The Importance of Keeping Governance Documents Up to Date
Does this sound familiar? Can we ___________ , or how do we___________? The blanks might contain “only have five people on the council” or “notify the members about a congregation meeting.” Answers to these questions can and should be found within an organization’s constitution, bylaws, and continuing resolutions.
Some organizations keep these as living, breathing documents that accurately reflect current practices. Other organizations create them once and then file them away with little thought to what they say. The three expressions of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America intend for the former to be true, and yet, we know the latter is sometimes the reality. Rules for meeting notification and council size sometimes seem far removed from the excitement and challenges of day to day ministry, but good and timely governing documents help the church’s mission too.
The ELCA was organized as three interdependent expressions: churchwide organization, synods, and congregations. One way the three expressions maintain the connection is through a shared governance structure and purpose. Amendments to the ELCA Constitution, Bylaws, and Continuing Resolutions affect the governing documents for synods and congregations. There are portions in each expression’s governing documents that are held in common and required as a part of the ELCA. Amendments to these common portions are made at churchwide assemblies, the largest legislative body of the ELCA.
After a churchwide assembly the ELCA Office of the Secretary releases a new Constitution for Synods and Model Constitution for Congregations. At the 2026 Synod Assembly the voting members will consider amendments to the Southeastern Iowa Synod Constitution, Bylaws, and Continuing Resolutions to align with the 2025 version of the Constitution for Synods. Congregations are encouraged to follow suit and align to the new Model Constitution for Congregations. It is also a chance to align other portions to current practice and needs.
The good news is there are resources available to you. First, there is a synod Constitution Committee ready to assist you. The purpose of this committee is to steward the synod’s governing documents AND assist congregations in the stewardship of theirs. Second, there are resources available on the synod website to get you started. Third, the ELCA also has details on the amendments made at each churchwide assembly. If you have not aligned to the new Model or if your governing documents do not reflect your practice and no longer serve you well, consider embarking on the faithful work of an update.
By: Deacon Jodi Schuman
Constitution Committee:
Pastor Brian Middleswarth, Chair, St. John, Ely
Chuck Corr, Faith, Andover
Pastor Bunny Dillard, Our Savior, Cedar Rapids
Bishop Amy Current, ex officio
Kevin Mote, Secretary, ex officio