Congregations cannot become members of The Lutheran Church—Missouri synod until their constitutions and bylaws have been approved by a constitution committee of a District of the Synod. Any constitution or bylaw amendments must also have that approval before becoming operative.

A high degree of uniformity is desirable, the Commission on Constitutional Matters has from time to time issued guidelines for the proper construction of congregation constitutions and bylaws. It should be noted, however, as will become apparent also in the text of the guideline, that there are wide divergences among the congregations of the Synod, and that it is not advisable to formulate one constitution and bylaws which would fit all congregations.

What is included in this document should be regarded as guidelines. District committees, in evaluating constitution and bylaws that are submitted, will judge them in light of the principles contained in this guideline.

View Constitution and Bylaw Guideline for LCMS Congregations >>