Baptized for This Moment

~Lutheran for This Moment~ Official Proceedings of the 58th Regular Convention of The North Dakota District of The Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod Convened at the Alerus Center in Grand Forks, North Dakota January 18 – 21, 2015 SDG

TABLE OF CONTENTS Preface

3

District Officers 2012 – 2014 Triennium

4

Voting Delegates

5

Floor Committees

6

Convention Schedule

7

Convention Minutes

11

Slate of Nominees and Election Results

28

Elected Officers 2015 – 2017 Triennium

31

Convention Rules

32

District President Address

33

Resolutions Committee #1 – Witness

42

Resolutions Committee #2 – Mercy

59

Resolutions Committee #3 – Life Together

63

Appendix A – District Finance Overview

76

Appendix B – District Outcomes Comparison Chart

78

Appendix C – Color-coded Bylaws

80

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PREFACE “Baptized for This Moment – Lutheran for This Moment” was the theme for the 58th Regular Convention of the North Dakota District of the Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod, which was convened at the Alerus Center in Grand Forks, North Dakota. The January 18-21, 2015 convention was attended by a total of 90 voting delegates, 18 advisory delegates and approximately 50 guests and visitors. “Lutheran for This Moment” was the emphasis of the worship life, Bible studies, presentations and essays of the convention. The convention was a very positive experience where delegates elected 18 officers, deliberated and made prayerful decisions on 20 Resolutions regarding matters and issues that will guide the North Dakota District over the next three years as we endeavor to be confessionally and faithfully Lutheran for This Moment. Those decisions are now reported in these Convention Proceedings in their final form, with all amendments and other changes in place. The following key will be helpful: • Abbreviations. An “A” attached to a resolution number indicates that significant changes were made by the floor committee to the resolution that was published in the preconvention issue of Today’s Business. Other abbreviations include CW = Convention Workbook, MTB = Monday Today’s Business. • The first line under the resolution number indicates the origin of the subject or issue that is being addressed by the resolution such as a report, overture from the Convention Workbook, or in some cases the resolution was prepared by the floor committee. • The final decision of the convention is provided following each resolution. • Comments in parentheses below each resolution provide information from the minutes regarding changes made or attempted during convention discussion, with the final vote at the end of the paragraph. Though the convention conducted the business of the North Dakota District, the overall importance of the time spent together, was that of being “Lutheran for This Moment – Baptized for This Moment” In his opening address, President Baneck put it best for this convention and the upcoming triennium: Fellow Lutherans, Fellow Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod brothers and sisters in Christ, Fellow North Dakota District Baptized Children in Jesus Christ – YOU AND I ARE BAPTIZED LUTHERANS FOR THIS MOMENT! We are Christological, Scriptural, Sacramental, Confessional, Holimetical, Liturgical, Synodical, and Missional Lutherans for this Moment! Amen. Sub Cruce, Rev. Joshua D. Reimche, District Secretary ! 3

INCUMBENT DISTRICT OFFICERS 2012 – 2014 Triennium PRESIDIUM District President – Rev. Dr. James Baneck 1st Vice-President – Rev. Arie Bertsch 2nd Vice-President – Rev. Clark Jahnke BOARD OF DIRECTORS Rev. Tom Marcis, Chairman Mr. Robert Drees, Vice-Chairman Rev. Joshua Reimche, District Secretary (April 2014 to present) Rev. Allen Eppen, District Secretary (January 2012 to April 2014) Mr. Leon Bladow, District Treasurer Mr. Robert Bauer Mr. Merlyn Mindeman Rev. Toby Heller Mr. Michael Janke Mr. John Riley Mrs. Tina Davidson, appointed Mr. Jason Paradis, appointed NOMINATING COMMITTEE Mr. Jerome Ziegler, Chairman Mr. Jerry Goter, Secretary Rev. Mark Buchhop Rev. Bernard Worral Mr. Paul Huber Mr. Myrlin Hall Rev. Joshua Reimche, Advisory Member

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NORTH DAKOTA DISTRICT CONVENTION VOTING DELEGATES CENTRAL CIRCUIT • • • • • • •

•

Ellendale, Zion – James Tiegs, Rev. Paul Preus Oakes, St. John – Marty Visto Jamestown, Concordia – Sue Corwin, Rev. Tom Eckstein Wimbledon, St. Paul; Kensal, St. Paul; Pettibone, Our Savior; Woodworth, Redeemer – Michael Schlecht, Rev. Robert Hill

•

EASTERN CIRCUIT • • • • • • •

Binford, Grace; Cooperstown, Grace – Joanne White, Rev. Charles Johnson Fargo, Crosspointe – Lillian Mulder, Rev. Michael Giddings Fargo, Beautiful Savior – David Anderson, Rev. Chris Waldvogel Fargo, Grace – Joe Calvert, Rev. Dave Suelzle Fargo, Immanuel – Aaron Simmons, Rev. Steve Schulz Hillsboro, St. John; Hope, Trinity – Randy Rust, Rev. Jacob Swenson West Fargo, St. Andrew – Tony Borslien, Rev. Clark Jahnke

NORTHEAST CIRCUIT • • • • • • • •

NORTHWEST CIRCUIT

Adrian, Trinity; LaMoure, Trinity; Lehr, Grace – LeRoy Sledschlag, Rev. Tom Puffe Carrington, Grace; New Rockford, Emmanuel – Jerry Goter, Rev. Richard Biberdorf Edgeley, Zion; Forbes, Bethlehem – No Lay Delegate, Rev. Alan Eppen

Cavalier, Our Savior; St. Thomas, St. Paul – Clarence Boettger, Rev. Mark Chepulis Devil’s Lake, St. Peter; Lakota, Grace – Kent Hejlik, Rev Tim Stout Drayton, Trinity, Grafton, Zion English, Crystal, St. John – Bill Link, Rev. Bernie Seter Grand Forks, Immanuel – Mike Kriewell, Rev. Jonathan Buescher Grand Forks, Redeemer – William Puffe, No Pastoral Delegate Langdon, Munich – No lay delegate Niagara, St. Andrew – Paul Edman, Rev. Denny Neels Rock Lake, All Nations; Rolla Immanuel – Steven Rodenbiker, Rev. Scott Ramey

• •

• • • • • •

Anamoose, St. Martin – Andrew Bromley, Rev. Larry Marschner Bottineau, Our Savior, Willow City, Immanuel – John Riley, and Rev. Josh Reimche Garrison, Peace; Max, St Matthew – Donald Hauf, Rev. Brandon Woodruff Kongsberg, St. John – Scott Marschner, Rev. Paul Nelson Kramer, Zion; Towner, Faith, Upham, Bethlehem – Ronald Gust, Rev. Daryl Rothchild Minot, Our Savior – David Niess, Rev. Paul Krueger Minot, St. Mark’s – David Lindee, Rev. Carlyle Roth Minot, St. Paul; Sawyer, St. Peter, Lynch, St. Paul – Raymond Schwartz, Rev. Arie Bertsch Rugby, St. Paul – Ron Montonye Tolley, Trinity – Harvey Popinga

SOUTHEAST CIRCUIT • • • • • • • •

Barney, Peace; Great Bend, Trinity – Myron Holthusen, Rev. Sean Daenzer Belford, St. John; Immanuel, Hankinson – Matt Muehler, Rev. Adam Moline Claire City, Zion; Lidgerwood, Immanuel – Andrew Trittin, Rev. Douglas Wanderer Fairmount, First English – Dean Rydell, Rev. Anthony Ahrendt Gwinner, Zion – Jim Asche, Rev. Dr. Matt Richard Lidgerwood, Holy Cross – No lay delegate Lisbon, Redeemer – Charles Rothenberger, No Pastoral Delegate Wahpeton, Immanuel – Allen Larson, No Pastoral Delegate

SOUTHWEST CIRCUIT • • • • • • • • • •

•

Beach, St. Paul; Belfield, St. Peter –Tina Davidson, Rev. Scott Hojnacki Beulah, Concordia; Glen Ullin, Zion – No lay delegate, Rev. Toby Heller Bismarck, Bethel – Bob Luebke, Rev. Tim Jenks Bismarck, Holy Cross – Karen Boulden, Rev. Matt Thompson Bismarck, Shepherd of the Valley – Melvin Sutheimer, Rev. Les Wolfgram Bismarck, Zion; Napoleon, St. Matthew – Brian Rosin, Rev. Thomas R. Marcis Jr. Dickinson, Redeemer – Paula Martin, Rev. Michael Wolters Hannover, St. Peter; New Salem, Zion – Bruce Wilkens, Rev. Russ Fitch Hazen, Trinity; McClusky, St. John; Underwood, St. John – Craig Pankow, Rev. Bill Traphagan Hazen, St. Matthew – Bruce Schramm, Rev. Kirk Peters Mandan, Messiah – Pat Bierman, Rev. Mark Drews

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CONVENTION FLOOR COMMITTEES Floor Chairman/ Vice Lay Delegates Committees Chairman Central Circuit Dr. Pat Bierman Visitor (Mandan) Rev. Rich Biberdorf Marty Visto #1 (Carrington) (Oakes) Witness 1st Vice President Rev. Arie Bertsch (Minot)

#2 Mercy

East Circuit Visitor Rev. David Wagner (Fargo)

Clyde Knell (Rural Hazen) Andrew Trittin (Rural Lidgerwood)

NW Circuit Visitor Rev. Carlyle Roth (Minot

Ordained Delegates Rev. Mike Giddings (Fargo) Rev. Matt Thompson (Bismarck)

Advisory Delegates Board of Directors Mr. Leon Bladow (Hankinson) Mr. Robert Drees (Grand Forks)

Rev. Paul Krueger Board of (Minot) Directors Rev. Toby Heller Rev. Adam (Beulah) Moline (Hankinson) Mr. Merlyn Mindeman (Barney)

SE Circuit Visitor Lay Delegates Rev. Douglas withdrew Wanderer (Rural Lidgerwood) Bauer and Janke are laymen #3 nd 2 Vice President Life Together Rev. Clark Jahnke (West Fargo)

Rev. Les Wolfgram (Bismarck)

SW Circuit Tony Borshlein Visitor (West Fargo) Rev. Mike #4 Wolters James Tiegs Registration (Dickinson) (Ellendale) and Elections NE Circuit Visitor Rev. Scott Ramey (Rolla)

Rev. Chris Waldvogel (Fargo)

Board of Directors Mr. Robert Bauer (Dickinson)

Rev. Russell Fitch (Hannover) Mr. Mike Janke (LaMoure)

Board of Directors Mrs. Tina Davidson (Beach) Mr. John Riley (Willow City)

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CONVENTION SCHEDULE Convention Agenda District Convention at the Alerus Center Grand Forks, North Dakota

North Dakota District LCMS Baptized for this Moment (Lutheran for this Moment)

Floor Committees Committee #1 – Witness (Biberdorf, Bertsch) Committee #2 – Mercy (Wagner, Roth) Committee #3 – Life Together (Wanderer, Jahnke) Committee #4 – Registration and Credentials (Wolters, Ramey) Sunday, January 18, 2015 5:00-7:00pm

Registration

Floor Committee #4 Wolters

7:00-8:00pm

Open Hearings

Floor Committees #1-3 Biberdorf, Wagner, Wanderer

8:00-8:20pm

Close of the Day Baptized Lutherans for this Moment I Peter 1:3-4 LSB #886

Wolfgram

Monday, January 19, 2015 6:00am

Venders/Display Tables Set Up

8:00-8:30

Registration

8:00-8:45

Group Breakfast

9:00-9:45

Opening Matins Service Baptized for this Moment Acts 2:38-39 LSB #566, 656

Harrison/Chepulis

9:45-9:50

Convention Opens

Baneck

9:50-10:00

Registration and Credentials Report Call to Order

Floor Committee #4 Wolters/Baneck

10:00-10:15

Adopt Agenda & Convention Rules Recognition of New Members of Synod

Baneck Harrison/Baneck

10:15-10:40

District President’s Report

Baneck

Floor Committee #4 Wolters

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10:40-11:00

Break

11:00-11:10

Update on Campus Ministry UND/NDSU (UND is a District-funded ministry) Introduction of Essayist

Buchhop/Schulz

11:15-12:00pm

Essay: Lutheran For this Moment The Battle for the Gospel

Preus

12:00-1:15

Group Meal

1:15-1:25

Development Report

Bean

1:25-2:10

Word: Baptized into a Living Hope I Peter 1:1-25

Worral

2:10-2:25

Adoption of Slate and Balloting for District President (Prayer)

Floor Committee #4 Wolters

2:25-3:25

Synod President’s Report

Harrison

3:25-3:45

Break

3:45-4:00

Adoption of Slate and Balloting for District Vice Presidents and Ratification of Circuit Visitors (Prayer)

Floor Committee #4 Wolters

4:00-4:10

Proposed Resolutions (Life Together-Outcomes)

Floor Committee #3 Wanderer

4:10-4:40

Proposed Resolutions (Witness)

Floor Committee #1 Biberdorf

4:40-5:00

Responsive Prayer Being a Lutheran in Time of Persecution John 15:18-27 LSB #659

Daenzer/Chepulis

5:00-5:30

Recess

5:30-6:00

Social/Cash Bar

6:00

Evening Meal Celebrating Shepherd’s Hill at the Crossroads Convention Offering

11:10-11:15

Baneck

SHCR

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Tuesday, January 20, 2015 7:00-7:45am

Group Breakfast

8:00-8:25

Morning Prayer Shaping and Forming our Children in the Lutheran Faith Psalm 78:1-7 LSB #856

Bergelin/Chepulis

8:25-8:30

Minutes

Reimche

8:30-8:40

Report on The Life Skills and Transition Center Grafton, ND (A District-funded ministry)

Allensworth/Seter

8:40-9:25

Essay: Lutheran for this Moment No Other Gospel

Preus

9:25-9:40

LCEF Report

Robertson

9:40-9:50

Board of Directors Report

Marcis/Bladow

9:50-10:05

Proposed Resolutions (Mercy)

Floor Committee #2 Wagner

10:05-10:25

Synod President Q & A

Harrison

10:25-10:45

Break

10:45-11:30

Word: Baptized into Holiness I Peter 2:1-12

Moline

11:30-11:50

Celebrating our Lutheran Schools

Jones/Syverson

11:50-1:00pm

Group Meal

1:00-1:45

Word: Baptized into Vocation I Peter 2:11-3:7

Reimche

1:45-2:15

Adoption of Slate and Balloting for Remaining Offices

Floor Committee #4 Wolters

2:15-3:00

Essay: Lutheran for this Moment Grace Alone

Preus

3:00-3:20

Break

3:20-3:55

Proposed Resolutions (Life Together)

Floor Committee #3 Wanderer

3:55-4:40

Word: Baptize into Christ’s Suffering I Peter 3:8-4:19

Peters

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4:40-5:00

Vespers Being Lutheran at a time for Mercy James 3:14-26 LSB #847

Eckstein/Chepulis

5:00-5:30

Recess

5:30-6:00

Social/Cash Bar

6:00pm

Banquet Celebrating LWML, LLL, District Recognitions

LWML, LLL, Sharpe, Baneck

8:00pm

Evening Session as needed

Baneck

Wednesday, January 21, 2015 7:00-7:45am

Group Breakfast

8:00-8:25

Service of Prayer and Preaching Being Lutheran in the Lutheran Congregation Galatians 6:1-10 LSB #646

Baneck/Chepulis

8:25-8:35

Minutes

Reimche

8:35-9:20

Essay: Lutheran for this Moment Being Lutheran

Preus

9:20-9:40

Break

9:40-10:25

Word: Baptized into Pastor Care I Peter 5:1-14

Schulz

10:25-11:00

Proposed Resolutions (Life Together)

Floor Committee #3 Wanderer

11:00-11:10

Omnibus Resolutions A & B

Floor Committee #3 Wanderer

11:10-11:25

Unfinished Business & Remaining Balloting as needed

Floor Committees

11:25-11:30

Final Registration and Credentials Report

Floor Committee #4 Wolters

11:30-12:00pm

Installation of Elected Officers & Closing of Convention

District President Harrison

12:00pm

Closing of Convention/ Adjournment

District President

Lunch – On your own

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North Dakota LC-MS, District Convention Minutes – Session I Monday, January 19, 2015 Opening Worship Convention activities were opened with Rev. Mark Chepulis serving as liturgist for the Matins service. Rev. Dr. Matthew Harrison, President of of The Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod, proclaimed the Word of Baptized for This Moment on the basis of Acts 2:38-39. Convention Opening Rev. Dr. James Baneck, District President officially called to order the 58th Regular Convention of the North Dakota District of The Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod at 9:15 am. Registration and Credentials Committee Rev. Michael Wolters, Chairman of the Registration, Credentials and Election Committee reported that 42 pastors, and 45 laymen, have registered for a total of 87 registered voting delegates, out of a potential 99 voting delegates within the district. It was moved seconded, and carried to adopt the Registration and Credentials Committee Report. Agenda and Convention Rules The Chair introduced Rev. Dr. Ray Hartwig, Secretary of the Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod who will serve as the convention parliamentarian. The Chair also reviewed convention rules as amended by striking line 34, on page 10, of the Convention Workbook which read: “This includes emails, texts, Facebook, Twitter, etc.”. It was moved seconded, and carried to adopt the convention rules as amended. The convention agenda was reviewed by the Chair. It was moved seconded, and carried to adopt the agenda as presented. Recognition of New Members to Synod Seven new members have been admitted to The Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod through the North Dakota District LC-MS. The Chair introduced each pastor to the assembly and Rev. Dr. Matthew Harrison welcomed new members to the synod. Each new member signed the constitution of The Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod. New members include: 1. Rev. Richard Jones – Dakota Boys and Girls Ranch, Minot 2. Rev. Sean Daenzer – Trinity, Great Bend and Peace, Barney 3. Rev. William Traphagan – St. John, Underwood; Trinity, Rural Hazen,; and St. John McClusky 4. Rev. Jacob Swenson – St. John, Hillsboro and Trinity, Hope 5. Rev. Paul Preus – Zion, Ellendale 6. Rev. Brandon Woodruff – Peace, Garrison and St. Matthew, Max

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7. Rev. Matthew Richard – Zion, Gwinner District President’s Report President Baneck presented what it means to be Lutheran for this Moment. A Lutheran Christian has inherited a distinct confession of faith that is unique in regard to Christianity around the world. Throughout the ages Lutheran Christians have given their very lives to defend and confess this holy faith. This Lutheran DNA is intrinsic to who we are as Christ’s people and the theology we have been called to proclaim to the world. This DNA is not an individualistic expression that is subject to personal whims and desires, but is the very fabric of a historic confession of faith which is: Christological, Scriptural, Sacramental, Confessional, Homiletical, Liturgical, Synodical, and Missional. Floor Committee #3 Life Together The Committee withdrew Resolution 3-01 “To Change Term Limits” as printed in the Monday, January 19, 2015 Today’s Business on page 133, due to the fact that the proposed six-year terms were in conflict with Synodical bylaws. Overture 3-05 “To Change Term Limits” as found on page 78, of the Convention Workbook as originally submitted by the North Dakota LC-MS Board of Directors, was substituted and presented for action. Following discussion from the floor, Resolution 3-05 “To Change Term Limits” was put to a vote. Results: Yes 25 (20%) No 63 (72%) Failed. Campus Ministry Report Rev. Dr. Mark Buchhop reported on the ministry of Wittenberg Chapel at the University of North Dakota. Rev. Steve Schulz also reported on the ministry of Immanuel Lutheran in Fargo to the students of North Dakota State University. Development Report Mr. Ed Bean reported on mission development work within the North Dakota District and informed the assembly on the work of a gift planner. In the Word Rev. Bernie Worral, senior pastor of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Fargo, ND; led a Bible Study on 1 Peter 1:1-25, Baptized into a Living Hope.

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Adoption of Slate and Balloting for District President The Chair called upon Rev. Michael Wolters, Chairman of the Registration, Credentials and Elections Committee to give an updated report; Pastors 43, Laymen 45, for a total of 88, registered voting delegates. The Chair requested nominations from the floor for District President, being none, nominations were closed, the slate was adopted. Rev. Michael Wolters asked the delegates to vote on the slate for District President consisting of: Rev. Dr. James Baneck, Rev. Arie Bertsch, and Rev. Carlyle Roth. Results Rev. Dr. James Baneck Rev. Arie Bertsch Rev. Carlyle Roth Totals

Ballots Percentage 54 67% 17 21% 10 12% 81 100

The Rev. Dr. James Baneck was re-elected to his third term as the North Dakota District President. Synod President Report Rev. Dr. Matthew Harrison, President of The Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod, encouraged the assembly to remain confessionally and faithfully Lutheran as we proclaim Christ to our neighbors at home and around the world through works of mercy, and Word and Sacrament ministry. Now is a good time to be part of Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod and to be Lutheran.

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Adoption of Slate and Balloting for Vice Presidents The Chair called upon Rev. Michael Wolters, Chairman of the Registration, Credentials and Elections Committee to report on voting delegates; Pastors 43, Laymen 45, for a total of 88, registered delegates. Mr. Jerome Ziegler, Chairman of the Nominations Committee presented the slate of nominees for vice president – West Region: Rev. Arie Bertsch, Rev. Les Wolfgram; and East Region: Rev. Tom Eckstein, Rev. Bernie Worral. The Chair requested nominations from the floor for District Vice-Presidents, being none, nominations were closed, the slate was adopted. Rev. Michael Wolters asked the delegates to vote on the slate for West Vice-President West Region Results Rev. Arie Bertsch Rev. Les Wolfgram

Ballots Percentage 47 60% 31 40% Totals 78 100 Rev. Arie Bertsch was re-elected to his third term as West Region Vice-President.

East Region Results Rev. Tom Eckstein Rev. Bernie Worral

Ballots Percentage 43 52% 40 48% Totals 83 100 Rev. Tom Eckstein was elected to his first term as East Region Vice-President.

Ranking Results Rev. Arie Bertsch Rev. Tom Eckstein

Ballots Percentage 52 63% 30 37% Totals 82 100

Rev. Arie Bertsch was declared First Vice-President. Rev. Tom Eckstein was declared Second Vice-President.

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Ratification of The Slate of Circuit Counselors The Chair called for nominations from the floor for Circuit Visitors, being none, the slate was adopted consisting of: Northwest Circuit - Rev Carlyle Roth Northeast Circuit - Rev. Scott Ramey Central Circuit - Rev. Richard Biberdorf East Circuit - Rev. Steven Schulz Southwest Circuit - Rev. Timothy Jenks Southeast Circuit - Rev. Douglas Wanderer The Chair called for a vote, all voting “aye”. The slate of Circuit Visitors was ratified. Floor Committee #3 – Life Together The Chair called upon Floor Committee #3 Chairman Rev. Douglas Wanderer to present the Committee’s overtures. Resolution 3-02 “To Change the Title and Focus of ‘Assistant to the President’ to ‘Business Manager ‘” Resolution 3-02 was presented by the Committee with a correction to line 16, on p. 136, of Monday, January 19, 2015 Today’s Business in regard to the District Bylaws section 1.1.2.15 to change the wording from “ex officio” to read as “non-voting.” The Chair called for a vote, all voting “aye”. Adopted. Resolution 3-03 “To Ratify Constitution and Bylaw changes” The Chair called for a vote, all voting “aye”. Adopted. Resolution 3-04 “To Set 2015 – 2018 North Dakota District Ministry Outcomes” The Chair called for a vote, all voting “aye”. Adopted. Resolution 3-05 “To Revise Standing Committees and Task Forces” The Chair called for a vote, all voting “aye”. Adopted. Resolution 3-06 “To Revise Membership on Planning Council” The Chair called for a vote, all voting “aye”. Adopted. Resolution 3-07 “To Adjust the Election and Title of Circuit Visitors” The Chair called for a vote, all voting “aye”. Adopted.

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Floor Committee #1 – Witness The Chair called upon Floor Committee #1 Chairman Rev. Richard Biberdorf to present the Committee’s overtures: Resolution 1-01 “To Establish Guidelines for Planting New Church Starts” By action of the Chair, the resolution was referred back to the committee for changes and clarification and to be presented at a future time. Resolution 1-06 “To Support Sudanese Ministry at Beautiful Savior, Fargo” The Chair called for a vote, all voting “aye”. Adopted. Responsive Prayer Rev. Mark Chepulis served as liturgist and Rev. Sean Daenzer proclaimed the Word of Being Lutheran in Time of Persecution on the basis of John 15:18-27. Recess The convention recessed at 5:00 pm for an evening social and meal, followed by the convention offering for Shepherd’s Hill at the Cross Roads, and then a question and answer period with Synodical President Rev. Dr. Matthew Harrison. The Convention offering for Shepherd’s Hill totaled $37,150.00

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North Dakota LC-MS, District Convention Minutes – Session II Tuesday, January 20, 2015 Morning Prayer Rev. Mark Chepulis served as liturgist for the Morning Prayer service. Rev. Douglas Bergelan proclaimed the Word of Shaping and Forming our Children in the Lutheran Faith, based on Psalm 78:1-7. Minutes Rev. Joshua Reimche, District Secretary presented the convention minutes of Monday, January 19, 2015; for approval by the assembly. It was moved seconded, and carried to accept the minutes as presented. Grafton State School Rev. Bernie Seter reported on the ministry that the North Dakota District provides to disabled souls at the State School. He reminded the assembly that all people need the gospel, and there is no special route to salvation for disabled people. Salvation comes to all through faith in Christ alone, having been buried with Him in baptism. The District’s work at the State School faithfully proclaims Christ into the hearts and lives of these special saints. LCEF Report Ryan McIvor addressed the assembly about the work of the Lutheran Church Extension Fund and the financial resources and banking opportunities that are available to congregations, schools and individuals through LCEF. Board of Directors Report Rev. Tom Marcis, Chairman of the North Dakota District, LC-MS Board of Directors presented the Board of Directors report. The board is the legal representative and trustee of all property owned by the district. The board is also tasked with fulfilling the outcomes policies that the district convention determines to accomplish during the next triennium. During the last triennium, the board appointed Jason Paradis and Tina Davidson to strengthen the board in it’s mission of guiding and aiding the work of mission and ministry throughout the district. Mr. Leon Bladow, District Treasurer presented an overview of district finances. He informed the assembly about the sources of income for the district, expenses for district ministries, as well as investments and other funds that the district for future ministry opportunities. Graphs of the Treasurer’s overview can be found in “Proceedings Appendix A”

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Floor Committee #2 – Mercy The Chair called upon Floor Committee #2, Chairman Rev. David Wagner to present the Committee’s overtures. Resolution 2-01 “To have Congregations Host Disaster Preparedness Workshops” The Chair called for a vote, all voting “aye”. Adopted. Resolution 2-02 “To Support Specific International Ministry” The Chair called for a vote, all voting “aye”. Adopted. Resolution 2-03 “To Explore International Mission Opportunities in Santiago, Chile” The Chair called for a vote, all voting “aye”. Adopted. Resolution 2-04 “Ongoing Support of ELCK and Project 24” The Chair called for a vote, all voting “aye”. Adopted. In the Word Rev. Adam Moline presented a Bible Study on 1 Peter 2:1-12, Baptized into Holiness. Celebrating Lutheran Schools Mrs. Kathy Jones, Principal of Martin Lutheran School in Bismarck, reported on the excellent education provided by our schools across the synod, and by Martin Luther School specifically. She informed the assembly that National Lutheran Schools week is a wonderful opportunity to promote and celebrate the work and ministry of our schools. Rev. Chris Waldvogel, from Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church in Fargo, reported on behalf of Mrs. Jean Syverson, Principal of Grace Lutheran School in Fargo. He informed the assembly that Lutheran schools not only excel at catechesis in the Lutheran faith, but also provide an excellent academic education for all children. Concordia University Seward Rev. Dr. Brian Friedrich, President of Concordia University Seward, brought greetings from Seward and on behalf the Concordia University System. In the Word Rev. Joshua Reimche presented a Bible Study on 1 Peter 2:11-3:7, Baptized into Vocation.

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Balloting for Board of Directors and Nominating Committee The Chair called upon Rev. Michael Wolters, Chairman of the Registration, Credentials and Elections Committee to give an updated report; Pastors 43, Laymen 46, for a total of 89, registered voting delegates. District Secretary The Chair requested nominations from the floor for District Secretary, being none, nominations were closed, the slate was adopted. Rev. Michael Wolters asked the delegates to vote on the slate for District Secretary consisting of: Rev. Paul Kruger and Rev. Joshua Reimche. Results Rev. Paul Krueger Rev. Joshua Reimche

Ballots Percentage 11 14% 68 86% Totals 79 100 Rev. Joshua Reimche was elected to his first term as District Secretary. District Treasurer The Chair requested nominations from the floor for District Treasurer, being none, nominations were closed, the slate was adopted. Mr. Leon Bladow, being the only nominee, the Chair requested a unanimous ballot. All voting “aye”. Mr. Leon Bladow was re-elected to his second term as District Treasurer. Clergy Board of Directors The Chair requested nominations from the floor for Clergy Board of Directors. Rev. Lester Wolfgram was nominated, and accepted the nomination. There being no further nominations, the slate was adopted. Two (2) clergy must be elected to positions on the Board of Directors from the adopted slate. Rev. Michael Wolters asked the delegates to vote on the slate for Clergy Board of Directors consisting of: Rev. Tom Marcis Rev. Toby Heller Rev. Daryl Rothchild Rev. Sean Daenzer Rev. Les Wolfgram Election #1 – Clergy Board of Directors First Ballot Results: Rev. Daryl Rothchild was removed from the ballot. Second Ballot Results: Rev. Sean Daenzer was removed from the ballot. Third Ballot Results: Rev. Toby Heller was removed from the ballot. Fourth Ballot Results: Rev. Tom Marcis received 61% of the votes cast.

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Election #1 Results: Rev. Tom Marcis was re-elected to his second term on the Board of Directors. Election #2 – Clergy Board of Directors First Ballot Results: Rev. Daryl Rothchild was removed from the ballot. Second Ballot Results: Rev. Sean Daenzer was removed from the ballot. Third Ballot Results: Rev. Lester Wolfgram received 51% of the votes cast. Election #2 Results: Rev. Lester Wolfgram was elected to his first term on the Board of Directors. Lay Board of Directors The Chair requested nominations from the floor for Lay Board of Directors, being none, the slate was adopted. Five (5) laymen must be elected to positions on the Board of Directors from the adopted slate. Rev. Michael Wolters asked the delegates to vote on the slate for Lay Board of Directors consisting of: Mr. John Riley Mr. Robert Bauer Mr. Charles Krause Mr. Alan Larson Mrs. Tamara Jo Ulland Mr. Jeff Hinz Mr. Paul Pansegrau Mr. Shawn Kramer Mr. Ron Greenmyer Mr. Paul Mayland Election #1 – Lay Board of Directors First Ballot Results: Charles Krause, Alan Larson, Tamara Jo Ulland, Jeff Hinz, Paul Pansegrau, Shawn Kramer, Ron Greenmyer, and Paul Mayland were removed from the ballot. Second Ballot Results: Mr. John Riley received 56% of the votes cast. Election #1 Results: Mr. John Riley was re-elected to his second term on the Board of Directors.

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Election #2 – Lay Board of Directors First Ballot Results: Mr. Robert Bauer received 58% of the votes cast. Election #2 Results: Mr. Robert Bauer was re-elected to his third term on the Board of Directors. Election #3 – Lay Board of Directors First Ballot Results: Alan Larson, Jeff Hinz, Paul Pansegrau, Ron Greenmyer, and Paul Mayland were removed from the ballot. Second Ballot Results: Mr. Shawn Kramer was removed from the ballot. Third Ballot Results: Mr. Charles Krause received 56% of the votes cast. Election #3 Results: Mr. Charles Krause was elected to his first term on the Board of Directors. Election #4 – Lay Board of Directors First Ballot Results: Jeff Hinz, Paul Pansegrau, Ron Greenmyer, and Paul Mayland were removed from the ballot. Second Ballot Results: Mrs. Tamara Jo Ulland received 56% of the votes cast. Election #4 Results: Mrs. Tamara Jo Ulland was elected to her first term on the Board of Directors. Election #5 – Lay Board of Directors First Ballot Results: Jeff Hinz, Ron Greenmyer, and Paul Mayland were removed from the ballot. Second Ballot Results: Mr. Shawn Kramer received 54% of the votes cast. Election #5 Results: Mr. Shawn Kramer was elected to his first term on the Board of Directors.

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Floor Committee #1 – Witness The Chair called upon Floor Committee #1, Chairman Rev. Richard Biberdorf to present the Committee’s overtures. Overture 1-01 “Guidelines for Planting New Church Starts” The Committee substituted Overture 1-01, found on page 50, of the Convention Workbook, in place of Resolution 1-01, found on page 117, of the Monday, January 19, 2015 Today’s Business. The committee amended Overture 1-01 by striking lines 34, on page 56, in the section titled “Resources” through line 11, on page 57. By friendly amendment, the following changes to Overture 1-01, were offered and accepted by the committee: under the section titled “Theological Premise” 1) add “AC VII” to line 19; 2) add Formula of Concord, Solid Declaration Article X, pars. 9 and 21 (“SD X:9, and 21”) to line 21; 3) add “Tractate 11” to line 20; 3) add “AC VII” to line 24; 4) strike “LW 53” from line 24; and finally, 5) add a new sub-heading on page 56, after the section titled “Resources” which reads “Forms – The following suggested forms are to be used for this purpose”. Overture 1-01 – Pertinent Committee and Friendly Amendments …THEOLOGICAL PREMISE • The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod plants churches (congregations) o Under the authority of the Word (I Cor. 1:2, Gal. 1:2, I Thess. 1:1, Rev. 1-3, Acts 9:3, I Tim. 5:17, I Tim. 6:2-3, Titus 1:5). o Guided by the entire Lutheran Confessions (particularly AC V, VII, VIII, IX, XI, XII, XXIV, XXV, XVIII; Tractate concerning the Office, Tractate 11; SA Part III, IV, VIII, X, XII; FC. SD. X:9, and 21). • Loehe, “Mission is nothing more than the Church in motion.” • Worship is to be confessionally Lutheran, maintaining liturgical reverence and dignity (AC VII, AC XXIV 1-7, 40-41, Apology XV 38-52, LW Volume 53, The Controversy about Adiaphora, Concordia: The Lutheran Confessions, p. 523-24)… …Resources • Congregations exploring a church start, along with the ND District and other entitles involved in the process, would be wise to be well informed in church planting. • While maintaining confessional Lutheran integrity, all parties would be wise to explore the resources of The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod and the greater Christian Church. Some of these resources need to be processed through a confessional Lutheran filter. The North Dakota District LCMS is not advocating everything promoted by the nonLutheran resources in this list, but realizes much can be gained by some of their ideas: o Scripture o The Lutheran Confessions o LCMS Church Planting ! 22

o o o o o o o o o o o o

National Missions LCMS Concordia Seminary, St. Louis Concordia Theological Seminary, Ft. Wayne Lutheran Hour Ministries Sister districts (MNS, Iowa East, Iowa West, Texas are resources used in this document) International Church bodies starting new church starts to unchurched people (Kenya, Siberia, Latin America) US Center for Mission (Pete Meier) LCEF Resources 5-2 Network Lakepointe in Hotsprings Arkansas Christian authors: Mike Frost, Allan Hirsh, Ed Steltzer, Matthew Chandler Acts 29 Movement…

…Forms The following suggested forms are to be used for this purpose… It was moved, seconded and carried by a 2/3 (two-thirds) majority to call the question. Overture 1-01 was put to a vote. Results: Yes 81 (95%) No 2 (5%). Adopted. Resolution 1-02 “To Plant a New Church in Watford City, ND” The committee amended the final resolved by striking “promise” and inserting “be encouraged”. …RESOLVED That the North Dakota District congregations promise be encouraged to increase their givings to the District to accomplish this resolution. The Chair called for a vote. Results: Yes 75 (88%) No 10 (12%). Adopted. In the Word Rev. Kirk Peters presented a Bible Study on 1 Peter 3:8-4:19, Baptized into Christ’s Suffering. Vespers Rev. Mark Chepulis served as liturgist and Rev. Tom Eckstein proclaimed the Word of Being Lutheran at a Time for Mercy. Recess The convention recessed at 5:30 pm for an evening social, followed a banquet to celebrate the Lutheran Women’s Missionary League and the Lutheran Layman’s League and to recognize church worker milestones.

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North Dakota LC-MS, District Convention Minutes – Session III Wednesday, January 21, 2015 Service of Prayer and Preaching Rev. Mark Chepulis served as liturgist for the Morning Prayer service. Rev. James Baneck proclaimed the Word of being Lutheran in the Lutheran Congregation, based on Galatians 6:110. In The Word Rev. Steven Schultz presented a Bible Study on I Peter 5:1-14, Baptized into Pastoral Care. Minutes Rev. Joshua Reimche, District Secretary presented the convention minutes of Tuesday, January 20, 2015; for approval by the assembly. It was moved seconded, and carried to accept the Session II, Tuesday minutes as presented. It was requested that the Minutes from Session I, Monday be corrected to reflect the convention offering amount given to Shepherd’s Hill at the Cross Roads. The correction was accepted.

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Adoption of Slate and Balloting for Nominating Committee The Chair called upon Rev. Michael Wolters, Chairman of the Registration, Credentials and Elections Committee to give an updated report; Pastors 43, Laymen 46, for a total of 89, registered voting delegates. The Chair requested nominations from the floor for Clergy Nominating Committee, being none, nominations were closed, the slate was adopted. Two (2) clergy must be elected to positions on the Nominating Committee from the adopted slate. Rev. Michael Wolters asked the delegates to vote on the slate for Clergy Nominating Committee consisting of: Rev. Mark Buchhop, Rev. David Suelzle, and Rev. Daryl Rothchild. Election #1 – Clergy Nominating Committee First Ballot Results: Rev. Mark Buchhop received 53% of the votes cast. Election #1 Results: Rev. Mark Buchhop was re-elected to his third term on the Nominating Committee. Election #2 – Clergy Nominating Committee First Ballot Results: Rev. Daryl Rothchild received 61% of the votes cast. Election #2 Results: Rev. Daryl Rothchild was elected to his first term on the Nominating Committee. The Chair requested nominations from the floor for Lay Nominating Committee, being none, nominations were closed, the slate was adopted. Four (4) layman must be elected to positions on the Nominating Committee from the adopted slate. Rev. Michael Wolters asked the delegates to vote on the slate for Clergy Nominating Committee consisting of: Mr. Jerry Goter, Mr. Jerome Ziegler, Mr. Paul Huber, Mr, Myrlin Hall, and Mrs. Penny Krause Election #1 – Lay Nominating Committee First Ballot Results: Mr. Jerome Ziegler, and Mrs. Penny Krause were removed from the ballot. Second Ballot Results: Mr Paul Huber received 61% of the votes cast. Election #1 Results: Mr Paul Huber was elected to his first term on the Nominating Committee. Election #2 – Lay Nominating Committee First Ballot Results: Mr. Jerome Ziegler, was removed from the ballot. Second Ballot Results: Mrs. Penny Krause was removed from the ballot. Third Ballot Results: Mr. Jerry Goter received 55% of the votes cast. Election #1 Results: Mr. Jerry Goter was re-elected to his third term on the Nominating Committee.

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Election #3 – Lay Nominating Committee First Ballot Results: Mr. Myrlin Hall received 54% of the votes cast. Election #3 Results: Mr. Myrlin Hall was re-elected to his third term on the Nominating Committee. Election #4 – Lay Nominating Committee First Ballot Results: Mr. Jerome Ziegler received 59% of the votes cast. Election #4 Results: Mr. Jerome Ziegler was re-elected to his third term on the Nominating Committee. Floor Committee #1 – Witness Resolution 1-03 “To Plant a New Church in Stanley, ND” The committee amended the final resolved by striking “promise” and inserting “be encouraged”. The Chair called for a vote, all voting “aye”. Adopted. Resolution 1-04 “To Determine the Order for the Approved Church Starts” The Chair called for a vote, all voting “aye”. Adopted. Resolution 1-05 “To Authorize the BOD to Begin Additional Church Starts” The Chair called for a vote, all voting “aye”. Adopted. Floor Committee #3 – Life Together Resolution 3-08 “To Promote Excel Leadership Training” The committee amended the final resolved to read: “leaders of the North Dakota District ‘are encouraged to’ promote skills training and growth through EXCEL…” The Chair called for a vote, the majority voting “aye”. Adopted. Resolution 3-10 “To Adjust Bylaws: CCM, BOD and Incidental” The Chair called for a vote, all voting “aye”. Adopted. Resolution 3-11 “To Memorialize Synod Concerning Ministry and Church Worker Information” The Chair called for a vote, the majority voting “Aye / No”. Failed.

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Final Registration and Credentials Report The Chair called upon Rev. Michael Wolters, Chairman of the Registration, Credentials and Elections Committee to give a final report. There was a total of 43, out 43, possible pastoral delegates, for a total of 100% pastoral delegate participation. There was a total 47, out of 53, possible lay delegates, for a total of 89% lay participation. 6 congregations were not represented by lay delegates. Total registered voting delegates was 90. There were also 18, advisory delegates for total attendance of 108 delegates. A post-convention audit of voting delegates clarified that there in fact 47, voting lay delegates, not 46, as originally reported at the convention. The minutes above have been corrected to reflect this finding. Installation of Elected Officers and Closing of Convention Rev. Dr. Matthew Harrison, President of the Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod, installed the Rev. Dr. James Baneck as District President. President Baneck then installed the VicePresidents, Board of Directors and the Nominating Committee of the North Dakota District of The Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod. Adjournment The 58th Regular Convention of the North Dakota District of The Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod was officially adjourned by The Rev. Dr. James Baneck, District President at 11:55 am on Wednesday, January 21, 2015.

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SLATE OF NOMINEES AND ELECTION RESULTS DISTRICT PRESIDENT Election Results Ballots Percentage Rev. Dr. James Baneck 54 67% Rev. Arie Bertsch 17 21% Rev. Carlyle Roth 10 12% Totals 81 100 (The Rev. Dr. James Baneck was re-elected on the first ballot to his third term as the North Dakota District President.) DISTRICT VICE-PRESIDENTS West Region Results Rev. Arie Bertsch Rev. Les Wolfgram

Ballots 47 31 Totals 78 (Rev. Arie Bertsch was re-elected on the Region Vice-President.)

Percentage 60% 40% 100 first ballot to his third term as West

East Region Results Rev. Tom Eckstein Rev. Bernie Worral

Ballots Percentage 43 52% 40 48% Totals 83 100 (Rev. Tom Eckstein was elected on the first ballot to his first term as East Region Vice-President.)

Ranking Results Rev. Arie Bertsch Rev. Tom Eckstein

Ballots Percentage 52 63% 30 37% Totals 82 100 (Rev. Arie Bertsch was declared First Vice-President. Rev. Tom Eckstein was declared Second Vice-President.)

DISTRICT TREASURER Mr. Leon Bladow, being the only nominee, was re-elected by unanimous ballot to his second term as District Treasurer.

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DISTRICT SECRETARY Election Results Ballots Percentage Rev. Paul Krueger 11 14% Rev. Joshua Reimche 68 86% Totals 79 100 (Rev. Joshua Reimche was elected to his first term as District Secretary.) DISTRICT BOARD OF DIRECTORS – CLERGY SLATE (Elect 2) Rev. Tom Marcis Rev. Toby Heller Rev. Daryl Rothchild Rev. Sean Daenzer Rev. Lester Wolfgram Election Results 1. Rev. Tom Marcis was re-elected with 61% on the fourth ballot to his second term on the Board of Directors. 2. Rev. Lester Wolfgram was elected with 51% on the third ballot to his first term on the Board of Directors. DISTRICT BOARD OF DIRECTORS – LAY SLATE Mr. John Riley Mr. Robert Bauer Mr. Charles Krause Mr. Alan Larson Mrs. Tamara Jo Ulland

(Elect 5) Mr. Jeff Hinz Mr. Paul Pansegrau Mr. Shawn Kramer Mr. Ron Greenmyer Mr. Paul Mayland

Election Results 1. Mr. John Riley was re-elected with 56% on the second ballot to his second term on the Board of Directors. 2. Mr. Robert Bauer was re-elected with 58% on the first ballot to his third term on the Board of Directors. 3. Mr. Charles Krause was elected with 56% on the third ballot to his first term on the Board of Directors. 4. Mrs. Tamara Jo Ulland was elected with 56% on the second ballot to her first term on the Board of Directors. 5. Mr. Shawn Kramer was elected with 54% on the second ballot to his first term on the Board of Directors.

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DISTRICT NOMINATING COMMITTEE – CLERGY SLATE (Elect 2) Rev. Mark Buchhop Rev. David Suelzle, Rev. Daryl Rothchild Election Results 1. Rev. Mark Buchhop was re-elected with 53% on the first ballot to his third term on the Nominating Committee. 2. Rev. Daryl Rothchild was elected with 61% on the first ballot to his first term on the Nominating Committee. DISTRICT NOMINATING COMMITTEE – LAY SLATE (Elect 4) Mr. Jerry Goter Mr. Jerome Ziegler Mr. Paul Huber Mr. Myrlin Hall Mrs. Penny Krause Election Results 1. Mr. Paul Huber was elected with 61% on the second ballot to his first term on the Nominating Committee. 2. Mr. Jerry Goter was re-elected with 55% on the third ballot to his third term on the Nominating Committee. 3. Mr. Myrlin Hall was re-elected with 54% on the first ballot to his third term on the Nominating Committee. 4. Mr. Jerome Ziegler was re-elected with 59% on the first ballot to his third term on the Nominating Committee.

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NEWLY ELECTED DISTRICT OFFICERS 2015 – 2017 Triennium PRESIDIUM District President – Rev. Dr. James Baneck (3rd term) 1st Vice-President – Rev. Arie Bertsch (3rd term) 2nd Vice-President – Rev. Tom Eckstein (1st term) BOARD OF DIRECTORS Mr. Leon Bladow, District Treasurer (2nd term) Rev. Joshua Reimche, District Secretary (1st term) Rev. Tom Marcis (2nd term) Rev. Lester Wolfgram (1st term) Mr. Robert Bauer (3rd term) Mr. Shawn Kramer (1st term) Mr. Charles Krause (1st term) Mrs. Tamara Jo Ulland (1st term) Mr. John Riley (2nd term) NOMINATING COMMITTEE Mr. Jerry Goter (3rd term) Mr. Myrlin Hall (3rd term) Mr. Paul Huber (1st term) Mr. Jerome Ziegler (3rd term) Rev. Mark Buchhop (3rd term) Rev. Daryl Rothchild (1st term) Rev. Joshua Reimche, Advisory Member

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CONVENTION RULES 1. The voting body is composed of the voting members, one pastoral and one lay delegate, from each parish or congregation. 2. Voting delegates must wear their badges at all sessions and sit in the section reserved for voting members. 3. In the absence of the voting lay delegate, a properly credentialed and registered alternate lay delegate may become the congregation’s voting delegate. 4. Only members of the voting body may introduce motions and vote. When requesting the floor for making motions or for discussion, a delegate must identify himself/herself by name and the name of the congregation he/she represents in order to be recognized. 5. A speaker is limited to two 2 minutes for each issue. No one may speak more than twice to each question unless consent has been given by two thirds (2/3) of the delegates 6. A motion must be presented in writing, signed by the maker, if requested by the chairman. 7. Any unfinished item of business or program at the hour set for recess in the convention program is resumed at the following session or at a designated time set by the chairman. 8. All reports and resolutions are to be in writing. The copy is to be handed to the secretary at the time they are presented. 9. No motion is necessary to accept reports and resolutions of the officers or floor committees. 10. No convention discussions or decisions may be released for publicity purposes while the convention is in session, unless first approved by the President and Publicity Chairman. 11. The Parliamentarian interprets the rules and advises on Parliamentary procedure when asked to do so. 12. The parliamentary authority is Robert’s Rules of Order, Newly Revised unless they are not consistent with Christian love or unless they are in conflict with the bylaws of the North Dakota District and/or The Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod. Delegates will allow for fair and ample debate on every matter brought to the floor 13. Announcements should be handed to the pages who will deliver them to the District President. At the District President’s discretion, announcements will be made from the podium; others will be posted on the message board. 14. All ballots are to be destroyed at the end of the convention. 15. If a substitute motion is offered and seconded, the presenter shall be offered two minutes to provide the rationale for presenting it. The convention shall then first decide by majority vote without debate whether or not to consider the substitute. If the decision is in the affirmative and the substitute motion is subsequently adopted, the original motion fails; if the substitute motion does not receive favorable action, either to consider or to adopt, the original motion is again before the house. (This is the so-called “Behnken Rule” for dealing with substitute motions.) 16. These rules may be suspended by a two-thirds (2/3) vote of the voting body. (At the opening of the Convention, the Chair amended the rules by striking “(This includes emails, texts, Facebook, Twitter, etc.)” from rule number 10.)

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DISTRICT PRESIDENT ADDRESS Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to His great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you (I Peter 1:3-4). You might consider it rather trivial as to choosing a convention theme, but I take it rather seriously. Representatives from our district come together but once every three years, and if we’re going to take the time and expense to be together as Lutherans, then it should be for good reason under a good theme and focus for worship, for study, and for mission and ministry for the next three years in our great North Dakota District. I believe our current Synod convention theme is quite genius – Baptized for this Moment. But as I look back at the last three years of our district triennium, there have been a number of ongoing discussions that led me to refine “Baptized for this Moment” to “Lutheran for this Moment.” One ongoing discussion involved the five Holy Communion Conversations I led throughout the District. These conversations proved to me that our people are hungry for the Word – as every event had 50-70 people in attendance. And yet, there were some who became rather indignant against Scripture concerning our Lord’s teaching on His holy supper. Another ongoing discussion involves conflict situations in the congregation where the circuit visitor and I strive to move the congregation toward reconciliation. While in various discussions, it troubles me of the lack of a basic catechetical understanding of basic Christian truths, especially from those who have neglected to be in the study of God’s Word. And one final ongoing discussion gave me reason to stop and reflect greatly on what it means to be Lutheran for this Moment. The phrase “Lutheran DNA” came to the surface – and many stared at that phrase like deer in headlights, wondering what it meant. Perhaps we should not mix words of science with words of theology, but the phrase does force us to ask a couple very important questions, like “What is Lutheranism” and “what does it mean to be Lutheran?” I would imagine most of us would feel fairly comfortable with the phrase “Lutheran DNA,” as long as we’re the ones who get to define what it means. Have we come to a point where each of us gets to define, or re-define, what it means to be Lutheran? Have we come to a point where “everyone does what is right in his own eyes?” (Judges 21:25) I would maintain that there is a Lutheran DNA. There is that something that encodes who we are as we develop and function as God’s people. To be a Lutheran Christian is unique and distinct from any other brand of Christianity or religion. I am a Lutheran

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because I believe it is the most correct confession of faith in this sinful and fallen world. I have instructed children and adults, that when they are making their confirmation vows, they too are giving public witness that the Lutheran confession of faith is the most correct on this earth, and that if they did not believe that, then they should go to the church that is more correct – because this is about their soul and their eternal life. First and foremost, the Lutheran Church is a Christological Church. Certainly, we believe and confess the Holy Trinity; Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. We believe there is one God in three persons. However, with the fall into sin and damnation, apart from the person and work of Jesus Christ, you and I would have no salvation, and hell would be our eternal home. As Lutherans, we fix our eyes on Jesus, who is the Word made flesh, who comes to dwell among us. This is the Divine Logos. He became our sin who knew no sin, so that in Him we would be made righteous and holy and pure in the sight of the eternal God. Our Lutheran DNA is loaded up front with Christ, and everything He is and does. Lutherans believe in the holy incarnation and holy nativity of Christ for a reason. Lutherans believe in the baptism, fasting, and temptation of Christ for a reason. Lutherans believe in the agony and bloody sweat of Christ, His cross and passion, and His precious death and burial for a reason. Lutherans believe in the glorious resurrection and ascension of Christ for a reason. Because in Him we are justified, made right with God, forgiven of all our sins, and promised and secured the gift of eternal life. Searching the Scriptures concerning Christ’s three-fold office as prophet, priest, and king… concerning Christ’s power to share attributes from his divine nature to his human nature… concerning Christ’s fulfillment of every prophesy spoken of Him to the most minute detail… concerning Christ’s ability to put Himself into the water of Baptism in the Bread and Wine of Holy Communion… concerning the mystery of Christ taking your damnation and giving you His righteousness… concerning His person and work to turn us blind, dead, and enemies of God into His holy people – THIS IS OUR LIVING HOPE! What I have described to you is a part of our distinctively Lutheran DNA. Rome teaches that a person must do good works to earn salvation, to which the Confessions conclude, then there is no need for Christ. The Reformed Church teaches that Christ has done some of the saving work, but you have to do the rest. Some church bodies teach that Jesus is one way to heaven, but not the only way. Jesus taught that He was the Bread of Life, Manna from Heaven, and that those who eat of His flesh and drink of His blood shall have eternal life. Then St. John tells us that when many of his disciples heard this, they said, “This is a hard saying; who can listen to it?” And After this, many of his disciples turned back and no longer walked with him. Then Jesus said to the twelve, “Do you want to go away as well?” And Peter said, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life, and we have believed, and have come to know, that you are the Holy One of God.” And after Jesus’ ascension, Peter and John stand before the Council, he said, “And there is salvation in no one else,

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for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.” (Acts 4:12) No one else teaches, believes, or confesses Christ the way we do. Martin Luther says it this way in the Smalcald Articles, “The first and chief article is this: Jesus Christ, our God and Lord, died for our sins and was raised again for our justification. This is necessary to believe. Upon this article everything that we teach and practice depends. Therefore, we must be certain and not doubt this doctrine.” Dear friends – CHRISTOLOGY IS PRIME IN OUR LUTHERAN DNA. The Lutheran Church is also a Scriptural Church. In his letter to Pope Leo X, titled “The Freedom of the Christian,” Luther writes, “One thing, and only one thing, is necessary for Christian life, righteousness, and freedom. That one thing is the most holy Word of God. The soul can do without anything except the Word of God and that where the Word of God is missing there is no help at all for the soul.” Those are pretty sobering words for the Lutheran who does not go to church or for the Lutheran who refuses to learn the Holy Scriptures, that which makes one wise unto salvation. No football team, no food for the stomach, no automobile, no piece of technology, no ego, no worldly power – can feed your faith and life at all. Only God’s Word can do that. And why should we trust mere words? More than being the inerrant, infallible Word of God – the Holy Scriptures is the very living breath of the Triune God that strikes dead the sinner and raises to new life the repentant. And yet, while we claim the authority of the Word, we wonder who has the authority to interpret the Word. The Pope says he alone has the authority to interpret God’s Word. Time and again, I have heard people confidently acknowledge that they have every right to interpret God’s Word in a way that suits them best. Whole church denominations gather around the Bible, read a passage, and each says, “This is what this verse means to me” – allowing for a whole assortment of wrongs that damages the soul. Lutherans interpret the Scriptures as Jesus describes in John 5, “You search the Scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life; but it is they that bear witness about me.” Lutherans interpret the Scriptures through the lens of Jesus Christ, as we call this our hermeneutical key. So – when we study the Scriptures concerning salvation, we come out at a different place than Rome and their works-righteousness. We believe… through Christ – we are saved by grace alone through faith alone. When we study the Scriptures concerning the end times, we come out at a different place than the Evangelicals and their millennialism. We believe… through Christ – we live in the end times now and He will come again on the Last Day to judge the living and the dead. When we study the Scriptures concerning Baptism, we end up at a different place than the Baptists and their age of accountability. We believe… through Christ – we are washed of our sins at infancy.

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When we study the Scriptures concerning the office of the holy ministry, we end up at a different place than the ELCA and women’s ordination. We believe… through Christ – the pastor represents the God-man Christ to His people on earth. When we study the Scriptures on creation, we end up in a different place than Rome, the Episcopal Church, the ELCA, Presbyterians, United Church of Christ, and Methodism – with their teaching on evolution. Through Christ – the world was created in six 24hour days. And when we study the Scriptures concerning the Scriptures, we end up at a different place than liberalism and historical criticism. We believe… through Christ – the Word made Flesh who comes to dwell among us pours His inerrant, infallible, inspired Word of life and salvation into our ears and soul. As a Scriptural Church, the Lutheran Church has fought and defended this strand of our DNA in the early 1970’s walk-out in St. Louis – coming out in the end of confessing the inerrancy of Scripture. During the sermons and Bible studies in this convention, every Sunday-morning sermon, the various Bible studies offered to God’s people – this is not extra-curricular or optional for the Christian – this is how Jesus gets into our ears and souls – through His holy, powerful, life-saving Word. There is no doubt – being a Scriptural Church is a part of our Lutheran DNA. The Lutheran Church is a Sacramental Church. Being a sacramental church is more than just having sacraments in the church. But let’s start there. In his first letter to the Corinthians, St. Paul writes, “This is how one should regard us [as apostles or pastors], as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God.” (I Corinthians 4:1). … Stewards of the µυστηριϖν of Christ. This word “µυστηριϖν” is the Greek word for “Sacraments.” The question and answer part of Luther’s Small Catechism tells us that “At first, this word µυστηριϖν described all the saving truths of the faith, such as the Trinity, the incarnation, the redemption, and the church. Later it was narrowed down to this: A Sacrament is a saving act instituted by God in which God Himself has joined His Word of promise to a visible element, and by which He offers, gives, and seals the forgiveness of sins earned by Christ. The Lutheran Church thrives and lives off of predominately two Sacraments – Holy Baptism and The Lord’s Supper, however the Confessions would readily include Confession and Absolution as well. These Sacraments are our life-blood, rather, Christ’s lifeblood coming to and in us. Baptism is the initiation into the eternal family of God. Here our sins are washed away and we are robed with Christ’s righteousness. This Sacrament is no way a dedication of a person toward God, but rather in every way this Sacrament is God pouring Himself over, in, and through the damned child of God, making Him righteous and holy in God’s sight. Holy Communion is the ongoing gift of

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Christ’s body and blood given to the repentant sinner for the absolute forgiveness of sins and eternal life, even as His blood now marks our door and death passes over. Lutherans confess that these Sacraments is who they now are in Christ Jesus every single day of our lives – as daily we die with Christ in our Old Man and we rise with Him in our New Man. The power of Baptism is so strong that it even goes even to the grave with us – the deposit of Christ that keeps our remains to the day of the resurrection of the flesh when Christ calls us alive again. Being a sacramental church is more than just having sacraments in the church. Being a sacramental church confesses and testifies to the truth that Christ is Immanuel, that He is “God with us” in His Very Presence – just for you! When water and the Word is poured over you – all of the omnipotent, omnipresent, omniscient God washes over you and daily bathes you to be pure and holy as He is. When the bread and wine connected with the very Word of God goes into your mouth – the full infant, crucified, and risen God surges into your body, soul, and life. This kind of presence kills and damns the impenitent, but heals, forgives, and recreates the repentant in Christ Jesus. Being a Sacramental Church is uniquely Lutheran. Rome teaches a sacrament that is ex opera operato – meaning man is doing the work, man’s work and sacrifice toward God. The Reformed and Calvinists Churches do not hold to the Sacraments at all, but rather believe that God is Sovereign, out there somewhere, but not Immanuel (God with us) for me! In you! Lutherans do not hide the Sacraments to bring in seekers from the world; they teach and reveal the Sacraments so that the seekers desire the Real Presence of Jesus Christ. Lutherans do not bring out the sacrament for special occasions or limit it for the sake of time, but they eat this ordinary eternal ongoing meal at every chance and as often as it is served. Lutherans do not push aside the font, but keep it front and center or back and center so that we can run into our baptism as often as possible. Being a Sacramental Church is a part of our Lutheran DNA. The Lutheran Church is a Confessional Church. You may very well be familiar with Luther’s famous words to the Emperor of Europe, Charles V. At the Diet of Worms, Luther was ordered to recant his writings and teachings, and up against the entire Roman Church, the Emperor, and the Devil himself, Luther confesses, “My conscience is captive to the Word of God. I cannot and I will not recant anything, for to go against conscience is neither right nor safe. Here I stand. I cannot do otherwise. God help me. Amen.” This is the confession of every pastor, and for that matter, every Lutheran. At every ordination, at every installation, and even those sworn into office at the end of this convention will make confession of their Lutheran faith by publically accepting the statement and exposition of the Word of God as stated in the three ecumenical creeds and the Book of Concord.

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We confess that we hold to the entire Lutheran Confessions because they are faithful to the Scriptures, not insofar as they are faithful to the Scriptures. As a confessional church, there are some things we believe, teach, and confess. And, there are some things we reject and condemn. To say you are Lutheran means you hold to all the articles of faith in the Unaltered Augsburg Confession, the Apology of the Augsburg Confession, The Smacald Articles, The Power and the Primacy of the Pope, The Small and Large Catechisms, and the Epitome and Solid Declaration of the Formula of Concord. We don’t pick and choose, rather, as Lutherans we say, “Here I stand.” Being a Confessional Lutheran is to be Lutheran. It’s not an adjective to be ridiculed. It’s not a stereotype to be mocked. It’s not a title of which we need to be ashamed. Reading and studying the Confessions is good, right, and salutary for clergy and laity alike. It is the standard of Biblical confession we teach our children and pray into the dying. It is the standard of Biblical confession we preach from the pulpit and live in our lives. It is the standard of Biblical confession in times of disaster, war, and persecution. Being a confessional church is a part of our Lutheran DNA. The Lutheran Church is also a Homiletical Church, which mean that we are a preaching Church. Preaching Christ, interpreting the Scriptures, speaking God’s Word in the ears and souls of the hearer, shaping Lutherans for generations to come – is all a part of being a homiletical church. Preaching is vital and it is important. Preaching is not child’s play – neither for the preacher nor for the hearer. Preaching takes a lot of work. Whether from the pulpit or the table around the Bible Study – the pastor is shaping and forming the Christian for faith and life. It involves clear, sharp, and penetrating law. It involves pure, precise, and applicable Gospel. The sermon kills the sinner and raises the penitent. It strips away all self-righteousness and clothes the hearer with the righteousness of Christ. One of the fundamental components of preaching is pastoral care. The sermon certainly begins with Christ and the Scriptures. It is difficult, however, for the shepherd to intersect with the faith and life of the hearer if he does not know his sheep. As the pastor visits his sheep throughout the week, he learns of their worries, he is made aware of their temptations. He interacts with the troubled marriages and the new mother and her infant child. He sits at the kitchen table with his shut-in, which he sees is becoming more and more feeble with every visits. He sees the fear in the eyes of the usually grumpy member who is now receiving his fifth chemo treatment. He interacts with the youth and sees how they think. He visits the quilters and observes their joy of serving. The list goes on. And when he’s preaching about the Good Samaritan, the Widow at Nain, Abraham who is to sacrifice his son, or Jesus who rises from the dead – the pastor speaks God’s Word into the ears of His people for their faith and life. And under the pastor are all the auxiliary offices of the church – the Lutheran School Teacher, the DCE, the Deaconess, the Sunday School Teacher, and more. From the pastor’s Christological, Biblical, Sacramental, Confessional preaching, teaching, and pastoral care, these auxiliary offices work with the pastor in Lutheran education, mercy

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care, working with our youth and families, caring for the aged. Being a homiletical (or preaching) church is a part of our Lutheran DNA. The Lutheran Church is also a Liturgical Church. Who can deny that being a liturgical church is our history? It’s in our roots and it’s been a part of who we are for decades and centuries. While the liturgy is not our hermeneutic, our hermeneutic does guide and form our liturgy. Martin Luther definitely held to the liturgy of the Church – there is a whole volume of Luther’s Works devoted to this one topic, Volume 53. I contend that what Luther espoused concerning the liturgy in the Lutheran Church would make our liturgical guys look reformed. The liturgy is meant to do a number of things. First of all, it places us in the right relationship with God, primarily God coming to His people with His gifts of Word and Sacrament, thus Divine Service. God needs nothing that we would offer Him, but we are beggars in need of everything that God offers and gives us, that is, forgiveness of sins, His holy Word, the preached Word, His blessed meal, just to name a few. The liturgy also teaches the faith – the Advent of Christ in the Kyrie, the nativity of Christ in the Gloria, the Epiphany of Christ in the Creed, the Passion of Christ in the Agnus Dei, and the resurrection of Christ in the Sanctus. The colors, the vestments, the candles, the stain glass windows, the songs, the lectionary, the cross – is all meant to teach the faith. Whenever a custom and high liturgy is demanded – that is legalism. Whenever a diet of theologically reformed songs are sung – this is heterodox. While adiaphora is a topic of our confessions, yet the unity of life and practice is also. Being a liturgical church does not force a certain hymnal or specified orders of service, and yet the Church works and lives together in “striving for uniformity in church practice, yet also to develop an appreciation of a variety of responsible practices and customs which are in harmony with our common profession of faith.” The church service is not about the pastor and his likes and his whims, but rather about Christ and His gifts and grace to His people. One of the words used often in the Confessions related to the Mass is the word “reverence.” Another is the word “dignity.” The Divine Service is not the adoration of a sports hero in a public arena, rather it is Moses taking off his shoes at the very presence of God in the burning bush. Lutheran liturgy reflects the posture of creature standing in the presence of the creator; the sinner standing in the presence of the Redeemer; the unholy standing in the presence of the Sanctifier. Melanchthon writes in the Augsburg Confession, “Therefore, since the Mass (the liturgy) among us follows the example of the Church, taken from the Scripture and the Fathers, we are confident that it cannot be disapproved. This is especially so because we keep the public ceremonies, which are for the most part similar to those previously in use” (Art. XXIV). While the church on earth may continue to debate what it means to be liturgical, being a liturgical church is a part of our Lutheran DNA.

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We have come together at the convention as a unique group of Lutherans called “The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod.” As a district in the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod, we say that we are “synod in this place.” Within this context, we, who have come together in this place, are a Synodical Church. “Synod” means, “walking together.” What did the Synod founders of the Articles of Incorporation on July 3, 1894 have in mind? The founders of Synod had in mind “to unite in a corporate body of Evangelical Lutheran congregations that acknowledge and remain true to the Book of Concord, to establish Lutheran congregations and preaching stations, to provide for ecclesiastical supervision of congregations and pastors, to support the establishment of theological institutions and institutions of higher learning, to spread the Gospel, and to provide resources for congregations. This is walking together to build one of the most influential and dynamic church bodies in the world with her theology, education, mercy, and more. Being a part of Synod, or a member of Synod is voluntary. And yet, upon this voluntary membership, a pastor or congregation does indeed agree to walk together as we have charted our map with our Constitution and Bylaws. It is interesting, that even in this convention, we have no resolutions concerning Christ, or Scripture, or the Sacraments, or the Confessions, homiletics, or even the liturgy. Our resolutions come at this Synod level of the church with electing officers, talking about a business manager, and defining our outcomes of Witness, Mercy, and Life Together as a unified direction for our district. There’s no doubt, we’ve had our speed-bumps, bruises, and all-out battles in this Church body. Some of our Synod presidents have had nervous breakdowns, we’ve battled over the doctrine of election, the authority of Scripture, and worship. We’ve slung mud with labels such as bureaucrat, collared-guys, and liberals. And yet, we are the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. Some have called us the sleeping giant. Others have called upon us for giant help in time of disaster. Church bodies all around the world are contacting us, saying, “what you have theologically, we want ” – Churches like Madagascar and Ethiopia with millions of Lutherans. We have some of the best pastors, educators, missionaries, teachers, and laymen with a host of vocations in the world – by the grace and equipping of the Triune God. Being a Synodical Church is a part of our Lutheran DNA. And finally, we are a Missional Church. Missional is determined, directed, and influenced by all those preceding it. Missional does not define Christ; Christ defines missional. Missional does not define our Confessions; our Confessions define missional, and so on. Being a Missional Church places us in the second table of the law. This is our love toward our neighbor. This is our mercy care at home, in our community, and all around the world. This is our auxiliaries in their superb work of “aiding the Synod, specifically in programs that extend the ministry and mission of the Synod.” This is every Christian in his/her vocation as a child of God in whom Christ dwells.

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Missional doesn’t start here, but it finds its fruition from the beginning – that is Christ. Missional is shaped by the Holy Scriptures. Missional is the urgency to have the unbaptized baptized and the faithful communing at the Table of the Lord. Missional is defined by our Confessions. Missional is preaching the Word of Christ into the ears of God’s people. Missional is the passion to have all people stand in the liturgy of heaven, singing, “Worthy is Lamb who was slain.” And Missional is the ongoing activity of our Synod, described in the very objectives of our Church body’s constitution. Being a Missional Church is a part of our Lutheran DNA. Being Lutheran for this moment is important stuff. And we have some pretty important Lutheran stuff to hear, discuss, and decide here in this convention. We will hear from campus ministry and the Lutheran Women’s Missionary League. We will hear of the work of the Lutheran Laymen’s League and the Lutheran Extension Fund. We will hear from Shepherd’s Hill Camp and mercy care at Grafton State School. We will hear from our Lutheran Elementary Schools and development work in our District. We will decide on matters of Kenya, and Chile, and term limits. We will decide matters of church starts and Sudanese ministry. None of these things are autonomous or independent in and of themseles. They all come through the strands of our DNA. Each entity, every decision, our thought process and our words, our work together and our individual congregations – they all come through the DNA strands of our Christology, Holy Scripture, the Very Presence of Christ in His Sacraments, our Lutheran Confessions, our homiletics (or our preaching and teaching), the Liturgy of the Church, our life together as Synod, and our missional faith and life. Dear brothers and sisters in Christ, we are indeed Baptized for this moment. And I am convinced that we are Lutheran for this moment. And while I understand the Holy Christian Church, the Communion of Saint, yet we are not Roman Catholic for this Moment. We are not Calvinsts for this Moment. We are not Pietists or legalists for this Moment. We are not The Emerging Church or the Evangelicals for this Moment. We are not Methodists or ELCA for this Moment. We are Lutheran for this moment, and I believe being Lutheran is a very, very good and vital thing. I pray that we leave this convention with great Lutheran integrity – that we BE who we say we are! I pray that we return to our congregations with great Lutheran faithfulness – that we DO what we say we are! I pray that our Witness, Mercy, and Life Together in this new triennium will be lived out in Lutheran excellence – that we EXCEL at what we say we are. Fellow Lutherans, Fellow Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod brothers and sisters in Christ, Fellow North Dakota District Baptized Children in Jesus Christ – YOU AND I ARE BAPTIZED LUTHERANS FOR THIS MOMENT! We are Christological, Scriptural, Sacramental, Confessional, Holimetical, Liturgical, Synodical, and Missional Lutherans for this Moment! Amen.

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RESOLUTIONS COMMITTEE #1 – WITNESS Guidelines for Planting New Church Starts RESOLUTION 1-01A Overture 1-01, CW p. 50 WHEREAS 2013 Synod Convention Resolution 1-04A (reprinted in this workbook with Biblical references and rationale for this resolution) encourages church multiplication as a means of making new disciples; and WHEREAS The state of North Dakota has been named the “fastest growing state in the union” by major media outlets; and WHEREAS Various locations through the North Dakota District are being evaluated as possible new church starts; and WHEREAS In the North Dakota District it would be advantageous for us to have a general uniform guideline in our life together for planting new church starts; therefore be it RESOLVED That the North Dakota District adopt the following “Guidelines for Planting New Church Starts.”:

Guidelines for Planting New Church Starts HISTORY 1. Authorized by the ND District Board of Directors, the District President established a short-term Task Force on planting new churches in the district. 2. This Task Force concluded that these 5 points were vital: a. It is doctrinally and practically essential to a mission plant for there to be a FAITHFUL MOTHER CONGREGATION with historic and sound confessional Lutheran DNA (the genetic make-up that makes the Lutheran Church “Lutheran”). (Acts 11:19-26). b. THE THEOLOGY OF THE DIVINE CALL requires that the pastor be called to an altar by which the Holy Spirit gathers His flock (AC V). “Our churches teach that no one should publicly teach in the Church, or administer the Sacraments, without a rightly ordered call.” (AC XIV). c. From the very onset, all parties involved CLEARLY DEFINES what the mission plant will be in doctrine and practice and carefully select a candidate/pastor with the right qualifications for outreach, mission work, and a practice that is faithful

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to Confessional Lutheran doctrine and practice (Witness, Mercy, and Life Together). d. District involvement should be limited to financial support and ecclesiastical oversight. This oversight is much the same as it is with established congregations. The Mother Congregation must hold the Divine Call and take ownership of the mission plant in regard to spiritual nurture. e. A funding model will provide financial support for an agreed-upon reasonable period (suggested 7 years), with the understanding that after an initial period at 100% funding (suggested 2 years), this support will be scaled back until financial support is fulfilled at the end of the suggested 7 years. THEOLOGICAL PREMISE • The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod plants churches (congregations) o Under the authority of the Word (I Cor. 1:2, Gal. 1:2, I Thess. 1:1, Rev. 13, Acts 9:3, I Tim. 5:17, I Tim. 6:2-3, Titus 1:5). o Guided by the entire Lutheran Confessions (particularly AC V, VII, VIII, IX, XI, XII, XXIV, XXV, XVIII, Tractate concerning the Office, Tractate 11, SA Part III, IV, VIII, X, XII; FC. SD X:9and 21). • Loehe, “Mission is nothing more than the Church in motion.” • Worship is to be confessionally Lutheran, maintaining liturgical reverence and dignity (ACVII, AC XXIV 1-7, 40-41, Apology XV 38-52, The Controversy about Adiaphora, Concordia: The Lutheran Confessions, p. 523-24). • Catechesis will be rooted in The Holy Scriptures, Luther’s Small Catechism (and other Confessional writings in The Book of Concord), and Synod-approved hymnal(s). • The church plant begins with the premise that God gives His holy gifts of forgiveness and eternal life to the repentant sinner through Word and Sacrament (within and outside of the church building). • The church plant begins with the premise that the forgiven in Christ lead baptismal lives in their given vocations, especially giving special attention to confessing the Faith and inviting others to the Divine Service and the study of Holy Scripture. • The purpose of the Church is to give glory to God (Rev. 1:6) and to disperse His good and gracious gifts of Word and Sacrament to His people (II Tim. 4:2, Acts 2:38, I Cor. 11:23-26). The mission of the church is to make disciples through the Word of God and Holy Baptism (Matthew 28:19-20). This is, therefore, the purpose and mission of a new church start. A new church start is not to gather disgruntled individuals from other congregations, or be self-serving with a select group of individuals. It is possible, however, that a new church start may be made up of members from the mother congregation or area congregations who voluntarily desire to be a core group for the daughter congregation. These people may desire to stay with the daughter congregation either short or long term.

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PRELIMINARIES • A theology of new church starts/planting Churches needs to be taught and discussed throughout the district amongst pastors and laity. • There needs to be intentionality throughout the District in advocating, starting, and growing a theology, atmosphere, and action of planting new church starts. • There needs to be an intentionality of preparing each ND district convention for this conversation and emphasis, with preliminary conversations taking place in congregations and in each circuit, especially within the Winkel. o New mission start proposals ordinarily need to be presented to the congregations well in advance of a district convention for discussion. o Mission starts are ordinarily approved by the district convention. It is important that the entire district (all the congregations) support the new start(s) prayerfully and financially. o When a mission start is approved by the district convention, the mission start(s) becomes a line item on the district budget, which is supported by the congregations’ mission dollars. (A shortfall in district dollars will have an adverse affect on the new mission starts). o In the event support diminishes from district congregations, or other extenuating circumstances come into play, an exit plan needs to be developed from the onset of the mission start. Any conversation concerning dissolving the new start should take place prior to the congregation writing her constitution and bylaws. The writing of the congregation’s constitution and bylaws is a major benchmark toward the permanency of the new start. o When a district convention approves a mission start, it is the responsibility of district personnel to: ! Give a quarterly report to the District Board of Directors as to the progress of the mission start. ! Give periodic reports to the district congregations as to the progress of the mission start. ! Continue to evaluate the financial priorities, needs, and commitments toward the mission start(s). ! Report to the next district convention the progress or status of the new mission start. • A new church plant does not include a congregation starting a “second/new campus site.” A second campus is an expansion of a congregation’s ministry, not the starting of a new self-governing congregation. • “Development and Advancement” needs to be a priority in the North Dakota District by means of personnel and planning in order to develop, promote, and continue funding for new church plant(s) and other mission and ministry priorities in the District. • All personnel involved should strongly consider securing a specified amount of funds prior to calling a pastor to a church start. The desire would be for the called pastor to focus on the new church start rather than the burden of finances.

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SETTING A VISION AND GETTING STARTED • The vision for a church plant can begin one of two ways (ordinarily): o A congregation expresses interest to daughter a new congregation church start, or o The district entity(ies) most charged with this responsibility will take notice of a population area of the district that has no LCMS presence (specific Confessional Lutheran presence). ! If the District identifies a mission need, representatives of the District would normally make a visit to the pastor of the mother church for an initial conversation concerning a new mission start from the congregation he serves. ! If the District identifies a mission need, representatives of the District would normally make a visit to the “mother” church and present the important need for additional missional outreach in that area. ! This presentation should be well organized, enthusiastic, and have plenty of examples as to why a mission church needs to be established. ! (If there is no local interest, the eventual success of the mission church is in serious doubt). • The district standing committee and the potential Mother Church will evaluate the following, but not limited to: o Mission outreach needs in that area. o The level of interest by the mother church. o The need for mercy human care to take place in that particular location, and how ministry will impact the community with Christ-like mercy. • The District President, in working with this Standing Committee, presents the Standing Committee’s confident desire that a church plant is viable and doable. o The District President, Standing Committee, Mother Church, along with Development/Advancement, shall develop a “mission proposal” to be presented to the District Board of Directors and shall minimally include: ! The Mother Church’s desire to plant a mission church. ! The Mother Church’s description of the desired outcomes of the new church start. This will be initial planning in determining the validity and potential of a new church start. Upon the call and arrival of the pastor, the outcomes and vision of the new church start will continue under his leadership. ! A 7-10 year financial (business) plan that will help to determine the viability of an ongoing mission start. ! Location/meeting place. o The District President will present a plan for discussion to the Board of Directors as to how to proceed with a particular new church start, including plans on taking the proposal to the next district convention.

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MOTHER-DAUGHTER CHURCH PLANTS • We ask our congregations to plant another congregation rather than a new congregation starting under the authority of the District. • A mother church will bring local vision, leadership, support, accountability, ownership, and enthusiasm to the new mission start. • Even a Mother Church that is of some distance from the new mission is quite acceptable and recommended for the sake of theology, leadership, accountability, ownership, and enthusiasm. For instance, a Minot or Dickinson congregation can be the mother church to a church start in the oil patch a number of miles away. • A faithful mother congregation needs to have Lutheran integrity with historic and sound confessional Lutheran DNA – Lutheran mothers give birth to Lutheran daughters o A solid mother church gives birth to a solid daughter church. o It is realized that there needs to be mutual study and conversation around the words “confessional, liturgical, Lutheran integrity, historic Lutheranism,” and the like. It is a good thing for the church to be in this continued discussion. • In light of Augsburg V and XIV, the Mother Church will extend the call to the pastor for the sake of starting a new mission (this places the new church start within the ministry of the Mother Church rather than the new church start being under the authority of the district). • The pastor is on site usually before a facility is secured. The pastor then begins the Witness and Mercy work in that community along with the assistance of the pastor(s) and congregation of the mother church. • A coordinating team from the Mother Church and the North Dakota District will be established, who will be responsible to the District President. It is this team that works together on the “Mission Proposal.” • The role of the Mother Church would include (but not limited to): o Help to canvass the neighborhood. o Help establish, grow, and sustain circuit support. o Provide a meeting place for the new church start. o Assist the new church start with budgeting, financial bookkeeping, developing constitution and bylaws, and assist with outreach opportunities in the new church’s community. o When the new church start pastor is called, he is in essence called as an assistant pastor to the mother church with sole responsibilities at the new church start. o When the new church start becomes a stand-alone congregation, the Mother church releases the pastor to tend the new church plant congregation. The mission start pastor is then “called” to the new church. o The Mother Church is not expected to be responsible for the expense of the new church start. • The Mother Church serves as an overseer in theology and practice, giving encouragement, prayers, and support for the success of the new church start.

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DISTRICT RESPONSIBILITIES • The District will develop and maintain an emphasis on new mission starts o Through public relations. o Through ongoing Development/Advancement for the ongoing start-ups of new congregations. o Funds are solicited throughout the District to support new church starts in general (not toward a specific new church plant – Life Together). • The District will provide all funding for the new church start (cumulatively in all the District’s congregations’ Life Together). • In the District Committee’s 7-10 year plan for any given new church start, a graduated financial scale is developed, with funding heavy up front while decreasing over a 7-10 year period, as the new mission start is able to assume more and more financial responsibility. • Initially, all funding is provided by the District (Life Together) and gradually taken over by the growing new church start. • The Mother Church will receive a monthly amount from the District (and run through their account) to cover salary, housing, benefits, car allowance, facility expenses, supplies, etc. • The District President will work with the Mother Congregation to prepare documents and extend a call to a pastor. Some things to consider: o A “New Church Start Pastor” requires a certain skill set. It is strongly recommended that the new start committee personally (face to face) interview, engage, and become well acquainted with the potential candidate/ pastor to be called to start this new church. o The committee is encouraged to utilize current affordable tools in identifying and assessing church planters. o Working very closely with the seminary placement committee allows for one on one conversation with candidate potentials. o Younger men have been observed to better handle using social media as a means of communication and exposure, web site design, and invaluable computer knowledge and experience. o Men to be strongly considered includes: confident with the liturgy, able to teach, visible in the community, self-starter, desire to grow in dividing Law and Gospel, a good command of the Word and Lutheran Confessions, people skills and graces, servant attitude, competent, men of integrity, and focused on Christ. o The ministry objective of the pastor called by a Mother Church is to do mission and outreach work in order to establish a daughter congregation. o As the mission planter (pastor) is a called worker of the mother congregation, he reports directly to the congregation as determined by the calling congregation. o The mission planter’s relationship to the District President is outlined in Synod Handbook, pp. 190-193.

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ON A SMALLER SCALE • While this document is primarily addressing a full-scale church-planting project, smaller scale projects are certainly encouraged. • A pastor, congregation, or circuit is at any time encouraged to explore the possibility of a preaching station, community Bible study, and the like. • If and when this smaller scale endeavor turns into a full-scale church plant, the guidelines in this document would apply. RESOURCES • Congregations exploring a church start, along with the ND District and other entitles involved in the process, would be wise to be well informed in church planting. • While maintaining confessional Lutheran integrity, all parties would be wise to explore the resources of The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod and the greater Christian Church.

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FORMS The following suggested forms are to be used for this purpose. INITIAL PASTOR CONTACT – FORM 1 Date____________________________________________________________________ Name of Congregation (mother church) _______________________________________ Location________________________________________________________________ Pastor___________________________________________________________________ Contact Name and Phone Number ____________________________________________ District Persons at Initial Contact Meeting______________________________________ Initiated Contact:

[ ] Congregation to District [ ] District to Congregation

Why are the initiators of this meeting looking at this particular area for a new church start? What questions arise after reviewing the “Guidelines for Planting a New Church”? What is the pastor’s interest in pursuing a mission start: [ ] Very interested [ ] Hesitant

[ ] Not interested at all

Meeting date and time with Congregation leadership to continue this conversation:

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INITIAL CONGREGATION LEADERSHIP CONTACT – FORM 2 Date ___________________________________________________________________ Name of Congregation (mother church) _______________________________________ Location ________________________________________________________________ Pastor(s) ________________________________________________________________ Congregation Leadership Present ____________________________________________ Congregation Contact Name and Phone Number for this Project ____________________ District Persons at Initial Contact Meeting _____________________________________ Why is this congregation and pastor interested in daughtering a new church start? The pastor and congregation leadership will be asked to read and discuss the “Guidelines for Planting a New Church” prior to this meeting. It is requested that the pastor and congregation leadership read and discuss together all Scripture and Lutheran Confessions references in this document prior to this meeting. What questions arise from reading and discussing these guidelines and references? Does the congregation desire to be a faithful mother congregation?

[ ] Yes [ ] No

Will the congregation work within the Theological Premise of the Guidelines for Planting a New Church?

[ ] Yes [ ] No

Does the congregation feel she has the local vision, leadership, accountability capacity, ownership, and enthusiasm to start a new church start at this time?

[ ] Yes [ ] No

Is the congregation willing to call an Assistant Pastor solely for the purpose of starting a new church? [ ] Yes [ ] No A Preliminary “New Start Proposal” includes: 1. The Mother Congregation will promise to: a. Advocate a mission theology within the congregation b. Promote support for the mission start within her circuit c. Develop a mutually agreed upon mission and ministry plan for the new church start, including initial purpose, desired outcomes, start-up strategies, worship, ministry focus, outreach and human care, meeting/worship space, etc (another template will be developed for this mission and ministry plan.)

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d. Develop a mutually agreed upon seven-year overall financial plan for the church start e. Canvass the neighborhood f. Assist the mission start with budgeting, financial bookkeeping (running finances through the mother church), developing a constitution and bylaws, and assist the new start with outreach and mercy in the community g. Make preparations to have the mission start considered at the upcoming district convention h. Develop a mutually agreed upon exit plan in the event the mission start is unable to continue i. Give support and encouragement to the assistant pastor called to the mission start 2. The District will promise to: a. Bear the financial responsibilities of the new mission start as mutually agreed upon b. Promote support for the mission start throughout the district c. Work with the mother congregation, especially giving guidance and encouragement throughout the process d. Work within the Board of Directors in taking the mission proposal to the next district convention. e. Work with the District Development/Advancement in building relationships and growing funds for this and other mission starts throughout the district f. Submit a monthly amount to the mother congregation for new start expenses. g. Help with the call process as would normally be done in a congregation/ District President relationship

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A NEW START PROPOSAL - MISSION AND MINISTRY PLAN – FORM 3 Date ___________________________________________________________________ Name of Congregation (Mother Church) _______________________________________ Location ________________________________________________________________ Pastor(s) ________________________________________________________________ What is the purpose of this congregation mothering a daughter congregation? Start-up Questions As the mothering church desires to daughter a congregation, the items below should be given initial consideration. When the called pastor arrives, he will then lead the continuation of these plans and vision. 1. Where will the pastor/his family initially live? 2. Where will the new mission start initially meet and/or worship? 3. What is the initial strategy for witness, evangelism, advertising, inviting? 4. What is the strategy for human care, engaging the public, being in the community? 5. What are the arrangements for secretarial duties? 6. What are the arrangements for treasurer duties? 7. Do the voters and church council of the mother church understand the new mission start will be an agenda item for the next upcoming years? 8. How will the mission start maintain Lutheran doctrine, practice, and integrity in faith and practice? 9. (What needs to be added?) List the top three ministry focus areas for the first year of this daughter congregation. Ministry Focus Area

Steps Necessary to Carry out this Focus Area

Who is most Responsible

Cost

1. 2. 3.

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Cong % and amt.

District % and amt.

Other

Missions

(breakdown)

Ministry Program

Auto

Health

Housing

Salary

Year

Financial Plan

1 2 3 4 5 6 7

Write a full description and explanation of the budget items above. Ongoing Items 1. Write a plan in helping the new church start write a constitution and bylaws. 2. Write a plan describing how the new mission will gradually become more independent and less dependent on the mother church and district subsidy. 3. Write an exit plan in the event the new mission start is not sustainable. The writing and approval of the congregation’s constitution and bylaws is an important benchmark in this conversation. 4. Describe how the mother church will specifically “parent” the new church start. (The Committee substituted Overture 1-01, found on CW p. 50, in place of Resolution 1-01, found on page 117, of the Monday, January 19, 2015 Today’s Business. The committee amended Overture 1-01 by striking lines 34, on page 56, under the section titled “Resources” through line 11, on page 57. By friendly amendment, the following changes to Overture 1-01, CW p. 50; were offered and accepted by the committee: under the section titled “Theological Premise” 1) add “AC VII” to line 19; 2) add Formula of Concord, Solid Declaration Article X, pars. 9 and 21 (“SD X:9, and 21”) to line 21; 3) add “Tractate 11” to line 20; 3) add “AC VII” to line 24; 4) strike “LW 53” from line 24; and finally, after the section titled “Resources” 5) add a new sub-heading on page CW p. 56, which reads “Forms – The following suggested forms are to be used for this purpose”. It was moved, seconded and carried by a 2/3 (two-thirds) majority to call the question. Resolution 1-01A was adopted as amended [Yes 81 No 2].)

Action: Adopted

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To Plant a New Church Start in Watford City, ND RESOLUTION 1-02 Overture 1-02 CW p. 66; MTB, p. 127 PREFACE

Currently Redeemer Lutheran Church, Grassy Butte, ND is being served by vacancy pastors Wolters and Hojnacki. Redeemer is a healthy small congregation with a potential for growth. Membership at Redeemer includes families with young children. At the present time, Redeemer is unable to afford a full-time pastor and is interested in establishing a dual parish agreement with a possible new church start in Watford City. In the event this resolution is passed, Redeemer Lutheran Church would be the calling congregation of the church planter and would be able to initially provide approximately $25,000 toward the total annual cost of the mission planter, striving to increase this amount after the first two years. WHEREAS Our Lord Jesus Christ calls us to take the Gospel to all the world (Matthew 28:1920; Acts 1:8; Acts 10-11; Acts 16:6-10; Acts 17:1-9, 22-34; Acts 18:1-4; Acts 19:1-6,); and WHEREAS Our Lord Jesus Christ proclaims, “the harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into Hi harvest” (Matthew 9:37-38), and “the fields are white for harvest (John 4:35); and WHEREAS North Dakota leads the list of America’s fastest growing states in the Union (2.17% growth rate), has an unemployment rate of 3.1%, “spawned the country’s most robust economy over the past five years,” and has “more gross state product growth than any other place in the U.S.,” (Forbes Business, 12/20/12); and WHEREAS This same Forbes article states, “Towns like Williston and Watford City [are growing] so rapidly that construction crews have been struggling to build homes fast enough to shelter the swelling population;” and WHEREAS The North Dakota District in convention (2015) passed “Guidelines for Planting New Church Starts;” therefore be it RESOLVED That, in working with Redeemer Lutheran Church, Grassy Butte, together in our North Dakota District we will plant a new church in Watford City, ND following the “Guidelines for Planting New Church Starts;” and be it further RESOLVED That a mission planter will be called after two years of total projected costs are secured; and be it finally RESOLVED That the North Dakota District congregations be encouraged to increase their givings to the District to accomplish this resolution.

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Note: According to reported statistics, the average worship attendance per week throughout the ND District is approximately 5,500 people. The annual cost of a church start per year is approximately $125,000. With Grassy Butte contributing $25,000 per year, this resolution would require an approximate $18 increase per worshiper per year. (The committee amended the final resolved by striking “promise” and inserting “be encouraged”. Resolution 1-02 was adopted as amended by voice vote.)

Action: Adopted

To Plant a New Church Start in Stanley, ND RESOLUTION 1-03 Overture 1-03 CW p. 67; MTB, p. 129 WHEREAS Our Lord Jesus Christ calls us to take the Gospel to all the world (Matthew 28:1920; Acts 1:8; Acts 10-11; Acts 16:6-10; Acts 17:1-9, 22-34; Acts 18:1-4; Acts 19:1-6,); and WHEREAS Our Lord Jesus Christ proclaims, “the harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest” (Matthew 9:37-38), and “the fields are white for harvest” (John 4:35); and WHEREAS North Dakota leads the list of America’s fastest growing states in the Union (2.17% growth rate), has an unemployment rate of 3.1%, “spawned the country’s most robust economy over the past five years,” and has “more gross state product growth than any other place in the U.S.,” (Forbes Business, 12/20/12); and WHEREAS Stanley’s Most Common Industries have increased on average 9% in the last four years, unemployment is approx. 1.6%, population has grown 41.8% from 20002012, 200 additional students are anticipated in the Stanley school system in the next five years; and WHEREAS There is currently no LCMS presence within 55 miles of Stanley; and WHEREAS The North Dakota District in convention (2015) passed “Guidelines for Planting New Church Starts;” therefore be it RESOLVED That, in working with our North Dakota District, St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Minot will plant a new church in Stanley, ND following the “Guidelines for Planting New Church Starts;” and be it further

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RESOLVED That a mission planter will be called after two years of total projected costs are secured; and be it finally RESOLVED That the North Dakota District congregations be encouraged to increase their givings to the ND District to accomplish this resolution. Note:

According to reported statistics, the average worship attendance per week throughout the ND District is approximately 5,500 people. The annual cost of a church start per year is approx. $125,000. This resolution would require an approximate $23 increase per worshiper per year.

(The committee amended the final resolved by striking “promise” and inserting “be encouraged”. Resolution 1-03 was adopted as amended by voice vote.)

Action: Adopted

To Determine the Order for the Approved Mission Starts RESOLUTION 1-04 MTB, p. 130 WHEREAS The North Dakota District in convention has approved new mission starts in the District; therefore be it RESOLVED That the Board of Directors determine the order of the approved mission starts; and be it further RESOLVED That one fund be set up by the District Board of Directors to which financial gifts of congregations and individual donors will be placed; and be it finally RESOLVED That when two years of financing is secured for each priority church start, financing for the next mission start will begin. (Resolution 1-04 was adopted by voice vote.)

Action: Adopted

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To Authorize the Board of Directors to Begin Additional Church Starts RESOLUTION 1-05 MTB, p. 130 WHEREAS The North Dakota District has been blessed with tremendous growth in many ways; and WHEREAS The ND District has approved the Guidelines for Church Planting; therefore be it RESOLVED That the North Dakota District Board of Directors be authorized to begin additional church starts as finances allow and as mission opportunities present themselves. (Resolution 1-05 was adopted by voice vote.)

Action: Adopted

To Support Sudanese Ministry at Beautiful Savior, Fargo RESOLUTION 1-06 MTB, p. 130 WHEREAS Our Lord Jesus Christ calls us to take the Gospel to the world (Matthew 28:19-20; Acts 1:8; Acts 10-11; Acts 16:6-10; Acts 17:1-9,22-34; Acts 18:1-4; Acts 19:16,); and WHEREAS Our Lord Jesus Christ proclaims, “the harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few; therefore pray earnestly for the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest” (Matthew 9:37-38); and WHEREAS Immigration is bringing many nations to us in North Dakota, Minnesota Public Radio identifies “Fargo/Moorhead as a destination point for new immigrants,” and the US Census reports that Fargo’s immigrant population more than doubled in the 1990s, and Lutheran Social Services has resettled approximately 300 refugees in Fargo in each of the last three years (90 in Grand Forks and 20 Bismarck), and the number of foreign-born residents of the state continues to increase (9,388 in 1990; 12, 114 in 2000; 16,639 in 2010), and the number of specifically Sudanese refugees in the Fargo area is close to 3,000; and WHEREAS Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church in Fargo has been hosting a Sudanese worship service since September of 2010 free of charge for a group of Sudanese refugees; and

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WHEREAS Two men from the Sudanese worshiping community applied for acceptance into the Ethnic Immigrant Institute of Theology (E.I.I.T.) at Concordia Seminary and were then enrolled in the program in September of 2013; and WHEREAS Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church in Fargo has paid for all tuition fees and book expenses required for both Sudanese students to complete the E.I.I.T. courses, an amount in excess of $16,000 per year, and the pastoral staff of Beautiful Savior has invested great time in providing instruction and assistance to the two students; and WHEREAS The Sudanese ministry in Fargo is a new ministry within the North Dakota District that touches on all three of the proposed District outcomes for the 20152018 Triennium (Witness, Mercy, and Life Together) and an existing ministry within the District that could encourage other congregations to reach out to and serve immigrant or ethnic populations in their own communities; therefore be it RESOLVED That the North Dakota District will partner with Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church to support the Sudanese ministry that has taken root and is growing in Fargo by providing $8,000 each year of this triennium to be used for E.I.I.T. tuition; and be it further RESOLVED That the congregations of the North Dakota District promise to increase their giving to the North Dakota District to accomplish this resolution. Note: According to reported statistics, the average worship attendance per week throughout the North Dakota District is approximately 5,500 people. This resolution would require a $1.45 increase per worshiper per year. (Resolution 1-06 was adopted by voice vote.)

Action: Adopted

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RESOLUTIONS COMMITTEE #2 – MERCY To Have Congregations Host Disaster Preparedness Workshops RESOLUTION 2-01 MTB, p. 132 WHEREAS One of the Triennial Outcomes for the ND District is directed to supporting and being engaged in specific mercy care efforts within our District (Overture 3-01); and WHEREAS It can be beneficial for congregations and individuals to go through training so that they might be better prepared to help others in need; and WHEREAS We have resources available to prepare, mitigate and respond to disaster through LCMS World Relief and Human Care, Disaster Response North Dakota and other organizations within the District; therefore be it RESOLVED That congregations take the initiative and host disaster preparedness workshops for their communities with resources from the District, and; be it further RESOLVED That congregations and individuals be engaged is specific local or regional mercy care efforts. (Resolution 2-01 was adopted by voice vote.)

Action: Adopted

To Support Specific International Ministry RESOLUTION 2-02 MTB, p. 133 WHEREAS The ND District has sponsored and encouraged International Mercy Care [Such as Orphan Grain Train, Project 24, Mary Okeyo Young Adult Mercy Experience; Clergy/Lay Mercy Experience, quilts and kits for Lutheran World Relief, etc.] in the past and has seen God’s blessings come from these; and

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WHEREAS God “richly and daily provides me with all that I need to support this body and life” (Explanation to First Article in Luther’s Small Catechism) and even provides us more so that we can share with those in need; therefore be it RESOLVED That every congregation be encouraged to support or become active in a specific International Mercy Care (Congregations and individuals can visit the LCMS website and, under the topic “Get Involved,” find a variety of opportunities to choose from. The ND District Board of Directors may also suggest a specific International Mercy Care project that congregations and individuals can support and become engaged in). (Resolution 2-02 was adopted by voice vote.)

Action: Adopted

To Explore International Mission Opportunities in Santiago, Chile RESOLUTION 2-03 Presented by Floor Committee #2 WHEREAS Regional Director, Rev. Ted Krey and LCMS South American Missions are developing a Word and Sacrament mission model that other international regional directors are striving to emulate; and WHEREAS Rev. Ted Krey is striving to consolidate and strengthen the confessional identity of the churches and schools in the region through various district partnerships in the Missouri Synod; and WHEREAS Partnerships are needed to educate and encourage pastors, teachers, and congregations in Chile, and provide mercy care to the same; and WHEREAS Rev. Krey has approached the North Dakota District, inviting it to partner with him in international missions in Chile, South America; and WHEREAS Chile provides the opportunity to continue the Mary Okeyo Scholarship Mercy Experiences, which were well received by the young people who traveled to Kenya, as Kenya travel comes with high risk at this time, therefore be it RESOLVED That the North Dakota District explore this invitation and opportunity under the supervision of the Board of Directors and enter into an entry partnership pledge of $25,000 with Rev. Ted Krey and LCMS South American Missions. (Resolution 2-03 was adopted by voice vote.)

Action: Adopted

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Ongoing Support of ELCK and Project 24 RESOLUTION 2-04 Presented by Floor Committee #2 WHEREAS Resolution 3-02 from the 2012 ND District Convention recognized the broad support of congregations and individual members for a variety of projects in support of Lutheran Christians in Kenya; and WHEREAS Resolution 3-02 “formalized” this partnership with the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Kenya (ELCK) by making such support a district wide priority; and WHEREAS Project 24 is one of the projects North Dakotans were supporting prior to the 2012 convention. Project 24 is seeks to build 24 “rescue centers” for children in Kenya. Its roots go back to 2005 when a group of travelers from North Dakota and Minnesota traveled to Kenya and met with national and local church leaders; and WHEREAS Project 24 has several partners: the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Kenya (ELCK), the LCMS Office of International Mission, and Concordia Lutheran Ministries; and WHEREAS The North Dakota District in Resolution 3-02 decided to raise funds in order to build one and a half rescue centers as a part of the overall Project 24 effort. This resolution mirrors a resolution adopted by the Minnesota North District at its 2012 district convention. Together, the two LCMS districts would build 3 of the proposed 24 rescue centers; and WHEREAS At the time of the 2012 conventions, Project 24 had 3 operating centers and several sites in various stages of development; and WHEREAS In the spring of 2013, following a change in the national ELCK staff which were directly involved with overseeing construction and management of the Project 24 “rescue centers” it became evident that progress had stalled. In September of 2013, the partners agreed to a hiatus of any further construction until Kenyan cooperation and leadership could be restored; and WHEREAS In the summer of 2014, ELCK Archbishop Walter Obare agreed that the LCMS East Africa Field Office would at this time best manage Project 24 located in Nairobi, Kenya. A team from that office is currently assessing “1001 Orphans” (a program which in part provides operating support for the children in the centers), the day-to-day operations of the centers as well as their sustainability. The three centers (in operation prior to 2012) which host children do not meet minimal Kenyan standards for such facilities. Another 9 sites which do not currently host children are at some level of development. Some of these sites may not be suitable for housing children; and

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WHEREAS The ELCK has internal conflicts which have contributed to the stalled progress. Some of these may eventually need to be resolved by the Kenyan courts; and WHEREAS Day-to-day funding for the centers relies on an LCMS program called “1001 Orphans”. These funds come from individual donors as well as Concordia Lutheran Ministries. A recent audit by the LCMS East Africa Field Office revealed that this program is not achieving the anticipated goals of the partners; and WHEREAS There remains continued agreement among the partners that there is a need for Project 24; but, that at this time it is best if no new construction be resumed until these matters are resolved; and WHEREAS The people of God in North Dakota have given generously (nearly $100,000) for the construction of new rescue centers and they are owed a good accounting of their gifts; and WHEREAS The resumption of new construction may be well into the future; and WHEREAS There is an immediate need to improve the facilities of the currently operating centers; therefore be it RESOLVED That the North Dakota District in convention authorize the ND District Board of Directors to re-designate up to $75,000 of the funds raised to date to improve the facilities of the three existing centers so that they meet recognized standards for such centers if progress towards constructing new facilities is not feasible in the near future; and be it further, RESOLVED That donors be contacted to the extent possible asking them to release their restriction that the dollars donated can only be used for “new construction”. (Resolution 2-04 was adopted by voice vote.)

Action: Adopted

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RESOLUTIONS COMMITTEE #3 – LIFE TOGETHER To Change Term Limits RESOLUTION 3-01 Overture 3-05, CW p. 78; MTB, p. 133 WHEREAS At the present time term limits of all elects officials are for three continuous three year terms; and WHEREAS Resolution 2-03 of the 2012 District Convention to do away with term limits of all elected officials of the district was defeated; and WHEREAS There is a significant learning curve for all elected officials; and WHEREAS By slightly increasing the term limit that an individual may serve in any position, will allow for a better continuity of talent; therefore be it RESOLVED That the District Bylaws be amended as follows: 2.1.5.1 All elected Officers, Board members and Circuit Counselors Visitors shall be ineligible for reelections or reappointment to the same office after serving a total of (3) three (4) four successive terms. (The Committee withdrew Resolution 3-01 “To Change Term Limits” as printed in the Monday, January 19, 2015 Today’s Business on page 133, due to the fact that the proposed six-year terms were in conflict with Synodical bylaws. Overture 3-05 “To Change Term Limits” as found on CW p. 78, as originally submitted by the North Dakota LC-MS Board of Directors, was substituted and presented for action. Following discussion from the floor, Resolution 3-01 was defeated [Yes 25 No 63].)

Action: Failed

To Change the Title and Focus of “Assistant to the President” to “Business Manager” RESOLUTION 3-02 Overture 3-06, CW p. 79; MTB, p. 134 WHEREAS In the 2012 District Convention it seemed reasonable to change the position of “Executive Director” to “Assistant to the President” to avoid having two executives (District President and Executive Director) and provide a cleaner

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avenue of accountability within the relationship of the Board of Directors, the District President, and the Executive Director; and WHEREAS In evaluating the position and title of “Assistant to the President,” the Board of Directors has concluded that this title and position is not the most accurate nomenclature and position description needed for the ongoing mission and ministry of the District; and WHEREAS The District President is most responsible for Ecclesiastical Supervision (theology, doctrine, practice), and the position of a “Business Manager” is most responsible for the ongoing business of the District; and WHEREAS

It is more beneficial for the district to make the Business Manager more accountable to the Board of Directors rather than the District President, while at the same time working in close cooperation with the leadership of the District President; therefore be it

RESOLVED That the title of “Assistant to the President” be changed to “Business Manager”; and be it further RESOLVED That the North Dakota District Bylaws reflect the following changes: 1.1. Assistant to the President Business Manager 1.1.1.Appointment 1.1.1.1. The Assistant to the President Business Manager shall be called or appointed by the Board of Directors in consultation with and subject to approval of the President. 1.1.1.2 The assistant to the President Business Manager shall be accountable to the President Board of Directors. 1.1.1.3. The term shall begin at the January’s Board of Directors’ meeting in the year preceding the District Convention. 1.1.2. Duties 1.1.2.1 Serve on the District Stewardship Standing Committee. 1.1.2.2. Be responsible for Development and Advancement. 1.1.2.3. Be responsible for the annual “State of the District”and “Strategies of Funding” reports. 1.1.2.4 Oversee all financial matters: Budget/Workplan, payroll, Audit, daily operations, LCEF, CTAP, CHP, Congregation’s financial issues / stewardship / subsidy, and Synod. Overseeing financial compliancy and issues of board handbook and finances, Financial Reports to the Board, Insurance matters.

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1.1.2.5 1.1.2.6 1.1.2.7 1.1.2.8 1.1.2.9 1.1.2.10 1.1.2.11 1.1.2.12 1.1.2.13 1.1.2.14 1.1.2.15 1.1.2.16 1.1.2.17

Develop the annual District Salary Guidelines for Ordained and Commissioned workers. Oversee the mechanics of the District and Synod Conventions. Oversee office space, contracts, and negotiations. Oversee all Public Relations and social media in the District. , especially Website, communications. Be responsible for business and administration relations with the preschools and days schools of the District. Develop and oversee HR within the District. Manage and oversee the Board Policy Manual as it pertains to all financial matters of the manual. Be responsible for the delegated and agreed-upon areas of the District Workplan (e.g. Kenya, Disaster Relief) Advise the District President (e.g. District Issues, District Task Forces, Planning Council, Pastor’s Conferences) Hire needed administrative assistant personnel for his responsibilities within the boundaries of the District Bylaw and Board Handbook. Be a non-voting member of all District boards, committees, and task forces. Assist the Chairman of the Board of Directors and the President in establishing the schedule and agenda of board meetings. Visit and consult with congregations of the District as requested by the congregation or President.

1.1.2.1 In his relation to the President, the Assistant to the President shall: a. Be accountable to the President and communicate regularly with the President on his various activities as well as on problems and potentialities in the District; b. In no wise assume the President’s authority or responsibility as designated in the Synod Handbook and in the Bylaws of the District as he seeks to carry out his responsibilities within the District; c. In consultation with the President, prepare a draft of an annual Workplan/Budget. The Assistant to the President and the Treasurer shall bring a final draft to the Board of Directors; d. Serve as District Representative at all Synod meetings for District personnel or arrange for other representation at the same in consultation with the District President; e. Assist the President and the chairman of the Board of Directors in establishing the schedule and agenda of board meetings and

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prepare reports for the board on progress toward the development and execution of District adopted programs and policies; f. Visit regularly with the Staff to discuss District Outcomes and to assign execution of policies and resolutions assigned by the President; g. Arrange and supervise adequate training for all members of Staff; h. Give professional assistance to any Standing Committee and/or Task Force; i. Be welcome at any and all meetings of Staff, Standing Committees, and/or Task Forces, Commissions, auxiliaries, or affiliated groups; j. Oversee the District office and be directly responsible for the direction and supervision of all support personnel, full-time and part-time; k. Delineate carefully in writing the duties and responsibilities of all office personnel; l. Present an annual list of office personnel needs for approval to the President in connection with the preparation of the budget; m. Present the need of any additional personnel during the year to the President for approval; n. Establish, supervise and coordinate all purchasing procedures; o. Assist the President in overseeing, visiting, and working with the Lutheran schools, preschools, daycares and other educational entities of the congregations of the District; p. Visit and consult with congregations of the District as requested by the congregation or Staff, or as deemed necessary by the President; q. Maintain a continuing analysis of the growth characteristics of the District and of individual congregations for significant factors and report the same to responsible individual. 1.1.2.2. In his relation to the fiscal policies, the Assistant to the President shall: a. Supervise the execution of all policies of the Board of Directors regarding subsidy to congregations and to special ministries; b. Provide quarterly reports to the Board of Directors regarding the execution of such fiscal policies; c. Be responsible for the execution of all policies established by the Board of Directors regarding financial aid to students; d. Serve as Area Vice President for the North Dakota District Program in Lutheran Church Extension Fund (LCEF), fulfilling all duties as required by the LCEF Bylaws; e. Be responsible, in consultation with the Treasurer, for instituting and executing the budgetary process of the District according to the policies established by the Board of Directors. 1.1.3. Vacancy

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In the event of the death, resignation, or permanent incapacity of the Assistant to the President Business Manager, the Board of Directors shall appoint and/or call a successor in consultation with and subject to approval of the President. (The committee amended Resolution 3-02 with a correction to line 16, on p. 136, of Monday, January 19, 2015 Today’s Business in regard to the District Bylaws section 1.1.2.15 to change the wording from “ex officio” to read as “non-voting.” Resolution 3-02 was adopted by voice vote.)

Action: Adopted

To Ratify Constitution and Bylaw Changes RESOLUTION 3-03 Synod Handbook 2.4, p. 57; MTB, p. 139 WHEREAS The Standing Committee on Constitutions and Bylaws reviewed and recommended for approval by the Board of Directors constitutions and bylaws for: Zion, Edgeley; Immanuel, Rolla; Concordia, Beulah; Grace, Fargo; Immanuel, Wahpeton; Our Savior, Minot; St. Andrew, West Fargo; and again Grace, Fargo; Redeemer, Dickinson; Bethel, Bismarck; and St. Paul, Minot; and WHEREAS The Board of Directors approved these constitutions and bylaws; therefore be it RESOLVED That actions of the Board of Directors be ratified by this convention of the North Dakota District. (Resolution 3-03 was adopted by voice vote.)

Action: Adopted

To Set 2015 – 2018 North Dakota District Ministry Outcomes RESOLUTION 3-04 Overture 3-01, CW p. 69; MTB, p. 139 WHEREAS It is good for our North Dakota District to have a unified triennial mission and ministry emphasis in our life together; and WHEREAS The North Dakota District utilizes outcome-based governance, focusing our mission and ministry around various outcomes; therefore be it

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RESOLVED That our North Dakota District adopts Witness, Mercy, and Life Together as our mission and ministry Outcomes for the 2015-2018 triennium, outlined as follows: 2015-2018 TRIENNIAL OUTCOMES FOR THE ND DISTRICT 1.1. Outcome: WITNESS (I JOHN 1:5-7) 1.1. Planting and Revitalizing Congregations - The North Dakota District pastors and congregations will plant new congregations and will strive to revitalize existing ones. 1.2 Lutheran Education - The North Dakota District pastors and congregations will actively support Lutheran education in our churches, homes, and schools by encouraging programs such as Lutheran preschools and day schools, ministry to children and families, and adult Bible study. 1.2. Outcome: MERCY (MARK 10:45) 2.1 International Mercy Care - The North Dakota District pastors and congregations will support and be engaged in the specific mercy care efforts of our District (such as Project 24, Mary Okeyo Young Adult Mercy Experience, Clergy/Lay Mercy Experience) 2.2 Local Mercy Care - The North Dakota District pastors and congregations will support and be engaged in specific mercy care efforts within our District (such as Disaster preparedness and response, Grafton State School) 1.3. Outcome: LIFE TOGETHER (I CORINTHIANS 1:9) 3.1 Ordained and Commissioned Ministers - The North Dakota District and its congregations will support, encourage, and provide opportunities for continued professional growth and the personal welfare of our ordained and commissioned ministers. 3.2 Youth/Young Adults - The North Dakota District pastors and congregations will give particular ministry focus to the faith and life of youth and young adults. Note: See colored chart – “Comparison of District Outcomes” (Resolution 3-04 was adopted by voice vote. The color “Comparison of District Outcomes” chart can be found in Proceedings Appendix B)

Action: Adopted

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To Revise Standing Committees and Task Forces RESOLUTION 3-05 Overture 3-03, CW p. 74; MTB, p. 140 WHEREAS In the 2012 District Convention, Task Forces were placed under various standing committees; and WHEREAS This arrangement has been overwhelming for the standing committee chair; and WHEREAS It seems more productive to have task forces responsible for the District outcomes while having standing committees responsible for more permanent district work; and WHEREAS The Constitution and Stewardship Standing Committees remain, therefore be it RESOLVED That the following bylaw changes be adopted: 6.0 Standing Committees and Task Forces 6.1 Standing Committees 6.1.1 A Standing Committee is a permanent committee to deal with a specific subject. a. The standing committees of the North Dakota District shall include a Constitution Committee and a Committee for Stewardship. b. Standing committees shall perform either Staff or Board Functions. b. The President or the board of Directors, depending on the purpose of the appointment, appoints Standing Committee Chairs and members. 6.2 Task Forces 6.2.1 Task Forces are established to carry out short-term specific assignments or tasks. 6.2.2 The President or the Board of Directors, depending on the purpose of the appointment, appoints Task Force chairs and members. 6.3 Standing Constitution Committee 6.3.1 Membership The Standing Constitution Committee shall consist of three members, two of whom shall be parish pastors. One of these parish pastors shall be the District Secretary, who shall serve as secretary of the committee and be a voting member of this Committee. The Board of Directors shall appoint the other two members of the committee with recommendation of the President. 6.3.2 Duties a. Review new and revised constitutions and bylaws of congregations in accordance with the provisions of the

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6.4

Synod Handbook submitting recommendations of the President b. Supply interpretation of the Bylaws upon request by an officer or member of the District. c. Review the Bylaws before each convention to see if all stipulations are still applicable and suggest appropriate changes and submit them to the Synod’s Commission on Constitutional Matter for review; d. Bring the Bylaws of the District up to date if any amendments or changes are resolved upon at the District Convention; Standing Committee for Stewardship 6.4.1 Membership The Standing Committee for Stewardship shall consist of five (5) members, two of whom shall be ordained ministers. The President shall recommend members of this Standing Committee. The Board of Directors shall appoint the membership. The Standing Committee for Stewardship shall elect its own chairman, who will be recognized as “The District Stewardship Executive.” The Business manager of the District shall be on the Standing Committee for Stewardship. 6.4.2 Duties a. Carry out the duties of the District committee or Board for Stewardship as outlined in the Synod Handbook [Synod Bylaw 4.6.1]. b. Encourage year round stewardship education through district, circuit, and/or congregational level. c. If requested, provide an evaluation of a congregation’s overall stewardship and help the congregation identify specific activities necessary for improvement. d. Identify congregations who show evidence of struggling in the area of stewardship and offer them individual assistance.

Note: See colored chart – “Comparison of District Outcomes” (Resolution 3-05 was adopted by voice vote. The color “Comparison of District Outcomes” chart can be found in Proceedings Appendix B)

Action: Adopted

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To Revise Membership on Planning Council RESOLUTION 3-06 Overture 3-04, CW p. 77; MTB, p. 143 WHEREAS The basic objective of the District Planning Council is to formulate and review the three year plan for mission and ministry of the District based on Synod’s triennial mission and ministry emphases and on the District’s vision and Outcomes, and WHEREAS It is to integrate the various entities of the district into a comprehensive plan, and WHEREAS Not all entities are listed in the bylaws as members of the Planning Council, be it RESOLVED That the following bylaw changes be adopted: 5.1 Membership The planning Council shall consist of the following: President, Vice Presidents, the Board of Directors, the circuit counselors visitors, appointed committee Standing Committee Chairpersons, Task Force Chairpersons, President of the North Dakota District Lutheran Women’s Missionary League and President of the North Dakota District Lutheran Laymen’s League. (Resolution 3-06 was adopted by voice vote.)

Action: Adopted

To Adjust the Election and Title of Circuit Visitors RESOLUTION 3-07 Overture 3-06, CW p. 79; MTB, p. 144 WHEREAS In 2010 the Synod in convention changed the procedure for electing Circuit Counselors; and WHEREAS In 2013 the Synod in convention changed the title of Circuit Counselors to Circuit Visitors; therefore be it RESOLVED That the following bylaw changes to the bylaws be adopted: 2.9.9.1 Circuit Forums (a pastor and one lay member of each congregation) shall meet at the call of their circuit counselors visitor to select the circuit counselors visitor no later than the time established by the district four(4) months prior to the convention. Nominations for candidates for the office of circuit counselors visitors may be submitted by a voting congregation of the circuit and suggested by the president, in consultation with the presidium. Selection of the circuit 71

counselor visitors shall be by election by written ballot. The representatives from each member congregation of the circuit shall exercise the privilege of voting. All nominated pastors serving congregations and emeriti pastors shall be eligible for election. Each congregation representative shall write in the names of two pastors on the initial ballot. The three pastors (or more in the case of a tie vote) who receive the highest number of votes in the preliminary ballot shall be placed on the next ballot. Each representative shall vote for only one candidate. Balloting shall continue with the lowest candidate being removed from each succeeding ballot until one pastor shall have received a simple majority of all votes cast, who shall be declared the nominee. Immediately following the circuit forum, the circuit counselor visitor shall report in writing the results of the selection process to the secretary in preparation for ratification by the district convention The convention shall have the right to alter the slate by amendment. The convention shall then ratify the slate of circuit counselors visitors, which ratification shall constitute election. [Synod Bylaw 5.2.2]; and be it further RESOLVED That all other references of Circuit Counselor in the bylaws be changed to Circuit Visitor. (Resolution 3-07 was adopted by voice vote.)

Action: Adopted

To Promote Excel Leadership Training RESOLUTION 3-08 Overture 3-07, CW p. 80; MTB, p. 145 WHEREAS The Lord desires that all be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth of His love; and WHEREAS The Lord has richly blessed individuals in His Church with various gifts to be used for His Kingdom work of proclaiming the Good News of Jesus’ saving work through word and example; and WHEREAS Unprecedented opportunities abound across North Dakota with new people coming to our state for economic reasons; and WHEREAS Reaching the lost for Christ can be accomplished as we intentionally and skillfully use the gifts graciously provided by our Lord; and WHEREAS God’s people desire to be equipped for works of service to reach the lost; and WHEREAS Pastors and congregational leaders who are armed with God’s Word, trained for service, and united in focus rejoice in God’s abundant blessing as individual 72

needs are met and faith in Christ is born through the proclamation of the Gospel; and WHEREAS The Excel Leadership Conference provides training to empower pastors and lay leaders with First Article Gifts that serve Second Article faith, as well as the church’s Third Article Mission; and WHEREAS The Excel Leadership Conference curriculum has undergone a comprehensive review by both of our seminaries; and WHEREAS Dr. David Peter from Concordia Seminary in St. Louis declared, “[Excel Leadership Training] can benefit pastors and church leaders in organizing and leading efforts by congregations to advance the mission of God.” (Dr. David Peter, Associate Professor of Practical Theology, Concordia Seminary St. Louis MO - January 4, 2013); and WHEREAS Dr. Carl Fickensher, Concordia Theological Seminary, Ft. Wayne, declared: “In these materials are many helpful insights for practical, First Article wisdom.” (Rev. Dr. Carl C. Fickenscher II, PhD. Professor of Pastoral Ministry and Missions, Dean of Pastoral Education and Certification, Concordia Theological Seminary, Ft. Wayne, IN – April 17, 2013.); therefore be it RESOLVED That for the sake of Christ’s on-going mission, pastors and congregational leaders partner together in skills training and growth that maximizes the use of the leader’s First Article Gifts; and be it finally RESOLVED That, for the sake of Christ’s on-going mission, pastors, congregations, and congregational leaders of the North Dakota District are encouraged to promote skills training and growth through EXCEL Leadership Training and other Christcentered training programs. (The committee amended the final resolved to read: “leaders of the North Dakota District ‘are encouraged to’ promote skills training and growth through EXCEL…” Resolution 3-08 was adopted by voice vote, majority voting “aye”.)

Action: Adopted

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To Adjust Bylaws: CCM, BOD and Incidental RESOLUTION 3-10 Overture 3-09, CW p. 82; MTB, p. 147 WHEREAS Recommended changes to the Bylaws are being brought to the convention; and WHEREAS Whenever this is done, the Bylaws must be submitted to the Commission on Constitutional Matters of the Synod for review and approval (2013 Handbook 4.1.1.2); and WHEREAS The Board of Directors has submitted recommended changes of the Bylaws to the CCM and the CCM has provided the Board with necessary changes; and WHEREAS The Board has cited these changes; and WHEREAS All recommended changes presented to the Convention by the Board of Directors have been approved by the CCM, with the understanding that the changes made at the outcome of the convention must be resubmitted to the CCM; and WHEREAS Changes are made to reflect the 2013 Synod Convention; therefore be it RESOLVED That all the recommended changes by the CCM (red), changes made due to the 2013 Synod Convention and reflected in the 2013 Synod Handbook (purple), and recommended changes by the District Board of Directors (orange) be approved by the convention, and be it further RESOLVED That these bylaws will be adjusted by the District Board of Directors to reflect all convention resolutions pertaining to the these convention proceedings. (Resolution 3-10 was adopted by voice vote. The color-coded Bylaws can be found in Proceedings Appendix C)

Action: Adopted

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To Memorialize Synod Concerning Ministry RESOLUTION 3-11 Overture 3-10, CW p. 83; MTB, p. 148 WHEREAS Our Lord Jesus Christ said to His disciples, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.” (Matthew 9:37-38); and WHEREAS The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod acknowledges that, “no one should publicly teach in the Church, or administer the Sacraments, without a rightly ordered call.” (Augsburg Confession, XIV); and WHEREAS The right and responsibility for calling pastors and other church workers in the Synod resides in the congregations and other calling entities of Synod; and WHEREAS In consultation with the Synod President, District Presidents, and Circuit Visitors, congregations and other calling entities seek to faithfully carry out their work in discernment of God’s will in the call process; and WHEREAS Congregations and other calling entities are served well when they are provided with more information, and not less, concerning potential candidates to serve in their churches and ministries; and WHEREAS God in His First Article gifts of modern technology has made available an abundance of new online methods by which congregations and other calling entities could become more familiar with the background, circumstances, and professional experience of pastors and other church workers; and WHEREAS The Synod is tasked with providing support for congregations, schools, ministries and their called workers in the call process; and WHEREAS The Synod information technology departments have the technological skill to create or contract the creation of a secure, limited access, searchable, online ministry and church worker information system; therefore, be it RESOLVED That the North Dakota District in Convention memorialize the Synod to review and adjust the call process and dissemination of information of Ordained and Commission Ministers of the Gospel to be fair and equitable. (Resolution 3-11 was defeated by voice vote, majority voting “no” signified by saying “aye”.)

Action: Failed

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PROCEEDINGS APPENDIX A

District Revenue Sources

District Expenses

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PROCEEDINGS APPENDIX A

Current District Financial Resources

10-Year Congregation Giving to District 77

PROCEEDINGS APPENDIX B

District Outcomes Comparison Chart 2012-2015 Outcomes (Previous Triennium) Faithful Pastors Standing Committee Standing Committee Chair

vacant Witness, Mercy Life Together Task Force

Lutheran Education Task Force

Doctrine and Practice Task Force

Task Force Chair

Task Force Chair

Task Force Chair

Vacant District Resolutions

Mrs. Krisen Nistler, Chair District Resolutions

Rev. David Wagner, Chair

2-01, 5-02, 5-03

6-02, 6-04

Commissioned by DP

Bold Witnesses Standing Committee Standing Committee Chair

Rev. Adam Moline Witness, Mercy Life Together Task Force

Kenya Task Force

Native American Ministry Task Force

Disaster Relief Task Force

Task Force Chair

Task Force Chair

Task Force Chair

Task Force Chairs

Rev. Mark Chepulis, District Resolutions

Mr. Robert Wurl, District Resolutions

Vacant District Resolutions

2-01

4-01, 3-02, 3-03, 3-07

3-01

Mr. Bill Sharpe Rev. Adam Moline, District Resolutions 3-04, 3-05, 3-06

Empowered Stewards Standing Committee Standing Committee Chair

Rev. Lester Wolfgram Witness, Mercy Life Together Task Force

Youth Task Force

Salary Guidelines Task Force

Congregational Life Task Force

Task Force Chair

Task Force Chair

Task Force Chair

Task Force Chair

Vacant District Resolutions

Mrs. Pat Sebastian District Resolutions

Rev. Joel Brandvold

2-01, 9-01, 3-08, 9-03

4-02, 6-03

Rev. Jonathan Buescher Commissioned by DP

Commissioned by DP

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PROCEEDINGS APPENDIX B

District Outcomes Comparison Chart 2015-2018 Adopted Outcomes (for new Triennium)

Witness Eliminating Standing Committee Chair Planting and Revitalizing Congregations Task Force Propose d Outcome s

Lutheran Education

for 2012-2015 Task Force

(This Task Force will have its own Chairperson)

(This Task Force will have its own Chairperson)

The North Dakota District pastors and congregations will plant new congregations and will strive to revitalize existing ones

The!North!Dakota!District!pastors!and!congregations!will! actively!support!Lutheran!education!in!our!churches,!homes,! and!schools!by!encouraging!programs!such!as!Lutheran! preschools!and!day!schools,!ministry!to!children!and!families,! and!adult!Bible!study.!

Mercy Eliminating Standing Committee Chair International Mercy Care Task Force

Local Mercy Care Task Force

(This Task Force will have its own Chairperson)

(This Task Force will have its own Chairperson)

The North Dakota District pastors and congregations will support and be engaged in the specific mercy care efforts of our District (such as Project 24, Mary Okeyo Young Adult Mercy Experience, Clergy/Lay Marcy Experience)

The North Dakota District pastors and congregations will support and be engaged in specific mercy care efforts within our District (such as Disaster preparedness and response, Grafton State School)

Life Together Eliminating Standing Committee Chair Ordained and Commissioned Ministers Task Force

Youth/Young Adults Task Force

(This Task Force will have its own Chairperson)

(This Task Force will have its own Chairperson)

The North Dakota District and its congregations will support, encourage, and provide opportunities for continued professional growth and the personal welfare of our ordained and commissioned minsters.

The North Dakota District pastors and congregations will give particular ministry focus to the faith and life of youth and young adults

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PROCEEDINGS APPENDIX C Bylaws of the North Dakota District The Lutheran Church Missouri Synod

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PROPOSED CHANGES • RED reflects changes recommended by Synod Commission on Constitutional Matters (CCM) • PURPLE reflects changes made to the Synod Handbook in the 2013 Synod Convention • ORANGE reflects changes proposed by the ND District BOD

1. District Organization 1.1. Name The name of this District shall be the North Dakota District Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. 1.2. Eligibility for Membership 1.2.1. The District welcomes into membership congregations and ordained and commissioned ministers who meet the membership requirements stipulated in the Constitution of the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod, Article V and VI and pertinent bylaws. 1.2.2. All members of the District will be expected to cooperate in carrying out Christ’s mission for his church by preaching the Gospel to the whole world (Mark 16:16, Mathew 28:18-20, Acts 1:8). To that end they will be active in administering the Office of the Keys (John 20:21-23, Matthew 18:15-20), uniting in worship (Hebrews 10:24-25), practicing fellowship with one another (Acts 2:42), witnessing to all men (Acts 1:8), helping each other grow in the Word (Ephesians 4:11-14) and serving the needs of all men in Christian Love (Ephesians 4:7-16, Mark 10:42-44, John 13:35, Galatians 6:10). [See also Synod Bylaws 1.3.4 and 1.3.4.1] 1.3. Application and Reception of Congregations 1.3.1. Each application for membership in the Synod by a congregation shall be submitted to the President and acted upon by the Board of Directors at any regular meeting. [Synod Bylaw 2.3.1] 1.3.2. The president and secretary of each newly admitted congregation shall, as representatives of the congregation, sign the Constitution of the Synod in a special worship service held by the congregation. In recognition of the importance of the event, the President shall normally attend the service. Such shall occur as promptly as possible following approval of the congregation’s application for membership. [Synod Bylaw 2.3.1(b)]

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PROPOSED CHANGES • RED reflects changes recommended by Synod Commission on Constitutional Matters (CCM) • PURPLE reflects changes made to the Synod Handbook in the 2013 Synod Convention • ORANGE reflects changes proposed by the ND District BOD

1.3.3. The Secretary shall preserve the signatures to the Constitution on behalf of the congregation and the year in which the congregation is received into membership shall be noted. [Synod Bylaw 2.3.2] 1.4.

Application and Reception of Eligible Individuals Each individual shall evidence an intent to accept membership in the Synod promptly after the assignment of first calls and prior to ordination or commissioning. This is to be done by signing and filing with the President of the District, in which membership will be initially held, a statement, to be supplied by the President, which acknowledges subscription to the Constitution of the Synod. Upon installation following ordination or commissioning, the signing of that statement shall be deemed equivalent to the member having signed the Synod’s Constitution. [Synod Bylaw 2.10.2(d)]

1.5.

Duties of Members Every member of the Synod shall diligently and earnestly promote the purposes of the Synod by word and deed. Congregations together establish the requirements of membership in the Synod (Art. VI). In joining Synod, congregations and other members obligate themselves to fulfill such requirements and to diligently and earnestly promote the purposes of the Synod by word and deed. Members of the Synod, compelled by love for each other, accept the responsibility to support financially the work of the Synod and provide annual statistical information to enable the Synod to plan current and future ministry efforts based upon an accurate picture of the results of current ministries within churches, communities, and world. [Synod Bylaw 1.3.4]

1.6.

Relation of the District (Synod) to Its Members 1.6.1. The Constitution, Bylaws, rules, and the resolutions regulations of the Synod and of the District, apply to all congregational and individual members of the Synod and of the District. The District expects congregations that has not been received into membership, but is served by the District, and whose ministers of religion, ordained and commissioned, hold membership in the Synod and District to honor its rules and regulations. [Synod Bylaws 1.7.2 1.7.1 and 1.7.3]

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PROPOSED CHANGES • RED reflects changes recommended by Synod Commission on Constitutional Matters (CCM) • PURPLE reflects changes made to the Synod Handbook in the 2013 Synod Convention • ORANGE reflects changes proposed by the ND District BOD

1.6.2. The District expects every member congregation to respect its District and Synod resolutions and to consider them of binding force if they are in accordance with the Word of God and if they appear applicable as far as the condition of the congregation is concerned. The District, being an advisory body, recognizes the right of the congregation to be the judge of the applicability of the resolution to its local condition. However, in exercising such judgment, a congregation must not act arbitrarily, but in accordance with the principles of Christian love and charity. [Synod Bylaws 4.1.6 and 1.7.2] 1.6.3. While retaining the right of brotherly dissent, members of the District are expected as part of the life together within the Synod fellowship to honor and to uphold the doctrinal resolutions of the Synod and the District. [Synod Bylaws 1.8.1 and 1.8.2] 1.6.4. Membership of a congregation in the District gives the District no equity in the property of the congregation. [Constitution, Art. VII 2] 1.7. Constitutions of Congregations 1.7.1. A congregation which applies for membership in the Synod and District shall, before its application is submitted to the Board of Directors, submit its constitution and bylaws to the President, who shall refer such to a standing constitution committee. This committee shall examine the constitution and bylaws to ascertain that they are in harmony with Holy Scripture, the Confessions and the teaching and practices of the Synod, in order that any necessary changes may be made by the congregation before the application be acted upon. The Board of Directors for membership by a congregation shall not act upon an application until the congregation has made such changes as may be deemed necessary. [Synod Bylaw 2.2.1] 1.7.2. A member congregation which revises its constitution or bylaws or adopts a new constitution or bylaws shall, as a condition to continued eligibility as a member of the Synod, submit such revised or new constitution and/or bylaws to the President, who shall refer such to the constitution committee for review to ascertain that the provisions are in harmony with the Holy Scripture, the Confessions and the teachings and practices of the Synod. Upon advice of the !

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PROPOSED CHANGES • RED reflects changes recommended by Synod Commission on Constitutional Matters (CCM) • PURPLE reflects changes made to the Synod Handbook in the 2013 Synod Convention • ORANGE reflects changes proposed by the ND District BOD

Constitution committee and recommendation by the President, the Board of Directors shall determine if the changes are acceptable to the Synod. Upon favorable action by the Board of Directors, the congregation shall be notified that the changes are acceptable to the Synod and that the congregation is entitled to continue to function as a member of the Synod on in good standing under the new or changed constitution or bylaws. Actions by the Board of Directors under this paragraph shall be reported to the next convention of the District. [Synod Bylaws 2.2, 2.4.1, and 2.4.2] 1.7.3. It shall be the policy of the Synod and the District to decline membership to congregations whose constitutions deny membership or other congregational privileges to any Christian because of race or ethnic origin. [Synod Bylaw 2.3.1(a)] 1.8. District Conventions 1.8.1. Time and Authority of Conventions 1.8.1.1.

The District shall meet in convention at a date to be determined by Board of Directors. However, the convention shall not meet over a Sunday morning. The determined date is to be announced two years prior to the convention.

1.8.1.2.

The convention shall be the District’s chief legislative assembly. It shall establish a clear vision for the District, policies, programs, and procedures to carry on the District’s work.

1.8.2. Convention Service

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1.8.2.1.

The convention shall open with a worship service.

1.8.2.2.

The President of the Synod or his representative shall deliver the sermon at the opening or convention service.

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PROPOSED CHANGES • RED reflects changes recommended by Synod Commission on Constitutional Matters (CCM) • PURPLE reflects changes made to the Synod Handbook in the 2013 Synod Convention • ORANGE reflects changes proposed by the ND District BOD

1.8.3.

Convention Essay and Reports

1.8.3.1.

At least one major essay shall be presented at the Convention. The President shall select the essayist(s) and the subject(s) of the essay(s).

1.8.3.2.

The President, as well as other officers, shall render a report of their activities since the previous convention.

1.8.3.3.

The President of the Synod or his representatives shall report on the condition and affairs of the Synod.

1.8.4. Accrediting of Delegates The delegates of a voting congregation shall stand accredited and entitled to vote upon presenting to the Secretary at the opening of the convention the proper credentials provided by the Secretary and signed by two of the congregation’s officers. [Synod Bylaw 4.2.2(a)] 1.8.5. Advisory Delegates 1.8.5.1.

Advisory members shall attend District Conventions, but they shall not be elected by any congregation or by any group of congregations as lay delegates to a district or a national convention of the Synod, nor shall they be accredited as such. [Synod Bylaws 4.2.3 and 3.1.3]

1.8.5.2.

All non-voting ordained ministers who are members of the Synod within the District and all commissioned ministers who are members of the Synod within the District shall serve as advisory delegates entitled to voice and vote on a floor committee, if appointed, and to voice in the convention, if appointed, and to voice in the convention. [Synod Bylaw 4.2.3(a)]

1.8.6.

Attendance of Delegates All duly elected voting delegates shall attend all sessions of the convention regularly until the close of the convention. All advisory members are expected

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PROPOSED CHANGES • RED reflects changes recommended by Synod Commission on Constitutional Matters (CCM) • PURPLE reflects changes made to the Synod Handbook in the 2013 Synod Convention • ORANGE reflects changes proposed by the ND District BOD

to attend all sessions of the convention. Those advisory members whose office in the Synod, District or other entity imposes professional services requirements, of which full and regular convention attendance makes undue demands, shall nevertheless, in consultation with their supervisory boards, arrange for their own partial or occasional attendance and participation in accordance with policies established by their supervisory boards. [Synod Bylaws 4.2.2(b) and 4.2.3(b) 4.2.3(c)] 1.8.7.

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Convention Arrangements and Procedures the conventions shall be governed by the Bylaws adopted by the Synod for its conventions, insofar as these may be applicable.

1.8.7.1.

The Assistant to the President Business Manager shall have the responsibility for convention arrangements.

1.8.7.2.

The President, upon approval of the Board of Directors, shall inform the members of the District at least four months prior to the opening of the convention of procedures to be followed in submitting reports and overtures to the convention.

1.8.7.3.

The District may adopt any other regulations, provided these are not contrary to the Constitution and Bylaws of the Synod. The President shall conduct the sessions of the convention according to accepted parliamentary rules. The President may call upon the vice presidents to conduct the sessions at any time during the convention.

1.8.7.4.

The President shall inform the delegates in advance of the order of business for each day’s session. The Secretary shall present brief daily minutes of the sessions.

1.8.7.5.

The President or his authorized representative shall communicate the activities of the convention to the public.

1.8.7.6.

The official proceedings of the District convention shall be sent to all delegates (voting and advisory).

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PROPOSED CHANGES • RED reflects changes recommended by Synod Commission on Constitutional Matters (CCM) • PURPLE reflects changes made to the Synod Handbook in the 2013 Synod Convention • ORANGE reflects changes proposed by the ND District BOD

1.8.7.7.

Before adjournment the convention shall consider invitations for the next convention. The Board of Directors shall determine the place of the next convention.

1.8.7.8.

Travel and convention expenses of the voting and advisory delegates are to be borne by the congregations in which they hold membership. The District will bear the expenses of all officers and employed advisory members required to attend the convention and of the convention essayist. All others are responsible for paying their own expenses. The President shall have the authority to determine exceptions.

1.8.7.9.

Congregations shall not require their delegates to vote in accordance with specific instructions, but every delegate shall be permitted to vote according to his/her own conviction.

2. District Administration 2.1. Officers, Board, and Staff 2.1.1. District Emphases for officers, Board and Staff: a. To assist every congregation in the District to discover, determine and fulfill its mission to itself, the community and the world in the most effective and efficient manner; b. To suggest planned strategies and process for doctrinal practice and supervision, evangelism and mission, Christian education, Biblical Stewardship, human care and public relations for all congregations; c. To seek involvement of all members of congregations in the mission and ministry of the congregations; d. To maintain effective printed and personal channels of communication to assist congregations and those in the public ministry in their task; e. To coordinate District – Circuit – Congregation relationships by clarifying areas of operational responsibility and priorities in our life together as Church. !

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PROPOSED CHANGES • RED reflects changes recommended by Synod Commission on Constitutional Matters (CCM) • PURPLE reflects changes made to the Synod Handbook in the 2013 Synod Convention • ORANGE reflects changes proposed by the ND District BOD

The President shall cause the resolutions of the Synod to be implemented in the district, encouraging the congregations and schools to embrace the mission and ministry emphases adopted by the national convention for the triennium; f. To develop and utilize tools in order to hold one another accountable in effectively carrying out the mission of the Church and the objectives of the District and Synod. 2.1.2. Officers The officers elected at convention sessions are: A President, two Vice-Presidents, a Secretary, a Treasurer, and Circuit Counselors Visitors [Synod Bylaws 4.3.1 and 4.3.2] 2.1.3. Boards and Staffing The Boards, commissions, committees and executives shall be elected or appointed as follows: 2.1.3.1.Elected by the convention: a. Six (6) Circuit Counselors Visitors b. Board of Directors c. A Nomination Committee d. Member of the Synod’s Committee for Convention Nominations as per Synod’s Bylaws 2.1.3.2. a.

Appointed by the Board of Directors An Assistant to the President in consultation with and subject to approval of the President b. Four (4) District Reconcilers c. Ad Hoc Committees that serve the needs of the Board of Directors in doing their work d. Other Committees and/or representatives as required by the Synod.

2.1.3.3. a. b.

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Appointed by the President: All convention Committees District staff, committees or task forces to carry out operational functions

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PROPOSED CHANGES • RED reflects changes recommended by Synod Commission on Constitutional Matters (CCM) • PURPLE reflects changes made to the Synod Handbook in the 2013 Synod Convention • ORANGE reflects changes proposed by the ND District BOD

2.1.4. Terms of office 2.1.4.1.

The term of office of all elected officers, Board members and commission shall be (3) three years unless these Bylaws shall hereinafter explicitly provide otherwise.

2.1.4.2.

Installation of all elected personnel shall take place before the close of convention and all officers, Board members and commissions shall assume office as soon as possible after either election or appointment.

2.1.5. Successive terms 2.1.5.1.

All elected Officers, Board members and Circuit Counselors Visitors shall be ineligible for reelections or reappointment to the same office after serving a total of (3) three (4) four successive terms.

2.1.5.2. The number of successive terms in office for the Assistant to the President Business Manager shall be without limitation, but may be re-evaluated with the election of a new President. 2.1.6. Holding more than one office [Synod Bylaw 1.5.1.2]

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2.1.6.1.

No one, either in the Synod or in the District or between the Synod and the District, shall hold more than one elected office; or more than two offices, although one or both be appointed; or ever hold two offices of which one is directly responsible for the work done by the other.

2.1.6.2.

An office shall be regarded as elected only if it is an office filled through election by a national or a District convention, even though a vacancy in such an office may be filled by appointment.

2.1.6.3.

The President of the Synod shall decide doubtful cases.

2.1.7.

Prohibition of Conflict of Interest [Synod Bylaw 1.5.2, especially 1.5.2(c)]

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PROPOSED CHANGES • RED reflects changes recommended by Synod Commission on Constitutional Matters (CCM) • PURPLE reflects changes made to the Synod Handbook in the 2013 Synod Convention • ORANGE reflects changes proposed by the ND District BOD

2.1.7.1.

No officer, director, board or commission member of any agency shall use his position or the knowledge acquired from his service in such a manner that a conflicts between his personal or business interests and the interest and general welfare of the Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod arises.

2.1.7.2.

Officers or members of the Board of Directors, staff or members of commissions shall not enter into gainful business transactions, directly or indirectly, with any board, committee, or commission on which they serve.

2.1.8. Indemnification of District Personnel

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2.1.8.1.

The District shall indemnify to the fullest extent authorized or permitted by law, any officer, director, trustee, or employee made or threatened to be made a party to or witness in any threatened, pending or completed civil criminal, administrative, arbitration or investigative proceeding, including a proceeding by or in the right of the District, by reason of the fact that a person is or was a director, officer, trustee or employee of the District or by reason of fact that the person while a director, officer, trustee or employee of the District is or was serving at the request of the District, or whose duties as a director, officer, trustee or employee involve or involved service as a director, officer, partner, trustee or agent of another organization, against all judgments, penalties, fines, settlements and reasonable expenses, including attorneys’ fees and disbursements except for those associated with illegal acts. The District may, but shall not be required to indemnify agents as determined by the Board of Directors from time to time.

2.1.8.2.

The District may purchase, maintain, or participate in an insurance program on behalf of any person in their official capacity against any liability asserted against or incurred by such person whether or not the District would otherwise be required to indemnify the person against liability.

2.1.8.3.

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meet other criteria of the statute. To the extent immunity does not apply, this provision is intended to protect our directors, officers, trustees and employees. 2.2. The President 2.2.1. Duties The President shall perform all duties prescribed by Synod Bylaw 4.4 and specifically shall: a. See to it that the spiritual purposes are understood and implemented on all levels of administration; b. Be responsible for the implementation of all Board of Directors’ outcome policies and decisions either directly or indirectly through District staff; c. The Staff assignments and evaluations shall be made by the President with the approval of the Board of Directors; d. Supervise the doctrine, the life and the official administration on the part of the ordained and commissioned ministers of the District and inquire into the prevailing religious conditions of the congregations. As often as possible, he shall attend the conferences of pastors and teachers held in the District, advise the congregations as to the Calling of pastors and teachers, give counsel when requested and reply to inquiries. The President may call upon the Circuit Counselors Visitors to assist him in this task; e. See to it that the resolutions of the Synod that apply to District and its members and the resolutions of the District are carried out; f. Arrange for an official visit or an investigation, even without formal request for it, when a controversy arises in a congregation or between two or more congregations in the District. He shall ask for a report on the case of both contesting parts in order that by such a report he may be enabled to have a clearer understanding of the real situation. If the President authorizes anyone to

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represent him in such matters, his representatives shall be accorded the same rights as the President; g. In fiscal, legal or business matters exercise executive authority, following consultation with and concurrence of the Board of Directors, when the affairs of the District demand it. If this becomes necessary in an emergency without a specific resolution of the District, the President will seek the advice of the VicePresidents and may also consult the Circuit Counselors Visitors and the Board of Directors. Any member of the District shall have the right to appeal to the convention from the President’s action; h. Consult regularly with the Vice-Presidents and the Circuit Counselors Visitors, call a meeting with them at least twice a year and establish the agenda for those meeting to promote and maintain unity of doctrine and practice in all the congregations; i. Upon approval of the Board of Directors sign the official papers and documents in the name of the District regarding fiscal, legal or business matters; j. Conduct the meetings at the sessions of the convention, give report of his administration of District affairs and strive to promote a Christian spirit during the proceedings of the convention itself; k. Maintain the official roster of ordained and commissioned ministers for publication in The Lutheran Annual as far as the North Dakota District is concerned and remove the names of those who have died, have severed their connections with the Synod, have been eliminated from the roster by the Council of Presidents, have resigned their status as pastors or teachers in the Synod or have in some way disqualified themselves for service in the Church; l. Shall serve as chief executive officers of the District and thus supervise the total program of the District. [Constitution, Art. XII 7-9] 2.3. The Vice-Presidents 2.3.1. Duties

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a. The District shall elect two Vice Presidents, who shall be Regional Vice Presidents; that is, one of the Vice Presidents shall be an ordained minister in the Eastern region of the District, namely, the Northeast, Central, Eastern, and Southeast Circuits; the other Vice President shall be an ordained minister in the Western region of the District, namely Northwest and Southwest Circuits. b. The Vice-Presidents shall generally discharge such duties as pertain to their offices as delegated by the President. c. The Vice-Presidents shall, in the order that they have been ranked, perform the duties of the President in the event that the President’s office is vacated or the President becomes incapacitated. d. The Vice-president shall serve as voting members of the Board of Directors and also as members of the Planning Council. 2.3.2. Vacancy If a Regional Vice President moves to another region of the District, he shall continue to function as the Vice President until his term expires, unless he wills otherwise. If a vacancy should occur in any Vice Presidency vice-presidency by succession to the presidential office for the balance of an unexpired term, resignation, moving to another District outside the region, or otherwise, the vacancy shall be filled through election by the Board of Directors in consultation with the President. They shall choose an ordained minister from the region in which the vacancy occurs, giving special consideration to the vote of the District Convention. If the vacancy occurs in the First Vice Presidency, the Second Vice President shall become the First Vice President, and the replacement shall become Second Vice President. 2.4. The Secretary 2.4.1. Duties The Secretary shall: a. !

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b. Ensure that proper credential forms are available for each lay and pastoral delegate to the District Convention, record the proceedings during the convention, officially notify every member of the District elected to office of his election, publish the proceedings of the convention and arrange for distribution to all those authorized to receive copies; c. Serve as Secretary of the Board of Directors, Planning Council, and as an advisor to the Nomination Committee as specified by the bylaws; d. Serve as a member and secretary of the Standing Constitution Committee; e. Carry out such other duties as may be assigned by the Board of Directors; f. Carry out duties in connection with the Reconciliation Process as described in the Synod Bylaws, [Synod Bylaw 1.10] Synod Dispute Process. 2.4.2. Vacancy In the event of the death, resignation or permanent incapacity of the Secretary, the Board of Directors shall appoint a successor for the unexpired term. 2.5. The Treasurer 2.5.1. Duties The Treasurer shall:

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a.

Provide oversight so that there is responsible accounting for the receiving of, counting and depositing of all funds in the hands of committees, commissions, officers, and employees who by virtue of their office act as custodians or trustees of such funds;

b.

Provide oversight so that there is responsible accounting for accurate recording of receipts and disbursements, budgeted and actual expenditures according to proper accounting procedures, and as deemed advisable, shall suggest improved

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methods for consideration by the Board of Directors, initiating any procedures as may from time to time be authorized or directed by the Board of Directors; c.

Provide oversight so that there is appropriate monthly remission of offerings for missions and church agencies and for prompt payment of salaries and bills authorized by the Board of Directors or Directors of various boards;

d.

Work in close cooperation with the Assistant to the President Business Manager in the following areas of financial administration: monitor the budget process, custody of the District’s safety deposit box, signing of all checks and all notes, review of all investments of the District, Lutheran Church Extension Funds, loans and real estate transactions and all financial reports.

e.

Coordinate the flow of money from the treasury to the various Committees in such a way that an adequate balance is retained for the payment of salaries and other regular recurring expenses;

f.

Present a written, duplicated financial report at meetings of the Board of Directors and a preliminary report at the Planning Council meetings;

2.5.2. Vacancy In the event of death, resignation or permanent incapacity of the Treasurer, the Board of Directors shall appoint a successor for the unexpired term. 2.6. The Circuit Counselors Visitors 2.6.1. Duties The Circuit Counselors Visitors shall perform all duties prescribed by the Synod Handbook [Synod Bylaw 5.2] and specifically shall: a. Deal with the pastor of a congregation as a brotherly advisor, reminding him of the glory of the ministry and of its great responsibilities, discuss the spiritual life, family life, professional life and growth of the pastor; b. Keep in mind the glory and responsibility of the universal priesthood of all believers as it applies to the congregation, reminding members of the !

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congregation that they are a “chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a peculiar people” to show forth the praises of Him who called them out of darkness into His marvelous light; c. Meet with the entire congregation, if possible, rather than with the voting members only, and emphasize for them that all Christians are to be engaged in Christian ministry; d. Conduct his visit in a spirit of helpfulness to inspire and assist the Christians in the congregation to become better equipped for their ministry; Ephesians 4:11ff e. Report on the worldwide program of the Synod and encourage the members of the congregation enthusiastically and generously to support the Synod’s program; f. Shall organize and preside over Circuit Forums and Circuit Convocations as per the Synod Handbook. 2.6.2. Vacancy In the event of the death, resignation or permanent incapacity of the Circuit Counselor Visitor, the President is authorized to appoint a successor for the unexpired term. 2.7. The Board of Directors 2.7.1. Membership 2.7.1.1. 2.7.1.2.

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The Elected Board of Directors shall be constituted as follows: The President, Vice-Presidents, the Secretary, the Treasurer, two ordained ministers and five laymen. All Directors shall be a member of a member congregation of the District. Any member of the Board of Directors whose membership in a member congregation has been terminated, or if the Board Member moves out of the District, that Board member shall cease to be on the Board of Directors.

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2.7.1.3.

The Elected Board of Directors may appoint up to three voting lay members from congregation within the district to obtain additional skill sets such as legal, finance, investment, administration, etc.

2.7.2. Officers of the Board of Directors The Board of Directors shall elect its own chairman, vice-chairman, and such other officers of the Board as may be necessary. The President shall not serve as Chairman of the Board. 2.7.3. Meetings The Board of Directors shall determine its own schedule of meetings but shall meet not less than four times a year. A majority of the board members shall constitute a quorum.

2.7.4

Duties

The Board of Directors shall be responsible for the general management of the business and legal affairs of the District. It shall function as the executive administrative body of the District between conventions; acting in behalf of the District and such actions shall be subject, if challenged, to ratification by the convention. The Board of Directors shall: a. Provide for the coordination of the policies and programs of the District, communicating them to all the members of the congregations of the District, and supervising and evaluating the implementation of the same; b. Develop and maintain a current Board Policy Manual that contains policies to government its own ethical conduct and official actions as well as provide policies for the President to carry out his role and responsibilities with regard to the District. This does not include his duties as ecclesiastical supervisor, in which case he is accountable the President of Synod. The Board Policy Manual shall contain policies of four types: Outcome/Ends, Board Self-

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Governance, Executive Limitations/Boundaries and Board Executive Relations; c. Call or appoint an Assistant to the President Business Manager, and in consultation with the President, define his duties and determine his compensation; d. Provide support personnel to assist the President, the Assistant to the President Business Manager and other officers in need of such assistance, and determine appropriate compensation; e. Extend calls and/or make appointments to specialized ministries established by the District; f. Be responsible for the general management of the business and legal affairs of the District and is solely authorized to take on behalf of the District any action related to such business and legal affairs; g. Establish the salaries of District and subsidized ministries personnel upon recommendation of a Salary Review committee appointed by the chairman of the Board of Directors after consultation with appropriate District Staff concerned about such personnel; h. Establish suggested salary schedules for ordained and commissioned ministers, church secretaries, custodians, organists and other salaried personnel of congregations, which can be used by the Staff as they consult with congregations; i. Provide vision and direction for the work of the Staff and other entities. j. Appoint up to three voting lay members, if so desired, from district’s congregations to obtain additional skill sets such as legal, finance, investment, administration, etc. 2.7.5 Vacancy

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The Board of Directors shall fill vacancies in its membership not otherwise provided for in the Constitution and bylaws by appointment. 2.8. Assistant to the President Business Manager 2.8.1. Appointment 2.8.1.1.

The Assistant to the President Business Manager shall be called or appointed by the Board of Directors in consultation with and subject to approval of the President.

2.8.1.2.

The assistant to the President Business Manager shall be accountable to the President Board of Directors.

2.8.1.3.

The term shall begin at the January’s Board of Directors’ meeting in the year preceding the District Convention.

2.8.2. Duties 2.8.2.1 2.8.2.2 2.8.2.3 2.8.2.4

2.8.2.5 2.8.2.6 2.8.2.7 2.8.2.8 2.8.2.9 2.8.2.10

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Serve on the District Stewardship Standing Committee. Be responsible for Development and Advancement. Be responsible for the annual “State of the District” and “Strategies of funding” reports. Oversee all financial matters: Budget/Workplan, payroll, Audit, daily operations, LCEF, CTAP, CHP, Congregation’s financial issues/stewardship/subsidy, and Synod. Overseeing financial compliancy and issues of board handbook and finances, Financial Reports to the Board, Insurance (Church Mutual). Develop the annual District Salary Guidelines for Ordained and Commissioned workers. Oversee the mechanics of the District and Synod Conventions. Oversee office space, contracts, and negotiations. Oversee all Public Relations and social media in the District. Be responsible for business and administrative relations with the preschools and days schools of the District. Develop and oversee HR within the District.

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2.8.2.11 2.8.2.12 2.8.2.13 2.8.2.14 2.8.2.15 2.8.2.16 2.8.2.17

2.8.2.1. a.

Manage and oversee the Board Policy Manual as it pertains to all financial matters of the manual. Be responsible for the delegated and agreed-upon areas of the District Workplan (e.g. Kenya, Disaster Relief) Advise the District President (e.g. District Issues, District Task Forces, Planning Council, Pastor’s Conferences) Hire needed administrative assistant personnel for his responsibilities within the boundaries of the District Bylaw and Board Handbook. Be exofficio member of all District boards, committees, and task forces. Assist the Chairman of the Board of Directors and the President in establishing the schedule and agenda of board meetings. Visit and consult with congregations of the District as requested by the congregation or President. In his relation to the President, the Assistant to the President shall: Be accountable to the President and communicate regularly with the President on his various activities as well as on problems and potentialities in the District;

b. In no wise assume the President’s authority or responsibility as designated in the Synod Handbook and in the Bylaws of the District as he seeks to carry out his responsibilities within the District; c. In consultation with the President, prepare a draft of an annual Workplan/Budget. The Assistant to the President and the Treasurer shall bring a final draft to the Board of Directors;

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d.

Serve as District Representative at all Synod meetings for District personnel or arrange for other representation at the same in consultation with the District President;

e.

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reports for the board on progress toward the development and execution of District adopted programs and policies; f. Visit regularly with the Staff to discuss District Outcomes and to assign execution of policies and resolutions assigned by the President; g.

Arrange and supervise adequate training for all members of Staff;

h.

Give professional assistance to any Standing Committee and/or Task Force;

i.

Be welcome at any and all meetings of Staff, Standing Committees, and/or Task Forces, Commissions, auxiliaries, or affiliated groups;

j.

Oversee the District office and be directly responsible for the direction and supervision of all support personnel, full-time and part-time;

k. Delineate carefully in writing the duties and responsibilities of all office personnel; l. Present an annual list of office personnel needs for approval to the President in connection with the preparation of the budget; m. Present the need of any additional personnel during the year to the President for approval; n.

Establish, supervise and coordinate all purchasing procedures;

o. Assist the President in overseeing, visiting, and working with the Lutheran schools, preschools, daycares and other educational entities of the congregations of the District; p. Visit and consult with congregations of the District as requested by the congregation or Staff, or as deemed necessary by the President;

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q. Maintain a continuing analysis of the growth characteristics of the District and of individual congregations for significant factors and report the same to responsible individual.

2.8.2.2.

In his relation to the fiscal policies, the Assistant to the President shall:

a. Supervise the execution of all policies of the Board of Directors regarding subsidy to congregations and to special ministries; b. Provide quarterly reports to the Board of Directors regarding the execution of such fiscal policies; c. Be responsible for the execution of all policies established by the Board of Directors regarding financial aid to students; d. Serve as Area Vice President for the North Dakota District Program in Lutheran Church Extension Fund (LCEF), fulfilling all duties as required by the LCEF Bylaws; e. Be responsible, in consultation with the Treasurer, for instituting and executing the budgetary process of the District according to the policies established by the Board of Directors. 2.8.3. Vacancy In the event of the death, resignation, or permanent incapacity of the Assistant to the President Business Manager, the Board of Directors shall appoint and/or call a successor in consultation with and subject to approval of the President.

2.9. Nomination and Election of Officers and Boards 2.9.1. Election

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The District Convention shall elect a Committee on Nominations of six members representing the major geographical areas of the District, such as committee to include two (2) parish pastors and four (4) lay persons. Any qualified member of a District congregation, regardless of how many offices he holds, may serve on this committee. The District Secretary shall not serve as a member of the Committee on Nominations, but shall be available, upon call, for consultation. Unless otherwise provided, no member of the Board of Directors may serve on the Nomination Committee. Each lay member of the nomination Committee who is not a delegate of a congregation shall attend the District Convention at District expense. 2.9.2. Organization and Solicitation The District Secretary shall convene the first meeting of the Committee nine (9) months prior to the month of the Convention. The Committee shall select its own chairman, vice chairman, and secretary. Suggestions of names suitable for candidates for District offices shall be solicited thereafter through the Secretary of the District and responses received (6) month prior to the Convention, allowing the Nomination Committee to the set the deadlines for the nomination process. 2.9.3. Nomination process After names have been solicited through the Secretary of the District, the Committee on Nominations shall select at least one person two candidates and at least one alternate considered suitable for each office respectively, except for the Office of President, Vice-president and Circuit Counselors Visitor and ask his or her their consent to serve and send this list of nominees to each congregation of the District four (4) months prior to the Convention, with the invitation to the congregation to nominate additional qualified candidates for one or more positions in the District. Qualifications of nominees and the nominee’s consent to serve must accompany the nominations. One (1) month prior to the date of the Convention, the Committee on the Nominations shall mail a revised list to all Convention delegates. Nominations from the floor will be accepted, provided prior written consent has been obtained and written pertinent information relative to the qualifications of the nominee are presented immediately to the Secretary of the District. !

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2.9.4. Nomination of President Nominations for the office of President shall be made in the following manner: a. Each voting congregation shall be entitled to nominate from the clergy roster of the Synod two clergymen as candidates for President: b. The Secretary of the District shall mail to each voting congregation ballots for nominating these candidates. c. Each nominating ballot shall be signed by the president and secretary of the District congregation and returned to the Secretary of the District six (6) months prior to the month of the convention; d. The Committee on Nominations The Secretary of the District shall tabulate the nominations and the Secretary shall report to the congregations the names of the FIVE clergy receiving the highest number of nominations in the nominating ballots for the office of President one (1) month prior to the date of the Convention. 2.9.5.

Candidates for the Office of the President

Candidates for the Office of President shall be in each instance the FIVE clergy receiving the highest number of nominations in the nominating ballots. The Secretary of the District shall notify each candidate and shall secure his approval in writing for inclusion of his name on the convention ballot. Each candidate shall reply within ten days of the dates of his notification as to his willingness to serve if elected. In the event of the death, declination or unavailability of any candidate, the nominee having the next number of votes shall become a candidate. In the event of a tie for the fifth position among the candidates, all names involved in the tie shall be listed as candidates. Nominations from the floor will be accepted, provided prior written consent has been obtained and written pertinent information relative to the qualifications of the nominee are presented immediately to the Secretary of the District.

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2.9.6. Election of President Each voting delegate shall be entitled to vote for one of the candidates for President. The candidate receiving a majority of the votes shall be declared elected. If no candidate received a majority of the votes cast, the four candidates receiving the highest number of votes shall be retained on the ballot, and another vote shall be taken. Thereafter, the candidates receiving the smallest number of votes shall be eliminated on each subsequent ballot until one candidate receives a majority of the votes. 2.9.7. Nomination, Candidates, Election and Ranking of Regional Vice the district 2.9.7.1.

Presidents of

Nominations for the office of Regional Vice President shall be made in the following manner:

a.

Each voting congregation shall be entitled to nominate an ordained minister, one for each from its region, as a Regional candidate for the office of Vice-President; for each region; b.

The Secretary of the District shall mail to each voting congregation of the District ballots for nominating these candidates;

c.

Each nominating ballot The Secretary of the District shall tabulate the nominations and the Secretary shall report to the congregations of the District the names of the TWO clergymen who received the most nominations in each region. In the event of a tie for the second position among the nominees, all names involved in the tie shall be listed as candidates. 2.9.7.2.

Candidates for the Office of Regional Vice-President

Candidates for the Office of Regional Vice-President shall be in each instance the TWO (2) ordained ministers within each region receiving the greatest number of nominations from the nominating ballots of the congregations in that region. The Secretary of the District shall notify each candidate and shall secure his approval in writing for inclusion of his name on the convention !

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ballot. Each candidate shall reply within ten days of the dates of his notification as to his willingness to serve if elected. In the event of death, declination or unavailability of any candidate, the nominee having the next highest number of votes in his region shall become a candidate. Nominations from the floor will be accepted, provided prior written consent has been obtained and written pertinent information relative to the qualifications of the nominee are presented immediately to the secretary. 2.9.7.3.

Election of the Regional Vice President

Each voting delegate at the Convention shall be entitled to vote for one (1) candidate from each region. The candidate with the most votes in each region shall be elected as Vice-President for that region. If a candidate in any of the regions receives a majority on the first ballot, that candidate for candidates shall be elected. If no candidate receives a majority in either of the regions, the name of the candidate or candidates receiving the smallest numbers of votes shall be removed from the ballot. Voting shall continue until a majority is reached for each region. 2.9.7.4.

Ranking of Regional Vice-Presidents

After the Vice-Presidents have been elected, another ballot shall be taken to determine their rank. The Vice-President to receive the majority of the votes shall be declared First Vice-President; the other will be Second Vice-President. 2.9.8. Other Officers The order of election at the Convention shall be the election of the President, the regional Vice-Presidents, the Circuit Counselors Visitors, followed by the election of the Secretary, the Treasurer, the remaining ordained minister members of the Board of Directors, the remaining lay members of the Board of Directors, the pastoral members of the Nominating Committee and the lay members of the Nominating Committee. At alternate Conventions, a member of Synod’s Committee for Convention Nominations shall be elected. Election shall be by majority vote. 2.9.9. Election of Circuit Counselors Visitor !

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2.9.9.1. Circuit Forums (a pastor and one lay member of each congregation) shall meet at the call of their circuit counselors visitor to select the circuit counselors visitor no later than the time established by the district four (4) months prior to the convention. Nominations for candidates for the office of circuit counselors visitors may be submitted by a voting congregation of the circuit and suggested by the president, in consultation with the presidium. Selection of the circuit counselor visitors shall be by election by written ballot. The representatives from each member congregation of the circuit shall exercise the privilege of voting. All nominated pastors serving congregations and emeriti pastors shall be eligible for election. Each congregation representative shall write in the names of two pastors on the initial ballot. The three pastors (or more in the case of a tie vote) who receive the highest number of votes in the preliminary ballot shall be placed on the next ballot. Each representative shall vote for only one candidate. Balloting shall continue with the lowest candidate being removed from each succeeding ballot until one pastor shall have received a simple majority of all votes cast, who shall be declared the nominee. Immediately following the circuit forum, the circuit counselor visitor shall report in writing the results of the selection process to the secretary in preparation for ratification by the district convention. The convention shall have the right to alter the slate by amendment. The convention shall then ratify the slate of circuit counselors visitors, which ratification shall constitute election. [Synod Bylaw 5.2.2] 2.9.9.2. Vacancies that occur in the office of Circuit Counselor visitor between conventions shall be filled by appointment by the President. [Synod Bylaw 5.2.2.1] 3. Pastors and Teacher Calls 3.1. Eligible Pastors and Teachers 3.1.1. Congregations which that are members of the Synod, in conformity with Synod Bylaws 2.5.2 and 2.5.3, shall call and be served only by (1) ordained and commissioned ministers who have been admitted to these respective ministries !

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PROPOSED CHANGES • RED reflects changes recommended by Synod Commission on Constitutional Matters (CCM) • PURPLE reflects changes made to the Synod Handbook in the 2013 Synod Convention • ORANGE reflects changes proposed by the ND District BOD

in accordance with the rules and regulations set forth in the Synod Handbook and have thereby become members of the Synod; (2) candidates for the pastoral ministry who have satisfied the qualifications and requirements for assignment of first calls by the Council of Presidents acting as the board of Assignments; or (3) ordained ministers who are members in good standing of church bodies that have been formally recognized to be in alter and pulpit fellowship with the Synod when agreements for such calls are in place. [Synod Bylaw 2.5.2] 3.1.2. Congregations that are members of the Synod shall call only (1) commissioned ministers who have been admitted to their ministries in accordance with the rules and regulations set forth in the Synod Handbook and have thereby become members of the Synod; (2) candidates of LCMS colleges and universities who have satisfied the qualifications and requirements for assignment of first calls by the Council of Presidents acting as the board of Assignments; or (3) commissioned ministers (or those holding positions comparable to commissioned ministers) who are members in good standing of church bodies that have been formally recognized to be in alter and pulpit fellowship with the Synod when agreements for such calls are in place. [Synod Bylaw 2.5.3] 3.1.3. Congregations which violate this requirement and persist in such violation shall after due admonition forfeit their membership in the Synod. 3.2. Developing Call Lists Congregations, institutions and agencies intending to call an ordained and/or commissioned minister shall seek the advice of the President. 3.3. Transfers An ordained or commissioned minister accepting a call into another District shall immediately report such decision to the President and ask for a transfer of membership. The President shall forward such transfer to the President of the sister District. 3.4. Placement and/or Removal from Rosters

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PROPOSED CHANGES • RED reflects changes recommended by Synod Commission on Constitutional Matters (CCM) • PURPLE reflects changes made to the Synod Handbook in the 2013 Synod Convention • ORANGE reflects changes proposed by the ND District BOD

Subject to the provisions of the Constitution and Bylaws, the President shall be responsible for the initial placement of the names of all ordained and commissioned ministers on the respective roster of the Synod and shall be responsible for their removal when that becomes necessary. 3.5. Official Pastor and Teacher Conferences Official conferences for ordained and commissioned ministers shall be held in accordance with the Synod Bylaws [Synod bylaw 4.81-4.83] 4. Dispute Resolution 4.1. When disputes, disagreements or offenses arise among members of the body of Christ, it is a matter of grave concern for the whole church. Conflicts that occur in the body should be resolved promptly (Matt. 5:23-23; Eph. 4:26-27). Parties are urged by the mercies of God to proceed with one another with the same attitude that was in Christ Jesus (Phil. 2:5). In doing so, individuals, congregations and various entities and agencies within the Synod are urged to reject a “win-lose” attitude that typifies secular conflict. For the sake of the Gospel, the church should spare no resource in providing assistance. 4.2. The Holy Scriptures (1 Cor. 6:1-7) urge Christians to settle their differences by laying them before the “members of the brotherhood.” Therefore, the Synod in the spirit of 1 Corinthians 6 calls upon all parties to a disagreement, accusation, controversy or disciplinary action to rely exclusively and fully on the Synod’s system of reconciliation and conflict resolution. The use of the Synod’s conflict resolution procedures shall be the exclusive and final remedy for those who are in dispute. Fitness for ministry and other theological matters must be determined within the church. Parties are urged, in matters for a doctrinal nature, to follow the procedures as outline in Synod Bylaw 1.10 1.8. 4.3. The words of Jesus in Matt. 18:15-20 provide the basis for church discipline for the local congregation. The same passage also grants Christ’s guidance to all Christians in seeking to settle other disputes, many of which fall outside the purview of church discipline involving the congregation. In either case, the steps of Matthew 18 should be applied lovingly in both formal and informal settings. The parties and others attempting to effect resolution of a dispute must always remain mindful that !

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PROPOSED CHANGES • RED reflects changes recommended by Synod Commission on Constitutional Matters (CCM) • PURPLE reflects changes made to the Synod Handbook in the 2013 Synod Convention • ORANGE reflects changes proposed by the ND District BOD

the church has been given the “ministry of reconciliation” (2 Cor. 5:18) Hence, conflict resolution in the church is to lead to reconciliation, restoring the erring member in a spirit of gentleness (Gal. 6:1). Its aim is to avoid the adversarial system practiced in society. 4.4. The heart and center of all Christian conflict resolution is the justification of the sinner through grace in Christ Jesus. Biblical reconciliation of persons in conflict begins with God’s truth that we are all sinners who have been reconciled to God through the death and resurrection of Christ Jesus. Christ’s “ministry of reconciliation” is one of the church’s foremost priorities. 4.5. Christian conflict resolution seeks to resolve disputed issues in a manner pleasing to God. Those in conflict are urged to proceed prayerfully in good faith and trust. Disputes are more likely to be resolved harmoniously if those involved in the conflict recognize one another as redeemed children of God. 4.6. Christians involved in conflict must always stand ready to ask for or extend forgiveness in accordance with Scripture. As the church endeavors to help bring about peace, truth, justice, and reconciliation, it always seeks to do so with proper distinction between Law and Gospel, that is, in the context of God’s judgment and mercy. We are ever to be mindful that it is God who judges the hearts of sinful men and grants His gracious word of forgiveness to us all. 4.7. When there is repentance and reconciliation, the body of Christ rejoices in its oneness with Christ and with one another. In resolving disputes, the procedure outlined in the Synod Handbook, [Synod Bylaw 1.10] Dispute Resolution of Synod will be followed by all parties involved in the dispute. 4. The Planning Council 4.1.

Membership The planning Council shall consist of the following: President, Vice Presidents, the Board of Directors, the circuit counselors visitors, appointed committee Standing Committee Chairpersons, Task Force Chairpersons, President of the North Dakota

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District Lutheran Women’s Missionary League and President of the North Dakota District Lutheran Laymen’s League. 4.2.

Functions and Persons The District Planning Council will meet annually in order to formulate an integrated District work plan. Work plans reflect Synod’s triennial mission and ministry emphases, along with the tasks assigned by the District convention, the District Bylaws and President. Together, the leaders of the District establish and coordinate the specific tasks to be carried out throughout the triennium.

4.3.

Objectives The basic objectives of the District Planning council are to formulate and review the three (3) year plan for the mission and ministry of the District based on Synod’s triennial mission and ministry emphases and on the District’s vision and Outcomes. It is also to integrate the various entities of the District into a comprehensive plan, coordinate the implementation of the Vision of the District and to evaluate the effectiveness of the direction of ministry while seeking constant improvement.

4.4.

Goals a. Develop a three year planned program for mission and ministry in the District based on Synod’s triennial mission and ministry emphases and the District’s Vision and Outcomes; b. Recommend to the District Board of Directors policies and procedures for more effective ministry; c. Settle jurisdictional difficulties, which may arise among various entities and auxiliaries in the administration of their work in the District, d. Serve as a sounding board for ideas, plans, and problems of officers and presidents of auxiliaries.

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PROPOSED CHANGES • RED reflects changes recommended by Synod Commission on Constitutional Matters (CCM) • PURPLE reflects changes made to the Synod Handbook in the 2013 Synod Convention • ORANGE reflects changes proposed by the ND District BOD

5. Standing Committees and Task Forces 5.1.

Standing Committees 5.1.1. A Standing Committee is a permanent committee to deal with a specific subject. a. The standing committees of the North Dakota District shall include Constitution Committee and a Committee for Stewardship.

a

b. Standing committees shall perform either Staff or Board Functions. c. Standing Committee Chairs and members are appointed by the District President or the Board of Directors, depending on the purpose of the appointment. b. The President or the Board of Directors, depending on the purpose of the appointment, appoints Standing Committee Chairs and members. 5.2.

Task Forces 5.2.1. Task Forces are established to carry out short-term specific assignments or tasks. 5.2.2. The President or the Board of Directors, depending on the purpose of the appointment, appoints Task Force chairs and members.

5.3.

Standing Constitution Committee 5.3.1. Membership The Standing Constitution Committee shall consist of three members, two of whom shall be parish pastors. One shall be the District Secretary who shall serve as the secretary of the committee, one parish pastor, and a layman. of these parish pastors shall be the District Secretary, who shall serve as secretary of the committee and be a voting member of this Committee. The Board of Directors shall appoint the other two members the parish pastor and layman of the committee with recommendation of from the President. 5.3.2.

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PROPOSED CHANGES • RED reflects changes recommended by Synod Commission on Constitutional Matters (CCM) • PURPLE reflects changes made to the Synod Handbook in the 2013 Synod Convention • ORANGE reflects changes proposed by the ND District BOD

a. Review new and revised constitutions and bylaws of congregations in accordance with the provisions of the Synod Handbook submitting recommendation of the President. b. Supply interpretation of the District Bylaws upon request by an officer or member of the District. c. Review the Bylaws before each convention to see if all stipulations are still applicable and suggest appropriate changes and submit them to the Synod’s Commission on Constitutional Matter for review in advance of the convention; d. Bring the Bylaws of the District up to date if any amendments or changes are resolved upon at the District Convention; 5.4.

Standing Committee for Stewardship 5.4.1. Membership The Standing Committee for Stewardship shall consist of five (5) members, two of whom shall be ordained ministers. The President shall recommend members of this Standing Committee. The Board of Directors shall appoint the membership. The Standing Committee for Stewardship shall elect its own chairman, who will be recognized as “The District Stewardship Executive.” The Business manager of the District shall be the chairman of on the Standing Committee for Stewardship. 5.4.2. Duties a. Carry out the duties of the District committee or Board for Stewardship as outlined in the Synod Handbook [Synod Bylaw 4.6.1]. b. Encourage year round stewardship education through district, circuit, and/or congregational level.

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c. If requested, provide an evaluation of a congregation’s overall stewardship and help the congregation identify specific activities necessary for improvement. d. Identify congregations who show evidence of struggling in the area of stewardship and offer them individual assistance. 6. Auxiliary Organizations 6.1.

Names There are two auxiliary organizations officially recognized as such by The Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod: The International Lutheran Laymen’s League and The Lutheran Women’s Missionary League.

6.2.

Service to District 6.2.1. All of these auxiliary organizations are invited to cooperate closely with the respective staff to which the organizations have been assigned in the Bylaws. 6.2.2. All auxiliaries and also non-official organizations are invited to participate in District activities to the extent that they are invited or authorized by a staff or commission or by resolution of the District in convention. 6.2.3. The various staff of the District shall invite officers and members of these auxiliaries to participate in their program promotion and operation.

7. Amendments to the Bylaws 7.1.

Action Necessary to Amend the Bylaws 7.1.1. Amendments to the Bylaws may be made provided they are; a. Not in conflict with the Constitution and Bylaws of the Synod or to the Bylaws of the District; b. Presented in writing to a convention of the District;

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PROPOSED CHANGES • RED reflects changes recommended by Synod Commission on Constitutional Matters (CCM) • PURPLE reflects changes made to the Synod Handbook in the 2013 Synod Convention • ORANGE reflects changes proposed by the ND District BOD

c. Specified as Bylaw amendments and considered by a convention floor committee; d. Submitted to the District Synod Commission on Constitutional Matters for clearance prior to presentation to the convention. Any subsequent changes (floor amendments) made by the convention become effective only after approval by the Synod Commission on Constitutional Matters; e. Adopted by an affirmative vote of a majority of the delegates present and voting.

Reflects changes made by the 1998, 2001, 2004, 2007, 2010 Synod Convention and the 2000, 2003, 2006, 2012, ND District Conventions

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