Constitution, Bylaws, and Continuing Resolutions
The 2021 constitution, bylaws, and continuing resolutions are closely related documents that define the rules for operating a congregation.
Constitution
Constitutions of Evangelical Lutheran Church in America congregations must be based upon the
2019 Model Constitution![[PDF Document]](/graphics/pdfLink.png "PDF Document"){kind=small}
for Congregations provided by the ELCA. The constitution describes the broad purpose of the congregation, provides details for some procedures that involve the ELCA, and lays out guidelines for other local processes. The constitution (or any amendment) becomes effective only after review by the ELCA synod. Amendments to a congregation's constitution must be approved by a majority of voting members present at a congregation meeting, then be ratified by a 2/3 majority at the next annual meeting of the congregation.
Bylaws
The Bylaws provide more details of how the local congregation operates. If there is any difference between a provision in the bylaws and constitution, the constitution has precedence. Bylaws may be amended by a majority of those voting at a congregation meeting.
Continuing resolutions
Continuing resolutions provide even more detailed information on local church procedures. They can be adopted or changed by a 2/3 majority of voting members of the church council. Continuing resolutions must not conflict with the bylaws or constitution.
Bethel Lutheran Church has chosen to format the Constitution, Bylaws, and Continuing Resolutions as a single document. This allows us to quickly access related parts of all three documents. Even though all three documents appear together, they retain their separate rules for modification.
You may view the current 2021 Constitution, adopted Jan 31, 2021 and ratified Sep 12, 2021.
Archive
- 2003 Bethel Constitution Adopted Jan 26, 2003, Ratified Jun 8, 2003
- 2003 Bethel Constitution (doc)
- [2007 Bethel Constitution Adopted Jan 21, 2007, before ratification]
- [2007 Bethel Constitution (doc)]
- 2007 Bethel Constitution Adopted Jan 21, 2007, Ratified Aug 26, 2007
[$1000 council spending limit deleted after adoption] - 2007 Bethel Constitution (doc)
- 2007 Proposed changes
- 2008 Bethel Constitution Continuing Resolution changes only; dates in header not changed
- 2008 Bethel Constitution (doc)
- 2010 Bethel Constitution Adopted Jul 20, 2010, Ratified Aug 29, 2010
- 2010 Bethel Constitution (doc)
- 2010 Summary of changes
- [School Board Bylaws appended to the 2010 constitution]
- [School Board Bylaws (doc) appended to the 2010 constituion as Appendix B]
- [2013 Bethel Constitution Adopted Feb 3, 2013, before ratification]
- [2013 Bethel Constitution (docx)]
- 2013 Bethel Constitution Adopted Feb 3, 2013, Ratified Nov 3, 2013
- 2013 Bethel Constitution (docx)
- [Changes proposed to align Bethel’s constitution with the Aug 26, 2013 ELCA model, to be voted at the Oct 11 Congregational Meeting. Not in the final copy!]
- [ 2013 ELCA Model Constitution]
- Summary of the Constitution changes ratified November 3, 2013
- 2015 Bethel Constitution Adopted Aug 23, 2015, Ratified Oct 9, 2015
- 2015 Bethel Constitution (docx)
- Bylaw C 4.03.01 change re Holy Communion
- 2021 Bethel Constitution Adopted Jan 31, 2021
- 2021 Bethel Constitution (docx)
- 2021 Bethel Constitution Ratified Sep 12, 2021
- 2021 Bethel Constitution (docx)
- A summary of the changes in 2021
- 2019 ELCA Model Constitution
