Handbook background
At its triennial conventions, the Synod endeavors to structure its walk and work together by adjusting its Constitution and Bylaws to enable it to carry out its mission statement most effectively:
“In grateful response to God’s grace and empowered by the Holy Spirit through Word and Sacraments, the mission of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod is vigorously to make known the love of Christ by word and deed within our churches, communities, and world.”
The Commission on Handbook consults with the Commission on Constitutional Matters in the revision of the Handbook of the Synod following each national convention to bring it into harmony with convention actions.
2019 Handbook
The 2019 Handbook of the Synod (as approved by the Commission on Handbook, having consulted with the Commission on Constitutional Matters) has been published electronically, as of November 13, 2019, as the “November 2019” edition. As of the same date, print production and distribution are commencing.
The Handbook, with its growing index, is available in Adobe PDF and Microsoft Word versions. It is accompanied by an “update” edition, indicating all the changes made since the previously-released 2016 Handbook.
The electronic edition found here may be updated periodically as the Commission on Handbook incorporates minor corrections and other non-substantive changes as part of its responsibility for the ongoing maintenance and management of the Handbook.
Please report suggestions for correction or improvement, particularly regarding the new index, to the Office of the Secretary.
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Meeting Minutes
The Commission on Handbook meets at least two times a year, and it meets more often as necessary to carry out its responsibilities.
Upcoming regular meetings of the commission are as noted in the commission's minutes, typically at the end of each meeting. No meetings were held in 2020 due to COVID-19.
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Documents
The Commission on Handbook consults with the Commission on Constitutional Matters in its revision of the Handbook of the Synod following each national convention to bring it into harmony with convention actions.
The commission also maintains a complete file of former editions of the Handbook of the Synod so comparison can be made between current provisions and those preceding.
The COH regularly publishes its minutes on the Synod’s website in a timely manner following each meeting.
These minutes contain proposed convention actions advocating amendments to the Constitution, Bylaws, and Articles of Incorporation of the Synod that the commission plans to submit to the next regular convention of the Synod.
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