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Constitution and Bylaws of the
Association of Confessional Lutheran Churches
CONSTITUTION
PREAMBLE
Whereas the Word of God demands that any Christian organization shall not only conform to the Word of God in all doctrine and practice (2 Timothy 4:1-5) but also that all things be done decently and in order (1 Corinthians 14:40), we hereby set forth this document as the Constitution and Bylaws in accordance with which the internal and external affairs of this organization shall be conducted.
ARTICLE I - NAME
The name of this organization shall be: The Association of Confessional Lutheran Churches (hereafter noted as the ACLC).
ARTICLE II - PURPOSE
The purpose of the ACLC shall be to honor and glorify the Holy Triune God (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit), to carry out His will, to make a faithful confession of the Gospel of Jesus Christ as set forth in Holy Scriptures and the Lutheran Confessions as contained in the Book of Concord of 1580, and to foster true Biblical unity. To this end we shall:
A. Promote the true doctrine of Holy Scripture and the Lutheran Confessions and continued fidelity to them.
B. Seek to identify, acknowledge, and edify the true like-minded church fellowship which has been established by the Holy Spirit through the Means of Grace.
C. Address doctrinal issues of interest and concern to the Church.
D. Disseminate and exchange information relevant to confessional and doctrinal issues of interest and concern.
E. Seek out and promote areas of Mission work of the Church that the membership might desire to support.
ARTICLE III - CONFESSIONAL STANDARD
A. The ACLC confesses that the Holy Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments are the Word of God and the only rule and norm according to which all teachers and teachings are to be judged. The canonical Scriptures are inspired by God and are therefore infallible. Even as God cannot lie, deceive, or err, the Holy Scriptures cannot lie, deceive, or err. The Holy Scriptures are the only source of divine doctrine. All of the Church’s doctrine is to be drawn from the clear Scriptures. It must be established by what the Biblical text clearly means. It may not be established by what the Biblical text might mean.
We reject and condemn any teaching that would deny the inerrancy, inherent clarity, and sufficiency of the Holy Scriptures or that would promote any authority over our teaching and practice than that of Scripture alone.
B. The ACLC subscribes unconditionally to:
1. The Ecumenical Creeds:
a. The Apostles’ Creed
b. The Nicene Creed
c. The Athanasian Creed
2. The Lutheran Confessions as contained in the Book of Concord of 1580:
a. The Unaltered Augsburg Confession (Synopsis) (Link to Document)
b. The Apology of the Augsburg Confession (Synopsis) (Link to Document)
c. The Smalcald Articles (Synopsis) (Link to Document)
d. The Treatise on the Power and Primacy of the Pope (Synopsis) (Link to Document)
e. The Small Catechism of Martin Luther (Synopsis) (Link to Document)
f. The Large Catechism of Martin Luther (Synopsis) (Link to Document)
g. The Formula of Concord (Synopsis) (Link to Epitome Link to Solid Declaration)
C. The ACLC subscribes unconditionally to these Creeds and Confessions because all their doctrine is drawn from and is in complete agreement with the Holy Scriptures.
We reject and condemn any approach to the Lutheran Confessions that would deny their relevance to the church today or their suitability to settle doctrinal disputes among us.
Note to Article III
A. We agree with and welcome examination of our pastors based on Ministry, Word, and Sacraments: An Enchiridion by Martin Chemnitz (1593) (Synopsis) (Link to Document)
B. Although we do not subscribe unconditionally to the following documents, we commend them as useful for study and guidance:
1. The Following Doctrinal Statements from the Missouri Synod:
a. CFW Walther’s Theses on Church and Ministry (1852) (Synopsis) (Link to Document)
b. “A Brief Statement of the Doctrinal Position of the Missouri Synod” (1932) (Synopsis) (Link to Document)
c. “Fellowship in its Necessary Context of the Doctrine of the Church” - Statement of the Overseas Committee: From the Proceedings of the Recessed Forty-Sixth Convention of the Synodical Conference (1961) (Synopsis) (Link to Document)
d. “A Statement of Scriptural and Confessional Principles” (1973) (Synopsis) (Link to Document)
2. The following doctrinal statements of the Norwegian Synod:
a. “Theses on Lay Preaching” (1862) (Synopsis) (Link to Document)
b. “The Third Commandment and the Christian Sunday” (1863) (Synopsis) (Link to Document)
c. “Absolution” (1874) (Synopsis) (Link to Document)
d. “An Accounting” (1884) (Synopsis) (Link to Document)
3. The Following Statements of the Evangelical Lutheran Synod:
a. “Unity, Union, and Unionism” (1936) (Synopsis) (Link to Document)
b. “The Evangelical Lutheran Synod: Character, History, Doctrine, Mission” (1981 edition) (Synopsis) (Link to Document)
ARTICLE IV – ADVISORY NATURE OF THE ACLC
The ACLC is an association of churches. It is only advisory with respect to member congregations with their pastors. Individual congregations operate according to their own constitution and bylaws.
ARTICLE V - BUSINESS of the ACLC
A. To stand guard over the purity and unity of doctrine within the ACLC, and to oppose false doctrine.
B. To help pastors remain faithful in the performance of their duties.
C. To publish and distribute a churchly periodical.
D. To prepare future pastors for service in the Church.
E. To examine candidates for the Holy Ministry.
F. To provide for ecclesiastical ordination and installation into the pastoral office.
G. To assist congregations in need of pastoral care.
H. To give theological opinions.
I. To strive for uniformity in ceremonies.
J. To maintain in the congregations the exclusive use of orthodox hymnals, agendas, and catechetical materials.
K. To establish connections with Confessional Lutheran Churches.
L. To establish and support mission congregations wherever the Lord provides opportunity.
ARTICLE VI - MEMBERSHIP
A. Membership in the ACLC shall be available to the following:
1. A confessional Lutheran congregation that subscribes to Article III of this Constitution, endorses Article II of this Constitution, and agrees to comply with this Constitution and Bylaws.
2. A pastor called by and serving an ACLC congregation, who himself subscribes to Article III of this Constitution, endorses Article II of this Constitution, and agrees to comply with this Constitution and Bylaws.
3. A pastor called by and serving an independent Lutheran congregation that subscribes to Article III of this Constitution, who himself subscribes to Article III of this Constitution, endorses Article II of this Constitution, and agrees to comply with this Constitution and Bylaws.
4. Pastors emeriti, ordained theological professors, missionaries, and inactive Lutheran clergy who are members of ACLC congregations may be accepted as advisory members.
B. Acceptance into membership shall be done according to the Bylaws.
C. Dual membership is prohibited (membership in the ACLC and another church body at the same time).
ARTICLE VII - OFFICERS
The ACLC shall be administered and managed by its officers in accordance with the Constitution, Bylaws, and resolutions of the ACLC.
A. The officers of the ACLC shall be:
1. The Superintendent
2. The Assistant Superintendent
3. The Secretary
4. The Treasurer
B. The duties of the officers of the ACLC shall be prescribed in the Bylaws of the ACLC.
C. Officers shall be pastors or male members 21 years of age or older belonging to ACLC congregations.
D. Officers shall have only that authority conferred on them by the Bylaws or resolutions of the ACLC.
E. Subject to any requirements in the Bylaws and resolutions of the ACLC, any officer can be removed by the members of the ACLC at any legally called meeting for any one or combination of the following:
1. Inability to serve.
2. Malfeasance of office.
3. Living an unchristian life.
4. Persistently acting contrary to Article III of this Constitution.
ARTICLE VIII - CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENTS
This Constitution may be amended subject to the following conditions and procedures:
A. Article III shall not be altered or rescinded.
B. The proposed amendment does not conflict with Article III of this Constitution.
C. The proposed amendment must be submitted to the Superintendant in writing at least 90 days prior to a legally called meeting.
D. The Superintendant or his designee shall distribute the proposed amendment to all members at least 60 days prior to a legally called meeting.
E. The proposed amendment receives consensus or a 75% majority vote at the legally called meeting.
F. The proposed amendment adopted at the legally called meeting shall be distributed with a ballot by the Superintendant to the entire membership for ratification within 30 days after the meeting at which it was adopted. Members must return ballots so the Superintendant receives them within 60 days after distribution (if the members wish for them to be valid).
G. The adopted proposed amendment must receive 75% approval by the members to be ratified.
H. The ratified amendment shall become effective immediately.
ARTICLE IX - VOTING
Whenever possible the ACLC’s direction and course should be determined by Christian consensus (100% unanimity). When consensus cannot be reached, and voting is necessary, each congregation shall have one vote. Only ACLC congregations are voting members. Here “congregation” is understood as the laity with their pastor(s). The vote of a congregation may be cast by its lay delegate or pastor. In the event the pastor and lay delegate of a congregation do not agree on a matter, the congregation forfeits its vote on that matter. Lay delegates must be male members of the congregation (in accordance with the Word of God) at least 18 years of age.
ARTICLE X - DISSOLUTION
Should dissolution be determined necessary, any ACLC assets remaining after the payment of all outstanding debts shall be disposed of by transfer to one or more organizations, institutions, associations, foundations, etc. which serve one or more of the purposes of this organization as determined by its members in a legally called meeting.
BYLAWS
BYLAW I - MEETINGS
A. The ACLC shall meet at least one time per calendar year for its Annual Meeting at which the selection/election of officers shall be conducted. Other normal business may also be conducted at this meeting.
B. All meetings shall be conducted in the spirit of Christian love, seeking consensus/unanimity in all things in order to preserve the bond of like-mindedness and peace according to the unadulterated Word of God. The current edition of Robert’s Rules of Order, except where these are inconsistent with God’s Word or with this Constitution and Bylaws, shall provide guidance when consensus/unanimity cannot be achieved.
C. The Secretary shall announce all meetings.
D. Special meetings shall be called by order of the Superintendant when requested in writing by a simple majority of the member congregations.
E. At all meetings of the ACLC, those present shall constitute a quorum.
BYLAW II - OFFICERS
A. The officers of the ACLC shall be:
1. The Superintendant
2. The Assistant Superintendant
3. The Secretary
4. The Treasurer
B. The terms of office shall be for two years, beginning after the Annual Meeting. Additionally:
1. Officers shall have reached the legal age of 21 years.
2. No officer may hold more than one ACLC office concurrently.
3. No officer may serve in the same office more than two consecutive terms.
4. Two offices shall be filled each year: Superintendant and Secretary in odd-numbered years, Assistant Superintendant and Treasurer in even-numbered years.
C. The general duties/responsibilities of the officers shall include, but not be limited to, the following:
1. Facilitate the dissemination and exchange of information relevant to confessional and doctrinal issues of interest and concern, as well as those promoting the purposes of the ACLC.
2. Communicate with other groups and individuals which share the confessional basis, objectives, and purposes of the ACLC.
3. Determine the time and place of all meetings of the ACLC.
4. Prepare an application for membership which requires all members to comply with Article VI of the Constitution of the ACLC.
5. Any additional specific duties assigned by the ACLC from time to time.
D. The specific duties/responsibilities of the individual officers shall be as follows:
1. The Superintendant shall:
a. Be an ACLC pastor on the clergy roster serving an ACLC congregation.
b. Preside at or designate a qualified pastor to preside at each meeting of the ACLC or its officers.
c. Ensure, to the best of his ability, compliance with the Constitution and Bylaws of the ACLC in carrying out the will and purpose of the ACLC and its members.
d. Be responsible for the preparation, publishing, and dissemination of a tentative agenda before each meeting of the ACLC. This agenda is to be in the hands of the membership at least 30 days before the opening of the meeting.
e. Arrange for biennial ecclesiastical visitations in order to help pastors to remain faithful in their duties.
2. The Assistant-Superintendant shall:
a. Be an ACLC pastor on the clergy roster serving an ACLC congregation.
b. Act in the stead of the Superintendant in his absence, and assist the other officers as needed.
c. Work with the other officers in organizing the conferences and meetings of the ACLC, securing the location and the accommodations necessary and in the best interest of the ACLC and its members for attendance and participation.
d. Secure speakers and prepare the program for all conferences of the ACLC. All officers must approve all speakers and programs.
3. The Secretary shall:
a. Be a member (preferably lay) of an ACLC congregation.
b. Record and promptly distribute the ACLC minutes of each meeting to each congregation.
c. Keep a permanent record of all minutes, correspondence, and official actions; passing them on to his successor in a timely manner.
d. Notify all members of the date, time, and location of all ACLC meetings. Notice shall be made in writing (electronic dissemination permissible providing affirmative response of reception is made) at least 45 days prior to all meetings.
e. Maintain a current list of membership in the ACLC which shall be available to all members, and distribute and receive all applications for membership.
4. The Treasurer shall:
a. Be a lay member of an ACLC congregation.
b. Determine in consultation with the other officers the members’ costs (e.g., registration, facility costs) for all conferences/meetings, and disseminate the information to the members.
c. Collect all donations, registration fees, etc., and deposit them for disposition to pay all costs incurred by the ACLC for all conferences/meetings.
d. Prepare and present a detailed Treasurer’s Report at each ACLC Annual Meeting and other times as requested by the officers.
e. Assemble and maintain a list of acceptable costs that may be billed to the ACLC as approved by the officers and/or membership.
E. The officers shall meet (electronic communication is permissible and may be recommended) as often as necessary to fulfill their duties and responsibilities, keeping in mind stewardship obligations.
F. Vacancies
1. If the office of Superintendant becomes vacant, the Assistant-Superintendant shall assume the office of Superintendant for the remainder of the term.
2. The duties of all other vacant offices shall be assumed by the remaining officers until the next Annual Meeting.
BYLAW III - MEMBERSHIP
A. Application for Membership:
1. Individuals or congregations seeking membership shall submit to the Secretary a completed and signed application for membership.
2. The Secretary shall produce copies of each membership application to be delivered to the Membership Committee in a timely manner for their evaluation and recommendation.
B. Acceptance of members:
1. The Membership Committee shall review applications for membership and conduct whatever interviews or questioning they deem necessary to adequately determine the applicant’s confessional standard in teaching and practice.
2. The Membership Committee shall then submit with recommendation for action each application for membership to the ACLC at the next legally called Annual Meeting.
3. Membership applications shall be acted upon by the ACLC only at its Annual Meeting.
4. Membership in the ACLC shall become effective immediately upon approval by the ACLC, but new members cannot vote until the following meeting.
C. Continued Membership Eligibility:
1. Continued membership is contingent upon continued compliance with Article VI of the Constitution.
2. Requests for removal of membership status shall be approved only at the Annual Meeting.
3. Member pastors and congregations who refuse to comply with Article VI of this Constitution will be addressed patiently and with the utmost integrity at the Annual Meeting, following due process.
BYLAW IV – STANDING COMMITTEES
A. Committees may be established as authorized by the members of the ACLC only at the Annual Meeting.
B. There shall be a standing Membership Committee as follows:
1. The Membership Committee shall consist of four members of the ACLC: two laymen and two pastors serving ACLC congregations.
2. Members shall be selected at each Annual Meeting to serve a staggered two-year term.
3. Members may serve up to two consecutive terms, after which they will be ineligible to serve again on this committee for two years.
BYLAW V – AD HOC COMMITTEES
Ad hoc committees may be established by the officers if they deem it necessary from time to time.
A. The Superintendant and other members of a committee established by the officers shall be appointed by the ACLC officers unanimously.
B. Committees established by the officers shall not continue in existence beyond the next Annual Meeting unless otherwise directed by the ACLC.
BYLAW VI - VOTING
A. Unless otherwise provided in these Bylaws or the Constitution, an attempt shall be made to have all matters decided by consensus/unanimity. If, after extended efforts, consensus/unanimity is not achieved, the matter shall be decided by a 75 percent majority vote. Voting members present shall constitute a quorum.
B. Voting by proxy, or by written or electronic mail ballot is prohibited unless specifically directed by the Constitution, Bylaws, or the ACLC in its Annual Meeting.
C. In the case of any official ballot by mail, the officers shall appoint a Ballot Committee to tabulate, certify, and announce the result(s) of the balloting. The Ballot Committee shall consist of one member pastor and one member layman, preferably neither of which is an ACLC officer.
BYLAW VII - AMENDMENTS TO BYLAWS
A. All amendments to these Bylaws shall first be attempted by consensus/unanimity. If, after extended efforts, consensus/unanimity is not achieved, the matter shall be decided by a 75 percent majority vote.
1. The proposed amendment shall be submitted in writing to the Superintendant at least 90 days prior to the Annual Meeting.
2. The proposed amendment shall be distributed by the Secretary to all members at least 60 days prior to the Annual Meeting.
B. Amendments to these Bylaws shall take effect immediately upon passage unless otherwise stated in the amendment.
BYLAW VIII - CONCLUDING ADMONITION
Recognizing the corrupt nature of man, we hereby go on record that we reject and condemn any appeal to the authority of the ACLC in any and all matters, and direct ourselves and all members of the ACLC of all time to God’s Word, and God’s Word alone.
In these last days of sore distress
Grant us, dear Lord, true steadfastness
That pure we keep, till life is spent,
Thy holy Word and Sacrament.
(TLH #292:2)
Adopted unanimously at the ACLC Annual Meeting 1/27/09
Ratified unanimously by all ACLC congregations 4/27/09