LCMC is an association of congregations. We have a great respect for the reality that the church is where the people of God are gathered together around Word and Sacrament. The local congregation is where the church becomes a concrete reality for God's people.

   At the same time we are joyously aware that each congregation is a part of the greater body of Christ. The actions of each congregation within our association reflect on our association as a whole. And the actions of our association reflects on the whole body of Christ. For this reason we have committed ourselves to a common set of ministry standards.

   Congregations have significant latitude in ordering and shaping ministry in their local setting, and we intentionally have made joining and leaving the association simple. We have also agreed to a disciplinary process for addressing congregations whose actions violate our agreed-upon statements of faith and practice.