Preamble

We, baptized members of the church of Jesus Christ, responding in faith to the call of the Holy Spirit through the Gospel, desiring to unite together to preach the Word of God, 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 Trinity Lutheran Church.

C1.02. For the purpose of this constitution, the Trinity Lutheran Church congregation is hereinafter designated as the “congregation”.

C1.03. This congregation shall be incorporated under the laws of the State of Illinois.

Chapter 2 Confession of Faith

C2.01. We believe, teach, and confess the Triune God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

C2.02. We believe, teach, and confess Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior and the gospel as the power of God for the salvation of all who believe in him.

1. Jesus Christ is the Word of God incarnate, through whom everything was made and through whose life, death, and resurrection God fashions a new .
2. The proclamation of God’s message to us as both law and gospel is the Word of God, revealing judgment and mercy in the person and work of Jesus Christ through whom God was pleased to reconcile all things to himself.
3. The canonical Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments are the 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. We believe, teach, and accept the canonical Scriptures of the Old and New as the inspired Word of God and the sole authoritative source and norm of our proclamation, faith, and life.

C2.04. We accept the Apostles’, Nicene, and Athanasian Creeds as true declarations of the scriptural faith we believe, teach, and confess.

C2.05. We believe, teach, and accept the Unaltered Augsburg Confession and the Small Catechism as true witnesses to the Word of God, normative for our teaching and practice. We acknowledge that we are one in faith and doctrine with all churches that likewise accept the teachings of the Unaltered Augsburg Confession.

C2.06. We believe, teach, and confess the other confessional writings in the Book of Concord, namely, the Apology of the Augsburg Confession, the Smalcald Articles, the Treatise, the Large Catechism, and the Formula of Concord, as further valid expositions of the Holy Scriptures.

C2.07. We believe, teach, and confess 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 priesthood of all believers for God’s mission in the world.

Chapter 3 Nature of the Church

C3.01. All power in the congregation has its source in the Word of God, which is the norm for its faith and life. All individuals and groups within the congregation submit to the authority of the Word and to the constitution of the congregation; and the life and activity of the congregation and its organizations shall conform to it.

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. Lutheran Congregations in Mission for Christ (LCMC), therefore, derives its character and powers both from the sanction and representation of its congregations and from its inherent nature as an expression of the broader fellowship of the faithful. In length, it acknowledges itself to be in the historic continuity of the communion of saints; in breadth, it expresses the fellowship of believers and congregations in our day.

Chapter 4 Statement of Purpose

C4.01. The Church is a people created by God in Christ, empowered by the Holy Spirit, called and sent to bear witness to God’s creative, redeeming, and sanctifying activity in the world.

C4.02. To participate in God’s mission, this congregation as a part of the Church shall:

1. Worship God in proclamation of the Word and administration of the sacraments and through lives of prayer, praise, thanksgiving, witness, and service.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. 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:

1. Provide services of worship at which the Word of God is preached and the sacraments are administered.
2. Provide pastoral care and assist all members to participate in this ministry.
3. Challenge, equip, and support all members in carrying out their calling in their daily lives and in their congregation,
4. Teach the Word of God.
5. Witness to the reconciling Word of God in Christ, reaching out to all people.
6. Respond to human need, work for justice and peace, care for the sick and the suffering, and participate responsibly in society.
7. Motivate its members to provide financial support for the congregation’s ministry and the ministry of Lutheran Congregations in Mission for Christ.
8. Foster and participate in interdependent relationships with other congregations.
9. Foster and participate in ecumenical relationships.

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.

C5.03. Only such authority as is delegated to the Church 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:

1. call a senior pastor as provided in Chapter 9;
2. terminate the call of a senior pastor as provided in Chapter 9;
3. call or terminate the call of associate pastor(s) and/or other staff and leadership as provided in Chapter 10.
4. approve the annual budget;
5. acquire real and personal property by gift, devise, purchase, or other lawful means;
6. hold title to and use its property for any and all activities consistent with its purpose;
7. sell, mortgage, lease, transfer, or otherwise dispose of its property by any lawful means;
8. elect its Church Council, and require them to carry out their duties in accordance with the constitution.
9. associate and terminate relationships with a denomination or association in line with the congregation’s purposes as provided in Chapter 6.

Chapter 6 Church Affiliation

C6.01. This congregation shall be an independent, voluntary member of the Lutheran Congregations in Mission for Christ association (LCMC).

C6.02. This congregation accepts the Statement of Faith and agrees to the Purposes of Lutheran Congregations in Mission for Christ and shall act in accordance with them.

C6.03. This congregation acknowledges its relationship with Lutheran Congregations in Mission for Christ in which:

1. This congregation agrees to be responsible for its life as a Christian community.
2. This congregation pledges its financial support and participation in the life and mission of Lutheran Congregations in Mission for Christ.
3. This congregation agrees to call pastoral leadership who are eligible to be included in the clergy roster of Lutheran Congregations in Mission for Christ in accordance with its call procedures and ministry standards.

C6.04. This congregation may terminate its membership in this association by:

7. Terminating its relationship with the association by following such internal congregational procedures as are required by that congregation (see Section C7.03.) and giving written notice to the association of which it no longer desires to be a member.
8. Ceasing to exist.
9. Taking action to dissolve as a congregation.

Chapter 7 Property Ownership

C7.01. If this congregation ceases to exist, title to undisposed property shall pass to an entity determined by the Church Council.

C7.02. If this congregation is removed from membership in Lutheran Congregations inMission for Christ according to its procedure for discipline, title to property shall continue to reside in this congregation.

C7.03. If this congregation votes to transfer to another Lutheran church body, relate to a non-Lutheran church body, or become independent, title to property shall continue to reside in this congregation.

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.

C8.02. Members shall be classified as follows:

1. Baptized members are those persons that have not completed the process of confirmation or affirmation of faith, and who have been received by the Sacrament of Holy Baptism in this congregation, or have been previously baptized in the name of the Triune God, or in the name of Jesus.
2. 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.
3. Voting members are confirmed members and have all the privileges and responsibilities of membership. Such confirmed members shall have communed and made a contribution of record during the current or preceding calendar year.

d.Associate members are persons holding membership in other Christian congregations who wish to retain such membership but desire to participate in the life and mission of this congregation, or members that have not communed and made a contribution of record during the current or preceding calendar year. Associate members have all the privileges and responsibilities of membership except voting rights and eligibility for elected offices or membership on the Church Council of this congregation.

1. An associate member can become a voting member by completing an application for voting membership.

C8.03. All applications for confirmed membership shall be submitted to and shall require the approval of the Church Council.

C8.04. It shall be the privilege and duty of members of this congregation to:

1. make regular use of the means of grace, both Word and sacraments;
2. live a Christian life in accordance with the Word of God and the teachings of the Lutheran Church; and
3. support the work of this congregation and Lutheran Congregations in Mission for Christ 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:

1. death;
2. resignation;
3. transfer or release;
4. disciplinary action by the Church Council. Such persons who have been removed from the roll of members shall remain persons for whom the church has a continuing pastoral concern.

Chapter 9 The Pastor

C9.01. Authority to call a pastor shall be in this congregation by at least a two-thirds majority ballot vote of members present and voting at a meeting regularly 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 of the Service Coordinator of Lutheran Congregations in Mission for Christ.

C9.02. Only a member of the clergy roster of Lutheran Congregations in Mission for Christ (LCMC) or who has been recommended for it by LCMC may be called as a pastor of this congregation.

C9.03. a. Consistent with the faith and practice of LCMC, every ordained minister shall:

1. preach the Word;
2. administer the sacraments;
3. conduct public worship;
4. provide pastoral care; and
5. witness in solidarity with the poor and oppressed, calling for justice and proclaiming God’s love for the world.
6. Each ordained minister with a congregational call shall, within the congregation:
7. offer instruction, confirm, marry, visit the sick and distressed, and bury the dead;
8. supervise all schools and organizations of this congregation;
9. install regularly elected members of the Church Council; and
10. with the council, administer discipline.
11. Every pastor shall:
12. seek out and encourage qualified persons to prepare for the ministry of the Gospel and strive to extend the Kingdom of God in the community, in the nation, and abroad;
13. impart knowledge of this church and its wider ministry through distribution of its periodicals and other publications; and
14. endeavor to increase the support given by the congregation to the work of the LCMC organization.

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.

C9.05. a. The call of a congregation, when accepted by a pastor, shall constitute a continuing mutual relationship and commitment which, except in the case of the death of the pastor, shall be terminated only following consultation with LCMC and for the following reasons:

1. mutual agreement to terminate the call or the completion of a call for a specific term;
2. resignation of the pastor;
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.
7. In the case of alleged physical or mental incapacity of the pastor or ineffective conduct of the pastoral office, it shall be the responsibility the Church Council to investigate such conditions personally.
8. In case of alleged physical or mental incapacity, competent medical testimony shall be obtained. When such disability is evident, the Church Council shall declare the pastorate vacant. Upon the restoration of a disabled pastor to health, the Church Council shall take steps to enable the pastor to resume the ministry, either in the congregation last served or in another field of labor.
9. In the case of alleged local difficulties which imperil the effective functioning of the congregation, all concerned persons shall be heard, after which the Church Council shall decide on the course of action to be recommended to the pastor and the congregation. If they agree to carry out recommendations, no further action shall be taken. If either party fails to assent, the congregation may dismiss the pastor by a two-thirds majority vote.

e.The foregoing procedure shall never be invoked when questions of doctrine, morality, or continued neglect of duty are involved, all such cases being treated as disciplinary matters.

1. If in the course of the proceedings it should become apparent that the pastoral office cannot be conducted effectively in the congregation being served by the ordained minister due to local conditions, the Church Council may temporarily suspend the pastor from service in the congregation without prejudice and with pay provided.

C9.06. At a time of pastoral vacancy, an interim pastor may be selected from a list of pastors provided by LCMC.

C9.07. During the period of service, an interim pastor shall have the rights and duties in the congregation of a regularly called pastor and may delegate the same in part to a supply pastor with the consent of this congregation or Church Council. The interim pastor and any ordained pastor providing assistance shall refrain from exerting influence in the selection of a pastor.

C9.08. This congregation shall make satisfactory settlement of all financial obligations to a former pastor before calling a successor. A pastor shall make satisfactory settlement of all financial obligations to this congregation.

C9.09. When a pastor is called to serve in company with another pastor or pastors, the privileges and responsibilities of each pastor shall be specified in documents to accompany the call and to be drafted in consultation involving the pastors and the Church Council. As occasion requires, the documents may be revised.

C9.10. This congregation may depart from C9.05.a. and call a pastor for a specificterm. Details of such calls shall be in writing for the purpose and conditions involved. Such call may also be terminated before its expiration in accordance with the provisions of C9.05.a.

C9.11. The pastor shall keep accurate parochial records of all baptisms, confirmations, marriages, burials, members received, members dismissed or members excluded from the congregation. The pastor shall be a member of the congregation that has extended 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 meeting of this congregation shall be held no later than the third Sunday in February.

C10.02. A special meeting of the congregation may be called by the pastor, the Church Council, or the president of this congregation, and shall be called at the written request of 15% of the voting members. The call for each special meeting shall specify the purpose for which it is to be held and no other business shall be transacted.

C10.03. Notice of all meetings of this congregation shall be given at the services of worship on the preceding two consecutive Sundays or by mail to all voting members at least 10 days in advance of the date of the meeting. The posting of such notice in the regular mail, with the regular postage affixed or paid, sent to the last known address of such members shall be sufficient.

C10.04. A quorum for any legally called regular or special meeting of the congregation shall be those voting members present.

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 except as otherwise provided in this constitution.

C10.07. Robert’s Rules of Order, latest edition, shall govern parliamentary procedure of all meetings of this congregation.

Chapter 11 Officers

C11.01. The officers of this congregation shall be voting members of the Church Council and shall include a president, vice president, secretary, treasurer, and financial secretary.

1. Duties of the officers shall be as follows:
2. Attend Church Council meetings.
3. Serve a term on the Church Council for two years. Upon completion of that term, officers are eligible to serve two more terms, not to exceed six consecutive years.
4. Attend and participate in all meetings of the congregation.
5. Engage in discussion and decision-making regarding the well-being of the church and its members.
6. Qualifications: be a voting member of the church; have an interest in the operation of the church; have the time to be able to attend the meetings; good communications skills; and willing to help when needed.

C11.02. The voting members of the congregation shall elect its officers at the annual meeting. The terms shall begin at the close of that meeting.

C11.03. No officer shall hold more than one office at a time. No elected officer shall be eligible to serve more than six consecutive years in the same office.

Chapter 12 Church Council

C12.01. The voting membership of the Church Council shall consist of the pastor and not more than 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 Church Council shall be declared vacant if the member:

1. ceases to be a voting member of this congregation or;
2. is absent from four successive regular meetings of the Church Council without cause.

C12.02. The members of the Church Council, except pastor, shall be elected to serve for two years. Such members shall be eligible to serve no more than six consecutive years. 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 Church Council be declared vacant, the Church Council shall elect, by majority vote, a successor until the next annual meeting.

C12.04. The Church Council shall have general oversight of the life and activities of this congregation, and in particular its worship life, to the end that everything be done in accordance with the Word of God and the faith and practice of LCMC.  The duties of the Church Council shall include the following:

1. 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.

1. To seek to involve all members of this congregation in worship, learning, witness, service and support.
2. To oversee and provide for the administration of this congregation to enable it to fulfill its functions and perform its mission.
3. To maintain supportive relationships with the pastor and staff.
4. To be examples individually and corporately of the style of life and ministry expected of all baptized persons.
5. To promote a congregational climate of peace and goodwill and, as differences and conflicts arise, to endeavor to foster mutual understanding.
6. To arrange for pastoral service during the sickness or absence of the pastor.

C12.05. The Church Council shall be responsible for the financial and property matters of this congregation.

1. The Church Council shall be the board of directors of this congregation, and as such shall be responsible for maintaining and protecting its property and the management of its business and fiscal affairs. It shall have the powers and be subject to the obligations that pertain to such boards under the laws of the State of Illinois, except as otherwise provided herein.
2. The Church 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.
3. The Church Council may enter into contracts of up to $1,000 for items not included in the budget.
4. The Church 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 more than $1,000 in excess of the anticipated receipts only after approval by a Congregation Meeting.
5. The Church Council shall ascertain that the financial affairs of this congregation are being conducted efficiently, giving particular attention to the prompt payment of all obligations and to the regular forwarding of benevolence monies.
6. The Church Council shall be responsible for this congregation’s investments and its total insurance program.

C12.06. The Church Council shall see that the provisions of this constitution are carried out.

C12.07. The Church Council shall provide for an annual review of the membership roster.

C12.08. The Church Council shall be responsible for the appointment and supervision of the salaried lay workers of this congregation.

C12.09. The Church Council shall submit a comprehensive report to this congregation at the annual meeting.

C12.10. The Church Council shall normally meet once a month. Special meetings may be called at the request of at least half of council 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 Church Council, including the pastor or interim pastor, except when such person requests or consents to be absent and has given prior approval to an agenda of routine matters which shall be the only business of the meeting.

C12.12. The Church Council may enact continuing resolutions which describe the function of the various committees or organizations of this congregation.

C12.13. Continuing resolutions shall be enacted or amended by a two-thirds vote of all voting members of the Church Council.

Chapter 13 Congregation Committees

C13.01. The officers of the congregation and the pastor shall constitute the Executive Committee.

C13.02. A Nominating Committee of three voting members of this congregation, two of whom, if possible, shall be outgoing members of the Church Council, shall be elected at the annual meeting for a term of two years. Members of the Nominating Committee are eligible for one consecutive reelection.

C13.03. An Audit Committee of two voting members shall be elected by the congregation.  Audit Committee members shall not be members of the Church Council. Term of office will be two years. Members shall be eligible for reelection.

C13.04. When a pastoral vacancy occurs, a Call Committee of four voting members shall be elected by this congregation. Term of office will terminate at the installation of the newly called pastor.

C13.05. Other congregation committees may be formed as the need arises, by decision of the Church Council.

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 meeting shall determine their policies, guide their activities, and receive reports concerning their membership, work, and finances.

C14.02. Special interest groups may be organized only after authorization has been given by the Church Council.

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, or persistent troublemaking 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:

1. private admonition by the pastor,

b.admonition by the pastor in the presence of one or two witnesses, one of which shall be the President or Vice-president, and

1. citation to appear before the Executive Committee, where both the Pastor and the President or Vice-president are present.

C15.02. A member charged with the offense shall appear before the Executive Committee having received a written notice, specifying the exact charges that have been made against the member, at least 10 days prior to the meeting.

C15.03. Should the allegations be sustained by a two-thirds majority vote of the Executive Committee and renewed admonition proves to be ineffectual, the Executive Committee shall impose one of the following disciplinary actions:

1. censure;
2. suspension from membership for a definite period of time; or
3. exclusion from membership in this congregation. Disciplinary actions b. and c. shall be delivered to the member in writing.

C15.04. The member against whom disciplinary action has been taken by the Executive Committee shall have the right to appeal the decision to the Church Council. Such right may not be abridged, and the decision of the Church Council shall be final.

C15.05. Disciplinary actions may be reconsidered and revoked by the Executive Committee upon receipt of:

1. evidence that injustice has been done, or
2. evidence of repentance and amendment.

Chapter 16 Bylaws

C16.01. This congregation may adopt bylaws. No bylaws may conflict with this constitution.

C16.02. Bylaws may be adopted or amended at any legally called meeting of this congregation by a majority vote.

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 Church Council at least 60 days before a regular or special Congregation Meeting called for that purpose and that the Church 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 voting members or by the Church Council. Proposals must be filed in writing with the Church Council 60 days before formal consideration by this congregation at its regular or special meeting called for that purpose. The Church Council shall notify the members of the proposal with their recommendations at least 30 days in advance of the meeting.

C17.02. A proposed amendment to this constitution shall:

1. be approved at a properly called meeting according to this constitution by a majority vote.
2. be ratified without change at the next annual meeting by a two-thirds majority vote and;
3. have the effective date included in the resolution and noted in the constitution.