1. NAME

The name of this Congregation shall be Christ Our Savior Lutheran Church of Coppell, Dallas County, Texas, hereinafter referred to as the Congregation.

2. MISSION

The Mission of the Congregation is to glorify God by proclaiming Jesus Christ crucified as the world’s only Savior through the power of the Holy Spirit. As Jesus is the vine and His people are the branches His people can do nothing apart from Him and He has called the members of this Congregation to join Him in reaching the lost and condemned world by making disciples and discipling the saved. This Mission shall be carried out through the preaching of the Word and the administration of the Sacraments, and the daily witness of His people to the crucified and risen Christ.

3. CONFESSIONAL STANDARD

This Congregation accepts the Scriptures of the Old and New Testament as the inspired and inerrant Word of God and the only rule and norm of faith and practice as expounded in the Book of Concord of 1580.

4. SYNODICAL MEMBERSHIP

The Congregation shall be a member of The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod.

5. CONGREGATIONAL MEMBERSHIP

5.1.Baptized Membership shall be held by all those who are baptized in the Name of the Triune God and who submit to the Congregations pastoral care.

5.2.Communicant Membership shall be held by those who: Are baptized in the Name of the Triune God; are confirmed in the Lutheran faith; do not live under the control of the works of the flesh, Galatians 5:19-21; seek by God’s power to lead a Christian life; and are not members of a secret society or of any organization conflicting with the Word of God and the conduct of a Christian, 2 Corinthians 6:14-18.

5.3.Membership shall be terminated by transfer to a sister Congregation, by death, by joining a Congregation outside the fellowship of this Congregation, by excommunication, by moving without leaving a forwarding address, or by self-exclusion.

6. CALLED STAFF

The status of “Called” can only be conferred on those persons who profess and adhere to the confessional standard set forth in Article 3 of this Constitution. All Called staff must be certified by the Synod.

7. GOVERNMENT

The Communicant Members through Congregational Meetings shall be the governing body of this Congregation.

8. DIVISION OF PROPERTY

8.1.If at any time a division should take place on account of doctrine, the property of the Congregation and all benefits connected therewith shall remain with those Communicant Members who continue to adhere in confession and practice to Article 3 of this Constitution. This shall be determined by the dispute resolution procedures of the Synod.

8.2.If division takes place for any other reason, the property shall remain with the majority of the Communicant Members.

8.3.In the event the Congregation should dissolve, the property and all rights connected therewith shall be transferred to the Texas District of The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod.

9. AMENDMENTS

9.1.Amendments to this Constitution shall be adopted at an official Congregational Meeting.

9.1.1.The proposed Amendment shall be submitted in writing to the Communicant Members of the Congregation at least two weeks before the meeting at which the proposed amendment shall be on the agenda for approval.

9.1.2.A 90% vote of those present and voting is necessary to amend this Constitution.

9.2.Proposals to amend Articles 3, 5, 7, and Section 9.1 shall require that previous notice of the amendment and discussion of the amendment shall be presented at an official Congregational Meeting. Notice of the fact that a vote shall be taken at the next Congregational Meeting shall be given to all Communicant Members. Any amendments to these Articles shall not destroy the essential meaning. Whether this has occurred shall be decided, if challenged, by the Dispute Resolution Committee of the Texas District of The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod.

9.3.All amendments shall have the approval of the Texas District LCMS Committee on Constitutions/Bylaws, according to the Bylaws of Synod.

1. CONGREGATIONAL MEETINGS

1.1.Regular Meetings

1.1.1.All Communicant Members of the Congregation shall be eligible to vote at Congregational Meetings. Items of business that involve legal contracts may be voted upon by those Communicant Members in attendance who are 18 years or older.

1.1.2.The Congregational Meeting shall be held in March for Elections and Budget approval and in September for Ministry plan approval.

1.1.3.The day and the hour of the meeting shall be set by the Board of Directors and publicized two weeks in advance. The notification shall contain the agenda. Items not published in the Agenda shall be added as “emergency items” by the unanimous vote of those Voters present at the meeting. The Congregational President, the Vice-president, or a designated Voting Member shall preside at all Congregational Meetings.

1.2.Special Meetings

1.2.1.The Congregation may meet at other times of the year if called by the Board of Directors, or by the request, made to the Congregational President, by five (5) Communicant Members of the Congregation. Notice of any special meetings shall be publicized at least two weeks in advance. The notice shall contain the agenda.

1.2.2.Unless otherwise specified in this Constitution and Bylaws, all items require a 2/3 vote.

1.3.A quorum constitutes 10% of the Communicant Members living within one-hour driving distance from the Congregation.

1.4.Business Requiring Congregational Meeting.

1.4.1.Calling a staff person for the Congregation or School.

1.4.2.Removing a Called staff person from the Congregation or School.

1.4.3.Electing Congregational Officers.

1.4.4.Approving the Annual Budget based on the fiscal year established by the Board of Directors.

1.4.5.Approving any building projects.

1.4.6.Acquiring or disposing any single asset or liability that exceeds 1% of the fiscal year operating budget.

1.4.7.Adding responsibilities to the Board of Directors, the Congregational Ministry Team, the Elder Ministry Team, and the School Ministry Team deemed necessary for fulfilling the Congregation’s mission.

1.4.8.Functions designated by The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod.

2. PARLIMENTARY AUTHORITY

The rules contained in the current edition of Robert’s Rules of Order, Newly Revised shall be considered and observed insofar as these may be applicable and consistent with Christian love and the Constitution and Bylaws of the Congregation

3. Elections of Congregational Leaders

3.1.In January of each year, The Elder Ministry Team shall publish an invitation for the members of the Congregation to make nominations for the offices to be elected. Persons nominated are to submit the approved Leadership Application by the February Elder Ministry Team Meeting or a time otherwise specified by the Elder Ministry Team.

3.2.Two weeks prior to the March Congregational Meeting, The Board of Elders shall publish the slate of candidates for President, Vice-President, Secretary, Elder Ministry Team, Congregational Ministry Team, and School Ministry Team. Members of the Elder Ministry Team can only be nominated from male members of the congregation.

3.3.Elections for the positions up for election will take place at the March Congregational Meeting in the following order: President, Vice-President, Secretary, Elder Ministry Team, Congregational Ministry Team, and School Ministry Team. From these three teams, two (2) members of each shall be elected to the Board of Directors.

3.4.Terms of service are two years for all elected leaders begin April 1 and end March 31. Elected leaders are eligible for reelection and may serve three (3) consecutive terms. There are no term limits for members of Elder Ministry Team.

3.5.In case of a vacancy in an elective office, the ministry team shall propose to the Board of Directors a Member of the Congregation to fulfill the term of office. The Board of Directors shall approve the person to fill the office until the next regular election. The Ministry Team whose representation has been reduced by the vacancy shall appoint a member to fulfill the remainder of the term on the Board of Directors. In case of a vacancy in the Office of President, Vice-President, or Secretary, the Board of Directors shall propose the name of a member of the congregation, who is not currently serving on one of the elected Ministry Teams, to fulfill the remainder of the term of office. If the President is unable to serve the Vice-President will assume the President’s duties until a new President is chosen. If the President and the Vice-President is unable to serve the Chairman of the Elder Ministry Team will assume the Presidents duties until a new President and Vice-President are chosen. If the Secretary is unable to serve the President will appoint an interim Secretary until a new Secretary is chosen.

4. The Board of Directors

4.1.The purpose of the Board of Directors shall be to serve as legal representative of the Congregation and to coordinate the Congregational Ministries in keeping with the five Biblical purposes of the Congregation: Worship, Evangelism, Discipleship, Fellowship, and Service.

4.2.Members of the Board of Directors

4.2.1.The Officers of the Board of Directors shall be:

4.2.1.1.President: The President shall preside at meetings of the Board of Directors and at Congregational Meetings. The President shall prepare a written agenda that shall be distributed the Sunday before a scheduled meeting. The President or his designated appointee shall serve as contract signatory for all legal contracts of the Congregation. The President shall see that a compiled yearly ministry plan is presented at the September Congregational Meeting. The President shall serve, at his discretion, on all ministry teams in ex-officio, without vote.

4.2.1.2.Vice-president: The Vice-president shall preside at meetings of the Board of Directors and at Congregational Meetings in the absence of the President.

4.2.1.3.Secretary: The Secretary shall record all proceedings of meetings of the Board of Directors and Congregational Meeting. The Secretary shall keep the official book of minutes and make copies for the Board of Directors. The Secretary shall write a summary of the minutes for distribution to the Congregation’s members. The Secretary shall keep a calendar of activities up-to-date and see that it is communicated to the congregation.

4.2.2.The Board of Directors shall include two (2) members from the Elder Ministry Team, two (2) members of the Congregational Ministry Team, and two (2) members of the School Ministry Team. Ministry Team Members of the Board of Directors shall serve for a one (1) year term.

4.2.3.Ex-officio members, without vote, of the Board of Directors shall be the Senior Pastor, Principal, and other Called administrative staff.

4.2.4.The Executive Team of the Board of Directors comprised of the President, the Vice-President, the Secretary, the Senior Pastor, and the Principal are to present yearly overall objectives and goals for the five Biblical purposes: Worship, Evangelism, Discipleship, Fellowship, and Service to the May Board of Directors Meeting to give direction to the development of the yearly ministry plans developed by the Ministry Teams and presented at the July Board of Directors Meeting.

4.3.Meetings

4.3.1.Any Congregational Member can attend meetings of the Board of Directors with the exception of Executive Sessions.

4.3.2.The Board of Directors will meet during the months of May, July, September, November, January, and March. The Chairman of each Ministry Team or his representative will meet with the President on the intervening months for the purposes of reviewing proposed agendas and coordinating ministry decisions. Special meetings may be scheduled if requested by three members of the Board of Directors.

4.4.General Ministry Responsibilities

4.4.1.Act as agent for the Congregation in all legal matters.

4.4.2.Receive all policies approved by the various ministry teams. These policies are reviewed for information and affirmation. Only if a policy conflicts with the mission and ministry of this Congregation shall the Board of Directors return the policy to the ministry team for reevaluation.

4.4.3.Appoint the Treasurer from the members of the Congregation. The person shall have the accounting skills necessary to fulfill this office. The Treasurer shall serve at the discretion of the Board of Directors.

4.4.4.Oversee the yearly audit of the financial records of the Congregation by an internal audit team, or by an external auditor. The results of the audit shall be published for the congregation.

4.4.5.Review regularly financial information to assure fiscal viability.

5. Ministry Teams

5.1.Elder Ministry Team

5.1.1.The Purpose of the Elder Ministry Team shall be to provide for the spiritual care of every member of the Congregation. The Elder Ministry Team shall design a yearly Ministry Plan that emphasizes spiritual growth through Worship and Discipleship that includes specific plans to fulfill the objectives and goals presented by the Executive Team of the Board of Directors. The yearly ministry plan is to be submitted at the July meeting of the Board of Directors.

5.1.2.An Elder is one who seeks the Lord, lives and models the life of purity and faithfulness described in Titus 1:6-9.

5.1.3.The Elder Ministry Team consisting of at least five (5) members shall be elected for a two-year term.

5.1.4.The Senior Pastor shall serve as an ex-officio member, without vote, of the Elder Ministry Team

5.1.5.General Ministry Responsibilities

5.1.5.1.Provide prayer leadership for the Congregation.

5.1.5.2.Provide scriptural and spiritual direction in the decision making process of the Congregation.

5.1.5.3.Oversee the doctrinal teaching, the Christian lifestyle, and provide for the spiritual and physical care of the Called and contracted staff of the Congregation.

5.1.5.4.To exercise loving Biblical church discipline in those cases where members of the congregation violate article 5.2 of the Constitution. If the discipline does not result in repentance and reconciliation, the Elder Ministry Team makes a recommendation to the Congregation for excommunication.

5.1.5.5.Pray for the Congregational staff and their families.

5.1.5.6.Appoint, train, and supervise members of the congregation to assist with the spiritual care of every member of the Congregation.

5.1.5.7.Develop policies in the areas of Worship and Discipleship to guide the Congregational ministry.

5.2.Congregational Ministry Team

5.2.1.The purpose of the Congregational Ministry Team shall be to develop a yearly Ministry Plan that emphasizes spiritual growth through Evangelism, Fellowship and Service. The Congregational Ministry Team provides administrative direction, policy direction, and oversight of the operation of the Congregation.

5.2.2.The Congregational Ministry Team consisting of at least six (6) members shall be elected for a two-year term with a three consecutive term limit to service.

5.2.3.The Senior Pastor, the Treasurer, and Called administrative staff shall serve as ex-officio members, without vote, of the Congregational Ministry Team.

5.2.4.General Ministry Responsibilities

5.2.4.1.The Congregational Ministry Team shall design a yearly Ministry Plan that emphasizes spiritual and numeric growth through Evangelism, Fellowship, and Service that includes specific plans to fulfill the objectives and goals presented by the Executive Team of the Board of Directors. The yearly ministry plan is to be submitted at the July meeting of the Board of Directors.

5.2.4.1.1.

5.2.4.2.Congregational Ministry Budget Development

5.2.4.2.1.Compile the input of all Ministry, develop and recommend to the Budget Ministry Team the annual budget.

5.2.4.2.2.Develop and support an annual Time, Talent, and Treasure Stewardship training in Biblical Stewardship principles.

5.2.4.3.Appoint task forces necessary to accomplish ministry plans.

5.2.4.4.Develop policies in the areas of Evangelism, Fellowship, and Service to guide the Congregational ministry.

5.3.School Ministry Team

5.3.1.The purpose of the School Ministry Team shall be to see that the Lutheran Day School emphasizes the spiritual growth of the students and their families in Worship, Evangelism, Discipleship, Fellowship, and Service. The School Ministry Team provides policy direction, and oversight of the operation of the Lutheran Day School.

5.3.2.At least Six (6) Communicant Members of this Congregation shall be elected for a two-year term with a three (3) consecutive term limit to serve as the School Ministry Team.

5.3.3.General Ministry Responsibilities

5.3.3.1.Pray for the School ministry, the Principal, and the Staff daily.

5.3.3.2.The School Ministry Team shall design a yearly Ministry Plan that emphasizes spiritual and numeric growth through Worship, Discipleship, Evangelism, Fellowship, and Service within the School that includes specific plans to fulfill the objectives and goals presented by the Executive Team of the Board of Directors. The yearly ministry plan is to be submitted at the July meeting of the Board of Directors.

5.3.3.3.School Ministry Budget development.

5.3.3.3.1.Adopt an annual budget under the guidance and recommendation of the Principal.

5.3.3.3.2.Review regularly financial information to assure fiscal viability.

5.3.3.3.3.Provide the annual budget to the Budget Ministry Team for coordination of financial resources under Biblical Stewardship principles.

5.3.3.3.4.Publicize and distribute these documents to the Congregation two weeks before the March Congregational Meeting.

5.3.3.4.Keep the School ministry focused on the purpose of making disciples.

5.3.3.5.Encourage members of the Congregation to enroll their children in the School.

5.3.3.6.Develop all policies to guide the School ministry.

5.4.Budget Ministry Team

5.4.1.Purpose: To insure that God’s gifts for ministry are being allocated for the total ministry of the Congregation.

5.4.2.The Budget Ministry Team shall be comprised of the President, the Vice-President, and the ministry team members listed in 14.4.3.

5.4.3.One (1) member of the Elder Ministry Team, two (2) members of the Congregational Ministry Team and two (2) members of the School Ministry Team shall be appointed at the April meeting’s of these three Ministry Teams.

5.4.4.The Budget Ministry Team shall be responsible for the coordination of the Congregation’s Budget recommended by the Congregational Ministry Team and the School’s Budget recommended by the School Ministry Team for presentation to the March Congregational Meeting. The Principal, and Senior Pastor shall be ex-officio members, without vote, of the Budget Ministry Team.

5.4.5.To ensure fair and consistent treatment of all employees, the Budget Ministry Team shall serve as a personnel team for the purposes of recommending salaries and benefits.

6. AMENDMENTS TO BYLAWS

The agenda for the Congregational Meeting at which Bylaw amendments are to be considered shall include in the order of business the proposed amendment(s). A 90% vote of those present and voting shall be necessary to amend these Bylaws. All amendments shall have the approval of the Texas District LCMS Committee on Constitution/Bylaws, according to the Bylaws of Synod. (See 10.2.2)