LCMC Continuing Resolutions

Our Organizational Principles

Adopted 10/26/2001, First Annual Convention, St. Louis Park, Minnesota

Life Together vs. Guerilla Warfare - Our most important battle will be for the viability of our "life together" as a faith community (treating one another as brothers and sisters in Christ), and against the temptation to turn in upon ourselves, splitting into factions that use "guerilla warfare" tactics to "bite and devour one another" (Galatians 5:15).

Confessional Faithfulness vs. Political Expediency - Faithfulness to our witness is more important than political expediency. We ought to "fly our confessional colors" openly and proudly without regard to considerations of what will be to our political advantage or what will make us popular. "I charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus . preach the word, be urgent in season and out of season . be steady, endure suffering . fulfill your ministry" (2 Timothy 4:5).

Transparency vs. Secrecy - The transparency of open discussion and open operation is vital to our life together as an association. Secrecy (e.g., "private" strategy sessions, closed list serves, fear of open discussion, "informal" decision making groups-within-groups) should be unacceptable to us. "For every one who does evil hates the light . but he who does what is true comes to the light ." (John 3:20-21).

Serving in Freedom vs. Obligated Servitude - Our individual and especially our corporate relationships ought to be free of any hint of paternalism, coercion, or legalism. We are set free to serve each other in Christ. We are under no one's dominion. "Owe no one anything, except to love one another" (Romans 13:8, Cf. Matthew 22:37-40).

Continuing Resolution

This continuing resolution is made and entered into by the national convention of Lutheran Congregations in Mission for Christ (LCMC).

RECITALS:

1. LCMC is a national association of Lutheran congregations the affairs of which are governed by the constitution, by-laws and continuing resolutions of this association;
2. The by-laws of this association specifically permit, and encourage, congregations to "join together in districts" for the purpose of promoting and accomplishing "the objectives of this association," as provided in sections 5.03 and 5.04 of these by-laws;
3. The national convention of LCMC is the "legislative authority of LCMC," as provided in section 6.01 of the by-laws of this association, and in that capacity adopts this resolution to provide a legislative framework for the relationship between districts and LCMC.

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED:

1. Statement of purpose and limitation. The national convention of LCMC acknowledges that under the by-laws and constitution of this association, member congregations are free to join other associations, districts and organizations that will support the Great Commission and that will otherwise fulfill the goals of this association, and nothing in this resolution is intended to restrict the ability of congregations, in the sole discretion of congregations, to join organizations which fulfill these criteria. Nothing in this resolution is intended to restrict the ability of the Board of Trustees to properly manage the affairs of the association, as provided by the Constitution and By-Laws of the Association.
2. Written consent. Districts which desire to affiliate with this association shall do so in writing, in a form to be approved by the board of trustees, and shall agree to be bound by the constitution, by-laws and continuing resolutions of this association.
3. Obligations of the Board of Trustees. The board of trustees of LCMC shall keep districts informed of developments that may affect districts including but not limited to the prompt posting to the LCMC website in any changes in membership or to the various pastoral lists maintained by this association. The board of trustees shall provide to district leadership, as designated by the affliated district, copies of communications to member congregations of the association.
4. Obligations of LCMC districts. LCMC districts shall cooperate with each other, as well as with the Board of Trustees and employees of this association, in fulfilling the goals and objectives of this association. LCMC districts shall provide to the LCMC Board of Trustees or its designee, and shall keep current, lists of member congregations and pastors serving those congregations. Ministry committees of LCMC districts are expected to fully, completely and thoroughly cooperate with each other, and with the national ministry board, in the exchange of information and in any candidacy or colloquy process with respect to pastors seeking a call to any member congregation of this association. Cooperation with respect to ministry matters includes but is not limited to notification to all other LCMC districts of pastors who seek approval of, or certification from, a district ministry committee. This requirement for cooperation and exchange of information is subject to reasonable confidentiality requirements unique to the call process and subject to other requirements as may be imposed by law.

Adopted by the national convention of Lutheran Congregations in Mission for Christ this 3rd day of October, 2006.

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