Who we are, what we believe

Mission and Beliefs

Messiah Lutheran Church's mission is to continue to build God's church in the Boerne, Texas area where all in our fellowship, and new families in our community, can grow in their relationship with Christ and with the family of God through worship, education, discipleship and outreach.

Messiah is one of over 6,000 congregations that belong to the Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod (LCMS), and we firmly hold to primary Lutheran doctrine's as revealed in the Bible. You can learn more about what we believe at the LCMS website.

History

Messiah Lutheran Church began in 1991 as a church planting effort of a San Antonio Lutheran Church. Messiah had humble beginnings in the Boerne Area Community Center. By the end of 1992 Sunday worship averaged nearly 70. It became evident that plans needed to be made to establish and build a permanent worship and ministry location.

In early 1994, a capital campaign was held which raised over $300,000.00 towards the construction of the first unit. In May, 1994, five acres of land were purchased off IH-10 six miles south of downtown Boerne, Messiah's current location. In August, 1994, ground was broken to construct Messiah's first worship and ministry facility. It took a little over a year to complete the nearly $750,000.00 project, the first phase in a three-phase master plan. The first unit was dedicated on September 17, 1995, also commemorating Messiah's fourth anniversary.

Since 1995 four additional people were added to the Messiah ministry staff: an associate pastor, a full-time Minister of Youth, a half-time Minister of Music, and a half-time Office Manager.

Messiah's history is one of growth! Growth in numerical size and growth in ministry potential. Starting with seven founding families in 1991, Messiah now has a membership of nearly 400. In 1999 additional land was purchased and paid in full bringing the total acreage to almost 16 acres. New staff and additional ministries are being added to answer the needs of God's people and the community of Boerne.

CONSTITUTION

Messiah Lutheran Church

9401 Dietz Elkhorn

Boerne , Texas 78015

PREAMBLE

It is the will of our Lord Jesus Christ that His disciples should preach the Gospel to the whole world (Matthew 28:18-20). That Christ’s mission might be carried out according to His will, He has commanded that Christians unite in worship (Hebrews 10:24-25), practice fellowship with one another (Acts 2:42), witness to all men (Acts 1:8), help each other grow in grace through Word and Sacraments (Matthew 28:19, Ephesians 4:11-14), serve the needs of all men in Christian love (Mark 10:42-44, John 13:35, Galatians 6:10), administer the Office of the Keys (John 20:21-23, Matthew 18:15-20), and maintain decency and order in the church (1 Corinthians 14:40).

Therefore, we the members of Messiah Lutheran Church of Boerne, Texas, accept and subscribe to the following Constitution and Bylaws in accordance with which all spiritual and material affairs of our Congregation shall be governed.

ARTICLE I -- NAME

The name of this Congregation shall be Messiah Lutheran Church, a Texas non-profit corporation, (hereinafter referred to as the Congregation), located in Boerne, Texas.

ARTICLE II -- CONFESSIONAL STANDARD

The Congregation acknowledges and accepts all the canonical books of the Old and New Testaments as the revealed Word of God, verbally inspired, and it acknowledges and accepts all of the Symbolical books of the Lutheran Church, contained in the Book of Concord of 1580, to be the true and genuine exposition of the Bible. These Symbolical books are the three Ecumenical Creeds (Apostles’, Nicene, and Athanasian), the Unaltered Augsburg Confession, the Apology of the Augsburg Confession, the Smalcald Articles, Luther’s Large and Small Catechisms, and the Formula of Concord.

All preaching and teaching must be in accord with this Confessional Standard; and all doctrinal controversies which may occur shall be decided in accordance with the same.

ARTICLE III -- PURPOSE

The Bible clearly shows that God’s purpose in sending Jesus into the world was to rescue all people from sin (John 3:17). Jesus, in turn, sent the Church to continue His work (John 20:21). Therefore, it shall be the purpose of this corporate body, as a Christian Congregation empowered by the Holy Spirit, to take a part in bringing all people to faith in Christ through the witness of the Gospel.

The corporate body may receive, acquire, hold title to, and manage such real estate and other property as it may need to accomplish said purpose, and may sell, mortgage, or dispose of such real estate and other property or any part thereof; and this corporate body shall have all the rights and powers that are granted by the laws of the State of Texas to religious corporations.

ARTICLE IV -- SYNODICAL AFFILIATION

The Congregation shall be a member of The Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod so long as said Synod shall remain true to the Confessional Standard detailed in Article II. It shall be the duty of the Congregation and its individual members to support the work of the Synod, since they thereby support their own Christ-appointed work.

ARTICLE V -- MEMBERSHIP

The membership of this Congregation includes Baptized, Confirmed, and Voting Members. The admission of new members and termination of membership shall be set forth in policies established by the Bylaws. The types and duties of membership are as follows:

A. BAPTIZED MEMBERS

Baptized Members shall be all persons within the Congregation who have been baptized in the name of the Triune God, whether children or adults, and come under the pastoral care of this Congregation. It is expected that all Baptized Members:

1. attend worship services faithfully and regularly;

2. lead a Christian life as taught in Galatians 5:19-26;

3. submit out of Christian love to brotherly admonition, according to Matthew 18:15-20, when having erred or offended;

4. contribute, as God has blessed them, of their time, talents, and treasure toward the maintenance of the Congregation and the extension of the church at large;

5. take a course of instruction in due time in preparation for Confirmed Membership in this Congregation; and

6. are not members of any organization conflicting with the Word of God.

B. CONFIRMED MEMBERS

Confirmed Members shall be all Baptized Members within the Congregation who have received a course of instruction in Christian doctrine. In addition to the duties of Baptized Members, it is expected that all Confirmed Members:

1. accept all Canonical Books of the Old and New Testament as the only divine rule and standard of faith and life;

2. familiarize themselves with the teachings of the Lutheran Church, at least as set forth in Luther’s Small Catechism, and declare acceptance of them;

3. make diligent use of the means of grace by partaking of the Lord’s Supper often;

4. provide for the Christian training of their children by making use of the educational agencies of the Congregation; and

5. submit willingly and cheerfully to the policies already made or still to be made, provided such policies do not conflict with the Word of God.

C. VOTING MEMBERS

Voting Membership shall be Confirmed Members in accordance with this Constitution who have attained the legal voting age in the State of Texas. It is expected that all Voting Members:

1. familiarize themselves with the Constitution and Bylaws of Messiah Lutheran Church and adhere acceptance of them .

2. attend faithfully all business and ministry meetings of the Congregation; and

3. serve faithfully, according to their God-given gifts, in any capacity in which they may be called upon to serve.

ARTICLE VI -- THE OFFICES OF PASTOR AND COMMISSIONED MINISTERS

A. CALLS

All Called positions shall be conferred upon such ministers, teachers, and candidates who profess and adhere to the Confessional Standard set forth in Article II of this Constitution and are well qualified for their work. All persons shall, in the Call extended to and accepted by them, be pledged to this Confessional Standard.

B. TENURE

The tenure of office for a Called pastor, commissioned minister, or teacher shall be the remainder of his or her active life, or until the Lord calls him or her into another field of service unless there is adequate cause for dismissal, as defined in Article VII, Section D of this Constitution.

C. STAFF MANAGEMENT

The Senior/Administrative Pastor, as supervisor, shall manage, or delegate management of all called and hired staff in accordance with Messiah Lutheran Church personnel manual and in the best interest of church and congregation.

D. AUXILIARY OFFICES

The Pastoral Office is the primary office in the Congregation from which all other offices of the Congregation issue. However, the congregation may establish as many auxiliary offices as its needs require (i.e., associate pastor(s), assistant pastor(s)) and determine what ministry responsibilities are to be assigned to such offices. The Senior/Administrative Pastor shall serve as an ex-officio member, without vote, of all Boards and Committees of the Congregation.

ARTICLE VII -- POWERS OF THE CONGREGATION

A. GENERAL

The Congregation as a body, through the Voting Members shall have supreme power to administer and manage the affairs of the Congregation. The establishment and conduct of all institutions, organizations, and societies within or sponsored by the Congregation shall at all times be subject to the approval and supervision of the Congregation. The Congregation, however, shall not be endowed to decide anything contrary to the Word of God and the Confessional Standard of this Congregation as stated in Article II of this Constitution.

B. RIGHT OF CALLING

The right of Calling church workers shall be vested in the Congregation and shall not be delegated to a smaller body or to an individual.

C. POWER OF OFFICE

Congregational Officers or Committees, whether elected or appointed by the Voters, shall have no authority beyond that which has been delegated to them; which authority may, at any time, be altered or revoked by the Voters, through amendment to the Bylaws.

D. REMOVAL FROM OFFICE

Any elected Congregational Board member, Officer, Called Pastor, or Called worker may be removed from office by the Congregation, by a two-thirds ballot vote of the Voting Members present and voting at a called Voter’s Meeting for one of the following reasons: persistent adherence to false doctrine, scandalous life, willful neglect of official duties, or the inability to perform those duties.

ARTICLE VIII -- OFFICERS

The elected or appointed Officers of this Congregation shall be as the Bylaws of this Constitution may prescribe.

ARTICLE IX -- PROPERTY

The Congregation, represented by the Voting Members, shall have the right to acquire and own such property as is necessary to accomplish its purpose as set forth in Article III of this Constitution. All such property acquired, whether real or personal, shall be the estate of the Congregation.

A. RELINQUISHMENT OF RIGHTS

1. BY TRANSFER AND REMOVAL FROM MEMBERSHIP

Members who sever their connection with this Congregation, whether by letter of transfer or release to another congregation, or by relocating without leaving a forwarding address, shall upon removal from Congregational membership, relinquish all claims to the property of this Congregation.

2. BY EXCOMMUNICATION AND SELF-EXCLUSION

In each case of excommunication or self-exclusion, as outlined in Article I, Section B, of the Bylaws, Termination of Membership, the excommunicated or self-excluded person shall relinquish all claims to the property of this Congregation.

B. SEPARATION

1. WITHIN CONGREGATION

In the event of a separation within this Congregation on account of doctrinal dispute, which God in His grace forbid, the property of this Congregation and the benefits and responsibilities connected with it, shall remain with those members that remain loyal to the confessional standard, Article II, as determined by the dispute resolution procedures of the Synod.

2. WITH SYNOD

In the event of a separation in this Congregation from Synod on account of doctrinal dispute, which God in His grace forbid, the property of this Congregation and the benefits and responsibilities connected with it, shall remain with the majority of the Voting Members who faithfully adhere to this Constitution.

C. DISSOLUTION

In the case this Congregation should vote to dissolve, all property and all benefits with it shall, after due settlement of just claims, be conveyed to and become the property of such a 501(c)(3) entity that adheres to the confessional standard as listed in Article II as determined by majority of the Voting Members.

ARTICLE X -- DOCTRINAL LITERATURE

Only hymns, songs, prayers, and liturgies shall be used in the public worship services of the Congregation and in all ministerial acts as to conform to the Confessional Standard of Article II of this Constitution. Likewise, in all classes for instruction in Christian doctrine only such study materials shall be used as conform to this standard, or as approved by Senior/Administrative Pastor.

ARTICLE XI -- BYLAWS

The Congregation may adopt such Bylaws as may be required for the accomplishment of its purposes.

ARTICLE XII -- CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENTS

Amendments to Article II and Article III of the Constitution shall not destroy their essential meaning. All other portions of this Constitution may be amended provided such amendment is not contrary to the Word of God.

The Congregation, through the Voting Members, shall have the authority to adopt and amend this Constitution as it deems necessary. Any amendment to this Constitution shall keep with the following procedure:

a. Notice of a proposed amendment to this Constitution shall be given in writing and read at any regular Congregational Meeting. The proposed amendment shall be read and considered at the next regular Congregation Meeting and must be passed by a two-thirds vote of the Voting Members present at the meeting.

b. Upon adoption and prior to implementation, all Constitutional amendments shall be submitted to the Texas District LCMS Committee on Constitutions/Bylaws for approval in accordance with the Synodical Bylaws.

c. A master copy of the Constitution and Bylaws shall be kept by the Congregational Secretary, and all amendments shall be recorded therein with the date such amendments were adopted by the Congregation.

BYLAWS

ARTICLE I -- CONGREGATIONAL MEMBERSHIP

A. ADMISSION OF MEMBERSHIP

1. BAPTIZED MEMBERSHIP

Baptism itself being reception into the Body of Christ, all who are baptized in the name of the Triune God, whether children or adults, are thus received by this sacred sacrament into Baptized Membership

. 2. CONFIRMED MEMBERSHIP

a. By Confirmation: Confirmation itself being a reception into Congregational membership, all who are thus received by this sacred rite become Confirmed Members.

b. By Transfer: Persons coming with a letter of transfer from a congregation in church fellowship, provided they conform in all respects to the requirements of membership in this Congregation, shall be received by the Pastor, submitted to the Committee of Elders for acceptance, and reported to the Voting Membership.

c. By Profession of Faith: Other persons shall submit their application to the Pastor, and having given satisfactory evidence of qualifications for Confirmed Membership, such as Christian baptism, together with instruction and Confirmation in a Lutheran congregation, shall be received as Confirmed Members by the Pastor. Their names shall be submitted to the Committee of Elders for acceptance and reported to the Voting Membership.

3. VOTING MEMBERSHIP

a. Admission to Voting Membership: All Confirmed Members of this Congregation, or, in the case of adults, who have entered the Congregation by profession of faith, shall have the right, privilege, and duty of Voting Membership in the affairs of this Congregation according to the Constitution and these Bylaws when they attain the legal voting age in the State of Texas.

b. Duties of Voting Membership: It shall be the duty of every Voting Member to attend the regular and special meetings of the Congregation; to encourage other Voting Members to participate in Congregational Meetings; and to accept nomination for office, Committee appointments, and special assignment, if possible, and generally participate in the business activities of the Congregation.

c. Rights of Voting Membership: By failing to attend any Congregational Meeting in person, a member waives the right to cast his or her vote during that meeting.

B. TERMINATION OF MEMBERSHIP

1. BAPTIZED AND CONFIRMED MEMBERSHIP

a. Transfer to Other Congregations: Confirmed Members desiring to join a congregation in church fellowship shall present their request for transfer to the Pastor, to whom authorization is granted to issue such transfers. Such action shall be reported to the Committee of Elders and the Voting Membership.

b. Joining Other Congregations: In cases where Confirmed Members have joined another congregation outside this Congregation’s fellowship, they shall be considered as having terminated their membership, and their names shall be removed from the membership list and reported to the Committee of Elders and the Voting Membership.

c. Excommunication: Any member who conducts him/herself in an unChristian manner shall be admonished according to Scripture (Matthew 18:15-20) and the congregation’s stated and adopted guidelines. If he/she persists in his/her unChristian conduct and refuses to amend after proper admonition, he/she shall be excommunicated. If the member refuses admonition and the pastoral concern of his/her fellow members, he/she has thereby excluded himself/herself. Any resolution by the Committee of Elders for excommunication shall be brought before a Congregational Meeting and require a two-thirds (2/3) vote of Voting Members present and voting.

Persons who have been removed from membership for whatever reason shall be restored with all rights and privileges when they repent and ask forgiveness through the Pastor and Committee of Elders . Both acts of discipline and restoration shall be made known to all Confirmed Members by whatever method the Pastor and Committee of Elders deem most suitable.

d. Self-Exclusion: A Confirmed Member who, in the judgment of the Committee of Elders , shows no interest in attending worship services, fails to partake of Holy Communion, and fails to financially support the Congregation for a period of one year, shall be presumed no longer to desire Congregational membership and shall not be counted in the membership statistics of the Congregation. However, his/her name and record shall be kept in the files one (1) year thereafter. If he/she resumes activity within that year, he/she shall be restored to the active membership list; if not, he/she shall be dismissed from the Congregation by self-exclusion, hereinafter defined as two (2) years inactive membership.

e. Status: A person whose Confirmed Membership has been terminated has relinquished all rights of a member of this Congregation and all claims upon the property of the Congregation as such, or upon any part thereof, as long as he/she is not reinstated into membership.

2. VOTING MEMBERSHIP

Voting membership terminates when Confirmed Membership terminates according to Article I, Section B, of these Bylaws.

ARTICLE II -- CONGREGATIONAL MEETINGS

A. CONGREGATIONAL CALENDAR

The fiscal year shall run congruent with the calendar year.

B. REGULAR MEETINGS

There shall be four (4) meetings annually of the Congregational membership. One of the meetings, the annual Congregational Business Meeting, shall be held, if at all possible, on the first Sunday of November and shall be presided over by the Chairman of the Board of Directors. The purpose of this meeting shall be to vote on the budget for the next fiscal year; to elect new members to the Board of Directors and the Board of Lay Ministry, respectively; and to discuss/vote on any business matters brought before the Voters by the Board of Directors. A second meeting, the annual Congregational Ministry Meeting, shall be held, if at all possible, on the first Sunday of May and shall be presided over by the Head Elder. The purpose of this meeting shall be to update/discuss the status of the various Congregational ministries. The other two meetings will be for information purposes and will be held in February and shall be presided over by the Head Elder, and in August shall be presided over by the Chairman of the Board of Directors.

C. SPECIAL MEETINGS

Special meetings of a significant or emergency nature that cannot be postponed until the next regularly scheduled meeting and are outside the authority of one of the boards/committees may be called by the Senior/Administrative Pastor, the Chairman of the Board of Directors, a majority of the Board of Directors, the Head Elder, a majority of the Board of Lay Ministry or by petition of any ten (10) Voting Members. Notices should state the reason for calling a special meeting.

D. NOTICE OF MEETINGS

Congregational Meetings shall be announced at least fourteen (14) days prior to such meeting through two separate methods of notification (e.g. by mail or by Sunday worship folder or newsletter). Notification will include the location, day, date, time and purpose of the meeting. An agenda will be prepared and submitted, together with proposed resolutions to be voted on, with a postmark to be fourteen (14) days prior to the meeting.

E. CONDUCT OF MEETINGS

Whenever a meeting has been properly announced, the number of the Voting Members present shall constitute a quorum. A majority vote shall be required for approval of all items of business, except as otherwise provided herein. The current edition of Robert’s Rules of Order, modified by Christian courtesy and charity, shall govern all meetings of the Congregation. Voting members present are to sign in. Voting will be by a show of hands or by individual ballot if approved by majority of voters present.

F. REPORTING OF MEETINGS

Minutes will be published and made available to the congregation. A summary of the minutes will be published in the next available newsletter, a file copy placed in the library, and complete original in the church office.

G. SPECIAL PROVISIONS

For amending the Articles of Incorporation or the Constitution and Bylaws, the erection of a building, the purchase or sale of real property, or the removal of a Pastor, teacher, or some other member from office, a two-thirds (2/3) affirmative vote of Voting Members present and voting shall be required for adoption of a resolution.

ARTICLE III - CALLING OF PASTORS AND PROFESSIONAL MINISTRY STAFF

A. NOMINATIONS

A Call Committee, consisting of the Head Elder as Chairman, with at least four (4) other members which he appoints from the Congregation, shall gather a list of candidates from any member of the Congregation who wishes to submit the name of a candidate and from the Texas District LCMS officials. The Senior/Administrative Pastor, if applicable, shall be a part of the nominating process. The Committee shall then secure the qualifications of potential candidates and any other information possible through accepted Synodical channels. The complete list of qualified candidates shall be the “Call List.” The Call Committee, using reasonable and accepted reviewing processes, shall interview potential candidates from the “Call List.” The Call Committee then will submit its recommendation of one or more viable candidate(s) to the Congregation for approval.

B. ELECTION

The “Call List” candidate(s) recommended by the Call Committee shall be announced both orally and in writing to the Congregation on two (2) successive Sundays before the Call Meeting. The voting shall be by individual ballot. A candidate must receive a two-thirds (2/3) affirmative vote of all ballots cast to be considered elected. The election, if possible, shall be made unanimous by a voice vote.

ARTICLE IV -- NOMINATING COMMITTEE

A. PURPOSE OF NOMINATING COMMITTEE

The Nominating Committee shall be responsible for nominating qualified candidates to fill the positions of Board of Directors and Board of Lay Ministry. Each year the Nominating Committee shall present to the annual Congregational Business Meeting a completed slate of candidates as needed to fill the vacating positions on the Board of Directors and Board of Lay Ministry.

B. PROCESS OF NOMINATING COMMITTEE SELECTION

Each year the Pastor(s), the Chairman of the Board of Directors, and Head Elder shall appoint a Nominating Committee comprised of three (3) Confirmed Members of the Congregation. All called Pastor(s) shall serve as ex-officio members, without vote. Other Board of Directors and Board of Lay Ministry members, staff, or their spouses shall not be eligible.

C. NOMINATING COMMITTEE PROCEDURE

1. The Nominating Committee shall prepare a slate of candidates for the Board of Directors and the Board of Lay Ministry , proposing one (1) name for each position to be filled. The nominees shall be notified of their nomination and prospective responsibilities at least thirty (30) days prior to the annual Congregational Business Meeting.

2. A list of the candidates, plus a brief biographical sketch of each, shall be provided to the members of the Congregation three (3) weeks prior to the annual Congregational Business Meeting.

3. Any Congregational member may submit additional names for any position to be filled to the Nominating Committee for inclusion on the list, and such names shall be placed in nomination by the Nominating Committee, along with the candidates already chosen, provided that such names are submitted at least fourteen (14) days before the annual Congregational Business Meeting.

4. The proposed candidates must be spiritually qualified, interested in the life and activity of the Congregation, and willing to serve.

5. The Nominating Committee, one week before the annual Congregational Business Meeting, shall publish the final slate of candidates.

6. The Nominating Committee shall prepare a ballot, tally and announce election results at the annual Congregational Business Meeting.

ARTICLE V -- BOARD OF DIRECTORS

A. PROCESS OF DIRECTOR SELECTION

1. QUALIFICATIONS

A Director of the Board may be any member of the Congregation who has attained the age of twenty-one (21) years and who has been a member of the Congregation for at least one (1) year. Directors shall be dedicated Christians and personally committed to the Congregation. Directors shall be willing and able to give of their time and talents to participate in the ministry leadership of the Congregation.

2. NOMINATIONS

Candidates shall be nominated according to the prescribed procedure in Article IV in these Bylaws.

3. ELECTIONS

a. All Board of Directors members shall be elected by plurality ballot vote.

b. Board of Directors members shall be elected for the terms specified in this Constitution and shall assume the duties of their office on January 15 following their election.

c. In the event of a vacancy on the Board of Directors, a committee consisting of a member of the Board of Directors, Head Elder, and Senior/Administrative Pastor, shall appoint a successor to serve for the remainder of the fiscal year. At the next annual Congregational Business Meeting a new Director shall be elected.

4. INSTALLATION

Newly elected Board of Directors members shall be installed at a worship service before they take office, on the second Sunday of January, if at all possible.

5. MEMBERS

The Board of Directors shall consist of seven (7) members. The Senior/Administrative Pastor shall serve as an ex-officio member, without vote.

B. DUTIES OF BOARD OF DIRECTORS

The Board of Directors shall:

1. be primarily responsible for the duties in the Constitution and Bylaws;

2. consider and discuss matters pertaining to the general administrative welfare of the Congregation as presented by the Senior/Administrative Pastor, Staff, or members of the Congregation;

3. conduct the operational business of the Congregation in conjunction with the Senior/Administrative Pastor by setting policy for the committees appointed;

4. develop their recommendations for presentation to the Congregational meetings;

5. act to assign responsibility for matters committed to it by the Congregation;

7. appoint a budget committee consisting of at least three confirmed members of the Congregation. The budget committee shall submit the yearly budget to the Congregation; and review request for new staff positions with Senior/Administrative Pastor for budget and operational business impacts.

C. MEETINGS

Meetings of the Board of Directors shall normally be held quarterly. Special meetings of the Board of Directors may be called by the Chairman or when two (2) members of the Board request such a meeting in writing at least five (5) days before the requested meeting together with a summary statement of the reason for the meeting. A quorum consists of a majority of the Directors.

D. AUTHORITY

The Board of Directors shall be authorized to make all decisions pertaining to operational business of the Congregation within the limitations of the approved annual budget and of this Constitution and Bylaws. However, any decisions that involve a significant impact on the focus of lay ministry shall be coordinated with the Board of Lay Ministry and brought before the congregation for approval at the congregational meeting.

E. DUTIES OF OFFICERS

The Directors shall elect annually a Chairman, Vice-Chairman, Secretary, and Comptroller of the Directors from among themselves. The offices of Chairman and Vice-Chairman shall be held by a male Director .

1. CHAIRMAN

The Chairman shall:

a. preside at all meetings of the Board of Directors and all Congregational Meetings called by the Directors;

b. appoint any special committees as may be needed or as directed by the Congregation, in consultation with the Senior/Administrative Pastor and Staff;

c. sign legal documents, along with the Secretary, on behalf of the Congregation;

d. enforce the Constitution and Bylaws and perform the general duties as are common for the office, including such additional duties as may be directed periodically by the Congregation; and

e. serve as an ex-officio member, without vote, of all Board of Director Committees.

2. VICE CHAIRMAN

The Vice-Chairman shall:

a. perform all of the duties of the Chairman in the latter’s absence;

b. appoint annually a committee of two (2) qualified members to review the financial books and records of the Congregation, with that committee reporting their findings to the Board of Directors at the earliest possible date after the close of the fiscal year; and

c. perform such other additional duties which may be directed by the Congregation or by the Chairman .

3. SECRETARY

The Secretary shall:

a. maintain and preserve accurate records of all Congregational Meetings, handle such correspondence as the Board of Directors may require, and perform all other duties commonly required of the office;

b. sign legal documents, along with the Chairman, on behalf of the Congregation;

c. maintain minutes of all meetings of the Board of Directors; and

d. insure that quarterly capsule summaries of decisions of the Board of Directors are published in the newsletter of the Congregation.

4. COMPTROLLER

The Comptroller shall:

a. oversee the financial affairs of the Congregation; and

b. monitor records of all receipts and disbursements and submit a written report of them at all regular meetings of the Board of Directors and the annual Congregational Business Meeting.

F. TERM OF OFFICE

a. Directors will serve for three (3) year terms and may not serve for more than two (2) consecutive terms.

b. Directors may not hold another Congregational office during their term.

ARTICLE VI -- BOARD OF LAY MINISTRY

A. PROCESS OF LAY MINISTER SELECTION

1. QUALIFICATIONS

Lay Ministers may be any member of the Congregation who has attained the age of twenty-one (21) years and who has been a member of the Congregation for at least one (1) year. Lay ministers shall be dedicated Christians and personally committed to the Congregation. Lay Ministers shall be willing and able to give of their time and talents to participate in the ministry leadership of the Congregation.

2. NOMINATIONS

Candidates shall be nominated according to the prescribed procedure in Article IV in these Bylaws.

3. ELECTIONS

a. All Board of Lay Ministry members shall be elected by plurality ballot vote.

b. Lay Ministers shall be elected for the terms specified in this Constitution and Bylaws and shall assume the duties of their office on January 15 following their election.

c. In the event of a vacancy on the Board of Lay Ministry, a committee consisting of a member of the Board of Directors, Head Elder, and Senior/Administrative Pastor shall appoint a successor to serve for the remainder of the fiscal year. At the next annual Congregational Business Meeting a new Lay Minister shall be elected.

4. INSTALLATION

Newly elected Lay Ministers shall be installed at a worship service before they take office, on the second Sunday of January, if at all possible.

5. MEMBERS

The Board of Lay Ministry shall consist of eight (8) members. All Called staff shall serve as ex-officio members, without vote.

B. DUTIES OF BOARD OF LAY MINISTRY

The Board of Lay Ministry shall:

1. be primarily responsible for ministry to congregation and community at large;

2. consider and discuss matters pertaining to the general ministerial welfare of the Congregation as presented by the Senior/Administrative Pastor, Staff, or members of the Congregation;

3. conduct the ministry of the Congregation in conjunction with the Senior/Administrative Pastor by setting policy for the committees appointed;

4. develop or review their recommendations for presentation to the Congregational meetings;

5. act to assign responsibility for matters committed to it by the Congregation; and

6. take any action or incur any expense, not to exceed 2% of the annual budget, deemed necessary in case of emergency, between Congregational Meetings, with the existence of an emergency first being established by a majority vote of the Board of Lay Ministry and reported back to the voters at the next congregational meeting; expenses are to be reported to the Chairman of the Board of Directors within seven (7) days of expenditure and reported back to the voters at the next congregational meeting.

1. LAY MINISTER OF ELDERS

The Lay Minister of Elders shall be known as the Head Elder and shall:

a. be responsible for all matters pertaining to the spiritual welfare of the Congregation;

b. aid the Pastor(s) and Staff in areas of spiritual life, support the Office of Pastoral Ministry and be concerned with the welfare and spiritual advancement of the Congregation;

c. assist the Pastor(s) in matters of Christian encouragement, admonition, and church discipline;

d. be responsible for the public worship life, which includes style and substance, of the Congregation;

e. appoint annually, with the assistance of Pastor(s) and Staff, a committee to help fulfill the responsibilities of Congregational Worship, with all members so appointed known as Elders ;

oversee conformance of responsibilities as stated in Article X., of the Constitution
be aware that, as commanded in Holy Scripture, the Elders are to be male as they uphold the Office of the Public Ministry.

h. be responsible for Article I of the Bylaws.

In addition, the Head Elder shall:

a. preside at all meetings of the Board of Lay Ministry;

b. appoint any special committees or delegates as may be needed or as directed by the Congregation, in consultation with the Senior/Administrative Pastor and Staff;

c. serve as an ex-officio member, without vote, of all committees that are created to address the spiritual life of the Congregation; and

d. serve as Chairman of any Pastoral Call Committee.

2. LAY MINISTER OF CONGREGATIONAL CARE COMMITTEE

The Lay Minister of Congregational Care shall:

a. be responsible for all matters pertaining to spiritual and physical care of the Congregation, family, and friends;

b. aid the Pastor(s) and Staff in areas of Congregational care, assessing needs and concerns of the membership, and offering Christian love in times of crisis; (e.g. prayer chain, love meals, etc.) and

c. appoint annually, with the assistance of Pastor(s) and Staff, a committee to help fulfill the responsibilities of Congregational Care.

3. LAY MINISTER OF YOUTH DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE

The Lay Minister of Youth Development shall:

a. be responsible for all matters pertaining to spiritual growth and development of all baptized children from age two through the age of high school graduation;

b. aid the Pastor(s) and Staff in areas such as Sunday School, Family Life Week, Confirmation, Scouting Programs, Sport Programs, and all youth activities; and

c. appoint annually, with the assistance of Pastor(s) and Staff, a committee to help fulfill the responsibilities of Youth Development.

4. LAY MINISTER OF ADULT EDUCATION COMMITTEE

The Lay Minister of Adult Education shall:

a. be responsible for all matters which nurture and strengthen adults, single and married, from young adult years through their passing into eternal glory;

b. aid the Pastor(s) and Staff in areas of adult education, adult service, and small group ministries (e.g. guest speakers, coordinating church library, etc.); and

c. appoint annually, with the assistance of Pastor(s) and Staff, a committee to help fulfill the responsibilities of Adult Education.

5. LAY MINISTER OF FELLOWSHIP COMMITTEE

T he Lay Minister of Fellowship shall:

a. be responsible for all matters pertaining to fellowship and socialization in and around Messiah Lutheran

Church;

aid the Pastor(s) and Staff in areas of adult fellowship (e.g. Octoberfest, Parades, Food Booths, Pot Luck

Meals, Family Camping, Young at Heart, etc.);

c. appoint annually, with the assistance of Pastor(s) and Staff, a committee to help fulfill the responsibilities

Fellowship

6. LAY MINISTER OF DISCIPLESHIP COMMITTEE

The Lay Minister of Discipleship shall:

a. aid the Pastor(s) and Staff in areas of Congregational assimilation (e.g. show potential and new members facilities, programs and offerings of our church)

b. aid the Pastor(s) and Staff in areas of utilization of time and talents, social ministries, and faithful stewardship practices.

7. LAY MINISTER OF PROPERTY CARE COMMITTEE

The Lay Minister of Property Care shall:

a. be responsible for all matters pertaining to maintenance and upkeep of the Congregation’s physical properties(e.g. grounds, buildings, and equipment);

b. aid the Pastor(s) and Staff in areas of supervising all work necessary for maintenance and repairs, provide proper inspection and protection for property, and oversee property improvements and future planning; and

c. appoint annually, with the assistance of Pastor(s) and Staff, a committee to help fulfill the responsibilities of Property Care.

8. LAY MINISTER OF MISSIONS COMMITTEE

The Lay Minister of Missions shall:

a. be responsible for all matters pertaining to global missions work, local outreach, and public relations (e.g. mission trips, canvassing door to door, mass mailings, media communication, website, etc.);

b. aid the Pastor(s) and Staff in areas of educating the Congregation in mission awareness, organizing effective outreach strategies, and maintaining a positive image in the local community; and

c. appoint annually, with the assistance of Pastor(s) and Staff, a committee to help fulfill the responsibilities of Church Missions.

C. MEETINGS

Meetings of the Board of Lay Ministry shall normally be held quarterly. Special meetings of the Board of Lay Ministry may be called by the Head Elder or any two (2) other Lay Ministers. A request for such a meeting must be made in writing at least five (5) days before the requested meeting together with a summary statement of the reason for the meeting. A quorum constitutes a majority of the Lay Ministers.

D. AUTHORITY

The Board of Lay Ministry shall be authorized to make all decisions pertaining to Congregational ministries within the limitations of this Constitution and Bylaws. However, any decisions that involve a change in ministry focus shall be brought before the voters. Any decisions that involve a significant impact on the budget shall be coordinated with the Board of Directors and brought before the congregation for approval at the next congregational meeting.

E. TERM OF OFFICE

1. Lay Ministers shall serve for a term of two (2) years and may not serve more than two (2) consecutive terms in the same office.

2. Lay Ministers may not hold another Congregational office during their term.

ARTICLE VII -- BYLAW AMENDMENTS

All portions of these Bylaws may be amended provided such amendment is not contrary to the Word of God.

The Congregation, through the Voting Members, shall have the authority to adopt and amend these Bylaws as it deems necessary. Any amendment to these Bylaws shall keep with the following procedure:

a. Notice of a proposed amendment to these Bylaws shall be given in writing and read at any regular Congregational Meeting and must be passed by a majority vote of the Voting Members present at the meeting.

b. Upon adoption and prior to implementation, all Bylaw amendments shall be submitted to the Texas District LCMS Committee on Constitutions/Bylaws for approval in accordance with the Synodical Bylaws.