Concordia Evangelical Lutheran Church

Let all things be done decently and in order. 1 Corinthians 14:40

THE CONSTITUTION

CONCORDIA EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH OF

WILMINGTON DELAWARE

PREAMBLE

Whereas the Word of God demands that a Christian Congregation not only conform to the Word of God in doctrine and practice (Psalm 119: 105; Galatians 1:6-8; 2 Timothy 4: 1 -5) but also that all things be done decently and in order (1 Corinthians 14:40); therefore, we, the members of Concordia Evangelical Lutheran Church of Wilmington Delaware, set forth by this present document, signed by ourselves, the Constitution and the By-Laws in accordance with which our congregational affairs, spiritual and material, shall be conducted.

ARTICLE I - NAME

Section 1 The name of this Congregation shall be Concordia Evangelical Lutheran Church of Wilmington Delaware.

Section 2 This Congregation shall be incorporated in the State of Delaware.

Section 3 The Corporate Trustees shall constitute the officers of this Congregation.

ARTICLE II – SYNOD MEMBERSHIP

This congregation shall be a member of the  LUTHERAN CHURCH—MISSOURI SYNOD (LC-MS) and the District in which it is geographically located, so long as the confessions and constitution of said Synod and District are in accord with the confession and constitution of this congregation.

It shall be the privilege and responsibility of this congregation and its individual members to support the work of Synod and the District and to send appropriate representatives from the congregation to the District conventions of the Synod.

ARTICLE III - PURPOSE

The purpose of this Congregation shall be that of a religious organization; more specifically, that of a Christian Congregation, established and maintained for the express purpose as a congregation to:

1. Tell others of God's love in Christ (Witness).

2. Serve others as Christ served us (Service).

3. Keep each other strong in the faith (Nurture).

4. Rejoice with one another over Christ's meaning in our lives and offer praise to God for His goodness (Celebration, Worship).

5. Manage, both as individuals and as a group, our lives and resources in such a way that we serve God's purpose for us (Stewardship).

6. Care for and serve one another as we share our gifts (Fellowship).

ARTICLE IV - CONFESSIONAL STANDARD

This Congregation acknowledges and accepts all the canonical books of the Old and New Testament as the revealed Word of God, verbally inspired, and acknowledges and accepts all the Symbolical Books of the Evangelical Lutheran Church, contained in the Book of Concord 1580, to be a true and genuine exposition of the doctrine of the Bible. These Symbolical Books are: the three Ecumenical Creeds (the Apostolic, the Nicene, and the Athanasian), the Unaltered Augsburg Confession, the Apology of the same, the Smallcald Articles, the Power and Primacy of the Pope, Luther's Large and Small Catechism and the Formula of Concord.

This congregation, as a member of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod (LC-MS), subscribes to the Biblical guidance and related policies issued from time to time by the governing body of the LC-MS.

ARTICLE V - MEMBERSHIP

The membership of this Congregation shall consist of:

A. Baptized Members

The baptized membership shall comprise all persons, including children, who are baptized in the name of the Triune God, and for whose spiritual well-being the Congregation has assumed direct responsibility.

B.  Communicant Members

The communicant membership shall include all baptized members who:

1. believe in Jesus Christ as their Savior;

2. accept all the canonical books of the Old Testament and the New Testament as the only divine Word and standard of faith and life;

3. are acquainted with and declare their acceptance of Luther's Small Catechism;

4. lead a Christian life and abstain from manifest works of the flesh (Gal. 5:19-26);

5. attend divine service and partake faithfully of the Lord's Supper;

6. submit, for the sake of love and peace, to the ordinances of the Congregation, provided they do not conflict with the Word of God, and accept brotherly admonition when having erred or offended;

7. do not support nor adhere to any organization whose teachings or practices conflict with the Word of God;

8. have been received into communicant membership in accordance with the By-Laws.

Only communicant members may hold elected office or vote.

ARTICLE VI - OFFICERS, BOARDS, AND COMMITTEES

The congregation, acting as a body, may establish all offices, boards, and committees as needed.  The identity and duties of those various boards and committees may be found in the By-Laws of this congregation.

ARTICLE VII - PROPERTY RIGHTS OF CONGREGATION

This Congregation may receive, acquire, hold title to, and manage such real estate and other property as it may need to accomplish said purpose and may sell or dispose of such real estate and other property or any part thereof; and this Congregation shall have all the rights and powers that are granted by the laws of the state of Delaware to religious organizations.

ARTICLE VIII - POWERS AND RIGHTS

The Communicant Members acting as a body shall represent the Congregation and have full and final authority to act in the administration of all congregational affairs, except as provided in this article.  The Communicant Members shall never enact or decide anything contrary to the Word of God and the Symbolical Books of the Evangelical Lutheran Church; and all actions or enactments contrary to Article IV of the Constitution shall be null and void.

ARTICLE IX – PASTORS AND SERVANTS

Only such Pastors and servants shall be called by this Congregation as are in accord with the confessional standards of this Congregation (Article IV), and as have been prepared and are qualified for their work.  The right of the calling or dismissing of pastors and servants shall be vested in the Communicant Members and shall never be delegated to a smaller body or to an individual.

Reasons for dismissing a pastor or servant shall be:  Persistent adherence to false teaching, an ungodly life, unfaithfulness or inability in reference to the performance of duties.  For the election or dismissal of pastors and servants, an eighty percent (80%) majority vote of the meeting is required.  Only males shall be called to be Pastor of this Congregation.

ARTICLE X- BY-LAWS

This Congregation may adopt such By-Laws as the accomplishment of the purpose of its organization may demand.

ARTICLE XI - AMENDMENTS

Amendments to this Constitution require three steps as follows:

1. Amendments must be proposed in writing by the President at a regular meeting of the Communicant Members. The Amendments will be submitted by the President and discussed by voting members present.

2. Proposed Amendments shall be voted on at the next regular meeting of the Communicant Members. Adoption of an Amendment requires approval by at least two-thirds of the voting members present at this meeting with the exception of amending Article VIII, which requires 80%.

3. Approved Amendments shall be presented to the district of the Lutheran Church --Missouri synod to which it belongs for approval.  Upon receipt of written approval from the district, the Amendments will become effective and will become a part of this Constitution.

BY-LAWS

CONCORDIA EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH

OF WILMINGTON  DELAWARE

I.         ACHIEVEMENT OF PURPOSE - EXERCISE OF RIGHTS, DUTIES AND POWERS

Constitutional Basis

All provisions of these By-Laws are designed to conform with the provisions of the Constitution of Concordia Evangelical Lutheran Church (CELC) of Wilmington Delaware and to facilitate their intended purposes.

In particular, Articles III (Purpose), IV (Confessional Standards), VI (Officers, Boards, Committees and Corporate Powers), VII (Property Rights) and VIII (Powers and Rights) provide the foundation and framework for the activities CELC can engage in.

Activities

By way of example and not limitation, CELC engages in, may engage in, or may make its facilities available for all internal and external ministries or activities that comply with the mission of the congregation.

Policies and Procedures

All actions and activities engaged in by CELC are governed by the CELC Constitution and these By-Laws. CELC has developed supplemental policy and procedure documents that provide additional details not included in the Constitution or By-Laws because of their level of detail and their length. Changes to policies and procedures are not subject to the amendment requirements contained in the Constitution and the By-Laws. In the event of a conflict in language, the Constitution prevails over the By-Laws and both the Constitution and the By-Laws prevail over a policy or procedure.

II.        ADMISSION TO MEMBERSHIP

Communicant membership shall be affected by:

1. Confirmation after a suitable period of instruction; or

2. Transfer from a church body with whom the LC-MS has full altar and pulpit fellowship; or

3. Confession of faith.                                                                                                                                                       

III. TERMINATION OFMEMBERSHIP

Membership in the Congregation is terminated by:

     1. Transfer to an affiliated church.

2. Resignation - A person may be considered as resigned upon receipt of his/her announcement of such; by his/her permitting loss of contact for an extended period of time; or by assumption of membership in a non-affiliated church.

3. Expulsion - when a member of the Congregation, after fruitless admonition in the various steps prescribed by the Word of God (Matthew 18:15-20) where the observation of such steps has been possible, continues in defiance of God's Commandments, he/she may be expelled by an eighty percent (80%) vote of the Communicant Members. The same shall apply to such members as refuse to submit to church discipline and thus excommunicate themselves.

4. A person terminating membership by any means shall have forfeited all rights of membership in the Congregation; and all claims upon the property of the Congregation as such, or upon any part thereof, as long as he/she is not again received into membership by the Congregation.

IV.     CONGREGATIONAL MEETINGS

1. The regular meetings of the Communicant Members shall be at least four (4) per calendar year with the goal of having approximately one regular meeting per Quarter.

2. The Annual Meeting of this corporate body shall be the March meeting, at which meeting Trustees, Deacons, and Administrators shall be elected to take office June first following and the Audit Committee shall be ratified.

3. Special meetings of the Communicant Members may be called when considered necessary by the President, the Board of Deacons, the Administrative Board, or by any five Communicant Members.

4. All meetings shall be announced in at least the preceding week's worship service(s). Each Annual Meeting shall be announced by notice at the front door of the place of worship in advance of such meeting and to all Communicant Members by mail or any form of electronic communication at least ten days in advance of such meeting.

5. A meeting shall be valid and legal provided that at least twenty-five (25) members or thirty-three-and one-third percent (33 1/3 %) of the Communicant Members, whichever is smaller, are in attendance. For the purpose of determining a quorum, the Secretary shall, after the roll call, determine the number of Communicant Members required for such a quorum. This provision shall not be construed as disqualifying any member from casting his/her vote at any meeting. Failing to attend a meeting, a member waives his, her right to cast a ballot at that meeting. In all meetings of the Communicant Members, the majority of the votes cast shall decide all questions, except as otherwise specified in this Constitution and its By-Laws.

6. The change in forum for voting shall be determined by the Board of Trustees if they feel exigent circumstances require such a change of forum.

V.      DUTIES OF OFFICERS, BOARDS, AND COMMITTEES

The Officers

The Board of Trustees of this Congregation shall consist of Communicant Members who are at least twenty-one years of age. Each Trustee shall be nominated and elected specifically to any one of the following offices:

1. President

2. Vice President of Deacons

3. Vice President of Business

4. Vice President of Administrators

5. Treasurer

6. Financial Secretary

7. Secretary

Additional Trustees as needed.

Pastor, other called servants, and Preschool Director are non-voting, ex-officio members of' the Board of Trustees.

Nomination and Election of Officers

Officers shall be nominated and elected at the regular March Congregational meeting. A simple majority of those present and eligible to vote is necessary for election. Election of Trustees should be staggered annually so there is continuity during the transition years.

Terms and Term Limits for Officers

Officers shall be elected for a term of two years. Officers may be elected for two consecutive terms of TWO years each - a total of four consecutive years. Officers who have served two terms may run for a different office. No member may serve as President or Treasurer for more than four years total.

Assumption of Duties and Corporate Powers

Officers elected in the March meeting shall assume the duties of their office on June first following. These Trustees shall have the corporate powers provided for in the Laws of the State of Delaware, and shall constitute the Officers of the Congregation.

Election of Additional Temporary Officers

The President may nominate such other temporary officers as may be deemed necessary to meet the needs of the Congregation. Such nominations may be proposed by the President at any regular or special Congregational meeting. Nominations shall include the special need and intended purpose for the temporary officer. No temporary officer shall serve for more than one year from the date of his/her election. Upon election by the Communicant Members, these additional officers shall become members of the board of Trustees and shall have the standing of a permanently established member of that Board. The election of temporary officers does not amend this Constitution.

OTHER BOARDS AND COMMITTEES

There shall be a Board of Deacons, an Administrative Board, a Business Management Board, a Nominating Committee, and an Audit Committee, and such other boards and committees as the By-Laws of this Congregation may prescribe, or as the Communicant Members may elect or appoint in accordance with its needs. The Pastor, other called servants, and the President shall be ex-officio members of all boards and committees of this Congregation.

 The Board of Trustees

The Board of Trustees shall represent the Congregation in legal and financial matters: draw up, sign and preserve the necessary documents, and in all business transactions, act as representatives of the Congregation. They shall exercise all such rights and powers as are herein specifically designated, in the name and stead of the Congregation, but the Congregation may not be bound by acts beyond the authority granted by the By-Laws or beyond the authority granted by special resolution of the Communicant Members.

1. The President shall be Chairperson of the Board of Trustees and shall preside at all meetings of the Communicant Members.

a. He/She shall appoint a Nominating Committee and an Auditing Committee prior to each annual meeting of the Communicant Members.

b. He/She shall have custody of the corporate seal, books and records of the Congregation, to which each member of the Congregation shall have reasonable access.

c. He/She shall perform such other duties as the By-Laws may provide.

2. Each Vice-President shall serve as Chairman of the Board of which he/she is a member and conduct regular meetings of his/her Board.

a. In the absence or inability of the President to perform his/her duties, the Vice-Presidents will decide which Vice-President will perform each Presidential duty until the President is again able to perform his/her duties.

b. Each Vice-President shall have a job description prepared for each member of his/her Board and a purpose statement for each committee appointment for his/her Board. The job descriptions and purpose statements shall be kept up-to-date.

3. The Secretary shall attend and keep a written record (and electronic files) of all meetings of the Board of Trustees and meetings of Communicant Members and shall maintain files of all business documents of the Congregation as they are released to him/her by various officers, boards, committees and organizations of the Congregation. Meeting minutes shall be distributed to appropriate Boards and Communicant Members prior to the next meeting.

a. The Secretary shall receive and retain written record (and electronic files) of minutes from the Preschool Advisory Board and the other Boards of the Congregation.

b. The Secretary shall work with church staff to notify the Communicant Members of meetings and keep an up to date list of all Communicant Members and their attendance at meetings in order to establish a quorum.

c. The Secretary shall send copies of all other resolutions adopted by the Communicant Members to the appropriate member of the responsible Board as recorded in Minutes.

4. The Treasurer shall be custodian of the funds of the Congregation. He/She shall keep an account of all receipts and disbursements, and shall present written reports to each regular meeting of the Communicant Members. He/She shall pay all fixed and budgeted expenses without order. All other emergency or extraordinary disbursements he/she shall make only on order of the Trustees under an established limit. Beyond that limit all disbursements must be authorized by the Congregation.

a. Where purchases or expenditures have been authorized by resolution of the Congregation and are made under the jurisdiction of various officers, boards, or committees, he/she shall require the written approval of such officers, boards or committees before making payment.

b. The Treasurer shall maintain bank accounts as authorized by the Congregation and in the name of the Congregation. Congregational financial records shall be kept current and shall remain the property of the Congregation in his/her custody. He/She shall submit Congregational financial records for auditing no later than January 31 every year. The Treasurer shall serve as an advisor to the Administrator for Stewardship.

c. When for any reason the Treasurer is unable to perform the duties of his, her office, the financial records, books, papers, and other valuable articles in his/her keeping and belonging to the Congregation shall be taken into custody by any person whom the President may appoint for this purpose.

5. The Financial Secretary shall keep account of all contributions and other income of the Congregation. 

a. He/She shall prepare and submit such reports as are designated by the Communicant Members, the Board of Deacons, the Administrative Board, or the Business Management Board and shall issue member contribution/offering statements.

b. The Financial Secretary shall be responsible for having all moneys deposited in bank accounts designated by the Communicant Members; these moneys shall then be in the custody of the Treasurer.

c. The Financial Secretary shall serve as an advisor to the Administrator for Stewardship.

The Board of Deacons

It shall be the duty of the Board of Deacons to assist the Pastor in his pastoral duties; namely, to see that the doctrine of the Evangelical Lutheran Church is preserved and practiced, that the sacraments are administered in accordance with the Word of God; that the church discipline demanded in the Word of God is maintained; that provisions be made for the children to be brought up and taught in the sound doctrine of the Church; and that the members receive abundant opportunity to increase their knowledge of the Word of God and of Lutheran confessions.

Number of Deacons

The Board of Deacons shall consist of the Vice-President (Deacons), and as many additional Deacons as the Vice President of Deacons and the Pastor may determine are required to appropriately serve the congregation.

Election of Deacons

Deacons shall be nominated and elected at the regular March Congregational meeting. A simple majority of those present and eligible to vote is necessary for election.

Terms and Term Limits for Deacons

The term of office for Deacons shall be two years with at least thirty percent (30%) of the terms expiring annually. Deacons may serve for six terms of two years each for a total of twelve years.

Governance of the Deacons

The Vice-President (Deacons) shall serve as Chairperson of the Board of Deacons and ensure that a record is kept of each meeting.

The Board of Deacons shall have the responsibility within the provisions of Matthew 18: 15-20 of watching over the doctrine preached by the Pastor, his life and official conduct. They shall have the duty to admonish him when necessary.

1. A concern of the Board of Deacons shall be the care of the physical and spiritual well-being of the Pastor and all called servants and their families. The Board of Deacons shall recommend to the Board of Trustees and the Administrator for Stewardship such action as is necessary to ensure the Pastor and other called servants an appropriate standard of living.
2. The Board of Deacons shall concern itself with the spiritual welfare of members of the Congregation.
3. The Board of Deacons shall, upon request, examine, and if possible, settle all such matters as might be properly brought to the attention of the Communicant Members, but which may be deemed advisable for reasons of charity and prudence to be discussed less publicly. In such cases, however, an appeal from the decision of the Board of Deacons may be taken to the Communicant Members.
4. The board of Deacons shall have no legislative power, but its activities shall be advisory and executive.
5. The Administrative Board

Composition of the Board

The Administrative Board shall consist of the Vice-President (Administrators), and eight Administrators or as many as may be needed to fulfill the mission of the congregation at that time.

Number and Election of Administrators

Eight Administrators, or as many as are needed, shall be nominated and elected at the March regular Congregational Meeting, each to be responsible for one of the areas of the Congregation's Ministry as specified in the By-Laws. A simple majority of those present and eligible to vote is necessary for election.

Terms for Administrators

Administrators may serve for two terms of two years each. Election of Administrators should be staggered annually so there is continuity during the transition years

Governance

The Vice-President (Administrators) shall serve as Chairperson and ensure that a record is kept of each meeting.

1. The Administrative Board shall be concerned with all affairs of the Congregation except those matters entrusted specifically to the Board of Deacons or the Business Management Board. Its function shall be advisory but may be executive upon direction of the Communicant Members.
2. In addition to those positions specifically named, each Administrator shall appoint such  committees to serve for a specified period of time as he/she deems helpful for carrying out tasks within that Administrator's areas of responsibility.

4. The Administrator for Property

1. The use, care and maintenance of all properties of the Congregation are the responsibility of the Administrator for Property.
2. It shall be the duty of the Administrator for Property to see that the estate of the

Congregation is protected against loss or damage, and that the Congregation is protected against liability in case of accident within its properties.

1. Duties of the Administrator for Property shall include seeing that inspections are made at least annually of all properties and taking necessary action or making recommendation for action to keep them in good order and in conformance with applicable government regulations. A formal and detailed report on the condition of the property shall be presented to the Communicant Members in the March meeting.

 

5. The Administrator for Stewardship

1. The Administrator for Stewardship shall be responsible for promoting good stewardship of the time and talents of the membership of the Congregation as well as of its monetary reserves.
2. The Administrator for Stewardship shall appoint a committee for preparing the recommended annual budget and for providing the Congregation with information supporting its recommendations.
3. The Administrator for Stewardship shall be a member of the Business Management Board.
4. The Administrator for Stewardship shall work with and aid the Financial Secretary and Treasurer in carrying out their duties and responsibilities.

6. The Administrator for Outreach

1. The Administrator for Outreach shall be concerned with promulgating and directing the programs for the effective witnessing by the members of Concordia to the Christian Faith so that the Word of God is spread and disseminated, and the unchurched brought into the church family.
2. The Administrator for Outreach shall be responsible for periodic publications and publicity releases.

7. The Administrator for Worship

1. The Administrator for Worship shall be concerned with the external aspects of the worship service such as music, ushering, and provision of a worshipful atmosphere.
2. The Administrator for Worship shall appoint a head usher who shall recruit and direct the staff of ushers. The duties of the staff of ushers shall be to welcome members and guests, take up offerings, supervise effective seating, handle emergencies and to promote a quiet and worshipful atmosphere. The ushers shall take an attendance count at each service.
3. The administrator for Worship shall assist the Pastor in the proper use of music in the service. For example, he/she shall be responsible for recruiting the choirs, aiding the organist and choir director, assisting with music training in the Sunday school, and for hymn books, choir robes, and musical equipment.

8. The Administrator for Service

1. The Administrator for Service shall be concerned with problems of the needy within the Congregation and serve as liaison with local community social agencies and welfare agencies of the Lutheran Church.
2. The Administrator for Service shall be concerned with the education of the Congregation to its obligations in the area of Christian humanitarian endeavor and the blessings to be derived in such services.
3. The administrator for Service shall promulgate and direct programs for the effective participation of Christian aid in the Congregation.

9. The Administrator for Education

1. The Administrator for Education shall have the supervision of all educational agencies of the Congregation and shall be responsible for the selection of teachers and assistants required for the operation of the Sunday school and the other Educational Agencies.
2. The Administrator for Education shall be responsible for an ongoing adult education program.
3. The Administrator for Education shall be responsible for the Church Library.
4. The Administrator for Education shall serve on the Preschool Advisory Board.

10.  The Administrator for Fellowship

1. The Administrator for Fellowship shall be responsible for the Fellowship Program of the Congregation.
2. The program shall include social events that enhance and promote a Christian community for members and guests.

11. The Administrator for Youth

1. The Administrator for Youth shall be responsible for appointing and supervising a "Youth Committee".
2. The Youth Committee shall provide Christ-pleasing, Christ-serving, and faith-enhancing programs for our youth.
3. The Youth Committee shall work closely with the pastor(s), professional youth staff, parents of high school people, and others involved in developing programs for high school students.
4. To the extent possible, students shall be involved in developing and implementing their programs.

 

 

12. Business Management Board

Composition of the Board

The Business Management Board shall consist of the Vice-President (Business), the

Financial Secretary, the Treasurer, the Property Administrator, and the Administrator for Stewardship. Since this Board is comprised of elected officers and administrators, there is no additional requirement for election to the Board or for terms and term limits.

Governance

The Vice President of Business shall serve as Chairperson of this Board and ensure that a record is kept of each meeting.

The Business Management Board shall be responsible for:

1. Maintaining Church records and the operation of the Church office.
2. Contracts with all hired staff members except the Pastor(s), other called servants and director of music.
3. Maintains inventory of property, defines property issues, and forecasts budgets for enhancements and maintenance.
4. Coordinates and controls all contracts and insurance policies of the congregation.
5. Any other duties provided by the By-Laws and Resolutions passed by the Communicant Members. 

 

13. Nominating Committee

1. The Nominating Committee shall prepare a list of names of qualified candidates that are willing to serve for the elective offices, and place these names in nomination at the appropriate meetings.
2. The members of' this committee shall serve as tellers at each election.

14. The Audit Committee

1. The Audit Committee for any year shall report their audit findings to the Communicant Members in the March Annual Meeting.
2. The Audit Committee shall review the Financial Secretary's and Treasurer records and annual financial reports to determine that all receipts are accounted for and all disbursements have been made in accordance with proper authorizations and correctly reported in the annual financial statements. The Audit Committee shall verify, to the best of their ability, that all financial records are accurate and correct and that all financial processes and procedures were followed during the year just concluded.
3. The Audit Committee is empowered to hire an external accounting firm for the purpose of performing a formal financial review for any year where, in the judgement of the Audit Committee, an external review is needed. Such external reviews shall be conducted at least once every three years in addition to the annual internal reviews performed by the Audit Committee. Committee can consider of a formal audit (with opinion) if deemed necessary.

VI.  SOCIETIES AND ORGANIZATIONS

Societies and organizations shall be organized and operated within this Congregation only with the consent of the Communicant Members, to which they shall at all times be responsible through the Administrative Board.

VII.  ORDER OF BUSINESS - CONGREGATIONAL MEETINGS

l.   Opening Prayer

1. Establish Quorum
2. Approval or Amendment of Prior Meeting Minutes
3. Reports
4. Unfinished Business
5. New Business
6. Adjournment with Prayer
   1. Proposed Amendments shall be voted on at the next regular meeting of the Communicant Members. Adoption of an Amendment requires approval by a simple majority of those present at that meeting.

  

VIII.  AMENDMENTS

Amendments to these By-Laws require three steps as follows:

l. Amendments must be proposed in writing by the President at a regular meeting of the Communicant Members. The Amendments will be read by the President and discussed by voting members present.

1. Approved Amendments shall be presented to the district of the Lutheran Church --Missouri Synod to which it belongs for approval.  Upon receipt of written approval from the district, the Amendments will become effective and will become a part of this Constitution.