru (e)
- be ex officio a member of all Boards and Committees
- provide a Constitution and By-Laws of Trinity-St. James Evangelical Lutheran Church to every newly elected officer, Board and Committee member
- To be eligible for nomination to the Office of President, a candidate must:
- have been a male Voter at least two years
- be at least twenty-five years old
Article B - The President (append.)
The President represents all the members in the group. Therefore, he must remain impartial on all questions, as much as possible, and refrain from voting when his vote would be disclosed to the membership. He has the right to vote, but it would be unwise for the President to vote by voice, by show of hands, or by a rising vote, for all members to observe. He can, however, vote by ballot with the members, but in this case cannot vote again in order to break a tie. No one is entitled to vote twice. It would usually be unwise for the President to vote to break any tie vote. If he declined, the result would be as if the motion had never been made. The President then retains his position of impartiality in the group; and also more time is allowed to study the question further before reaching a decision. However, the President might use his vote to produce a tie, thus saving a tight situation for the group. The President in this case might state that he would use his right to vote by casting an affirmative vote for the purpose of producing a tie, so that the question that had caused such a division would be dropped.
The President because of his impartial position loses another privilege, that of entering into discussion or debate. Facts that would help in the consideration of the question may be present by the President.
The President serves ex officio as a member of all Committees. A member ex officio has all the rights and privileges, but none of the obligations, of a member of the Committee. He can make motions, enter into discussion, and vote, but he is not counted in the quorum.
Article C - The Vice-President
- The Vice-President of the Congregation shall:
- assume all the duties of the President in case of vacancy, absence or temporary inability of the President to serve
- serve ex officio as a member of all Committees. A member ex officio has all the rights and privileges, but none of the obligations, of a member of the Committee. He can make motions, enter into discussion and vote
- To be eligible for nomination for the office of Vice-President a candidate must:
- have been a male Voter at least two years
- be at least twenty-five years of age
Article D - The Secretary
- The duties of the Secretary shall be to:
- prepare an accurate record of the proceedings of the Voters and Church Council meetings
- carry on such correspondence as the Voters or Church Council direct
- inform the Congregational membership on non privy proceedings taken place during Church Council and Voters meetings via a Church publication
- serve as Secretary of the Budget Committee and Nominating Committee
- safeguard the records and official papers of the Congregation
- issue such reports and notices to the Voters as the By-Laws may elsewhere specify
- To be eligible for nomination to the office of Secretary, the nominee must have been a Voter for at least two years.
Article D - The Secretary (append)
Minutes are the record of an organization, and from them a history may be written. They must be accurate. The minutes may be corrected whenever an error is noticed regardless of the time that has elapsed, provided a quorum is present. This is usually accomplished by "general consent".
The Secretary gives in the minutes the name of the mover of a motion but not that of the seconder. Reason: the President has named the mover of the motion when he recognized him and game him the privilege of the floor, and from this recognition, the Secretary is able to record the name of the mover. Because the Secretary is endeavoring to take down the exact wording of the motion, he is unable to identify the person who seconds the motion, as one does not have to rise or be recognized in order to second a motion. Therefore, it is not necessary to give the name of the seconder unless the motion is of extreme importance.
When signing the minutes, the recording secretary may simply sign his name with the title, Secretary. After the minutes have been approved at the following meeting, the Secretary should write the word "Approved", with the date and his initials, under the signature of the Secretary, thus making the minutes official.
Article E - The Treasurer
- The Treasurer shall be the custodian of the funds entrusted to his care by the Congregation. He shall:
- Maintain a set of permanent and accurate records of receipts and disbursements
- Pay all bills and salaries for which the Congregation is responsible
- Submit his financial records for review by the Auditing Committee
- Submit to a fidelity bond
- Report to the Voters' Assembly, after the close of the books on December 31, the financial transactions of the year and compare them with budget items as adopted by the Voters
- At each regular meeting of the Voters make a summary report on receipts and expenditures in comparison with the budget
- Give information and counsel about financial matters when so requested
- Together with a member of the Board of Trustees, the Treasurer shall be empowered to borrow money upon the credit of the Congregation when properly authorized by the Church Council
- Together with the Board of Trustees, have custody of the safety deposit box and keep an inventory of the same
- Be responsible for the training of a successor in the details and functions of the office of Treasurer
- To be eligible for nomination to the office of Treasurer, a candidate must have been a Voter for at least two years.
Article F - The Financial Secretary
- The Financial Secretary shall help maintain a set of permanent and accurate records of receipts and disbursements.
- The Financial Secretary shall assist the Treasurer in all matters of finance for the Congregation.
- Be responsible for the training of a successor in the details and functions of the office of Financial Secretary.
- To be eligible for nomination to the office of Financial Secretary, a candidate must have been a Voter for at least two years.
Article G - Recording Financial Secretary
The Recording Financial Secretary shall maintain permanent and accurate records of receipts of contributions by the members, and shall provide to the members of the Congregation such reports as the Board deem necessary (e.g., monthly or quarterly reports of individual contributions, etc.).
The Recording Financial Secretary shall assist the Treasurer and Financial Secretary in all matters of finance for the Congregation.
Qualifications:
To be eligible for nomination for the office of Recording Financial Secretary, a candidate must have been a Voter for two years.
Article H - Church Council
- The Church Council shall serve as a planning and coordinating council for the Congregation. It shall promote and give direction to Congregational programs as a whole and to individuals as required.
- It shall, acting as a board of directors, administer and manager the routine affairs of the Congregation, subject to the limitations of the Constitution, By-Laws, or any other resolutions of the Congregation.
- The Church Council shall:
- Receive and evaluate all reports, requests and proposals as presented by the various Boards, Committees or individual members of the Church. Recommit to the appropriate source for further study any item on which final and equitable decision is not advisable or not possible
- Act in an advisory manner on any matter brought before them on which they do not have final authority to act and on this basis prepare the agenda and make recommendations to the Voters' Assembly
- Have the responsibility to see to it that all Voters' Assemblies, elections, and all business matters in general are properly conducted according to the Constitution and By-Laws of this Congregation and the laws of the State so that all resolutions have legality
- Observe the financial condition of the Congregation to see that receipts and expenditures are in reasonable agreement with the budget and when conditions deem it necessary, call the matter to the attention of the appropriate Board(s)
- In Christian charity, formulate the policies of the Congregation in regard to the use of its property
- When a member representing a Board is unable to attend a duly called meeting of the Church Council, it hall be this person's duty to appoint a fellow member as a substitute.
- The Church Council shall meet in regular session within a two week period prior to a regular Voters' meeting.
The Pastor or any three members of the Church Council may call special meetings by personally informing each member of the Council of the time and place of such meeting at least 24 hours in advance. A majority of the voting members of the Council shall constitute a quorum.
Article I - Board of Elders
- The Board of Elders shall consist of not less than six members. Their term of office shall be three years, so arranged that the terms of approximately one-third of the members expire every year. They may succeed themselves. The Pastor is to be ex officio a member.
- The duties of the Board of Elders
- Together with the Pastor, direct the spiritual care of the Congregation, and all matters which pertain to the Christian worship of the Congregation
- To visit and admonish those who have become lax in church attendance or in the use of the Sacraments. They are to coordinate their efforts with the Board of Stewardship and Evangelism to promote a sense of duty, discipleship and stewardship in the members of the Congregation
- Direct and supervise the visitation of newly received members and make every effort to being them into the life and work of the Congregation
- To preserve good order during the public worship service. To this end, they shall appoint the necessary Committees such as ushers, greeters and such other Committees as may be necessary to attend to the externals of the public service: seating, safety, offerings, order, operation of the sound equipment, welcoming of guests, parking and the like
- Together with the Pastor, they shall review all applications for membership in the Congregation
- To submit a list of candidates for consideration by the Voters in the calling of a Pastor
- To take the initial steps to correct the situation, should it happen that a Pastor, teacher, or other officer of the Congregations gives public offense in doctrine or life
- To submit an estimate of the financial requirements within their area of concern to the Budget Committee
- On an annual basis, provide for a formal evaluation of the Pastor
- Qualifications:
A male Voter for at least one year prior to election, and at least twenty-five years of age. He should be a zealous Christian whose life and demeanor is an example to others.
POSITION DESCRIPTION FOR THE PASTOR
- PURPOSE OF THE OFFICE
- To supervise a complete Christian Ministry of service to the Congregation through Word and Sacrament
- Supervise the equipping of the Congregation for their Christian ministry
- RESPONSIBILITIES
- Maintenance of the Confessional Standards of the Congregation
- The Proclamation of the Word in all truth and purity and the Administration of the Sacraments
- All Worship Services
- Supervision of the total Christian Ministry
- Coordinator of Parish Boards and policies
- Coordinator of the Parish Program and staff
- Superintendent of the Christian Day School
- Counseling
- Cooperate with the Church Council and various Boards
- QUALIFICATIONS
- An ordained clergyman
- Sufficient experience to have proven himself to fulfill the responsibilities of this office
- Adequate educational background
- An able administrator
- Leadership
- Acceptable personality
Article J - Board of Missions and Evangelism
The Board of Missions and Evangelism shall consist of three members. Their term of office shall be three years, so arranged that the term of one member expires every year.
They may succeed themselves. The Pastor shall serve ex officio as a member.
The duties of the Board shall be:
- To stimulate and maintain interest in missionary and evangelism activity in the Congregation
- The missionary aspect of this Board's work shall be directed at the district, synodical and worldwide level
- The evangelism function of this Board shall be directed at the Congregational level and is to include the missionary outreach to those living within the Congregational area
- To annually compile a challenging budget through which the Congregation supports the work of the District and the Synod in spreading the Gospel of Jesus Christ
- To initiate and supervise the evangelism program of the Congregation. It shall seek ways and means of promoting evangelism within the Congregation as well as within every organization, society and group of the Congregation. They are to coordinate their efforts with the Boards of Elders and Stewardship
- To establish subcommittees and groups as necessary to carry out its mission and evangelism program
- To develop and maintain an up to date prospect file
- To be responsible for an effective and adequate public relations program to the community
Article K - Board of Stewardship
The Board of Stewardship shall consist of three members. Their term of office shall be three years, so arranged that the term of one member expires every year.
They may succeed themselves. The Pastor shall serve ex officio as a member.
The duties of the Board shall be:
- To formulate and carry out plans whereby the Congregation members can support the Church with their time, talents and treasures
- To evaluate and recommend which Synodical, District, Circuit or other programs shall be implemented by the Congregation, and to assist in the planning and supervision of such financial programs
Article L - Board of Trustees
The Board of Trustees shall consist of six members. Their term of office shall be three years, so arranged that the terms of two members expire every year. They may succeed themselves.
The responsibilities of the Board of Trustees shall be:
- To provide for the maintenance of all property of the Congregation
- To maintain an accurate record of the properties of the Congregation regarding ownership, description, value, adequacy and general condition
- To submit to the Budget Committee an itemized estimate of the needs of their Board
- To carry out the repairs, replacements, purchases, improvements and disposals as directed by the Voters and/or Church Council and take care of emergency items as deemed necessary at the discretion of the Board
- To share responsibility with the Treasurer for the custody of the safety deposit box and the keeping of an accurate inventory of its contents
- To administer the application of designated funds budgeted by the Voters for the use of this Board
- To receive from Congregational Boards, groups and societies, various recommendations regarding additions and improvements to physical properties and to approve within the limits of their budget if found advisable
- When authorized by the Church Council, and the Treasurer of the Congregation as co-signer, the Board of Trustees may borrow money on behalf of the Congregation
- To supervise the janitorial service of the Church and other congregational properties
- To provide an adequate insurance program for all properties of the Congregation
- Have authority to hire, supervise and discharge all personnel required by the Congregation other than those directly involved in the ministry of the Word (Pastor, Vicar, Teacher and Director of Christian Education)
- To make contracts, accept and receive grants and bequests, sign documents and other legal activities on behalf of the Congregation
Article M - The Board of Christian Education
The Board of Christian Education shall consist of six elected lay people with the Pastor, the Principal and the Teachers of our Christian Day School serving ex officio as members. The term of the lay people shall be three years, so arranged that the terms of two members expire every year. They may succeed themselves.
The responsibilities of the Board of Christian Education shall be:
- To foster and promote an educational program based upon the Bible which provides Christian growth for young and old
- To encourage, maintain, staff and supervise the Christian educational agencies such as the Christian Day School , Sunday School, Vacation Bible School , Bible Classes, etc.
- Encourage the officers and leaders of all societies of the Congregation to increase the effectiveness of their organization as an agency of Christian education
- See to it that an adequate program of youth organization contributes to the spiritual edification of the participants, and that every effort be made to enroll all the young people in the Congregation in the church's youth program
- Promote and supervise other educational agencies within the parish which would enlarge the opportunities of the Congregation in the field of Christian mission and education
- The members of the teaching staff of the Sunday School shall be approved by the Board of Christian Education upon the recommendation of the Pastor and the Superintendent
- To recommend adequate facilities and equipment to carry out a sound and effective educational program
- To submit an estimate to the Budget Committee of the needs for the administration of the education program
- To supervise the administration of all funds in conjunction with Christian education, both those budgeted by the Congregation and those generated by outside sources
- To adequately staff the school with teachers and a principal to be approved and called by the Voters
- To concern itself with the physical welfare of the teachers and to make recommendation to the Voters concerning this area
- To review annually the schedule of tuition charges and provide for their collection
- On an annual basis, provide for a formal evaluation of the Principal and teachers (Sunday and Day School)
The Board shall elect annually its own chairman and secretary. It shall be authorized to appoint annually such officers and Committees (e.g.: Sunday School superintendent and officers, youth counselors, etc.) as are necessary to carry out its duties
POSITION DESCRIPTION FOR THE PRINCIPAL
- PURPOSE OF THE OFFICE
- Supervision of the total spiritual and academic program of the Christian Day School
- Supervision of the faculty
- Supervisions of the extracurricular areas
- RESPONSIBILITIES
- Maintenance of the highest spiritual and academic standards possible
- Maintenance of an accredited and well qualified faculty
- Continued improvement of all educational standards and programs
- The spiritual and academic growth of the faculty
- Maintenance of Christian discipline
- Enrollment of all eligible children of the Congregation
- Regular faculty meetings and utilization of faculty for the best possible service
- Academic freedom of faculty for growth and programming
- Cooperate with District officials and programs
- Public relations in educational and community activities
- Cooperate with the Board of Christian Education
- Cooperate with the staff and Pastor in the total Parish Program and Ministry
- QUALIFICATIONS
- Sufficient academic administrative background
- Sufficient experience to have proven himself for this position
- A disciplinarian
- A Synodically qualified teacher
- Personal concern for colleagues
- Ability to communicate
- Leadership and foresight
- Acceptable personality
Article N - The Christian Service Committee
The responsibility of the Christian Service Committee:
God expects the Christian life to be filled with good works, "All Scripture is given by inspiration of God.that the man of God may be.equipped for every good work (2 Timothy 3:16-17)". In Galatians 6, St. Paul writes: " 2 Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfill the Law of Christ. 9 Let us not grow weary in well-doing. 10 So then, as we have opportunity let us do good to all men, and especially to those who are of the household of faith."
"This is now the mark," wrote Martin Luther, "by which we shall certainly know whether the birth of our Lord Christ is effective in us: If we take upon ourselves the need of our neighbor."
- The Christian Service Committee shall meet after the annual election of officers by the Congregation and shall elect from among their membership a Chairman, Vice-Chairman, Secretary and Treasurer. These officers may then select other communicants to serve with them as may be needed and shall meet as often as necessary to carry out its duties
- Cooperate with the Pastor in determining the needs of the Congregation
- Survey the resources available both in an out of the Church
- Evaluate requests for assistance and offer help where needed
- Be able to direct people to special help in the county and state
- Be ready to respond quickly to emergencies such as flood, storm, etc.
- Follow up, support and use the work of institutional chaplains in the area
- For further implementation of the work, the Committee should:
- Acquaint themselves with all welfare agencies, particularly the Lutheran Child and Family Services of Michigan, Inc. and all other Church related institutions of mercy
- Promote social welfare agencies in the Congregation
- Arrange for special speakers and programs
- Assist the Sunday School and Day School in carrying out special projects
- Assist the sick, injured, senior citizen and all others when necessary
- Be sure that young people in the Congregation are not neglected
- Encourage and work with the Auxiliaries in their Christian service programs (through LWML, LLL and Youth)
- Work closely with the District Committee and initiate programs and respond locally to those suggested by the District Committee
Article O - Nominations and Election Committee
The responsibility of the Nominations and Election Committee:
- Prior to the expiration of each elective office, the Committee shall nominate two or more candidates for each expiring term
- Nominations shall be presented as outlined in Article VII of the Church Constitution
- Candidates for each office shall be listed on the ballot in alphabetical order
- The Committee shall supervise elections by preparing printed ballots, providing elections facilities, tabulating, verifying, and reporting election results
Article P - Auditing Committee
The responsibility of the Auditing Committee:
- The review of the accounting records shall be performed according to accepted auditing procedures and shall be completed within three months after the close of the Church's fiscal year
- A written report of the Committee's review shall be submitted to the Church Council and shall include recommendations concerning accounting procedures and standards
Article Q - Budget Committee
The responsibility of the Budget Committee:
- The Budget Committee shall receive and consider the financial requests from the various Boards. This Committee shall also consider requests from Committees appointed by the President. Requests from Committees appointed by the Boards shall come to the Budget Committee through these Boards
- The Vice-President of the Congregation shall assume the chairmanship of the Budget Committee and shall set a time table of meetings that will insure finalization of the budget for presentation at the December Voters' Assembly
- Prior to presentation at the Voters' Assembly, the tentative budget shall be presented at a meeting of all Board members, officers and Pastor
- The Budget Committee shall be responsible for a budget that is acceptable to a majority of the Voters
Article R - Salary and Wage Committee
The responsibility of the Salary and Wage Committee:
- This Committee shall study, analyze, review and formulate a salary, fringe benefit, auto allowance, and other monetary consideration for the Pastor and employees of the Congregation.
- The recommendation of this Committee concerning the Pastor shall be presented to the Board of Elders.
- The recommendations of this Committee concerning employees shall be presented to the Board, to which the employee is responsible, for that Board's consideration in preparation of their budget.
Article S - Ratification and Amendment
These By-Laws may be ratified, amended or repealed by a two-thirds majority of the Voters present at a regular or special meeting called for such purpose. A copy of the proposed change shall be included in or appended with the notice of the meeting announcement.
Article T - Order of Business
When applicable, the following shall be the order of business for Voters' Assemblies:
- Call to order
- Opening of the meeting with prayer
- Reading of minutes
- Reception of new members
- Report of Pastor
- Report of Officers
- Treasurer
- Board of Elders
- Board of Mission and Evangelism
- Board of Stewardship
- Board of Trustees
- Board of Christian Education
- Christian Service Committee
- Report of Church Council
- Report of special Committees
- Unfinished business
- New business
- Adjournment with prayer
Article T - Order of Business (append)
The best way to keep up attendance is to have interesting meetings, start on time, and adjourn as per schedule.
When the President is away, the Vice-President presides. When the President and Vice-President are unable to attend, the Secretary calls the meeting to order, asks for nominations for a temporary chairman.
The President should have on hand the following: the By-Laws, the agenda, and a list of the Committees. The order of items on the agenda should have the important items brought up early.
When applicable, the following should be the order of business for Voters' Assemblies:
- CALL TO ORDER:
- The President says, "The meeting will please come to order." The President or some other designated person will have a prayer.
- The President at this point will make any appropriate remarks.
- ROLL CALL:
- President - "The Secretary will call the roll."
- Secretary - Calls the roll and indicates whether there is a quorum. The Secretary can take a silent roll and indicate whether or not a quorum is present.
- READING OF MINUTES:
- President - "The Secretary will read the minutes of the previous meeting."
- After the Secretary has read the minutes, the President says, "Are there any corrections?" If no one makes any corrections, the President says, "Then the minutes stand approved as read." If there are corrections, the Secretary makes them and the President says, "The minutes stand approved as corrected."
- REPORT OF THE PASTOR:
- President - "We will now have a report from the Pastor."
- If there are items to be voted on, they may be brought up at this time or voted for later on in new business.
- REPORT OF THE OFFICERS:
- Treasurer
- President - "We will now hear the Treasurer's report."
- If there are no questions about the Treasurer's report, the President will say, "The Treasurer's report will be received as read."
- Board of Elders:
- President - "We will now hear a report from the Chairman of the Board of Elders."
- If there is a recommendation from the Chairman that certain action be taken, a member should make a motion to that effect, seconded by another member. The President will say, "It is moved and seconded that ____. Any discussion?" When discussion is over, the President will put the motion to a vote.
- If there is no action to be taken, the President will say, "Are there any questions about this report? If not, the report will be received as read."
- Board of Mission and Evangelism:
- See section 5(b)
- Board of Trustees:
- See section 5(b)
- Board of Christian Education:
- See section 5(b)
- If there are no Committee reports, proceed to the next item of unfinished business
- Treasurer
- REPORT OF THE CHURCH COUNCIL
- REPORT OF SPECIAL COMMITTEES
- UNFINISHED BUSINESS
- NEW BUSINESS
- ADJOURNMENT
- President: "That completes the business for this meeting, if there are no objections, the meeting stands adjourned."
- If a member rises to make an announcement and it is within the allotted time, the President must recognize the member;
- The President or some other designated person will close the meeting with prayer
