Synod Handbook 

The Synod in convention every three years continually strives to structure its walk and work together with a Constitution and Bylaws that will enable it to most effectively proclaim the unchanging Gospel in a constantly changing world. The 2007 LCMS Convention was no exception. Incorporated into the 2007 edition of the Handbook are a number of changes intended by the 2007 Convention to facilitate this purpose.

Congregation Constitution and Bylaws Guidelines

Congregations cannot become members of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod until their constitutions and bylaws have been approved by a constitution committee of a District of the Synod. Any constitution or bylaw amendments must also have that approval before becoming operative. The Commission on Constitutional Matters has prepared "GUIDELINES for the Constitutions and Bylaws of Lutheran Congregations." to help in this process.