A Comparison

of the

Evangelical Lutheran Conference & Ministerium of North America (ELCM)


with the

Lutheran Congregations in Mission for Christ (LCMC)

St. Paul Lutheran Church, Gaffney made request that a comparison of ELCM and LCMC be submitted for their study and reflection.

St. Paul and Pastor Roger Lindler made this request as they were dually rostered with ELCM and LCMC. They decided that they should decide to be members of one or the other but not both. The following is a comparison prepared and submitted by President Steward for the St. Paul folks to study. It seemed good to share the comparison for all to read and study.

LCMC is a good friend to ELCM even though we have only unofficial relations. LCMC, however, has a number of apparent differences in organization and in the Theology from ELCM.

Instead of trying to post the comparison in parallel columns side by side I am setting each area of comparison in Segments taken together. Thus the LCMC segment from the copy of the constitution I have on file (which may have been somewhat amended or changed) will appear first and then the item from the ELCM Constitution will appear second. I will then try to objectively give some comment on the apparent differences under the heading of “Comment.” – Pastor Roy A. Steward

1. The Name

LCMC

- 1.01. The name of this association shall be Lutheran Congregations in Mission for Christ.

ELCM

- Section 1. The name, style, and title of this body shall be, The Evangelical Lutheran Conference & Ministerium, henceforth referred to in this document and all bylaws referred as ELCM. The ELCM shall be an Incorporated National Synodical federation, fellowship, and association of Confessional Centrist Lutheran Congregations and Pastors in North America.

Comment

– The names already indicate a significant difference in orientation and Polity. One LCMC pastor has stated that he thinks the differences are primarily a contrast between an “upper Mid Western or Former ALC orientation” and an “old Eastern Lutheran orientation.” There may be a good bit of truth in this observation. LCMC declares itself to be an Association. Whereas ELCM declares itself to be a “Synodical federation, fellowship and association.” LCMC is furthermore an “Association of Lutheran Congregations” and ELCM is a “Synodical federation, fellowship and association of Confessional Centrist Lutheran Congregations and Pastors.” The name for LCMC stipulates “Mission for Christ.” This has a very good sound to it but where is the focus in Lutheran Confessional orientation? ELCM emphasizes that it is intentionally focused upon a “Confessional Centrist Lutheran” orientation. This designation assumes that “Confessional Centrist Lutheran Congregations and Pastors” are engaged in preaching and teaching Christ Crucified.

Both groups are incorporated. LCMC has no seal. ELCM has a Seal that is used by presiding officers on all ELCM documents.

2. Statement of Faith

LCMC

2.02. c 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.

2.03. We believe, teach, and accept the canonical Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments as the inspired Word of God and the sole authoritative source and norm of our proclamation, faith, and life.

ELCM

(Doctrinal Foundation) Section 1. ELCM receives and holds the Canonical Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments as the infallible and immutable Word of God and as the only rule and norm of faith and practice; and it receives and hold the Unaltered Augsburg Confession and the Small Catechism of Luther as correct exhibitions of the faith and doctrine of our Church as founded upon the Word.

Comment

– LCMC has a longer segment preceding the mention of Scripture which defines its view of Jesus before dealing with the Scripture. This is a bit different from the more traditional Lutheran definition which hold that the Scripture Norms the Gospel and is normed by the Gospel. ELCM begins with Scripture and uses the exact wording as found in the Preface to the Book of Concord and then affirms the Unaltered Augsburg Confession and the Small Catechism as the basis for all teachings regarding Jesus. ELCA theologians have by and large tried to first define Jesus and then go to Scripture and that pattern may be reflected a bit in the LCMC Doctrinal section. LCMC uses only the word “inspired” to refer to canonical Scripture. What does that mean? Is all of Scripture God’s Word to man? Or is Canonical Scripture only an inspired Word about God? We believe this to be a very crucial area and worry that the LCMC statement allows for the view that Scripture is essentially man’s word about God, albeit “inspired.” ELCM holds that the emphasis upon infallible and immutable puts the matter much more clearly. We deleted the word “Inerrant” from our statement because we are not “fundamentalists” but we want to emphasize very clearly that we hold to a very high view of Scripture and we want to emphasize that the Lutheran Confessions are a correct setting forth of the Doctrines of Scripture.

LCMC

2.05. 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. We believe, teach, and accept 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.

ELCM

- and it receives and hold the Unaltered Augsburg Confession and the Small Catechism of Luther as correct exhibitions of the faith and doctrine of our Church as founded upon the Word.

Article III The Secondary Symbols Section 1. ELCM recognizes the Apology of the Augsburg Confession, The Treatise on the Power and Primacy of the Pope, the Smalcald Articles, The Apology to the Augsburg Confession, the Large Catechism of Luther, and the Formula of Concord (Solid Declaration & Epitome) as true expositions of Holy Scripture and Lutheran doctrine with great historical and interpretative value.

Comment

– There is a slight difference of emphasis on the Confessions (Book of Concord). LCMC affirms the UAC and SC as “true witnesses to the Word of God”, and as “normative for teaching and practice.” ELCM makes the wording stronger, UAC and SC are “correct exhibitions of faith and doctrine…..as founded upon the Word.” LCMC in reference to the other writings contained in the Book of Concord declare that these are “valid expositions of the Holy Scripture.” What does “valid” mean? Are there other “valid” expositions of Scripture? The Lutheran Reformers did not appear to think so. ELCM thus states that the other writings are “true expositions of Holy Scripture and Lutheran doctrine…”. In the ELCA the Book of Concord is understood in what is known as the “Quatenus” understanding. This emphasizes that the Writings of the Book of Concord (even the UAC and the SC) are correct “only in so far as they agree with the Gospel.” A definition of Jesus is put forward then in this mode Scripture is referenced and then the Lutheran confession teachings are regarded as authoritative only in so far as the definition that has been first set forth. We worry as we read the LCMC definitions that this tendency may be embedded in the various statements. The other view of the Confessions is known as the “Quia” understanding. This is by and large the ELCM understanding that the writings contained in the Book of Concord, especially the UAC and the SC are the correct exposition of Scripture and the setting forth of the basic doctrines of Christian Faith.

LCMC

2.07. 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.

Comment

– ELCM does not include any statement such as this in the Doctrinal sections of the Constitution. We would note that the Scripture do not mention “Priesthood of all believers” but only refers to “a royal priesthood.” In the ELCM bylaws (Article I Principle 2) ELCM sets forth the stance that “the local congregation is the basic center, place, and organizational unit of Christian ministry” in our understanding. However in the same Article I Principle 2 we include several cautions that no human organization called “Church” is synonymous with the “Una Sancta” and that congregations are not composed entirely of believers. Wheat and Tares are sown side by side and so we think it a bit naïve and somewhat dangerous to equate all in congregational settings to being “Priests in the Priesthood of all believers.” We believe and hold in ELCM that congregational Polity (which we affirm) needs to be kept in balance with a high view of the Office of Ministry. We hold that the Office of Ministry is not instituted as a function of the Priesthood of all Believers (Royal Priesthood) but that it is instituted by Jesus and His Word. It is thus, in the ELCM view, not a functional office derived from a congregation.

Ministry

LCMC

This association affirms the priesthood of all believers. It commits itself in function and structure to the equipping and supporting of all members of its congregations for their ministries within and outside of the household of faith. It is within and from this context of ministry that we declare that some are called by God to the public ministry of Word and Sacrament and other specific ministries. At the same time, all baptized members of our congregations are priests called by God to ministries in their daily lives. As stated in Article V of the Augsburg Confession, “To obtain such faith God instituted the office of the ministry, that is, provided the Gospel and the sacraments. Through these, as through means, he gives the Holy Spirit, who works faith, when and where he pleases, in those who hear the Gospel. And the Gospel teaches that we have a gracious God, not by our own merits but by the merit of Christ, when we believe this. Gal 3:14, ‘That we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith’” (CA 5).

3.05. God’s call of a particular man or woman to the office of public ministry is confirmed by the call of a congregation. All calls to the public ministry will be issued by a congregation. Chaplains, missionaries, and pastors employed in other types of special ministries will be called by their congregation, or a congregation that chooses to sponsor them, and listed as deployed. Candidates for these ministries must meet the credential standards of the agencies they are endorsed to serve in addition to the credential requirements of LCMC.

ELCM

Bylaws Article I Principle 2 f. Our Congregational polity focus is kept in balance, we believe, through a high view of the Office of Ministry minus hierarchical trappings wherein the Pastor of a congregation is not viewed as the hired hand of the congregation but as the Under-shepherd to Christ Jesus.

Principle 5

a. ELCM at all levels and in all expressions is understood to be a Synod of Evangelical Lutheran congregations and Pastors in federation, in fellowship and in association as equals in Christ . Before our Lord we all kneel equally as unworthy sinners. He in His Mercy and Grace covers us equally with his robe of righteousness and lifts us up as equal "children of God and heirs with him of the Kingdom".

b. Christ Jesus is the one and only true head of the Church. Those called to leadership in our midst are not to be like “the Lords of the Gentiles who love to lord it over others”. We thus reject hierarchical formulations and orderings.

d. Member congregations and pastors shall not be viewed as owned by ELCM or by its officers but are free in Christ. We reject all notions of higher and lower orders of Clergy.

e. We hold that there exists but one ordained office of Word and Sacrament Ministry. ELCM is understood as a Synoding (walking together) of clergy who are equal in Christ and a Synoding of congregations who are equal in Christ regardless of size. It bears repetition that Christ Jesus is the one and only head of our Synodical federation, fellowship, and association of centrist Evangelical Lutheran congregations and pastors.

Principle 9

a. It shall be a principle among us to strive to maintain a balance between the Laity (congregations) and Clergy (pastors) at all levels of this church; in membership and in leadership.

b. The Laity shall not be excluded from the real decision making of ELCM by Clericalism nor shall the members of our clergy roster be demoted to a status similar to that of "hirelings of the laity or congregation".

f. It is a basic principle among us that the Clergy are given a very important Advisory role (preaching, teaching, admonishing, exhorting, etc.). This is first and foremost through the Office of Pastor in a congregation and additionally through the Ministerium (s) of our Synodical federation, fellowship and association.

h. We value the leadership of the Pastors God has raised up in our midst but we also believe that God has called the laity to be active in the life of the Church as well. Our "Unanimous Consensus" and the balance between Laity and Clergy in the leadership of the ELCM principle intends to enhance the Great Commission given to all disciples by our Savior.

Principle 13

a. Pastors of this church body are viewed as "Called by God" through the election of a congregation and their subsequent ordination and as such are understood to be under-shepherds to Jesus Christ. Once ordained a Pastor is not re ordained. It is a basic principle with us that an ordained pastor of ELCM is not to be viewed as a hireling of a congregation. A Pastor is answerable first and foremost to God for the faithful proclamation of His Holy Word. He is duty bound to preach the full Word of God and to present His preaching and teaching in harmony with the Confessional Lutheran exposition of God's Word.

b. A Pastor is understood to be a full member of the congregation(s) served beginning from the date of the Pastor’s Official acceptance of a Call from of that congregation (s). In issuing “a Call”, a congregation elects the pastor by a super majority vote (a minimum of 2/3) to be the President of the congregation beginning upon a date certain as stipulated in the Call. If a pastor accepts this elected Call he then becomes the president of the congregation(s) and as such is thereafter bound to and guided by the constitution of the electing congregation and to all terms and agreements stipulated in the Official Call Document. Election to the Presidency of a Congregation does not grant the Pastor a presiding role at Board or Council meetings unless the Constitution of the respective congregation so states .

c. Congregations may legitimately challenge a pastor if he deviates from the clear Word of Scripture or should he turn adiaphoron (non-essential) concerns into tests of Christian Faith.

d. ELCM or a member Synod may issue an official Call to a pastor to serve in special ministry or in a mission setting that has not yet organized as a fully chartered congregation. In such cases the President of ELCM or the President of the member Synod issuing the Special Call shall be deemed to be the Supervising Pastor and the pastor accepting a Special Call shall be viewed as an Associate or Assistant to the President of ELCM or the President of the member Synod. The Executive board or the respective entity shall be the governing board to which a Pastor on special Call makes regular report.

Comment

The above items indicate that there may well be a difference in the understanding of the Office of Ministry. “May” is emphasized here because the LCMC article seems to emphasize two different understandings. 3.01 seems to emphasize one thing and 3.02 seems to emphasize quite another orientation. Possibly LCMC is allowing for a variety of orientations within LCMC on the office of Ministry. In 3.01 it seems that all the Baptized is the emphasis rather than a Royal Priesthood of Believers. In 3.02 it seems that LCMC is emphasizing the stance held by ELCM, namely that the Office of Ministry is created and Instituted by the Lord as a gift to the Church. From the various ELCM principles you will notice the consistency of the High view of the Office of Ministry held by ELCM in balance with congregational Polity and minus any Hierarchy. This concept suffuses the ELCM Constitution and Bylaws and is expressed practically in the eligibility for voting.

Another difference in this area is the matter of who can extend an official Call. By the LCMC approach only congregations can Officially Call. In the ELCM approach congregations can Officially Call and so also can the various Executive Boards of member Synods and of the National Executive Board.

4. The Nature of the Church

LCMC

4.01.04. The word “Church” (“ecclesia”) refers both to the local congregation and to the universal Church. While the Church as the people of God finds its end and fulfillment in the eschatological kingdom of God, it also finds earthly expression in and through the congregation. By faith the Church is linked already to the eschatological kingdom in hope while in this age it experiences fellowship with other believers in Christ.

ELCM

Bylaws Article I Principle 2 a. The congregation is viewed as the basic center, place, and organizational unit of Christian ministry.

b. We understand, however, that no human organization called "Church" is synonymous with the "Una Sancta". We hold that the One, Holy , Christian and Apostolic Church knows no human organizational boundaries.

c. We believe that it is in the local congregation, however, that accountability for the preaching of the true Word of God and the right administration of the Sacraments best takes place.

d. We freely admit and acknowledge that congregations are not perfect organizations but that in the congregation the Word and Sacraments are kept closest to people.

e. The Congregation is understood not as a society of pure and perfect persons but as a Hospital for sinners, as the Workshop of the Holy Spirit of God where he works to "Call, Gather, Enlighten, and Sanctify" by the means of Grace: "The Word and Sacraments".

f. Our Congregational polity focus is kept in balance, we believe, through a high view of the Office of Ministry minus hierarchical trappings wherein the Pastor of a congregation is not viewed as the hired hand of the congregation but as the Under-shepherd to Christ Jesus.

Principle 5

a. ELCM at all levels and in all expressions is understood to be a Synod of Evangelical Lutheran congregations and Pastors in federation, in fellowship and in association as equals in Christ . Before our Lord we all kneel equally as unworthy sinners. He in His Mercy and Grace covers us equally with his robe of righteousness and lifts us up as equal "children of God and heirs with him of the Kingdom".

b. Christ Jesus is the one and only true head of the Church. Those called to leadership in our midst are not to be like “the Lords of the Gentiles who love to lord it over others”. We thus reject hierarchical formulations and orderings.

c. In ELCM the smallest congregation shall be given equal vote to the largest congregation. The pastor of the smallest congregation shall be given equal status to the pastor of the largest congregation.

d. Member congregations and pastors shall not be viewed as owned by ELCM or by its officers but are free in Christ. We reject all notions of higher and lower orders of Clergy.

e. We hold that there exists but one ordained office of Word and Sacrament Ministry. ELCM is understood as a Synoding (walking together) of clergy who are equal in Christ and a Synoding of congregations who are equal in Christ regardless of size. It bears repetition that Christ Jesus is the one and only head of our Synodical federation, fellowship, and association of centrist Evangelical Lutheran congregations and pastors.

Principle 9

a. It shall be a principle among us to strive to maintain a balance between the Laity (congregations) and Clergy (pastors) at all levels of this church; in membership and in leadership.

b. The Laity shall not be excluded from the real decision making of ELCM by Clericalism nor shall the members of our clergy roster be demoted to a status similar to that of "hirelings of the laity or congregation".

e. The focus of parish ministry or ministry in the congregational setting shall be the primary principle throughout the Constitution and the Bylaws. Only pastors serving congregations for example may be elected to office. It shall be a basic principle that we desire pastors of congregations to serve in our leadership and that we do not desire “Professional Bureaucrats” detached from basic ministry in the congregation.

f. It is a basic principle among us that the Clergy are given a very important Advisory role (preaching, teaching, admonishing, exhorting, etc.). This is first and foremost through the Office of Pastor in a congregation and additionally through the Ministerium (s) of our Synodical federation, fellowship and association.

Comment:

It can be argued that ELCM is really more congregational in its organization focus than perhaps LCMC is and yet at the same time we emphasize a very high regard for our pastors. Historically many congregations have been formed by groups of Lay folk coming together and organizing a fellowship and then seeking out a Pastor. However, just as many congregations have come into being through the efforts of Missionary Pastors who were sent forth to establish new congregations. We in ELCM believe that the Holy Spirit works through both avenues. Romans 10:11-17 is a key passage for our ELCM understanding in regards to the formation and nature of the Church.

5. Statement of Purpose

Comment

– here we seem to be on a similar wave length save that the focus of LCMC is on the “Association of Congregations.” ELCM as an entity is given authority only to advise congregations and pastors in addition to providing support. When it comes to matters of Doctrine ELCM practices “Consensus” (or one could say “Concordia”) “In light of Scripture and in light of the Lutheran Confessions.” In the LCMC Theological items there is somewhat of a strong Pietistic tone and ELCM is not opposed to the call to engage in pious actions for the sake of the Kingdom out of Thanksgiving for that which was achieved by ONLY JESUS on the Cross but we are cautious about the matter of making certain dispositions an orientation that “must” be done or engaged in. The Gospel can very quickly be overthrown in Piety to become once again an orientation of Law.

LCMC

6.01. LCMC is an association of congregations. Each congregation which shall subscribe in writing to the Statement of Faith, Statement of Purpose, and other provisions of this constitution in a manner determined by the Board of Directors, shall be a member of this association.

6.02. Each congregation shall be entitled to two delegates at all conventions and assemblies where LCMC business is conducted. Congregations with more than 1000 baptized members shall be entitled to one additional delegate for every additional 500 baptized members over the 1000 member base provided herein. Delegates shall be selected pursuant to procedures and rules adopted by church councils of member congregations or pursuant to such other internal procedures as member congregations may, from time to time, adopt. The manner of determining how delegates cast votes on behalf of their respective member congregations at conventions shall be determined by the member congregation on whose behalf the delegates are acting.

S.6.02.01 LCMC recognizes that individuals may wish to participate in the affairs of this association. Individuals not belonging to member congregations who desire associate membership status in LCMC, upon completion of an application in the form determined by the board of trustees, may become associate members of LCMC. Subject to such rules as the board of trustees may adopt to promote efficiency and to allow LCMC to complete the business of the association, associate members shall be entitled to voice, but not vote, at conventions and assemblies of the association. Associate members may be appointed by the board of trustees to a task force or a committee of the association, and following appointment, shall be entitled to voice and vote at the meetings of the task force or committee. Following at least thirty (30) days written notice, the board of trustees, at its sole discretion, may revoke associate membership status upon a two-thirds vote of the members of the board of trustees then present and voting.

6.03. Members shall meet at least annually in March at conventions convened by the board of trustees or as otherwise convened in accordance with procedures described in this constitution.

6.04. The board of trustees is authorized to create, pursuant to such rules and regulations as the board of trustees may from time to time adopt, regional chapters with the intended purpose, among other things, of coordinating mission, and providing advice and counsel to the national assemblies of LCMC.

ELCM

- Article IV Delegates and Voting Privileges.

Section 1.

a. A General Conference (Convention) of ELCM shall consist of all rostered member congregations and of all rostered member clergy which are now connected with it, or may hereafter join themselves thereunto, and who shall subscribe the Doctrinal and Constitutional foundations of this body and be duly acknowledged as members thereof.

c. Each voting member congregation shall be entitled to one (1) vote and each voting member Pastor shall be entitled to one (1) vote at all general Conferences of ELCM on the National level and at any Synodical or District ELCM General Conferences to which the congregation or Pastor is a member.

d. All other categories of membership shall be entitled to the privilege of voice only.

e. All voting at General Conferences of ELCM, its regional entities, governing boards, commissions and committees unless otherwise stipulated in the Bylaws, shall be in accord with the rule of general consensus.

f. Any principle of majority rule shall always be in terms of a "Super majority" and shall only be included in the By-laws as a provision for situations in which impasse has developed regarding matters deemed essential in the normal operation of ELCM or one of its regional entities

Bylaws, Article I Principle 5

a. ELCM at all levels and in all expressions is understood to be a Synod of Evangelical Lutheran congregations and Pastors in federation, in fellowship and in association as equals in Christ . Before our Lord we all kneel equally as unworthy sinners. He in His Mercy and Grace covers us equally with his robe of righteousness and lifts us up as equal "children of God and heirs with him of the Kingdom".

b. Christ Jesus is the one and only true head of the Church. Those called to leadership in our midst are not to be like “the Lords of the Gentiles who love to lord it over others”. We thus reject hierarchical formulations and orderings.

c. In ELCM the smallest congregation shall be given equal vote to the largest congregation. The pastor of the smallest congregation shall be given equal status to the pastor of the largest congregation. d. Member congregations and pastors shall not be viewed as owned by ELCM or by its officers but are free in Christ. We reject all notions of higher and lower orders of Clergy.

e. We hold that there exists but one ordained office of Word and Sacrament Ministry. ELCM is understood as a Synoding (walking together) of clergy who are equal in Christ and a Synoding of congregations who are equal in Christ regardless of size. It bears repetition that Christ Jesus is the one and only head of our Synodical federation, fellowship, and association of centrist Evangelical Lutheran congregations and pastors.

Principle 6

a. In our decision making we shall strive for "unanimous Consensus in light of Scripture and in light of the Lutheran Confessions".

b. While "Unanimous Consensus" is often more difficult to obtain than a decision by a majority vote, we believe that the "Unanimous Consensus in light of Scripture and in light of the Confessions" principle enhances the Mission purpose and efforts of our Synodical federation, fellowship and association of centrist Evangelical Lutheran congregations and pastors. We believe that the principle of “Unanimous Consensus” in light of Scripture and in light of the Lutheran Confessions will also guard well against new and strange doctrines, directions, and philosophies subverting the teachings and understandings first given to us through the Apostolic witness.

c. "Unanimous Consensus" also guards, we believe, against the development of Clericalism and Hierarchy or the domination by highly organized special interest elements within that might form within our Synodical federation, fellowship and association.

d. We view "Unanimous Consensus in light of Scripture and in light of the Lutheran Confessions" to be of special importance in arriving at Doctrinal understandings held by this ELCM.

Principle 7

a. A practice of “Official action affirmation” shall be our procedure used following sessions of the various ELCM decision making bodies, namely: General Conferences & Executive Boards of the ELCM entities. This “Official action affirmation” shall be known among us as the Muhlenberg voting procedure.

b. The voting procedure of this affirmation process was utilized by The Rev. H. M. Muhlenberg and appears to have come from the New Amsterdam Colonial Dutch Lutherans. It was utilized by him to bring peace and harmony to the various Congregations he visited and came to supervise as part of his ministry and Mission efforts.

c. In this procedure a public posting or communication of all official actions by General Conferences, Boards and Councils to the respective membership constituency shall immediately follow all such meetings. This posting or communication shall then allow respective member pastors or congregational members of each respective jurisdiction a period of time to vote "NO" to any Official action taken. A minimum required number of "NO" votes will prevent any official action from being implemented and will require continued deliberation and discussion.

d. This procedure principle shall give the benefit of the doubt (unlike majority vote procedures at specifically called or regularly scheduled meetings) to the often truly satisfied and silent super majority of each entity rather than to a determined minority who by other models would make it appear that they were representative of the true super majority sentiment on a particular issue throughout this Synodical federation, fellowship and association.

e. This procedure principle shall allow for the halting of any Official action of ELCM by member congregation and member pastors when such action is indeed contrary to the views of even a substantial minority of our Synodical federation, fellowship and association.

f. This procedure allows for those pastors and congregations voting at General Conferences to change their respective votes on a matter of importance within a period of time following official action at a General Conference.

Principle 8

a. Each rostered member congregation shall be granted one vote as votes are taken on issues before the respective General Conferences (Conventions). Where a delegation of members from a congregation (should more than one person attend) attends a General Conference all members are granted the privilege of voice but the congregation is granted only one vote in specific voting regardless of the number of persons composing its delegation. Delegations shall caucus to determine how to cast the vote of the congregation.

b. It shall be the norm in our life that approval of a matter (with the exception of actions deemed necessary for the continued operation of the entity which shall be determined by super majority votes) shall be determined by Unanimous Consensus. There, thus, shall be no need for larger congregations to have a greater voting power than smaller congregations.

c. Each rostered member pastor (retired and active) shall be granted one vote on in specific voting.

d. Matters that are in controversy shall not be pushed through the General Conferences, Executive boards, Congregational Boards (Councils) or Congregational voters meetings of ELCM entities by majority votes but are intentionally approved only when all have been convinced of the merit of a particular direction or action in light of Scripture and the Confessions.

e. "They were all of one mind" is we believe a very important new testament principle which we shall try to make very much a part of our Synoding together the ELCM.

f. All who are Baptized into Christ and who have been Confirmed and who are active members of a rostered member congregation of ELCM shall have the right to vote in their congregation and are eligible to cast the vote entitled to their respective congregation in General Conferences (Conventions) of the respective expressions providing they have been so authorized by their congregation.

g. Likewise all who are Baptized and Confirmed and active are eligible to hold office in the leadership of congregations and in the various expressions of ELCM beyond the congregation.

Comment:

In this area there is clearly a very considerable difference in membership and voting processes. The difference set forth in the very names of the two groupings shows forth very clearly as one comes to the membership and decision making areas. “Majority voting” appears to be the method of decision making at LCMC gatherings. In ELCM the principle of “Consensus in light of Scripture and in light of the Confessions” is the basic principle and all decisions by ELCM Boards as well as by the General Conferences need to be affirmed by the consensus of all. Amendments to the LCMC constitution and may be by majority vote but must be ratified by a ¾ Super Majority vote. In ELCM amendments to the Constitution are adopted by “Consensus” and are ratified by “Consensus.” Amendments to the Bylaws require a 90% affirmation vote approval. The Consensus of ELCM is intended to remove “Politics” from the picture and to ensure that matters that have been previously established by Consensus in light of Scripture and in light of the Confessions will not be overturned and changed unless all are convinced to be of one mind. In ELCM each congregation may send as many representatives as desired and all may have voice but when voting takes place a congregation with a large delegation needs to caucus and decide how it will cast its one vote.

7 . Association Governance

LCMC

7.01. Except as otherwise authorized by this constitution, the business and affairs of LCMC shall be managed by or shall be under the direction of the board of trustees.

7.02. The affairs of the association shall be governed by the present board of trustees until a successor board of trustees shall be elected by the national convention of the association. The election of a successor board of trustees shall occur pursuant to such rules and regulations as the board of trustees may direct. The board of trustees shall give at least thirty days notice of a national convention where successor trustees will be elected. There shall be 12 members of the board of trustees and each trustee shall hold office until the election of a successor trustee. Until a successor trustee has been elected and qualified, the trustee to be replaced or succeeded will continue in office. All members, including present members of the board of trustees, shall be eligible for election to one four-year term and shall be eligible for re-election to a consecutive four-year term. The first election by the national convention of LCMC of members of the board of trustees shall occur no later than March 31, 2002.

7.03. There shall be no voting by proxy or absentee ballot by members of the board of trustees.

7.04. Meetings of the board of trustees may be held from time to time at any place the board of trustees may designate within or without the state of Minnesota. Either the chair or any three members of the board of trustees may call a board meeting by giving ten (10) days notice to all of the other trustees of the date and time of the meeting. The notice may be given by mail, telephone, electronic mail, facsimile transmission, or in person. If a meeting schedule is adopted by the board, or if the date and time of a board meeting has been announced at a previous meeting, no formal notice is required. A trustee may waive notice of a meeting of the board and such waiver is effective whether given before, at, or after the meeting and whether such waiver is given in writing, orally, or by attendance.

7.05. A majority of the trustees currently holding office is a quorum for the transaction of any business.

7.06. Any action required or permitted to be taken at a meeting of the board of trustees may be taken by written action signed by the number of trustees that would be required to take the same action at a meeting of the board of trustees at which all trustees were present, provided that all members of the board of trustees receive reasonable notice of the text of the written action at the same time it is furnished to any trustee for signature. All members of the board of trustees shall be notified of the immediately of the effective date of any such written action that is duly taken.

7.07. Vacancies on the board of trustees resulting from the death, resignation, or removal of a trustee may be filled by the affirmative vote of a majority of the remaining trustees, even though less than a quorum. Each trustee elected under this section to fill a vacancy holds office until a qualified successor is elected by the delegates at the next regular or special meeting of the association.

7.08. The board of trustees may, by resolution, establish committees to conduct the affairs and business of the association.

7.09. A nominating committee composed of such members as may be elected at a national convention of this association shall be charged with the responsibility of forwarding the names of qualified individuals to the national convention for election to the board of trustees. The association shall provide the necessary staff and support to allow the nominating committee to complete its assigned duties. Members of the nominating committee shall not be eligible for election to the board of trustees at the national convention meeting where the nominating committee makes the report required under this paragraph. The national convention of congregational delegates shall be the legislative authority of LCMC, and the powers of the national convention are limited only by the provisions of the articles of incorporation, this constitution, and the national convention’s own resolutions. The national convention shall meet annually in regular session but may meet as called by the board of trustees. The time and place of the national convention shall be determined by the board or trustees. Each congregation shall be entitled to delegates and alternates to the national convention of LCMC as set out in paragraph 6.02. of the constitution. The names of the delegates and any alternates selected by member congregations shall be provided to the board of trustees pursuant to such procedures as the board of trustees may adopt. Members of the board of trustees shall also serve as members of the national convention and shall have voice and vote.

ELCM

– Article V Officers Section 1.

a. Voting representatives of member congregations (who shall to the best of their ability always be representative of their respective congregation) and voting member pastors of ELCM shall, at each Triennial General Conference meeting of ELCM, choose by ballot, from among their number, a President, a Vice President, and a Secretary; and shall choose from among their own number or elsewhere, a Treasurer. The voting member pastors shall choose from the roster of Member Pastors by ecclesiastical ballot one of their number to serve in the office of ELCM Dean.

b. These officers shall continue in office until the next meeting of the Triennial General Conference of ELCM, and serve until such time as others have been chosen to hold office in their stead.

c. The same person is at all times re-eligible to serve in office subject only to the limit of consecutive terms specified in the Bylaws; but no one may be elected to an office of ELCM President or Dean except rostered ordained Pastors of ELCM who are under Official Call to an ELCM congregation..

d. The Vice President of ELCM shall be an active Lay leader of a voting member congregation of this ELCM.

e. The respective offices of Secretary and Treasurer may be held by either lay or clergy providing only that the laity are active members of voting member congregations and that the clergy are rostered Ministerium members of ELCM serving under Official Call to a member congregation of ELCM.

f. The Dean of ELCM shall be a rostered member pastor of ELCM who is under Official Call to an ELCM member congregation.

g. The persons holding these elected offices in ELCM at the National level shall together with the Presidents and Vice Presidents of ELCM Member Synods constitute the Executive Board of ELCM.

Section 2.

a. The President of ELCM shall act as chairman of the General Conference of ELCM; and may take part in the General Conference discussions and voting as any other member, but shall not originate motions.

b. The President shall subscribe all letters, written advice, resolutions, and proceedings of the ELCM. In extraordinary cases, and by request of 1/4 of the rostered member pastors and rostered member congregations, or by the request of 1/3 of the member ELCM regional Synod's, he shall convene a special ELCM General Conference session for the purpose of dealing with matters specifically addressed by the respective request (s).

c. In case the business of the Secretary becomes too burdensome for one person to execute, he shall with the concurrence of the Secretary, appoint an Assistant Secretary, and make known to him what portion of labor he is to undertake.

Section 3.

a. The Secretary shall keep a journal of the proceedings, write, attest [Attestation is understood to be verification. It is not an act of veto authority] , and take care of all the documents and writings, publish the time and place of the meetings of ELCM in the papers of ELCM, at least two months beforehand, and, in case of a special meeting, shall give written notice thereof to the member congregations and member pastors of ELCM.

Section 4.

a. The Treasurer shall receive and disburse all moneys of this ELCM, and shall keep a faithful account of the same, which must be submitted at each meeting of ELCM. At its pleasure he may also be required to give bond and security for the faithful performance of his trust. He shall pay out moneys only in pursuance of a resolution of General Conference or of the ELCM Executive Board, or upon an order of the President, attested by the Secretary.

Section 5.

a.The Dean of ELCM shall be the chairman of the Ministerium of ELCM, shall serve as a Confessor to the pastors of ELCM, represent the interests and concerns of the Ministerium at all Executive Board and General Conference meetings of ELCM, chair a board composed of the Deans of the ELCM regional Synods, and serve as the Chaplain at all Executive Board and General Conference meetings of ELCM.

Article I Bylaws Principle 9

a. It shall be a principle among us to strive to maintain a balance between the Laity (congregations) and Clergy (pastors) at all levels of this church; in membership and in leadership.

b. The Laity shall not be excluded from the real decision making of ELCM by Clericalism nor shall the members of our clergy roster be demoted to a status similar to that of "hirelings of the laity or congregation".

c. Thus a rostered pastor called (elected to Office) by a General Conference, or by a member congregation shall be the elected President of the respective entity and shall preside at respective General Conference and General Voter meetings.

d. Provision shall be made that a member of ELCM laity who is in good standing in an ELCM rostered congregation shall be elected to Office as Vice President of a General Conference. The Lay vice president may be given the responsibility of presiding at all respective Executive Board meetings held between sessions of the respective General Conferences.

e. The focus of parish ministry or ministry in the congregational setting shall be the primary principle throughout the Constitution and the Bylaws. Only pastors serving congregations for example may be elected to office. It shall be a basic principle that we desire pastors of congregations to serve in our leadership and that we do not desire “Professional Bureaucrats” detached from basic ministry in the congregation.

f. It is a basic principle among us that the Clergy are given a very important Advisory role (preaching, teaching, admonishing, exhorting, etc.). This is first and foremost through the Office of Pastor in a congregation and additionally through the Ministerium (s) of our Synodical federation, fellowship and association.

g. The officers of the Ministerium s, especially each “Dean”, shall be given an important advisory and caring function (as Confessor to Pastors, Lay leaders, Chaplain, Preacher, teacher, admonisher, and exhorter) in the respective ELCM expressions .

Principle 16

a. The normative principle for all decision making at all levels of the ELCM shall be unanimous consensus (agreement) in light of Holy Scripture and in light of the Lutheran Confessions. This process of decision making is understood to emphasize the very nature of our Synodical federation, fellowship, and association, namely that of "walking together" and striving to be of one mind.

b. An alternative form of decision making shall be provided in the Formula of Governance for situations in which an impasse develops but such shall be viewed always as the exception and shall be invoked only in matters necessary to the efficient and continuing functioning of the ELCM. Such an alternative shall be enacted only by a Super Majority of 80% of the member pastors and member congregations.

Principle 17

a. It shall be a basic principle that all actions of the various General Conferences (Conventions) and Executive Boards (National, Synodical, and District) beyond the local congregation shall be published and distributed to all member congregations and pastors of the respective ELCM jurisdiction within three months of each meeting thus enabling those in opposition to vote “NO” to actions with which they have basic disagreement.

Principle 19

a. The General Conference (s) [convention (s) ]of ELCM or one of its synods shall be composed of Lay delegations from rostered member congregations with no limit to the number of laity attending and of all rostered member pastors residing within the respective geographical jurisdiction of the ELCM entity.

b. The General Conference (Convention) shall be the legislative and governing body of each respective expressions of ELCM (National, Synodical, or District). We repeat as already stated for emphasis that all actions by a General Conference or the respective Executive Board shall be advisory to the member congregations and member pastors of the respective jurisdiction.

c. The Ministerium shall be composed of all rostered ELCM pastors in a particular Expression of ELCM. Each respective Ministerium shall be advisory to the respective General Conference and its Executive Board as well as to the Congregations of its specific Geographical or Non Geographical expression of ELCM.

d. The Executive Board (s) elected by the respective General Conference (s) shall be understood to be the ongoing General Conference in miniature (legislative body) of the respective ELCM entity during the period of time between General Conferences of each expression.

1. As such each Executive Board shall make full report to the General Conference of its specific expression detailing all deliberations, actions and recommendations.

e. In General Conference and Executive Board deliberations when a matter is under debate and has not achieved "unanimous consensus in light of Scripture and in light of the Lutheran Confessions", the majority and minority views shall be published to the member congregations and pastors of the respective ELCM expression so that all may benefit by the full discussion and be enabled to prayerfully reflect upon the matter in question.

Bylaws Article II Chapter VII

Section 1.

- The ELCM General Conference. The General Conference of ELCM shall be the Central decision making body of ELCM. All entities beyond the congregation shall be answerable to and accept guidance and direction from the General Conference of ELCM.

.01 ELCM General Conference actions, however, always be advisory to rostered member congregations and rostered member pastors except in the instances of Basic doctrinal matters and removal from the respective membership rosters of ELCM.

The General Conference of ELCM shall meet Triennially to transact the business of this Church.

Section 2.

ELCM General Conference Executive Board

a. The Officers elected by the General Conference of ELCM together with the Presidents and Vice Presidents elected by the member regional, non geographical, and State Synods shall constitute the Executive Board of ELCM.

.01. The Officers elected by the ELCM General Conference shall be the officers of the ELCM General Conference Executive Board.

b. The Executive Board of ELCM shall be the Legislative Body of ELCM during the time intervening between Triennial General Conference meetings.

c. Each ELCM General Conference officer elected by the General Conference (President, Vice President, Secretary, and Treasurer) shall serve a 3 year term of office and shall be eligible to serve 2 consecutive terms of office.

.01. After serving 2 consecutive terms in the same office the General Conference office holder must then be out of office for a 3 year period before being elected to again serve in that respective office of ELCM.

d. The General Conference shall elect a President, Vice President, Secretary, and Treasurer.

.01. These officers elected by the Triennial General Conference of ELCM together with the President and Vice President of each member Synod of ELCM shall compose the voting membership of the executive Board of the ELCM General Conference Executive Board.

.02. The Presidents of ELCM and its member Synods shall be rostered member pastors serving rostered member congregations and the Vice Presidents of ELCM and its member Synods shall be lay leaders who are active members of rostered member congregations of ELCM.

.03. The Secretary and Treasurer of ELCM shall be Lay persons who are active members of rostered ELCM member congregations.

.04 The ELCM Ministerium Dean shall be the chaplain and advisor to the Executive Board of the General Conference executive Board. He shall have voice but not vote in all deliberations of he Executive Board.

.05. The ELCM General Conference shall have the power to remove an Officer from his Office at any specially called General Conference meeting for such a stated purpose.

A. An office holder shall be removed from Office upon failing to be affirmed in Office by a 2/3 majority vote of the rostered member congregations and rostered member pastors.

e. The General Conference Executive Board of ELCM shall meet at least biannually to transact the business of ELCM occurring between the Triennial meetings of the National General Conference. f. The Executive Board of ELCM shall be the Board of Trustees of ELCM.

Comment:

That should suffice to be enough for a comparison from the Constitutions of the two bodies. Both LCMC and ELCM have Executive Boards. LCMC terms their board the “Board of Trustees.” ELCM terms its board “The General Conference Executive Board.” All actions of the ELCM board are to be posted for affirmation by the congregations and pastors of ELCM. Apparently that is not necessary for the LCMC Board of Trustees. The President of ELCM presides at the ELCM Executive Board. LCMC has a President or Chairman and an Executive Secretary.