Special Congregational Discussion: Our Constitution
Did you know that the highest institutional authority in our congregation is – not the pastor, not the Congregation Council – but the congregation itself, gathered for semi-annual meetings? This means that the annual meeting has authority above the Congregation Council. This is also reflected in the other two expres- sions of our church – the highest authority in our life together as the NJ Synod is our annual synod assembly, and in the national expression of our church – the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America – it’s the churchwide assembly that now meets every 3 years.
The order and method prescribed for these meetings (and everything else that requires wisdom & order in our life together) can be found in our congregation’s constitution. In short, based on collective wisdom, history and experience, constitutions help to encourage order and curb sin in all three expressions of the church – congregation, synod and churchwide. The adult forum has begun a series about the purpose and history of constitutions, beginning with an introduction on 11/16.
Please join us over the next several weeks to learn more about the constitution and it’s purpose. Copies of the constitution are available, with all of the changes marked.
11/23, 11/30, 12/7, 12/14: Special Congregational Discussion: “Our Constitution”
Wayne Becker will lead the conversation through the constitution, pointing out all of the changes and inviting discussion. Suggestions and recommendations from participants will be noted.