Journey Lutheran Church
Oakland County, Michigan
THE CONSTITUTION
Preamble
God requires that a Christian congregation shall conform to His divine Word in doctrine and practice (Ps. 119:105; Matt. 28:18-20; Gal. 1:6-8; 2 Tim. 4:1-5) Therefore we the members of Journey Lutheran Church, located in Oakland County, Oxford, Michigan, accept and subscribe to the following Constitution and By-Laws that have been drawn from the Word of God.
OUR NAME
We come together as Journey Lutheran Church of Oakland County, Oxford, Michigan.
OUR MISSION
To glorify God by transforming unbelievers into fully devoted followers of Jesus Christ. (Matt 28:18-20; John 13:34-35)
Mission Statement – Recruiting, Equipping and Sending Every One on a Journey with Jesus.
OUR VISION
As Christian brothers and sisters, unified around God’s Word and Sacraments, growing in our relationship with the Triune God, gifted to serve Him and our neighbors, so that we may live as disciples who trust Jesus for life today and life eternal, Journey’s vision is to go and recruit (Matthew 28:19 “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations”), equip (Matthew 28:19-20 “baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you.”), and send others (Matthew 28:20 “And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”) on their lifetime and eternal journey with Jesus.
OUR CONFESSIONAL STANDARD We accept without reservation:
The Scriptures of the Old and the New Testament as the written Word of God and the only rule and norm of faith and practice;
All the Symbolical Books of the Evangelical Lutheran Church as a true and unadulterated statement and exposition of the Word of God, to wit: the three Ecumenical Creeds (the Apostles’ Creed, the Nicene Creed, the Athanasian Creed), the Unaltered Augsburg Confession, the Apology of the Augsburg Confession, the Smalcald Articles, the Large Catechism of Luther, the Small Catechism of Luther, and the Formula of Concord.
Journey Lutheran Church is open to and welcomes any person who seeks to learn the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ. No person shall be precluded from participating in worship services or entry upon any property controlled by the Church unless they present an imminent risk of harm or they engage in alarming or disturbing behavior. Such determination shall be made by the Board of Spiritual Care, and in emergency circumstances, by the Pastor(s), at their sole discretion.
OUR AFFILIATION
This Church is a member of the Michigan District ofThe Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod.
AMENDMENTS TO THE CONSTITUTION
Amendments to this Constitution and By-laws must be made in writing and presented at any duly called membership meeting, provided that the amendment has already been submitted in a previous membership meeting held two weeks prior. Amendment changes or additions require two-thirds of the members of the congregation in attendance favoring such an amendment. Exception to amendment is Article 4 of the Constitution which is unalterable. And Article 5 of the Constitution which shall require approval of ninety percent of the voters at a membership meeting.
PROPERTY RIGHTS
All of the property of this congregation is declared irrevocably dedicated to religious and charitable purposes. This corporation shall not be operated for a profit and no part of its properties or earnings shall be used or operated so to benefit any officer or member. In the event of the liquidation or dissolution of this corporation or the abandonment of its property, no portion thereof shall inure to the benefit of any member or person, and all of said property shall immediately vest in and become the property of the Michigan District of The Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod, a corporation, or its legal successor in interest.
ORGANIZATION
This congregation shall be represented by, and administer all of its affairs through the Board of Administration with the exception of the following items:
Amendments to the Constitution or By-Laws;
Approval of appointments to the Board of Administration;
The calling of a pastor or a commissioned minister;
The ratifying of the annual budget in broad categories;
The purchase or sale of land or buildings;
Or enter into a building program requiring the borrowing of funds.
These activities listed shall be decided by the membership in a membership meeting.
The officers of the Church and legal representatives in the court of law shall be a President, a Secretary, a Treasurer and such other officers as may be required by state law.
THE BYLAWS
1. MEMBERSHIP
Definition. The members of the congregation include the following:
Baptized members are all who have been baptized in the name of the Triune God and who are under the Spiritual care of the pastor of our congregation, including the children who have not yet been confirmed.
Communicant Membership. The communicant members of this Church are those persons having membership rights in accordance with the provisions of this Article of the By-Laws. Members of the Church shall be defined as those persons who fulfill the following:
Have been baptized through water and the Word of God.
Have been confirmed in the Christian faith as defined by section three of our constitution.
Are devoted to Christ through a lifestyle characterized by prayer, worship, partaking of Holy Communion, and Bible study.
Seek growing relationships with other Christians through corporate worship and small group discipleship; and who seek relationships with non-Christians through a lifestyle of personal relational evangelism.
Are striving to serve to the best of their ability in the body of Christ, through the employment of spiritual gifts, talents, and personal interests.
Are following Biblical standards of supporting the church financially.
Have completed the doctrinal instruction classes and membership classes established by Journey Lutheran Church.
Are not members of organizations that take oaths and support beliefs that are un-Christian or anti-Christian. Such organizations confess loving man more than God, deny the Holy Trinity, or the deity of Christ, or the Vicarious Atonement or other Scriptural doctrines.
RIGHTS OF MEMBERS
All persons meeting the requirements for membership above, and who have been confirmed, are eligible and are expected to attend all congregational meetings.
All confirmed members 18 years old or older may vote in accordance with article 8.1 of the Constitution.
At the age of 18 members are eligible for participation in formal positions of leadership including the Board of Administration and Board of Spiritual Care, Church Staff, and in the selection of other leadership of the Church consistent with these By-Laws.
RESIGNATION OF MEMBERS
Any member may resign by filing a written resignation with the Secretary of the Church.
TRANSFER OF MEMBERSHIP
Membership in the Church is transferable to congregations in fellowship with the Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod.
TERMINATION OF MEMBERSHIP
Membership shall be terminated by transfer to a sister congregation, by death, by joining a congregation outside the fellowship of this congregation, by excommunication or by self-exclusion. In cases of excommunication or self-exclusion the congregation may terminate the membership of a member of the Church.
Communicant members whose addresses are unknown, for a minimum of twelve (12) months, may have their names taken from the membership list, by action of the Board of Spiritual Care.
Communicant members who conduct themselves in an un-Christian manner shall be admonished according to Matthew 18:15-20. If they remain impenitent after proper admonition, they may be excommunicated by the congregation through unanimous vote of their representatives as identified in the Constitution and Bylaws of Journey Lutheran Church.
2. MEMBERSHIP MEETINGS
General Meetings. Members shall meet annually for the purpose of hearing the “State of the Church” address, where the Lead Pastor will cast the vision for the future direction of the church and report the progress and condition of the congregation. At this meeting the President of the Board of Administration shall chair any decisions that need to be made or affirmed by the membership regarding the Board of Spiritual Care, the Board of Administration, or other matters related to section 6.1 or 8.1 of the Constitution or section 3.3.2.4 or 4.2.2.5 of the Bylaws. Meeting location will be determined on a per-meeting basis and will be disclosed in all church publications including bulletins and newsletters at least seven (7) days in advance of the meeting.
Quorum and Decisions. The members present at a properly called meeting shall constitute a quorum. Decisions relating to 8.1 of the Constitution, unless otherwise specified in the Constitution and By-laws, shall be made by a simple majority vote.
Special Meetings. Special meetings of the membership may be called by or at the request of the Lead Pastor, the Board of Spiritual Care or the Board of Administration. At these meetings the Lead Pastor and the President shall jointly lead these meetings. The situation and mutual dialogue shall determine the format of the meeting. At these meetings the President of the Board of Administration shall chair any decisions that need to be made or affirmed by the membership regarding the Board of Spiritual Care, the Board of Administration, or other matters related to section 6.1 or 8.1 of the Constitution or section 3.3.2.4 or 4.2.2.5 of the Bylaws. Meeting locations will be determined on a per-meeting basis. Notice shall be given seven (7) days in advance of special meetings.
3. BOARD OF ADMINISTRATION (“BOA”)
General Definition. Their primary task is to steward “The Big Picture,” namely, to keep the church on course in regards to its mission and vision. This is to be done with prayerful deliberation. As the governing board of the church, they are to demonstrate dynamic “servant” leadership, working with the Lead Pastor to advise, guide, and encourage to the end that we fulfill the vision and mission God has given us while upholding the values we hold as the Body of Christ. The BOA is not to be involved in the day to day operation of the church or to dictate the church in an authoritative manner but see themselves as empowering people – the lead servants of the church. Due to the gravity of their leadership, members of the BOA must be humble servants, soft in their spirit, who seek the face of Jesus alone in every word they speak.
General Powers. The Board of Administration is to oversee all of the affairs of the Church and is authorized by Journey Lutheran Church to make decisions for the church as the representative of Christ and His people. The Board of Administration shall:
Have authority to create ad hoc committees to help them accomplish their responsibilities.
Provide the vital linkage of communication between the congregation and the creation of policies and the Lead Pastor of the church. The BOA shall seek to gather information from the members of the Body of Christ at Journey Lutheran Church and the North Oakland County community. This information must weigh heavily as policies are made. As policies are made, information from the congregation and community must be sifted through a filter that includes: our first responsibility to the owner, God and His Word; our second responsibility to the mission to which God has called us of “Connecting People to Jesus and His People”; our third responsibility to the members of the congregation and community.
Create, maintain, change, and make certain the church is abiding by specific Governing Policies that establish accountability to the Lord, to the mission to which He has called us, and to the fellow members of the congregation. These Governing Policies will be reviewed annually by the BOA during the first three months of every calendar year. Governing Policies shall be written for four areas.
Desired Outcome Policies. These policies shall deal with the accomplishment of the vision, and mission, and the constant reinforcement of the values of the congregation. These policies shall provide means for measuring the progress in accomplishing the vision, and mission, and instilling the values of Journey Lutheran Church in her members.
Board Self-Governance Policies. These policies shall identify responsibilities of Board Members. Policies shall be written relating to general responsibilities of the Board, policy making and enforcement, Board governing process, guidelines for linkage with the congregation and community, and Board self-review policies shall all be written and maintained.
Board and Lead Pastor Relationship Policies. These policies shall legitimize the authority of the Lead Pastor to administer and delegate in order to accomplish the congregation’s vision and mission as stated in the outcome policies. These policies shall also specify the responsibility and accountability the Lead Pastor has to the BOA and the congregation. Responsibility and accountability shall take the tangible form of a specific system of reporting.
Lead Pastor Limitation Policies. These policies shall express the legal, ethical, and financial limits the Lead Pastor must not transgress as he seeks to fulfill the congregations, vision, mission, and values as stated in the outcome policies.
Provide encouragement, counsel, and constant review of the Lead Pastor’s performance according to the Word of God as he administers staff and other servants in order to press on with urgency toward the fulfillment of the congregation’s vision and mission.
The day to day operation of the church is carried out by the Ministry Team (staff and other servants from the congregation) under the direct supervision of the Lead Pastor who shall have full authority to execute day to day operations within the limits of the policies attached to this document and established and adopted by the Board of Administration.
The Board of Administration shall not make any new policies or change or delete any existing policies during the vacancy of a Lead Pastor.
Number, Selection and Tenure, and Qualifications
Number: Ideally, the number of “Administers” shall consist of a total of ten beside the Lead Pastor. However, the BOA may operate in its full capacity with less than 10 members. The Board of Administration shall consist of the officers of the congregation (President, Secretary, and Treasurer), three at-large delegates, 4 members of the Board of Spiritual Care, and the Lead Pastor. In the event members of Journey Lutheran Church with the gifts, experience, and spiritual maturity necessary for these positions are not available, the congregation will watchfully pray until the Holy Spirit presents them for this service.
Selection and Tenure: Four members of the Board of Spiritual Care shall be elected to the Board of Administration by the Board of Spiritual Care. Board of Administration members other than the Board of Spiritual Care shall serve two-year terms and shall be allowed to serve up to two consecutive terms. The following procedures shall be followed in the selection of all new Board of Administration members other than the Board of Spiritual Care.
Members of the existing Board of Administration shall ordinarily seek nominations for the Board of Administration each October from the congregation through announcement in worship and publications. The Board of Administration in their regular meetings shall also set forth in addition to candidates nominated other candidates who have shown devotion, skill, and the spiritual maturity necessary for the Board of Administration positions. (In the first two years of Journey Lutheran Church’s existence initial Board of Administration Members shall be chosen by the agreement of both pastors.)
Members of the existing Board of Administration shall interview candidates nominated for Board positions with evident giftedness and they shall discuss their giftedness and desire to fulfill Journey Lutheran Church’s vision, mission, and values, as well as a commitment to learning Journey Lutheran Church’s policy based governance model.
The Board of Administration shall select the candidates for the BOA positions whose SHAPE (Spiritual Gifts, Heart, Abilities, Personality, Experience) best aligns with position needs and Journey Lutheran Church’s vision, mission, and values. (As presented in Journey Lutheran’s Church’s Discipleship Process).
Approval of the appointments to the BOA shall be made by a simple majority of the communicant members present at the annual membership meeting.
Qualifications. The officers of the church shall be those identified in 8.2 of the Constitution. The officers of the BOA shall be selected by the BOA. The other at-large members of the BOA shall be defined by the Board of Administration, according to the needs of the congregation. Any member of the congregation 18 years or older may serve as an officer of the congregation or an at-large member of the BOA.
The President of the congregation shall be male. We set this forth affirming the equality of male and female in value before the Lord and each other. We also affirm that each of us as equally redeemed creatures in Christ have different roles to play in the church that express the Gospel to the world. The President shall preside over situations giving the impression of authority over the church as a whole in worship and assembly and we humbly seek to be obedient to the Word in approaching these situations.
Quorum. A majority of the BOA shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business at any meeting of the BOA. If less than a majority of the BOA are present at said meeting, a majority of the BOA present may adjourn the meeting.
Manner of Acting. The act of a majority of the BOA present at the meeting at which a quorum is present shall be the act of the BOA, except where otherwise provided by law or by these By-Laws.
Termination of Board of Administration Membership. The BOA by unanimous vote of all the other BOA members may suspend or expel a member of the BOA (except the Lead Pastor) for cause after appropriate hearing.
Resignation. Any member of the BOA may resign voluntarily at the annual renewal period or by filing a written resignation with the BOA.
Vacancy of an office of the church (excluding Lead Pastor) because of death, resignation, removal, or disqualification, may be filled by the BOA by appointment for the remainder of the term.
4. BOARD OF SPIRITUAL CARE
Responsibilities: The Board of Spiritual Care shall assist the Lead Pastor in performing the duties assigned them in the Scriptures including the specific duties to:
Shepherd the flock (Acts 20:28; I Peter 5:1-3);
Lead through Christ-like example (I Peter 5:3);
Give witness to the Gospel of Jesus Christ (Mark 16:15-16; Acts 1:8);
Teach and exhort (I Timothy 3:2; Titus 1:9);
Refute those who contradict truth (Acts 20:29-31; Titus 1:9);
Care for the Church (I Timothy 3:5);
Pray for the sick (James 5:14);
Work for reconciliation where there is conflict or dispute (Matthew 5:23-24; Matthew 18:15-17); and
Serve in the ministries of the congregation according to their spiritual gifts (Ephesians 4:16; I Peter 4:10).
Number, Selection, Tenure, and Qualifications
The number of Board of Spiritual Care members shall not be more than ten.
The selection the Board of Spiritual Care members shall be made as follows:
The Lead Pastor and BOSC members will pray for God’s guidance for names of spiritually mature members who are candidates for the BOSC. (In the first two years of Journey Lutheran Church’s existence initial Board of Spiritual Care Members shall be chosen by the agreement of both pastors.)
As the Holy Spirit provides these candidates (Acts 13:1-3) The BOSC will discuss their appointment in accordance with 1 Timothy 3.
After the discussion, prayer will take place until the next meeting.
If peace prevails in the souls of the BOSC, a unanimous vote is cast and said candidate is chosen for approval by the congregation.
Approval of the appointment to the BOSC shall be made by a majority of the communicant members present at any membership meeting.
Each Board of Spiritual Care member will serve a minimum two-year commitment subject to yearly review by the members of the BOSC.
Meetings. The Lead Pastor shall serve as chairman of the Board of Spiritual Care. He shall be responsible for providing the BOSC with an agenda for their meetings. A Secretary shall be determined by the BOSC. Ordinarily meetings will be held monthly. Special meetings of the BOSC may be called by any member of the BOSC.
Quorum. A majority of the BOSC shall constitute a quorum. If a quorum is not present a majority of the BOSC members present may adjourn the meeting from time to time without further notice.
Termination of Board of Spiritual Care Membership. The BOSC by unanimous vote of all other of its members may suspend or expel a BOSC member for cause after an appropriate hearing.
Resignation. Any member of the BOSC may resign voluntarily at the annual renewal period or by filling a written resignation with the BOSC.
Manner of Acting. The act of a majority of the BOSC members present at the meeting in which a quorum is present shall be the act of the BOSC, except where otherwise provided by law or by this Constitution and By-Laws.
5. Ministers of Religion (Ordained or Commissioned)
The Calling and Removal of a Minister of Religion
5.1.1. This congregation shall establish the office of Minister of Religion (ordained or commissioned) which shall be conferred only on such a pastor, teacher, professional church work, or candidate who professes and adheres to the confessional standard set forth in Section 4 of this Constitution, who is qualified for his or her work, who has been endorsed by the Synod, and who is a member of the Synod.
5.1.2. Any pastor, called teacher, or called professional church worker may be removed from office by the congregation at a membership meeting by a two thirds (⅔) majority ballot vote, in Chrisian and lawful order, for one of the following reasons: persistent adherence to false doctrine, moral turpitude, willful neglect, or inability to perform the duties of the office.
5.1.3. The congregation may request the resignation of any pastor, called teacher, or called professional church worker from his or her position in the congregation in the case of prolonged incapacity or general incompetence.
Lead Pastor. The Lead Pastor is God’s called leader of the congregation. He shall stand before the Almighty God and give an accounting for his shepherding of God’s flock (Heb. 13:13.) He, therefore, must be responsible to God and the congregation to listen to the Chief Shepherd’s voice and cast the vision and direction of the church. He shall be specifically accountable for the preaching, teaching, Pastoral care, and spiritual well-being of the congregation, and shall in general supervise all of the business and affairs of the Church making certain the church is fiscally responsible. He shall be responsible for assembling the church staff and accountable to the congregation for their performance. He may sign, with the Secretary or any other proper officer of the Church authorized by the BOA any deeds, mortgages, bonds, contracts, and other instruments which the BOA has authorized to be executed. The BOA may authorize the Lead Pastor to serve as the designated legal representative of the congregation and appear in a court of law if necessary. In general, he shall perform all duties incident of the office of Lead Pastor.
In the event of a Lead Pastor vacancy or when associate Pastors or any called workers are sought, the BOA shall be accountable to conduct a search for candidates to fill the position. This shall include but not be limited to receiving nominations from the Congregation, and District Officials. After a prayerful search and interview process the BOA shall present to the congregation membership, at a membership meeting, candidates who align with the congregation’s mission, vision and values. No additional nominations shall be made at this meeting. The membership shall prayerfully consider the candidates and by the guidance of the Holy Spirit come to a majority vote on the selection of the candidate to call.
Associate Pastor. In the absence of the Lead Pastor, or in the event of his disability, the Associate Pastor if applicable, (or in the event there be more than one Associate Pastor, the Associate Pastor in the order designated, or in the absence of any designation, then in the order of their election) shall have all the powers of and be subject to all the other duties as from time to time may be assigned to him by the Lead Pastor or by the BOA until a Lead Pastor is affirmed by the congregation.
The pastoral office of this congregation shall be conferred only on men who have been Synodically certified, and who profess and adhere to the confessional standard set forth in article 4 of the Constitution.
6.Preschool
Prerequisites for a Preschool Staff Candidates
The Preschool Director must be a member in good standing of a congregation of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod.
All teachers and aides must be a member in good standing of a Christian church.
A called worker must be on the roster of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod and approved for service.
Staff Qualifications
The Preschool Staff must meet current qualifications required by the Michigan Department of Social Services.
The Preschool Staff must meet all mandated State of Michigan qualifications.
The Preschool Staff must meet the qualifications in the Employee Handbook.
Staff Selection Procedure
Resumes, interviews and job offers for a qualified teacher or aide will be received, screened and selected by the Preschool Director.
Resumes and interviews for Preschool Director will be received, screened and selected by the Board of Administration.
Any Preschool Director candidate will be presented to the voting membership for approval by simple majority vote at a properly called meeting of the congregation. Upon approval the position will be offered to the candidate.
7. FISCAL YEAR
The fiscal year of the Church shall begin on the first day of January and end on the last day of December in each year.
8.LIMITATIONS OF LIABILITY AND INDEMNIFICATION
No person acting within the limits of the law and within the limits of the Constitution and Bylaws shall be liable to the Church for any loss or damage suffered by it on account of any action taken or omitted to be taken by him or her as a member of the Board of Administration, the Board of Spiritual Care, Administrator or Staff of the Church:
If said action was within that person’s scope of authority and was taken in good faith and said person exercised or used the same degree of care and skill as a prudent individual would have exercised or used under the circumstances in the conduct of his or her own affairs, or
If said person took or omitted to take such action in reliance upon the written advice of the Church.
In case any action, suit, or proceedings to which an Administrator, Board of Spiritual Care member, or Staff of the church is made a party and provided that said party meets the requirements of subparagraphs (1) and (2) above, then the Church shall pay any final judgment entered against that party or pay the amount necessary to settle said proceedings, and shall reimburse said individual for all costs and expenses, including attorneys’ fees, reasonably incurred by him or her in connection with his or her defense.