THE CONSTITUTION OF TRUTH LUTHERAN CHURCH of Brainerd LLC, BRAINERD, MINNESOTA
PREAMBLE
CHAPTER 1
NAME AND INCORPORATION
C1.01 The name of this congregation shall be Truth Lutheran Church of Brainerd LLC.
C1.02 For the purpose of this constitution and the accompanying bylaws, the Truth Lutheran Church of Brainerd LLC is hereinafter designated as "this congregation".
C1.03 This congregation shall be incorporated under the laws of the State of Minnesota.
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.
C.2.08 We believe and confess that the Holy Spirit makes all who believe in Jesus Christ to be priests for service to others in Jesus’ name, and that God desires to make use of the spiritual gifts he has given through the priesthood of all believers.
C2.09 This congregation upholds the Biblical norms for marriage, family, and sexuality as stated in the Common Confession. We believe and confess that the marriage of male and female is an institution created and blessed by God. From marriage, God forms families to serve as the building blocks of all human civilization and community. We teach and practice that sexual activity belongs exclusively within the Biblical boundaries of a faithful marriage between one man and one woman.
C2.10 In the beginning life was created by God. It is here that life begins and is carried forth from generation to generation through conception. Death is the culmination of life and the human’s interruption in any form is a violation of the 5th Commandment, “Thou Shall not Kill.”
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.
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 this country and the world.
H) Foster and participate in interdependent relationships with other congregations.
I) Foster and participate in ecumenical relationships consistent with God’s Word.
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 groups and shall review their actions. Such descriptions shall be contained in continuing resolutions in the section on the Congregation Council.
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 appointment of associates in ministry;
D) approve the annual budget;
E) acquire real and personal property by gift, devise, purchase, or other lawful means;
F) hold title to and use its property for any and all activities consistent with its purpose;
G) sell, mortgage, lease, transfer, or otherwise dispose of its property by any lawful means;
H) elect its Congregation Council and require them to carry out their duties in accordance with the constitution, bylaws and continuing resolutions;
I) terminate its relationship with any affiliated organization as provided in Chapter 6.
C5.04 This congregation annually shall choose from among its voting members, laypersons to serve as representatives of the congregation as well as persons to represent it at meetings of any conference, cluster, coalition, or other area subdivision of which it is a member.
CHAPTER 6
CHURCH AFFILIATION
C6.01 This congregation may enter into full partnership or membership with Lutheran denominations, associations, or ministries. Full membership in Lutheran denominations, associations, or ministries shall require a two-thirds majority vote of all voting members present and voting at a legally called meeting of the congregation; at least thirty (30) days notice shall be given for calling such a meeting. Severance of such membership shall require at least ninety (90) days notice by the Congregation Council to the membership of the congregation and to the denomination, association, or ministry of the intent to sever membership, followed by a two-thirds majority vote of all voting members present and voting at a legally called meeting of the congregation.
CHAPTER 7
PROPERTY OWNERSHIP
C7.01 Should a majority of this congregation choose to join a denomination which does not embrace and adhere to the Confession of Faith as set forth in Chapter 2 or become an organization that does not embrace and adhere to the Confession of Faith, title to all land and other assets, both real and personal, shall remain with the largest minority faction wishing to continue to embrace and adhere to the Confession of Faith.
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 shall have communed and made a contribution of record during the current or preceding year.
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. 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;
C) support the work of this congregation 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.
C8.05.01 Inactive members are those who failed to receive Holy Communion and to make a contribution of record for a period for a period of two (2) consecutive calendar years. Inactive members may be removed from the roll of members by the Congregation Council. This procedure will take place after such members have been counseled about the matter, if possible.
C8.06 Dismissal by Disciplinary Action
a. The purpose and goal of all matters of church discipline will be to restore those who have sinned.
b. Principles found in Matthew 18:15-17 will be followed with the Congregation Council as the Church noted in verse 17
c. If the Congregation Council deems it necessary, a member may be removed from this congregation’s membership.
d. All members of this congregation recognize that they are under the spiritual authority of the congregation and will not have recourse to the decision of the council.
CHAPTER 9
THE PASTOR
C9.01 Authority to call a pastor shall be in this congregation by at least two-thirds majority ballot vote of voting 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 leadership of any Christian ministry this congregation has affiliated with in accordance with Chapter 6.
C9.02 Only a person with theological training and who adheres to the confession of faith in Chapter 2 may be called as a pastor of this congregation. This congregation will only call ordained pastors or professional lay ministers who are in a heterosexual marriage or, if single, are celibate.
C9.03 Consistent with the faith and practice of Lutheran Confessions as expressed in Chapter 2, every ordained minister shall:
a. 1. preach the Word,
2. administer the sacraments,
3. conduct public worship,
4. provide pastoral care,
5. shall 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, however, no one will perform same sex blessing at Truth Lutheran Church of Brainerd;
2. supervise all schools and organizations of the 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;
4. endeavor to increase the support given by the congregation to missions and benevolent needs and organizations.
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.
C9.04.01. The pastor shall have voice and vote on the Congregation Council. Regarding all committees, organizations, auxiliaries the pastor has a voice.
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 for the following reasons:
1) mutual agreement to terminate the call or the completion of a call for a specific term of years;
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; or
6) the dissolution of the congregation; or
7)In the case of alleged local difficulties that imperil the effective functioning of the congregation, all concerned persons shall be heard, after which the congregation may dismiss the pastor by a two-thirds majority vote of the voting members present and voting at a legally called meeting after consultation with three (3) other active Lutheran pastors from within the congregation’s affiliation.
C) When the congregation has a pastor, but the pastor is unavailable because of sickness or temporary absence from the parish:
a. The congregation president or vice president shall assume the pastor's responsibility for the administration of the congregation.
b. In the event of an emergency requiring pastoral services, the congregation president or vice president shall be responsible for contacting a neighboring pastor with whom prior arrangements have been made by the congregation's pastor to respond in such emergencies.
c. If the pastor is unable to lead or to arrange for the leadership of worship services, the congregation president or vice president shall be responsible for seeing that such worship services are held and properly conducted.
C9.06 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.
C9.07 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 and the congregation council.
C9.08 The congregation may depart from 9.05A and call a pastor for a specific term of years. Details of such calls shall be in writing setting forth the purpose and conditions involved. Such call may also be terminated before its expiration in accordance with the provision of this 9.05A.
C9.9 The pastor shall keep accurate parochial record of all baptisms, confirmations, marriages, burials, communicants, members received, members dismissed, or members excluded from the congregation, and shall submit a summary of such statistics annually to the congregation.
C9.10 The pastor(s) 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.
CHAPTER 10
CONGREGATION MEETING
C10.01 The annual meetings 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 this congregation at the written request of ten percent of the voting members. The call for each special meeting shall specify the purpose for which it is 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 ten 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 Ten percent (10%) of the voting members shall constitute a quorum.
C10.05 Voting by proxy or by absentee ballot shall not be permitted.
C10.06 All actions by the congregation shall be by majority vote of those members present and voting, except as otherwise provided in this constitution.
C10.07 Robert's Rules of Order, latest edition, shall govern parliamentary procedure of all meeting of this congregation.
CHAPTER 11
OFFICERS
C11.01 The officers of this congregation shall be a President, Vice-President, Secretary, Financial Secretary, and Treasurer.
A) Duties of the officers shall be specified in the bylaws and/or continuing resolutions.
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 Council 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 time of their election during the first regularly scheduled meeting of the Congregation Council following the close of the annual meeting.
CHAPTER 12
CONGREGATION COUNCIL
C12.01 The voting membership of the Congregation Council shall consist of the pastor(s) and not more than twelve (12) members of the congregation including the officers of the congregation. Any voting member of the congregation may be elected, subject only to the limitation on the length of continuous service permitted in that office. 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, or
c) by resignation.
C12.02 The members of the Congregation Council, except the pastor(s), shall be elected by written ballot to serve for three years or until their successors are elected. Such members shall be eligible to serve no more than two full terms consecutively. Their terms shall begin at the close of the annual meeting at which they are elected.
C12.03 Should a member's place on the Congregation Council be declared vacant, the Congregation Council shall elect, by majority vote, a successor until the next annual meeting.
C12.04 The Congregation Council shall have general oversight of the life and activities of this congregation, and in particular its worship life, to the end that everything is done in accordance with the Word of. The duties of the Congregation Council shall include the following:
A) To lead this congregation in stating its mission, to do long-range planning, to set goals and priorities, and to evaluate 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, appointment, 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.
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 trustees 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 Minnesota, 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 5% of the current year’s annual budget for items not included in budget.
D) The Congregation Council shall prepare an annual budget for adoption by this congregation, shall supervise the expenditure of funds in accordance therewith following its adoption, and may incur obligations of more than five percent 5% or more of the current year’s annual budget for items not included in the budget in excess of the anticipated receipts only after approval by a Congregational Meeting
E) 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 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 and/or lay workers of this congregation, but the Congregation Council may delegate the day to day supervision of its employees to its designated representative(s).
C12.09 The Congregation Council shall submit a comprehensive report to this congregation at the annual meeting.
C12.10 The Congregation Council shall normally meet once a month. Special meetings may be called by the pastor or the president, and shall be called 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.
C12.11 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 such person 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 be preclude action by the Congregation Council.
CHAPTER 13
CONGREGATIONAL COMMITTEES
C13.01 The officers of this congregation and the pastor shall constitute the Executive Committee.
C13.02 A "Nominating Committee" of not more than six voting members of this congregation including the pastor, two of whom, if possible, shall be outgoing members 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 re-election. Nominations shall consist of at least two members for each office when possible.
C13.03 An "Audit Committee" of three voting members shall be elected by the congregation. The Audit Committee members shall not be members of the Congregation Council. Term of office shall be three years, with one member elected each year. Members shall be eligible for re-election.
C13.04 A Staff Support Committee (in the absence of a Staff Support Committee, their duties shall be fulfilled by the Executive Committee) shall be appointed jointly by the president and the pastor. Term of office shall be two years, three members to be appointed each successive year. Committee members will hold no other office in the congregation during their term.
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 at 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 the committees of this congregation shall be specified in the by-laws or continuing resolutions.
CHAPTER 14
ORGANIZATIONS WITHIN THE CONGREGATION
C14.01 All organizations within this congregation shall exist to aid it in ministering to the members of this congregation and to all persons who can be reached with the Gospel of Christ. As outgrowths and expressions of this congregation's life, the organizations are subject to its oversight and direction. This congregation at its annual meeting shall determine their policies, guide their activities, and receive reports concerning their membership, work, and finances.
CHAPTER 15
DISCIPLINE OF MEMBERS
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.
C15.02 A member charged with the offense shall appear before the Congregation Council having received a written notice, specifying the exact charges that have been made against the member at least ten days prior to meeting.
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 Congregational Council are disqualified from voting upon the question of guilt of the accused member. Should the allegations be sustained by a two-thirds majority vote 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 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.
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 members of the proposal with its recommendations at least 30 days in advance of the Congregation Meeting.
CHAPTER 17
AMENDMENTS
C17.01 Amendments to this constitution may be proposed by at least 10% of the 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 its regular or special meeting called for that purpose. The Congregation Council shall notify the members of the proposal with the council’s recommendations at least 30 days in advance of the meeting.
C17.02 A proposed amendment to this Constitution shall:
A) be approved at a properly called 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 resolution and noted in the constitution.
C17.01.01 This Constitution, bylaws, and continuing resolutions of Truth Lutheran Church of Brainerd LLC, Brainerd, Minnesota, was approved at a legally called meeting of the congregation on February 9, 2014, by a majority vote of those present and voting. It was ratified without change at the special meeting of the congregation on February 23, 2014, by unanimous vote of those present and voting. The effective date of this constitution is February 23, 2014.
C17.02. A proposed amendment to this constitution shall:
a. be approved at a legally called meeting according to this constitution by a majority 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 resolution and noted in the constitution.
CHAPTER 18
CONTINUING RESOLUTIONS
C18.01 The Congregation Council may enact continuing resolutions which describe the function of the various committees or organizations of this congregation.
C18.02 Continuing resolutions shall be enacted or amended by two-thirds vote of all voting members of the Congregation Council.
BYLAWS OF TRUTH LUTHERAN CHURCH OF BRAINERD LLC
BYLAW 1
STATEMENT OF PURPOSE (C4.04)
B1.01. The organizational structure of Truth Lutheran Church of Brainerd LLC, Brainerd, Minnesota, is indicated as presented below:
B1.02. The president, vice-president, and secretary shall be members of the Congregation Council and elected by such at the first regularly called and conducted meeting following the annual meeting. They plus the pastor(s) shall constitute the Executive Committee.
B1.03. The financial secretary and the treasurer shall be appointed and supervised by the Congregation Council as provided in C12.08 and shall be considered voting members of the Congregation Council.
BYLAW 2
MEMBERSHIP (C8.05)
A confirmed member of this congregation who has not communed and made a contribution of record during the current and preceding year shall be considered inactive. Such member shall personally be visited by a member of the Evangelism Committee and/or the pastor. If the member continues to be inactive for a period of six months after the pastor’s visit, his or her name shall be submitted to the Congregation Council for consideration of removal from the membership roll. A Two-thirds majority vote of the members of the Congregation Council present and voting shall be required to remove the member from membership in the congregation.
BYLAW 3
CONGREGATION MEETING (C10.01)
The annual meeting shall be held no later than the fifteenth day of February each calendar year. The exact date and time of the annual meeting will be set and announced by the Congregation Council. All voting members of the congregation are eligible to attend and take part in this meeting. At this meeting the budget for the year will be presented for consideration and acceptance.
BY LAW 4
OFFICERS
B4.01. The duties of the officers of this congregation shall be as defined in the continuing resolutions of the Congregation Council.
B4.02. Any officer or member of the congregation Council who willfully neglects the duties of his or her office may be deposed by a two-thirds majority vote of the voting members present and voting in a regular meeting of the Congregation Council. Such action may be initiated by the Executive Committee.
BYLAW 5
CONGREGATION COUNCIL (C12.01)
From the list of candidates for the Congregation Council, the voting members, at the annual meeting, shall elect by written ballot and simple majority the council members to fill all vacancies of the Congregation Council.
BYLAW6
RECORDS (C12.05)
B6.01. The records of the congregation shall be the property of the congregation and shall not be removed or used for commercial purposes. These records include, but are not limited, to the following:
1. Roster of baptized, confirmed, associate, voting and inactive members.
2. Records of ministerial acts performed by the pastor(s).
3. Minutes of the meetings of the congregation, committees, and the Congregation Council.
4. The financial records of the congregation: all official and legal documents including this constitution, bylaws, continuing resolutions, deeds, mortgages, contracts, etc.
B6.02. An Archives Advisory Committee may be established by the Congregation Council to assist in maintaining professional standards and procedures for the preservation of records.
B6.03. In the absence of an Archives Advisory Committee, the Executive Committee shall be responsible for the preservation of records.
BYLAW 7
CONGREGATION COMMITTEES (C13.07)
The Congregation Council shall prepare continuing resolutions establishing the committees of Truth Lutheran Church of Brainerd as the need arises for such committees. These Continuing Resolutions shall also describe the duties and responsibilities of each committee and organization.
CONTINUING RESOLUTIONS OF TRUTH LUTHERAN CHURCH OF BRAINERD LLC
CONTINUING RESOLUTION 1
OFFICERS (C11.01)
The duties of the officers of this congregation shall include but not be limited to the following:
a. President – He or she shall preside over all congregation meetings. To the best of his or her ability, the president shall enforce the Constitution, Bylaws, Continuing Resolutions and the expressed will of the congregation as embodied in the resolutions of the voting membership of this congregation. He or she shall be, along with the pastor(s), an ex-officio member of all committees. The president will preside over the meetings of the Congregation Council and shall endeavor to coordinate the functions, plans, and activities of the work of Christ’s Kingdom in our midst.
b. Vice-President – The vice-president, in the absence of the president, shall act for and in stead of the president. He or she shall be available for whatever duties the president shall assign.
c. Secretary – The secretary shall be present al all meetings of the Congregation Council and at all congregational meetings and shall enter the minutes of these meetings in a permanent record book and attest to them with his or her signature. In general the secretary will perform all duties normally pertaining to this office and any additional duties that the Congregation Council may assign.
d. Financial Secretary – The financial secretary shall be under the supervision of the Congregation Council. The financial secretary shall:
1) receive and keep record of all income from contributing members and other sources;
2) keep a week-to-week record of the offerings of contributing units of the congregation and together with the members of the finance committee shall develop a schedule and system to accomplish this.
3) expedite the safe deposit and keeping of all funds;
4) prepare and issue quarterly statements for each contributing unit, showing their gifts and offerings to date;
5) prepare monthly reports and/or exhibits that will be helpful to the stewardship committee in analyzing the giving performance of the membership;
6) submit books and records for audit annually to the auditing committee as provided for in C13.03 of the constitution.
e. Treasurer – The treasurer shall be an under the supervision of the Congregation Council. The treasurer shall:
1) maintain accurate records of disbursements and budgeted and actual expenditures according to proper accounting procedures and, as deemed advisable, suggest for finance committee consideration improved methods and systems of keeping financial records;
2) present a written financial report at the annual congregational meeting and a preliminary and monthly reports to the finance committee and, when requested, to the Congregation Council;
3) submit, when requested, permanent financial records for audit;
4) remit monthly offerings for missions and church agencies and promptly pay salaries and bills authorized by this congregation or the Congregation Council;
5) prepare and sign all checks for payment of all financial commitments for this congregation;
6) prepare and submit all required financial reports for the church and its salaried employees;
7) have, for all committees, a current record of their accrued disbursements and their budget allotment.
CONTINUING RESOLUTION 2
CONGREGATION COMMITTEES (C13.01.-C13.05.)
a. Executive Committee – The executive committee shall, in the absence of a formal staff support committee, function as such in addition to carrying out the following responsibilities:
1) Develop and provide a job description for each salaried staff position in this church;
2) Periodically evaluate all salaried employees;
3) Make provision for any training salaries personnel may require to more effectively carry out their duties;
4) Develop, implement, and periodically review and update a personnel policy for this church, seeing to it that the provisions of this policy are adhered to by all concerned. Such policies shall be reviewed and adopted by the Congregation Council;
5) Research, negotiate and recommend to the Congregation Council salary/benefit packages for all employees;
6) Perform all duties directed by the Congregation Council’
7) Prepare, together with one other member of the Congregation Council, an agenda for each monthly meeting and the annual meeting;
8) Prepare, with input from all other committees and employees, the Annual Report and budget for the Annual Meeting;
9) Recommend adequate funding for the administration of this church;
10) Serve, together with the Financial Secretary and the Treasurer, as the Worship and Music Committee, Church Property Committee, Evangelism Committee, Christian Education Committee, Stewardship Committee, Social Ministry Committee, Youth Committee, and Finance Committee until such time as the respective committees have been filled by appointment of the Congregation Council.
11) Perform any other duties as directed by the Congregation Council.
b. Nominating Committee – The nominating committee shall make an effort to prepare a ballot for the Annual Meeting with at least enough qualified candidates, i.e. voting members of this congregation who are not ineligible because o term restrictions stated in
C12.02. of the constitution and who have expressed a willingness to serve if elected, to fill all vacancies on the Congregation Council. Nominations will still be accepted from the floor at the Annual Meeting for write-in candidates who are willing to serve if elected. Candidates who are running to fill partial terms of office will be so designated by the nominating committee and on the ballot.
c. Worship and Music Committee – The worship and music committee shall include the choir director and organists/pianists and be responsible for the following:
1) Provide competent organists/pianists to lead all worship events;
2) Provide competent directors and accompanists to lead the various choirs;
3) Provide special music for worship services where deemed appropriate and necessary;
4) Recommend adequate funding for the purchase of music for the choirs;
5) Recommend adequate funding for the committee and coordinate the purchase of worship supplies, i.e. hymnals, bibles, baptism supplies, elements for Holy Communion, etc;
6) Arrange for special church seasons and services;
7) Provide for Altar Guild to care for the altar, paraments, communion ware, candelabras and other furnishings in the Chancel area;
8) Arrange for ushers, acolytes, greeters, communion servers, and lectors for all worship services;
9) Periodically review, together with the pastor(s), current practices of worship and music with an eye toward improving said practices;
10) Recognize and thank persons who faithfully serve in worship and music ministries;
11) Periodically submit articles on worship and music for publication in our monthly newsletter;
12) Develop and recommend to the Congregation Council for adoption position descriptions for non-salaried persons who serve in worship and music ministries;
13) Perform other duties as directed by the Congregation Council.
d. Church Property Committee – The church property committee shall be responsible for the following:
1) Recommend adequate funding for the maintenance and repair of the church facility and associated structures and properties, including costs for custodial services, supplies, and utilities;
2) Plan and coordinate “church clan-up days” as needed;
3) Communicate with other committees and groups regarding space and facility needs;
4) Look for and recommend to the Congregation Council ways to improve our facilities, both long and short term, making sure to include estimates of costs involved and suggestions as to how such projects might be funded or what persons might be willing to undertake them;
5) Other duties as directed by the Congregation Council.
e. Evangelism Committee – The evangelism committee shall be responsible for the following:
1) Plan and carry out New Member Orientation meetings and New Member receptions;
2) Provide a means of identifying visitors in worship and making them feel welcome;
3) Provide a program for training lay visitors in the congregation;
4) Recommend adequate funding for devotional literature for the congregation;
5) Encourage the members to help make our church an inviting congregation;
6) Develop and implement, together with the pastor(s), ways to encourage inactive members to become active;
7) Publicize the ministries of the congregation in appropriate ways, i.e. newspaper, radio, TV, etc.;
8) Perform other duties as directed by the Congregation Council.
f. Christian Education Committee – The Christian education committee shall be responsible for the following:
1) Develop and recommend to the Congregation Council for adoption job descriptions for Sunday School Superintendent and Sunday School teachers, music leaders and accompanists;
2) Recruit such lay participants as are needed and provide the necessary training for them to effectively carry out their assigned duties;
3) Recruit Vacation Bible School leaders, teachers, and other support staff for Vacation Bible School and provide any necessary training;
4) Oversee Confirmation Programs and support these programs in any way possible;
5) Oversee Adult Bible studies and the church library;
6) Recommend adequate funding and space for education programs in this congregation;
7) Provide an annual “appreciation event” for staff members and volunteers of all education ministries of this congregation;
8) Perform other duties as directed by the Congregation Council.
g. Stewardship Committee – The Stewardship committee shall be responsible for the following:
1) Review and order offering envelopes for confirmed members;
2) Develop and conduct a “stewardship of money” emphasis each year;
3) Develop and conduct a “stewardship of time and talents” emphasis each year’
4) Provide year-round information of our offerings at work in the congregation, community, nation, and world;
5) Research and recommend to the Congregation Council the level of financial support we should provide for other giving;
6) Other duties as directed by the Congregation Council.
h. Social Ministry Committee – The social ministry committee shall be responsible for the following:
1) Support the various local social ministry agencies who are our partners in ministry and communicate the mission of these local agencies to our congregation, i.e Habitat for Humanity, the local food shelf, etc.;
2) Provide and maintain opportunities for members to visit shut-ins and Care Center residents;
3) Encourage members of this congregation to donate food staples for the Food Shelf and provide persons to transport the food from the church to the Food Shelf each month;
4) Research and implement any other ways our congregation can assist a local social ministry agency in their mission;
5) Recommend necessary funding for making it possible for the committee to function;
6) Perform any other duties as directed by the Congregation Council.
i. Youth Committee – The youth committee shall be responsible for the following:
1) Assist in planning, providing, and supporting a youth ministry which includes three components: spiritual, relational and social;
2) Provide adult representation (two or more) for each of the following youth groups: Senior High Youth Group and Junior High Youth Group;
3) Meet monthly to organize activities and provide adequate supervision;
4) Periodically evaluate programs, recommending an adequate level of funding to effectively conduct the programs currently being offered;
5) Conduct fund raisers whenever necessary;
6) Provide at least one monthly activity for each youth group;
7) Perform any other duties as directed by the Congregation Council.
j. Finance Committee – The finance committee shall include both the Financial Secretary and the Treasurer and be responsible for the following:
1) Meet monthly to review the financial status of the congregation and review the monthly income and disbursements reports and prepare the report to the Congregation Council;
2) Make recommendations to the Congregation Council regarding the financial status of the congregation;
3) Review and provide insurance coverage and protection for the church properties;
4) Develop and implement means of recording and report on the financial matters of this congregation;
5) Perform any other duties as directed by the Congregation Council.
k. Audit Committee – The audit committee shall be responsible for the following:
1) Audit all financial records of this congregation and its organizations;
2) Determine if procedures used are in accordance with good accounting practices and the policies of this congregation;
3) Examine insurance policies of this congregation;
4) Report findings to the Congregation Council at the Annual Meeting;
5) Perform any other duties as directed by the Congregation Council.
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 Truth Lutheran Church of Brainerd LLC.
C1.02 For the purpose of this constitution and the accompanying bylaws, the Truth Lutheran Church of Brainerd LLC is hereinafter designated as "this congregation".
C1.03 This congregation shall be incorporated under the laws of the State of Minnesota.
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.
C.2.08 We believe and confess that the Holy Spirit makes all who believe in Jesus Christ to be priests for service to others in Jesus’ name, and that God desires to make use of the spiritual gifts he has given through the priesthood of all believers.
C2.09 This congregation upholds the Biblical norms for marriage, family, and sexuality as stated in the Common Confession. We believe and confess that the marriage of male and female is an institution created and blessed by God. From marriage, God forms families to serve as the building blocks of all human civilization and community. We teach and practice that sexual activity belongs exclusively within the Biblical boundaries of a faithful marriage between one man and one woman.
C2.10 In the beginning life was created by God. It is here that life begins and is carried forth from generation to generation through conception. Death is the culmination of life and the human’s interruption in any form is a violation of the 5th Commandment, “Thou Shall not Kill.”
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.
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 this country and the world.
H) Foster and participate in interdependent relationships with other congregations.
I) Foster and participate in ecumenical relationships consistent with God’s Word.
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 groups and shall review their actions. Such descriptions shall be contained in continuing resolutions in the section on the Congregation Council.
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 appointment of associates in ministry;
D) approve the annual budget;
E) acquire real and personal property by gift, devise, purchase, or other lawful means;
F) hold title to and use its property for any and all activities consistent with its purpose;
G) sell, mortgage, lease, transfer, or otherwise dispose of its property by any lawful means;
H) elect its Congregation Council and require them to carry out their duties in accordance with the constitution, bylaws and continuing resolutions;
I) terminate its relationship with any affiliated organization as provided in Chapter 6.
C5.04 This congregation annually shall choose from among its voting members, laypersons to serve as representatives of the congregation as well as persons to represent it at meetings of any conference, cluster, coalition, or other area subdivision of which it is a member.
CHAPTER 6
CHURCH AFFILIATION
C6.01 This congregation may enter into full partnership or membership with Lutheran denominations, associations, or ministries. Full membership in Lutheran denominations, associations, or ministries shall require a two-thirds majority vote of all voting members present and voting at a legally called meeting of the congregation; at least thirty (30) days notice shall be given for calling such a meeting. Severance of such membership shall require at least ninety (90) days notice by the Congregation Council to the membership of the congregation and to the denomination, association, or ministry of the intent to sever membership, followed by a two-thirds majority vote of all voting members present and voting at a legally called meeting of the congregation.
CHAPTER 7
PROPERTY OWNERSHIP
C7.01 Should a majority of this congregation choose to join a denomination which does not embrace and adhere to the Confession of Faith as set forth in Chapter 2 or become an organization that does not embrace and adhere to the Confession of Faith, title to all land and other assets, both real and personal, shall remain with the largest minority faction wishing to continue to embrace and adhere to the Confession of Faith.
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 shall have communed and made a contribution of record during the current or preceding year.
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. 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;
C) support the work of this congregation 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.
C8.05.01 Inactive members are those who failed to receive Holy Communion and to make a contribution of record for a period for a period of two (2) consecutive calendar years. Inactive members may be removed from the roll of members by the Congregation Council. This procedure will take place after such members have been counseled about the matter, if possible.
C8.06 Dismissal by Disciplinary Action
a. The purpose and goal of all matters of church discipline will be to restore those who have sinned.
b. Principles found in Matthew 18:15-17 will be followed with the Congregation Council as the Church noted in verse 17
c. If the Congregation Council deems it necessary, a member may be removed from this congregation’s membership.
d. All members of this congregation recognize that they are under the spiritual authority of the congregation and will not have recourse to the decision of the council.
CHAPTER 9
THE PASTOR
C9.01 Authority to call a pastor shall be in this congregation by at least two-thirds majority ballot vote of voting 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 leadership of any Christian ministry this congregation has affiliated with in accordance with Chapter 6.
C9.02 Only a person with theological training and who adheres to the confession of faith in Chapter 2 may be called as a pastor of this congregation. This congregation will only call ordained pastors or professional lay ministers who are in a heterosexual marriage or, if single, are celibate.
C9.03 Consistent with the faith and practice of Lutheran Confessions as expressed in Chapter 2, every ordained minister shall:
a. 1. preach the Word,
2. administer the sacraments,
3. conduct public worship,
4. provide pastoral care,
5. shall 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, however, no one will perform same sex blessing at Truth Lutheran Church of Brainerd;
2. supervise all schools and organizations of the 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;
4. endeavor to increase the support given by the congregation to missions and benevolent needs and organizations.
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.
C9.04.01. The pastor shall have voice and vote on the Congregation Council. Regarding all committees, organizations, auxiliaries the pastor has a voice.
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 for the following reasons:
1) mutual agreement to terminate the call or the completion of a call for a specific term of years;
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; or
6) the dissolution of the congregation; or
7)In the case of alleged local difficulties that imperil the effective functioning of the congregation, all concerned persons shall be heard, after which the congregation may dismiss the pastor by a two-thirds majority vote of the voting members present and voting at a legally called meeting after consultation with three (3) other active Lutheran pastors from within the congregation’s affiliation.
C) When the congregation has a pastor, but the pastor is unavailable because of sickness or temporary absence from the parish:
a. The congregation president or vice president shall assume the pastor's responsibility for the administration of the congregation.
b. In the event of an emergency requiring pastoral services, the congregation president or vice president shall be responsible for contacting a neighboring pastor with whom prior arrangements have been made by the congregation's pastor to respond in such emergencies.
c. If the pastor is unable to lead or to arrange for the leadership of worship services, the congregation president or vice president shall be responsible for seeing that such worship services are held and properly conducted.
C9.06 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.
C9.07 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 and the congregation council.
C9.08 The congregation may depart from 9.05A and call a pastor for a specific term of years. Details of such calls shall be in writing setting forth the purpose and conditions involved. Such call may also be terminated before its expiration in accordance with the provision of this 9.05A.
C9.9 The pastor shall keep accurate parochial record of all baptisms, confirmations, marriages, burials, communicants, members received, members dismissed, or members excluded from the congregation, and shall submit a summary of such statistics annually to the congregation.
C9.10 The pastor(s) 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.
CHAPTER 10
CONGREGATION MEETING
C10.01 The annual meetings 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 this congregation at the written request of ten percent of the voting members. The call for each special meeting shall specify the purpose for which it is 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 ten 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 Ten percent (10%) of the voting members shall constitute a quorum.
C10.05 Voting by proxy or by absentee ballot shall not be permitted.
C10.06 All actions by the congregation shall be by majority vote of those members present and voting, except as otherwise provided in this constitution.
C10.07 Robert's Rules of Order, latest edition, shall govern parliamentary procedure of all meeting of this congregation.
CHAPTER 11
OFFICERS
C11.01 The officers of this congregation shall be a President, Vice-President, Secretary, Financial Secretary, and Treasurer.
A) Duties of the officers shall be specified in the bylaws and/or continuing resolutions.
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 Council 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 time of their election during the first regularly scheduled meeting of the Congregation Council following the close of the annual meeting.
CHAPTER 12
CONGREGATION COUNCIL
C12.01 The voting membership of the Congregation Council shall consist of the pastor(s) and not more than twelve (12) members of the congregation including the officers of the congregation. Any voting member of the congregation may be elected, subject only to the limitation on the length of continuous service permitted in that office. 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, or
c) by resignation.
C12.02 The members of the Congregation Council, except the pastor(s), shall be elected by written ballot to serve for three years or until their successors are elected. Such members shall be eligible to serve no more than two full terms consecutively. Their terms shall begin at the close of the annual meeting at which they are elected.
C12.03 Should a member's place on the Congregation Council be declared vacant, the Congregation Council shall elect, by majority vote, a successor until the next annual meeting.
C12.04 The Congregation Council shall have general oversight of the life and activities of this congregation, and in particular its worship life, to the end that everything is done in accordance with the Word of. The duties of the Congregation Council shall include the following:
A) To lead this congregation in stating its mission, to do long-range planning, to set goals and priorities, and to evaluate 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, appointment, 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.
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 trustees 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 Minnesota, 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 5% of the current year’s annual budget for items not included in budget.
D) The Congregation Council shall prepare an annual budget for adoption by this congregation, shall supervise the expenditure of funds in accordance therewith following its adoption, and may incur obligations of more than five percent 5% or more of the current year’s annual budget for items not included in the budget in excess of the anticipated receipts only after approval by a Congregational Meeting
E) 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 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 and/or lay workers of this congregation, but the Congregation Council may delegate the day to day supervision of its employees to its designated representative(s).
C12.09 The Congregation Council shall submit a comprehensive report to this congregation at the annual meeting.
C12.10 The Congregation Council shall normally meet once a month. Special meetings may be called by the pastor or the president, and shall be called 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.
C12.11 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 such person 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 be preclude action by the Congregation Council.
CHAPTER 13
CONGREGATIONAL COMMITTEES
C13.01 The officers of this congregation and the pastor shall constitute the Executive Committee.
C13.02 A "Nominating Committee" of not more than six voting members of this congregation including the pastor, two of whom, if possible, shall be outgoing members 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 re-election. Nominations shall consist of at least two members for each office when possible.
C13.03 An "Audit Committee" of three voting members shall be elected by the congregation. The Audit Committee members shall not be members of the Congregation Council. Term of office shall be three years, with one member elected each year. Members shall be eligible for re-election.
C13.04 A Staff Support Committee (in the absence of a Staff Support Committee, their duties shall be fulfilled by the Executive Committee) shall be appointed jointly by the president and the pastor. Term of office shall be two years, three members to be appointed each successive year. Committee members will hold no other office in the congregation during their term.
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 at 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 the committees of this congregation shall be specified in the by-laws or continuing resolutions.
CHAPTER 14
ORGANIZATIONS WITHIN THE CONGREGATION
C14.01 All organizations within this congregation shall exist to aid it in ministering to the members of this congregation and to all persons who can be reached with the Gospel of Christ. As outgrowths and expressions of this congregation's life, the organizations are subject to its oversight and direction. This congregation at its annual meeting shall determine their policies, guide their activities, and receive reports concerning their membership, work, and finances.
CHAPTER 15
DISCIPLINE OF MEMBERS
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.
C15.02 A member charged with the offense shall appear before the Congregation Council having received a written notice, specifying the exact charges that have been made against the member at least ten days prior to meeting.
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 Congregational Council are disqualified from voting upon the question of guilt of the accused member. Should the allegations be sustained by a two-thirds majority vote 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 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.
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 members of the proposal with its recommendations at least 30 days in advance of the Congregation Meeting.
CHAPTER 17
AMENDMENTS
C17.01 Amendments to this constitution may be proposed by at least 10% of the 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 its regular or special meeting called for that purpose. The Congregation Council shall notify the members of the proposal with the council’s recommendations at least 30 days in advance of the meeting.
C17.02 A proposed amendment to this Constitution shall:
A) be approved at a properly called 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 resolution and noted in the constitution.
C17.01.01 This Constitution, bylaws, and continuing resolutions of Truth Lutheran Church of Brainerd LLC, Brainerd, Minnesota, was approved at a legally called meeting of the congregation on February 9, 2014, by a majority vote of those present and voting. It was ratified without change at the special meeting of the congregation on February 23, 2014, by unanimous vote of those present and voting. The effective date of this constitution is February 23, 2014.
C17.02. A proposed amendment to this constitution shall:
a. be approved at a legally called meeting according to this constitution by a majority 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 resolution and noted in the constitution.
CHAPTER 18
CONTINUING RESOLUTIONS
C18.01 The Congregation Council may enact continuing resolutions which describe the function of the various committees or organizations of this congregation.
C18.02 Continuing resolutions shall be enacted or amended by two-thirds vote of all voting members of the Congregation Council.
BYLAWS OF TRUTH LUTHERAN CHURCH OF BRAINERD LLC
BYLAW 1
STATEMENT OF PURPOSE (C4.04)
B1.01. The organizational structure of Truth Lutheran Church of Brainerd LLC, Brainerd, Minnesota, is indicated as presented below:
B1.02. The president, vice-president, and secretary shall be members of the Congregation Council and elected by such at the first regularly called and conducted meeting following the annual meeting. They plus the pastor(s) shall constitute the Executive Committee.
B1.03. The financial secretary and the treasurer shall be appointed and supervised by the Congregation Council as provided in C12.08 and shall be considered voting members of the Congregation Council.
BYLAW 2
MEMBERSHIP (C8.05)
A confirmed member of this congregation who has not communed and made a contribution of record during the current and preceding year shall be considered inactive. Such member shall personally be visited by a member of the Evangelism Committee and/or the pastor. If the member continues to be inactive for a period of six months after the pastor’s visit, his or her name shall be submitted to the Congregation Council for consideration of removal from the membership roll. A Two-thirds majority vote of the members of the Congregation Council present and voting shall be required to remove the member from membership in the congregation.
BYLAW 3
CONGREGATION MEETING (C10.01)
The annual meeting shall be held no later than the fifteenth day of February each calendar year. The exact date and time of the annual meeting will be set and announced by the Congregation Council. All voting members of the congregation are eligible to attend and take part in this meeting. At this meeting the budget for the year will be presented for consideration and acceptance.
BY LAW 4
OFFICERS
B4.01. The duties of the officers of this congregation shall be as defined in the continuing resolutions of the Congregation Council.
B4.02. Any officer or member of the congregation Council who willfully neglects the duties of his or her office may be deposed by a two-thirds majority vote of the voting members present and voting in a regular meeting of the Congregation Council. Such action may be initiated by the Executive Committee.
BYLAW 5
CONGREGATION COUNCIL (C12.01)
From the list of candidates for the Congregation Council, the voting members, at the annual meeting, shall elect by written ballot and simple majority the council members to fill all vacancies of the Congregation Council.
BYLAW6
RECORDS (C12.05)
B6.01. The records of the congregation shall be the property of the congregation and shall not be removed or used for commercial purposes. These records include, but are not limited, to the following:
1. Roster of baptized, confirmed, associate, voting and inactive members.
2. Records of ministerial acts performed by the pastor(s).
3. Minutes of the meetings of the congregation, committees, and the Congregation Council.
4. The financial records of the congregation: all official and legal documents including this constitution, bylaws, continuing resolutions, deeds, mortgages, contracts, etc.
B6.02. An Archives Advisory Committee may be established by the Congregation Council to assist in maintaining professional standards and procedures for the preservation of records.
B6.03. In the absence of an Archives Advisory Committee, the Executive Committee shall be responsible for the preservation of records.
BYLAW 7
CONGREGATION COMMITTEES (C13.07)
The Congregation Council shall prepare continuing resolutions establishing the committees of Truth Lutheran Church of Brainerd as the need arises for such committees. These Continuing Resolutions shall also describe the duties and responsibilities of each committee and organization.
CONTINUING RESOLUTIONS OF TRUTH LUTHERAN CHURCH OF BRAINERD LLC
CONTINUING RESOLUTION 1
OFFICERS (C11.01)
The duties of the officers of this congregation shall include but not be limited to the following:
a. President – He or she shall preside over all congregation meetings. To the best of his or her ability, the president shall enforce the Constitution, Bylaws, Continuing Resolutions and the expressed will of the congregation as embodied in the resolutions of the voting membership of this congregation. He or she shall be, along with the pastor(s), an ex-officio member of all committees. The president will preside over the meetings of the Congregation Council and shall endeavor to coordinate the functions, plans, and activities of the work of Christ’s Kingdom in our midst.
b. Vice-President – The vice-president, in the absence of the president, shall act for and in stead of the president. He or she shall be available for whatever duties the president shall assign.
c. Secretary – The secretary shall be present al all meetings of the Congregation Council and at all congregational meetings and shall enter the minutes of these meetings in a permanent record book and attest to them with his or her signature. In general the secretary will perform all duties normally pertaining to this office and any additional duties that the Congregation Council may assign.
d. Financial Secretary – The financial secretary shall be under the supervision of the Congregation Council. The financial secretary shall:
1) receive and keep record of all income from contributing members and other sources;
2) keep a week-to-week record of the offerings of contributing units of the congregation and together with the members of the finance committee shall develop a schedule and system to accomplish this.
3) expedite the safe deposit and keeping of all funds;
4) prepare and issue quarterly statements for each contributing unit, showing their gifts and offerings to date;
5) prepare monthly reports and/or exhibits that will be helpful to the stewardship committee in analyzing the giving performance of the membership;
6) submit books and records for audit annually to the auditing committee as provided for in C13.03 of the constitution.
e. Treasurer – The treasurer shall be an under the supervision of the Congregation Council. The treasurer shall:
1) maintain accurate records of disbursements and budgeted and actual expenditures according to proper accounting procedures and, as deemed advisable, suggest for finance committee consideration improved methods and systems of keeping financial records;
2) present a written financial report at the annual congregational meeting and a preliminary and monthly reports to the finance committee and, when requested, to the Congregation Council;
3) submit, when requested, permanent financial records for audit;
4) remit monthly offerings for missions and church agencies and promptly pay salaries and bills authorized by this congregation or the Congregation Council;
5) prepare and sign all checks for payment of all financial commitments for this congregation;
6) prepare and submit all required financial reports for the church and its salaried employees;
7) have, for all committees, a current record of their accrued disbursements and their budget allotment.
CONTINUING RESOLUTION 2
CONGREGATION COMMITTEES (C13.01.-C13.05.)
a. Executive Committee – The executive committee shall, in the absence of a formal staff support committee, function as such in addition to carrying out the following responsibilities:
1) Develop and provide a job description for each salaried staff position in this church;
2) Periodically evaluate all salaried employees;
3) Make provision for any training salaries personnel may require to more effectively carry out their duties;
4) Develop, implement, and periodically review and update a personnel policy for this church, seeing to it that the provisions of this policy are adhered to by all concerned. Such policies shall be reviewed and adopted by the Congregation Council;
5) Research, negotiate and recommend to the Congregation Council salary/benefit packages for all employees;
6) Perform all duties directed by the Congregation Council’
7) Prepare, together with one other member of the Congregation Council, an agenda for each monthly meeting and the annual meeting;
8) Prepare, with input from all other committees and employees, the Annual Report and budget for the Annual Meeting;
9) Recommend adequate funding for the administration of this church;
10) Serve, together with the Financial Secretary and the Treasurer, as the Worship and Music Committee, Church Property Committee, Evangelism Committee, Christian Education Committee, Stewardship Committee, Social Ministry Committee, Youth Committee, and Finance Committee until such time as the respective committees have been filled by appointment of the Congregation Council.
11) Perform any other duties as directed by the Congregation Council.
b. Nominating Committee – The nominating committee shall make an effort to prepare a ballot for the Annual Meeting with at least enough qualified candidates, i.e. voting members of this congregation who are not ineligible because o term restrictions stated in
C12.02. of the constitution and who have expressed a willingness to serve if elected, to fill all vacancies on the Congregation Council. Nominations will still be accepted from the floor at the Annual Meeting for write-in candidates who are willing to serve if elected. Candidates who are running to fill partial terms of office will be so designated by the nominating committee and on the ballot.
c. Worship and Music Committee – The worship and music committee shall include the choir director and organists/pianists and be responsible for the following:
1) Provide competent organists/pianists to lead all worship events;
2) Provide competent directors and accompanists to lead the various choirs;
3) Provide special music for worship services where deemed appropriate and necessary;
4) Recommend adequate funding for the purchase of music for the choirs;
5) Recommend adequate funding for the committee and coordinate the purchase of worship supplies, i.e. hymnals, bibles, baptism supplies, elements for Holy Communion, etc;
6) Arrange for special church seasons and services;
7) Provide for Altar Guild to care for the altar, paraments, communion ware, candelabras and other furnishings in the Chancel area;
8) Arrange for ushers, acolytes, greeters, communion servers, and lectors for all worship services;
9) Periodically review, together with the pastor(s), current practices of worship and music with an eye toward improving said practices;
10) Recognize and thank persons who faithfully serve in worship and music ministries;
11) Periodically submit articles on worship and music for publication in our monthly newsletter;
12) Develop and recommend to the Congregation Council for adoption position descriptions for non-salaried persons who serve in worship and music ministries;
13) Perform other duties as directed by the Congregation Council.
d. Church Property Committee – The church property committee shall be responsible for the following:
1) Recommend adequate funding for the maintenance and repair of the church facility and associated structures and properties, including costs for custodial services, supplies, and utilities;
2) Plan and coordinate “church clan-up days” as needed;
3) Communicate with other committees and groups regarding space and facility needs;
4) Look for and recommend to the Congregation Council ways to improve our facilities, both long and short term, making sure to include estimates of costs involved and suggestions as to how such projects might be funded or what persons might be willing to undertake them;
5) Other duties as directed by the Congregation Council.
e. Evangelism Committee – The evangelism committee shall be responsible for the following:
1) Plan and carry out New Member Orientation meetings and New Member receptions;
2) Provide a means of identifying visitors in worship and making them feel welcome;
3) Provide a program for training lay visitors in the congregation;
4) Recommend adequate funding for devotional literature for the congregation;
5) Encourage the members to help make our church an inviting congregation;
6) Develop and implement, together with the pastor(s), ways to encourage inactive members to become active;
7) Publicize the ministries of the congregation in appropriate ways, i.e. newspaper, radio, TV, etc.;
8) Perform other duties as directed by the Congregation Council.
f. Christian Education Committee – The Christian education committee shall be responsible for the following:
1) Develop and recommend to the Congregation Council for adoption job descriptions for Sunday School Superintendent and Sunday School teachers, music leaders and accompanists;
2) Recruit such lay participants as are needed and provide the necessary training for them to effectively carry out their assigned duties;
3) Recruit Vacation Bible School leaders, teachers, and other support staff for Vacation Bible School and provide any necessary training;
4) Oversee Confirmation Programs and support these programs in any way possible;
5) Oversee Adult Bible studies and the church library;
6) Recommend adequate funding and space for education programs in this congregation;
7) Provide an annual “appreciation event” for staff members and volunteers of all education ministries of this congregation;
8) Perform other duties as directed by the Congregation Council.
g. Stewardship Committee – The Stewardship committee shall be responsible for the following:
1) Review and order offering envelopes for confirmed members;
2) Develop and conduct a “stewardship of money” emphasis each year;
3) Develop and conduct a “stewardship of time and talents” emphasis each year’
4) Provide year-round information of our offerings at work in the congregation, community, nation, and world;
5) Research and recommend to the Congregation Council the level of financial support we should provide for other giving;
6) Other duties as directed by the Congregation Council.
h. Social Ministry Committee – The social ministry committee shall be responsible for the following:
1) Support the various local social ministry agencies who are our partners in ministry and communicate the mission of these local agencies to our congregation, i.e Habitat for Humanity, the local food shelf, etc.;
2) Provide and maintain opportunities for members to visit shut-ins and Care Center residents;
3) Encourage members of this congregation to donate food staples for the Food Shelf and provide persons to transport the food from the church to the Food Shelf each month;
4) Research and implement any other ways our congregation can assist a local social ministry agency in their mission;
5) Recommend necessary funding for making it possible for the committee to function;
6) Perform any other duties as directed by the Congregation Council.
i. Youth Committee – The youth committee shall be responsible for the following:
1) Assist in planning, providing, and supporting a youth ministry which includes three components: spiritual, relational and social;
2) Provide adult representation (two or more) for each of the following youth groups: Senior High Youth Group and Junior High Youth Group;
3) Meet monthly to organize activities and provide adequate supervision;
4) Periodically evaluate programs, recommending an adequate level of funding to effectively conduct the programs currently being offered;
5) Conduct fund raisers whenever necessary;
6) Provide at least one monthly activity for each youth group;
7) Perform any other duties as directed by the Congregation Council.
j. Finance Committee – The finance committee shall include both the Financial Secretary and the Treasurer and be responsible for the following:
1) Meet monthly to review the financial status of the congregation and review the monthly income and disbursements reports and prepare the report to the Congregation Council;
2) Make recommendations to the Congregation Council regarding the financial status of the congregation;
3) Review and provide insurance coverage and protection for the church properties;
4) Develop and implement means of recording and report on the financial matters of this congregation;
5) Perform any other duties as directed by the Congregation Council.
k. Audit Committee – The audit committee shall be responsible for the following:
1) Audit all financial records of this congregation and its organizations;
2) Determine if procedures used are in accordance with good accounting practices and the policies of this congregation;
3) Examine insurance policies of this congregation;
4) Report findings to the Congregation Council at the Annual Meeting;
5) Perform any other duties as directed by the Congregation Council.