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Constitution and Bylaws
Heartland District
of Lutheran Congregations in Mission for Christ




Preamble

As members of the priesthood of all believers, called by the Holy Spirit to confess the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ in its purity, we give thanks for God's continual faithfulness and, by adopting this constitution, form the Heartland District of Lutheran Congregations in Mission for Christ, uniting to carry out God's mission in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.


Article 1 - Name and Incorporation             Back to Top

1.01   The name of this corporation shall be Heartland District of Lutheran Congregations in Mission for Christ.  It shall herein be referred to as "Heartland" and the official abbreviation for Lutheran Congregations in Mission for Christ is LCMC.

1.02   Heartland is incorporated and its Articles of Incorporation are filed under the laws of the State of Nebraska.


Article 2 - Statement of Faith             Back to Top

2.01   We, the members of Heartland believe, teach and confess the Triune God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

2.02   We believe, teach and confess Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior and the Gospel as the power of God for the salvation of all who believe in Him.

a.   Jesus Christ is the Word of God incarnate, through whom everything was made and through whose life, death and resurrection God fashions a new creation.
b.   The proclamation of God's message to us as both Law and Gospel is the Word of God, revealing judgment and mercy in the person and work of Jesus Christ through whom God was pleased to reconcile all things to himself.
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 on 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.

2.04   We accept the Apostles', Nicene and Athanasian creeds as true declarations of the scriptural faith we believe, teach and confess.

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.

2.06   We believe, teach and confess 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.

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.


Article 3 - Ministry             Back to Top

3.01   The members of Heartland affirm the priesthood of all believers. Heartland 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 God calls some 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.

3.02   Heartland may establish ministry standards complementing, supplementing or enriching those lawfully adopted by LCMC, provided they do not conflict with those lawfully adopted by LCMC and provided such ministry standards are approved by Heartland's annual convention.  Heartland's ministry standards may be altered or amended from time to time with the ratification and approval of a majority of Heartland's member congregations.

3.03   A called minister of Word and Sacrament of a Heartland member congregation shall subscribe to the confession of faith and otherwise comply with the ministry standards established by Heartland and LCMC and shall be subject to discipline as set forth in the rules and regulations adopted by Heartland.

3.04   God's call of a particular man or woman to the office of ministry is confirmed by the call of a congregation.  Congregations shall issue the calls to public ministry.  A congregation also may call a chaplain, missionary or pastor employed in another type of special ministry.


Article 4 - Membership             Back to Top

4.01   Heartland is a district organization of LCMC.  Like LCMC, Heartland is an association of its member congregations.  Each congregation that subscribes in writing to this constitution in a manner determined by the Heartland District Council shall be a member of this association.

4.02   Except as otherwise agreed in writing between Heartland and one of its member congregations, each congregation retains its own property and assets and Heartland makes no claim to any congregational assets or property.

4.03   The District Council of Heartland shall adopt such rules and regulations governing the suspension of membership, as it deems necessary.  Such rules and regulations shall be approved by the convention of Heartland.  By action of its District Council, Heartland may suspend the membership of a congregation by a two-thirds majority vote of a quorum at a regularly called meeting of its District Council.  The District Council shall give 60 days written notice of its intent to seek suspension of membership of a member congregation. The council shall report the suspension of any member congregation to all its member congregations within 30 days of taking such action. The suspension of a member congregation by the council shall remain in force until the next convention of Heartland at which time a decision to terminate membership of a member congregation may be made by a two-thirds majority vote.


Article 5 - Governance             Back to Top

5.01   Heartland shall be organized through congregations, chapters, areas, its convention and a District Council elected at its convention and such other tools as its members choose to adopt.

5.02   The convention of Heartland shall meet annually as convened by the District Council or as otherwise provided in its bylaws.  The convention shall have only such authority as specifically granted in Heartland's constitution and bylaws.  Each member congregation shall be entitled to two delegates at all conventions where Heartland's business is being conducted.  Congregations with average worship attendance exceeding 750 shall be entitled to one additional delegate with additional delegates added every 250 increment in worship attendance.  Congregations shall select delegates and determine how such delegates must cast their votes pursuant to the internal procedures of such member congregations.

5.03   Subject to the limitations imposed by this constitution and Heartland's bylaws, the business and affairs of Heartland shall be managed by its District Council.

5.04   Other matters of governance, organization and order shall be addressed in the bylaws of Heartland.


Article 6 - Amendment of Constitution and Bylaws             Back to Top

6.01   Any member congregation of Heartland may propose, in writing, an amendment to this constitution.  The proposed amendment shall be referred, at least four months prior to the next convention, to the District Council for review, comment and recommendation, and shall immediately thereafter be submitted in writing to the delegates to the annual convention.  The amendment shall be presented for vote to the delegates to the convention.  The adoption of any amendment shall require a two-thirds majority vote of the delegates present at the convention, provided that such amendment shall not become effective unless it is ratified in accordance with Section 6.03 below.

6.02   The District Council may propose an amendment six months prior to the next regularly scheduled convention.  The adoption of such amendment shall require a two-thirds majority vote of the delegates present and voting at such convention but shall not become effective until ratified as provided in Section 6.03 below.

6.03   Any constitutional amendment must be ratified by two-thirds majority vote of the member congregations acting in and through properly called congregational meetings, with each congregation entitled to one vote.  Any proposed amendment not ratified within two years of the date of approval by the convention shall be deemed rejected.  The District Council is authorized to adopt rules and regulations governing the ratification process, provided, however, that such rules and regulations are not inconsistent with this constitution.  For the purposes of ratifying constitutional amendments, each congregation shall have one vote.  Voting procedures not inconsistent with this constitution may be further defined in Heartland's bylaws.

6.04   Bylaws not in conflict with this constitution may be adopted or amended by Heartland's convention provided however that all such bylaws are approved by a majority vote of the delegates present and voting at the convention and provided that a majority of Heartland's member congregations do not reject the adopted or amended bylaws.

6.05   Prior to the adjournment of Heartland's first annual convention in 2003, amendments to the constitution are exempted specifically from constitutional amendment provisions, which require congregational ratification.  This paragraph is designed to address transitional issues relating to the adoption of the constitution and to allow Heartland's member congregations to familiarize themselves with the terms of this constitution between the time of the constituting convention and the time of the first annual convention; and will be of no further force or effect following adjournment of the first annual Heartland convention.


Bylaws
Heartland District
of Lutheran Congregations in Mission for Christ


These bylaws are duly adopted and govern the affairs of Heartland District of Lutheran Congregations in Mission for Christ hereinafter referred to as "Heartland." Lutheran Congregations in Mission for Christ shall hereafter be referred to as LCMC.

Bylaw Section 1 - Membership             Back to Top

1.01   Heartland is a district comprised of LCMC congregations and, subject to the provisions of the constitution of Heartland and these bylaws, Heartland's voting members shall be member congregations.

1.02   A congregation is a community of baptized persons gathered around Word and Sacrament.  It serves as God's people in the world, nurturing its members and reaching out in witness and service to the world.  Each member congregation of Heartland shall adopt governing documents and govern itself in such a way as to involve its members in fulfilling the definition, purpose and functions of the congregation. Heartland does not direct, control or supervise the affairs of individual congregations except as provided specifically in the constitution.

1.03   Heartland shall recognize, receive and maintain a list of member congregations.  Member congregations shall, by their practice and their governing documents:

a.   Preach the Word and administer the sacraments in accord with the Augsburg Confessions;
b.   Uphold and subscribe to Heartland's constitution;
c.   Agree to call pastors who actively uphold and subscribe to the Heartland's constitution; and
d.   Support the life and work of Heartland by their practice, their governing documents and by written commitment to this association.

1.04   A congregation may terminate its membership in Heartland by:

a.   Following such internal congregational procedures as are required by that congregation and giving notice to Heartland that it no longer desires to be a member of Heartland;
b.   Ceasing to exist;
c.   Taking action to dissolve itself as a congregation.

1.05   Heartland, by action taken by the members of its District Council pursuant to bylaws adopted by its convention and ratified by the members as provided in section 7 of these bylaws, may terminate the membership of a congregation by a two-thirds majority vote of the members of the District Council present and voting by taking the following action:

a.   The District Council shall give at least 60 days written notice of its intent to seek termination of membership; and
b.   Such membership terminations shall be ratified by the next Heartland convention.

1.06   To provide for individual persons who do not belong to a member congregation but who nonetheless desire participation in Heartland's affairs, one quasi-congregation known as a chapter may exist.  The chapter may organize itself according to such internal procedures, as it deems desirable and may elect two delegates with voice and vote at Heartland's conventions as though the chapter was a congregation with 500 or less average weekly worship attendance.  Members of the chapter may be elected to Heartland's District Council and may serve on any Heartland task force or committee.  Heartland may revoke the membership of the chapter in the manner set forth in the constitution for termination of the membership of a Heartland congregational member.  For purposes of these bylaws, the chapter shall have all the rights and privileges of a Heartland member congregation.  No person who is a member of a Heartland member congregation may be a member of the chapter.


Bylaw Section 2 - Ministry             Back to Top

2.01   Member congregations of Heartland are authorized to call and ordain ministers pursuant to such standards as the Heartland convention may adopt from time to time.

2.02   All ordained ministers of Heartland shall subscribe to Heartland's statement of faith and such ministry standards as shall be established by Heartland.  Ordained ministers shall be subject to discipline as provided for in these bylaws or as otherwise provided for in a discipline plan adopted by the District Council.

2.03   Ministry standards, once adopted by Heartland may be amended only by Heartland's convention with such amendments being ratified by an affirmative vote of a majority of the Heartland member congregations. Any amendment to the Heartland ministry standards shall first be made in writing to the District Council for review and comment and shall thereafter be submitted to the Heartland annual convention for approval.  Following approval by the convention, any amendment to the ministry standards shall, within one year of the date of approval by the convention, be ratified by a majority of the Heartland member congregations.  Any amendment not so ratified shall not be effective. Heartland may establish ministry standards, which complement, supplement or enhance the ministry standards of LCMC, provided the ministry standards of Heartland are not in conflict with those of LCMC. The ministry standards of LCMC shall serve as the interim ministry standards of Heartland until such time as Heartland has adopted ministry standards of its own.

2.04   Called and ordained pastors of Heartland may belong to the clergy rosters of other associations or churches.


Bylaw Section 3 - Statement of Purpose and Objectives             Back to Top

3.01   The purpose of Heartland is to support our common mission to bear witness to the good news that sinners are put right with God by faith alone in Jesus Christ, to resist any corruption of this Gospel and to serve and support fellow congregations who seek to do likewise. Looking only to the cross of Christ, we proclaim God's work as law and gospel for the redemption of his people today.

3.02   To serve and support the Heartland member congregations in their mission to proclaim the gospel, Heartland will, among other things:

a.   Assist its member congregations in interviewing and calling pastors to the ministry of word and sacrament;
b.   Assist pastors in obtaining calls to ministry of Word and Sacrament;
c.   Assist seminary graduates in the call and ordination process in first call congregations;
d.   Endorse chaplains for specialized services, e.g., military, medical, social services or special ministries of Heartland member congregations;
e.   Plant new mission congregations and support missionary ministries;
f.   Assist individuals in obtaining the proper academic instruction to qualify to receive a call to a Heartland member congregation;
g.   Encourage and support confessional Lutheran seminarians by providing, among other things, mentors and guidance through the seminary process;
h.   Sponsor inspirational and educational gatherings, foster fellowship and worship opportunities for all of God's children;
i.   Strengthen Christ's body on earth by encouraging worship in Heartland member congregations, prayer for one another and study of the Holy Scriptures and the Lutheran Confessional writings;
j.   Sponsor youth events that train young people in the beliefs and teachings of our faith, providing guidance and leadership training necessary to raise up a new generation of theologically grounded Christian leaders;
k.   Support congregational confirmation and other faith building programs by providing members with sound theological resources and training; and
l.   Assist congregations in selecting candidates for the ministry of Word and Sacrament.

3.03   To serve and support member congregations in their mission to resist every corruption of the Gospel (Galatians 5:1), this association will, among other things:

a.   Provide an evangelical, confessional Lutheran church home for congregations who seek to have their proclamation, teaching and witness shaped by what God has promised us and spoken to us in his Law and Gospel;
b.   Uphold the statement of faith in word and deed by supporting and assisting member congregations when they are hindered from, or persecuted for, proclaiming the one true Gospel revealed in Jesus Christ;
c.   Support the ministries of those who serve God and neighbor in mission through our stewardship, our finances, intercessory prayers, teaching, worship and fellowship;
d.   Provide sound educational and worship resources for congregational use;
e.   Encourage congregations to support the confessions of the evangelical Lutheran church, and to resist every coercion of the conscience or subversion of the pure Gospel in the church;
f.   Sponsor conferences where confessional Lutheran theologians study and discuss issues challenging congregations, informing the association of their biblical, confessional and theological interpretation and witness;
g.   Support congregations that have been harmed by confessional crises in conflict.

3.04   In accordance with the intent of Heartland to look only to the cross of Christ, proclaiming God's Word as Law and Gospel for the redemption of his people today, Heartland shall support theological guidelines and declarations adopted by this association.


Bylaw Section 4 - Organization and Annual Convention             Back to Top

4.01   As an association of congregations, Heartland recognizes a need for checks and balances in its governance and operational procedures.

4.02   There shall be no specific quotas for service on Heartland's boards, commissions, task forces, committees or its District Council.

4.03   The annual convention of congregational and chapter delegates shall be Heartland's legislative authority and the powers of the convention are limited only by the provisions of Heartland's articles of incorporation, constitution, bylaws and the convention's own resolutions.  The convention shall meet annually in regular session but may meet as called by the District Council.  The time and place of the convention shall be determined by the District Council, which shall give at least 60 days written notice to member congregations of the date and place of each convention.  Each congregation shall be entitled to delegates and alternates to Heartland's convention as set out in paragraph 5.02 of the constitution.  The names of the delegates and any alternates selected by the congregations shall be provided to the District Council pursuant to such procedures as the District Council may adopt. Members of the District Council may also serve as delegates to the convention having voice and vote.

4.04   The annual convention shall have the authority to establish boards and commissions to assist in the management of Heartland's affairs.

4.05   The annual convention is authorized to adopt continuing resolutions, rules and regulations to assist in governing Heartland's affairs, provided such do not otherwise conflict with and are not prohibited by Heartland's constitution and/or bylaws.

4.06   The convention shall be convened by Heartland's council members and shall, in any event, occur no later than the first Saturday of December of each year.  The convention shall serve as Heartland's annual meeting and the agenda may include but is not limited to, election of the District Council or the filling of any vacancies on the District Council, approval of the annual budget, approval of ministry standards or changes to ministry standards and such other business as may occur from time to time.

4.07   Heartland's District Council shall convene a convention within 60 days of submission of a written petition signed by 25 percent of the then-existing member congregations requesting a convention.


Bylaw Section 5 - District Council             Back to Top

5.01   Subject to the limitations of the constitution and bylaws of this association, Heartland's business and affairs shall be managed by its District Council.

5.02   There shall be from seven to 12 members of the District Council and each council member shall hold office until the election of a successor council member.  Any person who is a member of a Heartland congregation, including its chapter, shall be eligible for election to the District Council.  Council members shall be elected by a majority of those delegates to the convention who are then present and voting.  The number of council members to be elected shall be determined by Heartland's convention upon the advice of the District Council.  Council members shall serve three-year terms.  Subject to the provisions of paragraph 5.07 of this set of bylaws, no council member shall serve more than two consecutive terms in office.

5.03   There shall be no voting by proxy or absentee ballot by members of the District Council.

5.04   Meetings of the District Council may be held from time to time at any place the District Council may designate within or without the state of Nebraska.  Either the chairperson or any three members of the District Council may call a board meeting by giving 10 days notice to all of the other council members of the date and time of the meeting.  The notice may be given by mail, telephone, electronic mail, facsimile transmission or in person.  A council member 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.

5.05   A majority of the council members currently holding office is a quorum for the transaction of any business.

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

5.07   Vacancies on the District Council resulting from the death, resignation or removal of a council member may be filled by the affirmative vote of a majority of the remaining council members, even though less than a quorum.  Each council member elected under this section to fill a vacancy shall hold office until a qualified successor is elected at the next Heartland convention.  Any council member elected under this section to fill a vacancy holds office until a qualified successor is elected to fill a vacancy of less than two years shall be entitled to election to two full, three-year terms as a member of Heartland's District Council.  In no event shall any person serve more than eight consecutive years as a member of Heartland's District Council.

5.08   The District Council may, by resolution, establish committees to conduct Heartland's affairs and business.

5.09   Except as otherwise provided by the constitution, the bylaws and continuing resolutions, if any, the parliamentary authority found in Robert's Rules of Order shall govern Heartland's meetings.

5.10   Nothing in these bylaws is intended to discourage electronic participation in Heartland's affairs, provided such electronic participation is consistent with good order and ballot integrity, voting and election procedures.


Bylaw Section 6 - Association Officers             Back to Top

6.01   Heartland shall have as its officers a chairperson of the District Council, a vice-chairperson of the District Council, a secretary, a treasurer and such other officers as the District Council shall, from time to time, create.  The District Council may remove any officer by a two-thirds majority vote with or without cause, with the exception of the treasurer, who may be removed only for cause in paragraph 6.05 of these bylaws.

6.02   All officers shall be elected by the board from among the board's members to serve a one-year term.  The chairperson of the District Council shall serve as president whenever a president is needed.

6.03   The vice chairperson shall preside over all meetings of the District Council where the chairperson is unable to preside and shall serve under the direction of the chairperson.

6.04   The secretary shall serve as Heartland's recording officer and shall keep the minutes, have responsibility for records, rosters, archives and other documents of the association, and such other duties as may be assigned to the secretary by the District Council.

6.05   The treasurer shall propose policy for review in action by the District Council of the financial, accounting, insurance, property management, investment, and money management systems of the association.  The treasurer may be dismissed by a two-thirds majority vote of the District Council and only for cause.

6.06   Should the chairperson of this association die, resign or be unable to serve, the vice chairperson shall be charged with the responsibilities of the president until the election of a new chairperson or until the chairperson is able to serve again.  Should the vice chairperson, secretary or treasurer die, resign or be unable to serve, the chairperson, with the approval of the District Council, shall arrange for the election of a new officer by the District Council to fulfill the responsibilities of the position.

6.07   Any candidate for the election to the District Council shall be entitled to the names and addresses of delegates and alternates to the convention for the purpose of communicating the candidate's vision and the candidate's desire to seek election to the District Council.


Bylaw Section 7 - Amendment of Bylaws             Back to Top

7.01   The bylaws of this association may be amended at any regular or special convention where the amendment to the bylaws has been presented in writing by the District Council or by at least 10 percent of the member congregations.  The District Council shall review and comment on proposed bylaw changes transmitted by member congregations pursuant to this paragraph but shall submit any proposed bylaw changes to the Heartland convention for action.  Any proposed bylaw or amendment to an existing bylaw shall first be approved by a majority of those delegates present and voting at the Heartland convention.  Thereafter, member congregations shall have one year from the date of enactment by the convention to reject the proposed bylaw or amendment to existing bylaw.  A majority of member congregations is required to reject a proposed bylaw or proposed amendment to an existing bylaw.  No amendments to Heartland's bylaws shall become effective until the time period for rejection by member congregations has passed.  Rejection by a majority of member congregations terminates all action on the proposed bylaw or amendment.


Bylaw Section 8 - Transition Provisions             Back to Top

8.01   Members of the District Council elected at the December 2002 Heartland convention shall serve staggered terms of office as determined by unanimous agreement of those elected or, failing, unanimous agreement, by random draw.  Any member of the District Council elected under this provision serving a two-year term or less shall be eligible to serve two consecutive, full, three-year terms on the District Council.

8.02   Prior to the adjournment of Heartland's first annual convention in 2003, amendments to the bylaws are specifically exempted from bylaw provisions, which would subject them to congregational negative ratification.  This paragraph is designed to address transitional issues relating to the adoption of the bylaws and to allow Heartland's member congregations to familiarize themselves with the terms of these bylaws between the time of the constituting convention and the time of the first annual convention; and will be of no further force or effect following adjournment of the first annual Heartland convention.


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