• The font and boarder on the document cover was replicated as closely as possible, but not exactly, to the November 21, 1993 version.
• Spaces between characters and carriage returns between paragraphs were added to improve readability throughout the Constitution and Bylaws (formatting changes).
• Typographical errors in the Constitution were corrected as follows:
  • On page 2 of 5, first sentence – the word “it” was changed to “in”
  • On page 2 of 5, second to last paragraph, the last sentence – was corrected to read as “… when a fellow member errs.”
  • On page 3 of 5, first sentence – was corrected to read as “… Voters’ Assembly …”
• Typographical errors in the Bylaws were corrected as follows:
  • On page 1 of 10 – The formatting of “Article I: Membership” was changed to all capital letters
  • On page 5 of 10 – The semicolon at the end of “I. Installation of Officers;” was replaced with a colon
  • On page 5 of 10 – A colon was added at the end of “M. Consent to Serve”
  • On page 7 of 10, under Board of Elders, item 5 – “ect.” was changed to “etc.”
  • On page 8 of 10, under Board of Missions, second sentence – “MIssions” was changed to “Missions”
  • On page 8 of 10, under Board of Missions, item 4 – “Develope” was changed to “Develop” and the slash at the end of the sentence was replaced with a period
  • On page 8 of 10, under Board of Missions, item 7 – “Cultivation” was changed to “cultivation”
  • On page 9 of 10, under Board of Education – a colon was added after “… the Ministry Board of Education shall”
  • On page 9 of 10, under Board of Discipleship – a colon was added after “… the Ministry Board of Discipleship shall”
• Finally, in accordance with the passage of the resolution to remove the requirement for a regular Voters’ Assembly meeting to be held in September, that was voted on during the FICLC Voters’ Assembly meeting held on May 22, 2005, the reference to a September meeting was deleted from Article II, Paragraph A, Item 1 on page 3 of 10 in the Bylaws which now reads as “… shall be held in May and November.”

Respectfully submitted,
Francis J. Wyant, Vice President
Faith in Christ Lutheran Church Council

THE CONSTITUTION OF

FAITH IN CHRIST LUTHERAN CHURCH
1750 Faith Court NE
Albuquerque, NM 87112

We make our introduction in the Name of the Father,
and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

PREAMBLE

It is the will of our Lord Jesus Christ that His Church should preach the Gospel to the whole world and make disciples of all nations (Matthew 28:19—20).  In order that his people might carry out this mission of the Church according to His will, Jesus has commanded all Christians to unite in worship (Hebrews 10:24—25), practice fellowship with one another (Acts 2:42),
witness to all people (Acts 1:8), help each other grow in the Word (Ephesians 4:11—14), serve in Christian love the needs of all people (Mark 10:42—44, John 13:35), administer the Office of the Keys (Matthew 18:15—20), and maintain decency and order in the Church (1 Corinthians 14:40).

We, the congregation of Faith In Christ Lutheran Church, adopt and subscribe to the following Constitution and Bylaws recognizing through the above—listed Scriptural guidelines our unity in the Christian faith and our common practice of this faith.  We also desire to express our fellowship in worship and work, to understand our spiritual needs, to be mindful of our Christian privileges and duties, and to observe orderly cooperation through the acceptance of this document.

ARTICLE I: NAME

The name of the congregation (Corporation) shall be

Faith In Christ Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod

located in Albuquerque (Bernalillo County), New Mexico and shall be a member of the Lutheran Church, Missouri Synod.

ARTICLE II: PURPOSE

The purpose of this corporate body shall be that of a religious organization specifically to establish and maintain the ministry of the Word and Sacrament among us according to the confessional standards of the Lutheran Church as set forth in Article III of this Constitution and to carry out Christ’s Great Commission as set forth in Matthew 28:19—20.  This corporate body shall have the right to receive, acquire, hold title to, manage, sell, or otherwise dispose of such real estate, securities, and other property as it may need to accomplish its purpose.  This corporate body shall have all the rights and powers that are granted by the laws of the State on New Mexico to religious corporations.

ARTICLE III: CONFESSION OF FAITH

The congregation accepts all the canonical books of the Old and New Testaments as a whole and in all their parts as the divinely inspired, revealed, and inerrant Word of God and submits to these as the only infallible authority in all matters of faith and life.

As brief and true statements of the doctrine of the Word of God, the congregation accepts and confesses the following
Symbols, subscription to which shall be required of all confirmed members: (1) the ancient ecumenical creeds: the Apostles’,
the Nicene, and the Athanasian; and (2) the Unaltered Augsburg Confession and Luther’s Small Catechism.

As further elaboration of, and in accord with, the above—mentioned Symbols, the congregation also accepts the other
documents in the Book of Concord of 1580; namely, the Apology, Luther’s Large Catechism, the Smalcald Articles, and the
Formula of Concord; and recognizes them as normative for our theology.

The congregation accepts without reservation the above—mentioned Symbolical books not insofar as, but because they are,
the presentation and explanation of the pure doctrine of the Word of God and a summary of the Christian faith.

ARTICLE IV: MEMBERSHIP

The members of Faith In Christ Lutheran Church shall include the following:

A. Baptized Members: Baptized members are all who have been baptized in the Name of the Triune God and are under the
spiritual care of the congregation.

B. Confirmed (Communicant) Members: Confirmed members are all who have been baptized in the Name of the Triune God,
who have made public confession of their Christian faith after proper instruction, and who have accepted Article III of this
Constitution.

As confirmed, knowledgeable members of the body of Christ, they are to express their commitment to their Savior and to His
Church by: (1) regular and frequent use of the Word and Sacrament for the growth and strengthening of their faith; (2) faithful
attendance at worship services; and (3) offering — in proportion to what God has given them——their time, talents, and
treasures for the support and maintenance of Christ’s Kingdom.

As obedient children of God, saved by the blood of Christ, they are to strive with the help of the Holy Spirit to live God-
pleasing lives and to pattern their entire conduct according to God’s will.  As members of the body of Christ, they need mutual
encouragement, support, and occasional correction.  They, therefore, agree to speak and to listen to one another——not
only to encourage and support, but also to correct and/or discipline in Christian love when a fellow member errs.  They also
permit themselves to be fraternally corrected and/or disciplined when in error.

Confirmed members are not to be members, affiliates, or supporters of such societies or organizations that conflict with the
Word of God or teach a different way of salvation other than Jesus Christ, the only Way, Truth, and Life.

C. Voting Members: Voting members are all confirmed members of the congregation who are eighteen (18) years of age or
older who have been received by the Voters’ Assembly and have signed the constitution.  These members have the right and
responsibility to speak and to vote in meetings of the assembled congregation (Voters’ Assembly) called to carry out the
mission and ministry of Faith In Christ Lutheran Church.

ARTICLE V: THE OFFICES OF PASTOR & PROFESSIONAL WORKERS

The pastoral office of the congregation, as well as that of professional worker, shall only be conferred upon such ministers,
professional workers, and candidates that profess and adhere to the confessional standard set forth in Article III of this
Constitution, are certified by and are members of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod, and are well qualified for their work.
Pastors and professional workers shall, in the call or contract extended to or accepted by them, be pledged to this
confessional standard.

ARTICLE VI: POWERS & RIGHTS OF THE CONGREGATION

The congregation as a body, through the Voters’ Assembly, has the right and responsibility to administer and manage all its
affairs.  It is subject only to the Scriptures and to the confessional standard accepted in Article III of this Constitution.

The congregation has the right to be free from interference in its mission and ministry on the part of any organization——
ecclesiastical or otherwise.  However, the congregation will seek advice and help of those others who desire to further the
cause of Christ’s Kingdom.

The congregation has the right and responsibility to establish and to supervise organizations and institutions within itself that
serve the purpose and need of carrying out its mission and ministry.

The congregation has the right and responsibility to elect or appoint officers and committees, to assign them specific duties
within the church, and to ask them to give an account of their activities.  Officers and committees, whether elected or
appointed by the Voters’ Assembly, shall have no authority beyond that which has been conferred upon them in the Bylaws of
this Constitution and whatever power may have been delegated to them may at any time be altered or revoked by the Voters’
Assembly.

God has spoken in His Word on matters of doctrine and conscience.  All decisions shall be in accordance with God’s Word.

Christ Jesus has given to the entire congregation the right to call pastors (cf., Acts 1:23, 6:2ff.).  Therefore, the right of calling
pastors or other professional workers shall be vested in the congregation.

The pastor may be removed from the pastoral office of this congregation in the event he cannot, or will not, fulfill the
obligations of his office.  Or, if it has been clearly demonstrated that he teaches or believes contrary to Article III of this
Constitution or lives an ungodly life or is unable to perform the duties of his office, he may be removed from the pastoral office
of the congregation.  Officers and professional workers may also be removed from their offices for the same reasons.

ARTICLE VII: OFFICERS, BOARDS & COMMITTEES

The officers, boards and committees of this congregation shall be such as the Bylaws of this Constitution allow or prescribe.

ARTICLE VIII: PROPERTY RIGHTS

If at any time a division should take place in this congregation for the reasons of disagreement in teachings, the property of
the congregation is to remain with that group which accepts Article III of this Constitution.

If a division should take place for any other reason, the property shall remain with the majority of voting members who
continue to adhere in confession and practice to Article III of this Constitution.

In the event the congregation should dissolve, its property and all rights connected therewith shall be transferred, in
accordance with existing Internal Revenue Service tax exempt status requirements, to the Rocky Mountain District of the
Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod.

ARTICLE IX: SYNODICAL MEMBERSHIP

Faith in Christ Lutheran Church is a member of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod (henceforth referred to as LCMS).  It
has voluntarily joined with other congregations that make up this church body.  It shall hold membership in LCMS as long as
this Synod remains true to the Word of God and the Lutheran Confessions.  This congregation shall, to the best of its ability,
work with LCMS and assist it in effecting all sound measures intended for the building up of the Kingdom of God.

ARTICLE X: BYLAWS

The congregation may adopt such Bylaws as may be required for the accomplishment of its purpose as stated in Article II of
this Constitution.

ARTICLE XI: CHANGING THE CONSTITUTION

Articles III and V of this Constitution speak of the congregation’s Scriptural beliefs and of what this congregation requires of its
pastor.  To alter the essential meanings of these Articles would jeopardize the doctrinal position of this congregation and also
its status as a Lutheran Church.  Therefore, proposals to change or amend Articles III and V shall require that previous notice
of such amendment, and discussion of same, shall be presented at two regularly scheduled meetings of the Voters’ Assembly
before the meeting at which the proposed amendment is to receive action.  Due notice of the fact that a vote will be taken
shall be given to all voting members of the congregation.  Any changes in these Articles shall not destroy the essential
meaning of the same.  Whether or not this has occurred shall be decided, if challenged, by a decision of the Commission on
Adjudication of the Rocky Mountain District—LCMS.

All other Article of this Constitution and Bylaws may be changed as needed — provided the changes, alterations, and/or
repeals do not conflict with Article III of this Constitution.

Only the congregation through the Voters’ Assembly may vote to change or alter this Constitution and Bylaws.  Amendments
to this Constitution and Bylaws shall be discussed and may be adopted at a special or regularly scheduled meeting of the
Voters’ Assembly — provided that they do not conflict with any section of any other Article that pertains to Scriptural doctrine
and practice and the proposed amendment has been submitted in writing at a previous meeting of the Voters’ Assembly.

IN NOMINE JESU

Revised and Adopted
November 21, 1993

Faith In Christ Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod

BYLAWS

ARTICLE I: MEMBERSHIP

A. Baptized Membership: Baptized members are all who have been baptized in the Name of the Triune God, are under the
spiritual care of the congregation, and are received into the congregation in one of the following ways:
1. By Baptism — Persons receiving the Sacrament of Baptism by means of this congregation become baptized members.
2. By Transfer — Baptized persons coming with a Letter of Transfer from a sister (LCMS) congregation or previously baptized
in the Name of the Triune God may be received into baptized membership with the pastor’s approval.
3. By Request — Baptized persons who have no church affiliation, who have come under the spiritual care of the
congregation, may request to be received into baptized membership with the pastor’s approval.

Reception of new baptized members shall be reported at the next regularly scheduled meetings of the Church Council and
Voters’ Assembly.

B. Confirmed (Communicant) Membership: Confirmed members are those Baptized members who have been confirmed in the
Lutheran Church, accepted the doctrinal standards as set forth in Article III of this Constitution, are at least familiar with the
contents of Luther’s Small Catechism, and who are not active members of other organizations whose principals and conduct
conflict with the Word of God.  Confirmed members are received into the congregation in one of the following ways:
1. By Rite of Confirmation — Persons received by the Rite of Confirmation and having satisfactorily completed the Statement
of Christian Faith and Commitment become confirmed members.
2. By Transfer — Persons coming with a Letter of Transfer from a sister (LCMS) congregation and having satisfactorily
completed the Statement of Christian Faith and Commitment become confirmed members with the pastor’s approval.
3. By profession of Faith — Baptized persons giving satisfactory evidence of previous confirmed membership to the pastor
and having satisfactorily completed the Statement of Christian Faith and Commitment shall be received into confirmed
membership with the pastor’s approval.

Reception of new confirmed members shall be reported at the next regularly scheduled meetings of the Church Council and
Voters’ Assembly.

Confirmed members of this congregation shall conform their entire lives to the rule of God’s Word, and to that end, shall
faithfully attend worship services, make diligent use of the Means of Grace, exercise Faithful stewardship of God’s many gifts,
impart and accept fraternal admonition as the need for such admonition becomes apparent, and be readily available for
service in the Kingdom of Christ within and beyond this congregation.

Confirmed members of this congregation who have reached their eighteenth (18) birthday may be elected to office in the
congregation — subject to the limitations expressed in Article IV of this Constitution.

C. Voting Membership: All confirmed members who have reached their eighteenth (18) birthday are eligible to become voting
members of this congregation by signing the official copy of this Constitution and Bylaws at a properly convened meeting of
the Voters’ Assembly.  These members have the right and responsibility to speak and to vote at Voters’ Assembly meetings.
Voting members should also strive to attend every properly convened meeting of the Voters’ Assembly and to thoroughly
familiarize themselves with the contents of this Constitution and Bylaws.

D. Termination of Membership: Baptized or confirmed members may terminate their membership, or have their membership
terminated, in this congregation for any one of the following reasons:
1. Members in good standing may be transferred by the pastor to a sister (LCMS) congregation immediately upon request.
Such transfer shall be reported at the next regularly scheduled meeting of the Church Council and Assembly.  Members who
move out of the community, and thereby become inactive, shall be encouraged to transfer their membership to the sister
(LCMS) congregation nearest to them.
2. Members who join congregations outside of LCMS fellowship thereby terminate their own membership in this congregation.
Such terminations shall be reported at the next regularly scheduled meeting of the Church Council and Voters’ Assembly.
3. Members whose whereabouts are unknown and whose current addresses cannot be established shall have their names
removed from membership by majority resolution of the Voters’ Assembly.
4. Confirmed members who absent themselves from worship services and the Lord’s Supper for long periods of time and/or
for reasons not pleasing to Christ are jeopardizing their faith as well as the fellowship they have with others in the church.  It is
the responsibility of the pastor, the elders, and the members of this congregation to encourage those who are absent by
visiting them and urging them with Christian love to become regular in their use of the Word and Sacrament.  If such appeals
are to no avail, then the erring member of this congregation is excluded from our fellowship and is no longer considered to be
a member of this congregation by majority resolution of the Voters’ Assembly.
5. Confirmed members who conduct themselves in unchristian manner shall be admonished in Christian love according to
Matthew 18:15—20 and Galatians 6:1.  If they remain impenitent after proper admonition, they shall be excommunicated.
Each case shall be presented individually to the Voters’ Assembly for action.  A two—thirds (2/3) majority vote by the voters
present shall be required for excommunication, and the vote shall be taken by secret ballot.  Should the erring member
deliberately absent himself from the Assembly at which his case is to be discussed — or in some other manner makes it
impossible to deal with him — he thereby forfeits his right to membership.

ARTICLE II: THE VOTERS’ ASSEMBLY

A. Meetings:
1. Regular meetings of the congregation shall be held in May and November.  Public announcement of the date of the
meetings shall be made two successive Sundays prior to the date of the meeting.  Election of Officers shall be included in the
May meeting and approval of the budget for the following calendar year shall be included at the November meeting.
2. Special meetings of the congregation may be called by the pastor, the president of the congregation, the Church Council,
or the Board of Elders.  Public announcement of the date of the meeting shall be made on the Sunday prior to the meeting.
Business at special meetings shall be limited to the announced purpose(s).
Action concerning the removal from office of a pastor, professional worker or officer is a serious matter and shall only take
place after prayerful consideration by the congregation.  Said action will transpire at a special meeting called only for this
purpose with a two—thirds (2/3) majority needed for removal.
3. The agenda for any regular or special meeting of the congregation shall be posted at church the Sunday prior to the
meetings.

B. Quorums:
1. All voting members present at a validly called meeting of the congregation shall normally constitute a quorum.
2. At special meetings called to remove a pastor, professional worker or an officer of this congregation a minimum of fifty (50)
percent of the voting members shall constitute a quorum.

C. Parliamentary Procedure: In questions of parliamentary procedure not covered by this Constitution and Bylaws, the rules
contained in the current edition of Robert’s Revised Rules of Order shall be applied in Christian love.

ARTICLE III: CALLING OF PASTORS & PROFESSIONAL WORKERS

Whenever there is a vacancy in the office of pastor or professional worker, the president of the congregation shall
immediately inform the District president of said vacancy.  The president of the congregation will invite written nominations
from the congregation.  Every member of the congregation has the privilege to nominate one or more candidates.  All names
placed in nomination shall be forwarded by the president to the District president who will also be requested to make
recommendations and gather information about all the candidates to be placed on the Call List.

In the case of any Call, a Call Committee shall be appointed by the president of the congregation and approved by the Voters’
Assembly.  This committee shall screen the list of candidates and provide the Voters’ Assembly a list of preferred nominees.

At the Voters’ Assembly, called for the purpose of election, the preferred list may be amended by a majority of those present.
At that point the Voters’ Assembly shall be asked to agree to be satisfied with the candidate finally elected by the
congregation.

Balloting shall proceed by means of a written ballot.  Any candidate shall be selected by a majority ballot vote and voting shall
continue until a clear majority has been established — after candidates receiving the lowest number of votes have been
eliminated in each succeeding ballot.

To assure the candidate—elect of the goodwill and support of all members, the presiding officer is to ask for a rising
unanimous vote.  The call shall then be sent to the candidate—elect.

The responsibility of calling is not to be delegated to the Church Council or to any smaller group or individual within the
congregation.

ARTICLE IV: OFFICERS, BOARDS AND COMMITTEES

A. Elected Officers: The congregation shall elect the following officers from its active membership: President, vice President,
Secretary, Treasurer, Financial Secretary, and Chairpersons of the Ministry — Boards of Missions, Education, Discipleship
and members of the Board of Trustees/Directors to serve as outlined in Article V.

B. Appointed Officers: Elders from within the active membership of the congregation shall be recommended by the pastor,
screened by the Church Council, and appointed by the Voters’ Assembly.  These elders will constitute the Board of Elders
and will elect a chairman from amongst themselves.

C. Church Council:
1. The Church Council shall consist of the president, vice president, secretary, treasurer, financial secretary, Chairman of the
Board of Elders, Chairpersons of the Ministry — Boards of Missions, Education, Discipleship, and Chairperson of the Board of
Trustees/Directors.
2. The pastor shall be an ex—officio member of the Church Council with full rights and privileges to vote.
3. All officers present at a validly called meeting of the Church Council shall constitute a quorum.
4. The Church Council shall meet monthly or as needed.

D. Duties of the Church Council:
1. It shall be the duty of the Church Council to review and discuss all matters pertaining to the ongoing process of the growth
of the congregation in view of Christ’s Great Commission (Matthew 28:19—20).
2. It shall also be the duty of the Church Council to consider and discuss all matters pertaining to the general welfare of the
congregation, to review all reports, and to present recommendations to the congregation.  The Church Council shall act in
matters committed to it by the Voters’ Assembly.  In cases of emergency, it shall have the power to act in behalf of the
congregation between meetings of the Voters’ Assembly.

E. Special Duties of the Ministry—Boards: Along with their other responsibilities, the Ministry—Boards shall also keep
permanent records of their meetings.  These records shall be maintained in the chairperson’s official notebook, but will be
kept there for no more than two (2) years, at which time said records will be placed in the Church’s archives.

F. Limitations: The following limitations shall be established:
1. Only those confirmed members actively involved in worship and Bible-study should be considered eligible for nomination to
any office.
2. The offices of president, vice president, and elder shall be filled by male members of the congregation who are at least
twenty—one (21) years of age.

G. Other Offices, Boards and Committees: The Voters’ Assembly may establish other offices, boards and committees, either
standing or special, as may be deemed necessary from time to time to carry out its purposes.

H. Election of Officers:
1. A Nominating Committee, with the vice—president as chairman, shall be appointed by the president and approved by the
Church Council at its regularly scheduled meeting in February.  The nominating committee shall, if possible, propose a slate
of at least two names for each elected office with the approval of said nominees.  Additional nominations may be made from
the floor at the Voters’ Assembly.  No person may be nominated without his or her consent.
2, The Annual Election of Officers shall be by written ballot and shall take place at the May Voters’ Assembly.  Officers shall
be elected by simple majority.

I. Installation of Officers:
1. Elected Officers — The newly elected officers shall be installed in a public worship service no later than the last Sunday in
June.  Said officers will assume their respective duties on July 1.
2. Appointed Officers — Newly appointed officers shall be installed in a public worship service as soon as possible after their
appointment by the Voters’ Assembly.  Said officers will assume their duties immediately upon installation.

J. Vacancies in Elected Offices: In the event of a vacancy in any elected office, the Voters’ Assembly may elect a successor to
serve until the designated end of the vacated term.

K. Terms of Office:
1. Officers, Directors and Chairpersons shall be elected for terms of one year unless otherwise specified under Article V.
Officers shall normally be permitted to hold the same office for three consecutive full terms.  In the event no successor has
been elected when the normal full term expires, an officer may continue in office until a successor is elected.
2. Appointed Officers — Elders shall be appointed for a term of two consecutive years with no limit to the amount of
reappointments.

L. Outgoing Officers:
1. Elected and appointed outgoing officers shall normally return any assigned, accumulated or acquired church property and
records at the end of their terms of office.
2. Elected or appointed officers who resign from office shall submit a written resignation to the Church Council, giving as much
notice as circumstances permit.  All church property and records shall be returned no later than the accepted date of
resignation.

M. Consent to Serve:
1. Persons elected or appointed to serve as Officers, Board Members, and on Committees shall file an affidavit stating that
he/she consents to serve without compensation or financial gain of any kind.  The congregation is to be directly responsible
for their actions done in conformity with its resolutions and instructions and is in no case to permit them to suffer any personal
loss whatsoever.

ARTICLE V: DUTIES OF OFFICERS AND BOARDS

A. President — The president shall:
1. Preside at all Voters’ Assembly and Church Council meeting and see that the resolutions of these meetings are carried out.
2. Assure that all officers, boards and committees of the congregation are appropriately functioning and carrying out their
individual responsibilities.
3. Be an ex—officio member of all standing boards and committees except for the Nominations Committee and shall attend
meetings whenever necessary and/or upon the request of the pastor.
4. Prepare and follow an orderly agenda for each meeting at which he presides.
5. Meet at least once a month with the pastor to review past efforts and coordinate future plans.
6. Make such appointments as are necessary.
7. Encourage all officers and committee chairpersons in the interest of stewardship of time to make concise oral or written
reports and well—worded recommendations for church Council and Voters’ Assembly meetings.
8. Serve along with the chairperson of the Board of Trustees/Directors as one of the two legal representatives of the
congregation at its direction.

B. Vice—President — The vice—president shall:
1. Assume the duties of the president should the office become vacant until the Voters’ Assembly can elect a new president.
2. Preside in the absence of the president at Church Council and Voters’ Assembly meetings.
3. Chair the Nominations Committee.
4. Chair special committees as appointed by the president.
5. Attend committee meetings upon request of the pastor or president.
6. Review annually this Constitution and Bylaws and the resolutions and standing rules adopted by the Voters’ Assembly,
maintaining the official copy, keeping it current, and recommending changes that meet the needs of the congregation.
7. Contact each eligible voting member who has joined the congregation since the previous Voters’ Assembly, provide each
with a copy of this Constitution and Bylaws, and extend to each an invitation to become a voting member before the next
scheduled Voters’ Assembly.
8. Notify confirmed men and women who become eighteen (18) years of age of their eligibility to become voting members of
this congregation.

C. Secretary — The secretary shall:
1. Keep accurate and permanent records (minutes) of Church Council and Voters’ Assembly meetings.  All such records shall
become and remain the property of the congregation and shall be submitted for approval at the appropriate next regularly
scheduled meeting.
2. Maintain an accurate list of all voting membership and the membership of all official committees and boards.
3. Keep accurate attendance records of Church Council and Voters’ Assembly meetings.
4. Register all new voting members at Voters’ Assembly meetings by obtaining their signatures on the official copy of this
Constitution and Bylaws.
5. Reproduce within fourteen (14) days the minutes of the Church Council and Voters’ Assembly meetings, provide the pastor
and president with copies for screening, and then post .the screened copies at church.

D. Treasurer— The treasurer shall:
1. Promptly pay, by check, all fixed, regular, and approved expenses that lie within the budgetary constraints of the
congregation.
2. Keep accurate records of the receipts and disbursements of the congregation in books which shall be and remain the
property of the congregation.  These books shall be and remain open to all voting members of the congregation.
3. Submit written reports to each regularly scheduled meeting of the Church Council and Voters’ Assembly.
4. Close the books of the current calendar year on December 31 and provide them to the Church Council for review at the
regularly scheduled January meeting.  This review shall be completed by an appointed subcommittee of the Council; and the
results presented, in writing, at the next regularly scheduled Voters’ Assembly meeting.

E. Financial Secretary — The financial secretary shall:
1. Record the offerings and special gifts received from Sunday morning and special services.
2. Appoint and monitor a Counting Committee composed of adult, active members who will be responsible for the counting
and depositing of all Sunday morning and special services offerings.
3. Keep accurate records of each member’s offerings.
4. Submit yearly statements to each member of their offerings for the calendar year.
5. Submit written reports at each regularly scheduled meeting of the Church Council and Voters’ Assembly.

F. Board of Elders — The Board of Elders shall assist the pastor in assuring the general spiritual welfare of the congregation,
in solving difficult problems regarding the ministry at Faith In Christ Lutheran Church, and in assuring that congregational
discipline is carried out according to the dictates of Scripture as stated in Matthew 18:15—20 and Galatians 6:1.  Therefore,
the Board of Elders shall:
1. Seek to stimulate a high level of discipleship in the congregation; including personal and corporate Bible—study, personal
prayer, and frequent use of the Word and Sacrament.  A regular program of calling to encourage those who have become
negligent in the use of the Word and Sacrament shall be followed.
2. Assist the pastor in cultivating a constant spirit of harmony among the members and shall, by word and action, encourage
the pastor in his work.
3. Call diligently on delinquent members, endeavoring to reclaim them for Christ.  The elders will recommend congregational
action and/or discipline as this becomes necessary.
4. Oversee the services of worship to assure said services are conducted in a manner which gives honor and glory to God in
orderly and appropriate fashion.  (This is to include, but not limited to, monitoring the choir program, usher scheduling, alter
preparation, and acolyte scheduling and training.)
5. Have the temporal welfare of the pastor and his family as their concern (e.g., salary, rest, vacation, assistance in times of
sickness, etc.).
6. Be aware and informed of the activities of the Ministry—Boards.
7. Oversee the Youth Program and appoint youth counselor(s) after consulting with the pastor.
8. Meet monthly and submit a written or oral report at each regularly scheduled meeting of the Church Council and Voters’
Assembly.

G. Board of Trustees/Directors — shall consist of three members to serve three (3) year terms with their terms so staggered
that only one vacancy will occur each year.  Initially one member will be elected to serve for one (1) year, a second member
will be elected to serve for two (2) years, and a third member will be elected to serve for three (3) years.  The three—member
board shall select one member to serve as Chairperson of the Board on a yearly basis following the annual Election of
Officers.  The designated Chairperson will represent the Board on the Church Council.  The Chairperson will also serve along
with the congregation president as one of the two legal representatives of the congregation.  The Board of Trustees/Directors
shall:
1. Submit suggestions for improvements, repair, or preventive maintenance of the properties and facilities to the Church
Council and/or Voters’ Assembly and see to it that such approved suggestions are implemented as soon as possible.
2. Purchase, within budgetary constraints and guidelines, necessary equipment and supplies for efficient maintenance and
upkeep.
3. Be responsible for providing custodial care either by scheduling members of the congregation for clean—up; or, as
directed by the Voters’ Assembly, by procuring professional janitorial services.  The trustees shall remain responsible to
oversee any type of custodial work.
4. Organize and supervise comprehensive quarterly clean—ups of the entire church facilities and properties.
5. Conduct an annual year—end inventory of all church equipment, furniture, supplies, etc.
6. See that the property of the church is properly insured and safeguarded.
7. Authorize expenditure for emergency repairs.
8. Meet as necessary, but not less than quarterly.
9. Submit written or oral reports at each regularly scheduled meeting of the Church Council and Voters’ Assembly.
10. Maintain a listing of all reports, schedules, forms, and documents of any nature that require filing or reporting to any and
all organizations, temporal or parochial, to ensure compliance with such rules and regulations that apply to our congregation.

H. Ministry — Board of Missions — The Ministry—Board of Missions exists for the purposes of bringing the Gospel to the
unsaved and of ministering to the sick, needy, elderly, and others by endeavoring to lead the members of this congregation in
outreach and inreach to others.  The chairperson of the Ministry—Board of Missions will recommend to the Church Council
the appointments of board members needed to properly maintain an ongoing, effective outreach and inreach program.
Therefore, the Ministry—Board of Missions shall:
1. Foster a climate of missions awareness that encourages congregational members to informally and spontaneously witness
and minister to one another, the backsliding, and the unsaved.
2. Encourage prayer in the church and homes for sincere missions and evangelistic concern toward all people inside and
outside of the Church.
3. Maintain an ongoing outreach and inreach program.
4. Develop and maintain a program of community relations that identifies this congregation with the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
5. Emphasize and encourage mission awareness in and through the societies and auxiliary organizations of the congregation.
6. Be concerned for the reception, orientation, and integration of new members.
7. Sponsor periodic dinners, fellowship nights, etc. which will serve the cultivation, reception, orientation, and integration of
new members.

8. Be conscious of the atmosphere of friendliness in the congregation toward fellow members and visitors.
9. Arrange for new member photographs and be responsible for maintaining and updating the photo display bulletin board.
10. Study and recommend suggestions by the Missions Departments of Synod, District and Circuit.
11. Meet regularly but not less than quarterly.
12. Submit written or oral reports at each regularly scheduled meeting of the Church Council and Voters’ Assembly.

I. Ministry Board of Education — The basic function of the Ministry Board of Education is to maintain an ongoing program of
Christian education for all ages of members of this congregation.  The chairperson of the Ministry Board of Education shall
recommend to the Church Council the appointment of Board members needed to maintain an effective system of Christian
learning within this congregation.  Therefore, the Ministry Board of Education shall:
1. Monitor the Sunday School program.
2. Appoint, after consultation with the pastor and Board of Elders, a Sunday School leader.
3. Advise the Sunday School leader.
4. Arrange, for Vacation Bible School.
5. Coordinate, after consultation with the pastor, the administration of all Instruction Classes and Bible—studies.
6. Coordinate with the pastor, Sunday School leader, and others responsible for instruction, the ordering and distributing of
appropriate materials.
7. Study and recommend suggestions by the Education Department of Synod, District and Circuit.
8. Meet regularly but not less than quarterly.
9. Submit written or oral reports at each regularly scheduled meeting of the Church Council and Voters’ Assembly.

J. Ministry Board of Discipleship — The basic functions of the Ministry Board of Discipleship are to maintain an ongoing
program for the development of faithful discipleship attitudes within this congregation; to enlist the members of this
congregation for the work of Christ’s Kingdom through use of their time, spiritual gifts, talents, and treasures; to ensure the
financial stability of the congregation and its mission through a program of dedicated, proportionate, first—fruits giving, and to
foster positive internal communication within the congregation.  The chairperson of the Ministry Board of Discipleship shall
recommend to the Church Council the appointment of board members needed to maintain an effective program of
discipleship within this congregation.  Therefore, the Ministry Board of Discipleship shall:
1. Study on a regular basis the Scriptural principles regarding the total discipleship calling of the congregation.
2. Develop and maintain an ongoing program for the members of this congregation to discover, explore, and employ for
Kingdom service their spiritual gifts and talents.
3. Encourage discipleship activities within societies and auxiliary organizations of the congregation.
4. Sponsor fellowship and discipleship activities such as pot-luck dinners, cell groups, etc.
5. Be responsible for the monthly newsletter.
6. Meet regularly but not less than quarterly.
7. Submit written or oral reports at each regularly scheduled meeting of the Church Council and Voters’ Assembly.

ARTICLE VI: BYLAW CHANGES

The congregation may change or amend these Bylaws or add new Articles.  A Constitution and Bylaws Committee is to be
appointed from among voting members and assigned the task of studying and presenting needed changes.  Any and all
changes are to be made only in accordance with Article XI of this Constitution.

REVISED AND ADOPTED NOVEMBER 11, 1993