Ringwood Knox Lutheran Parish

As adopted and amended at a meeting of the Congregation held:

Contents

Constitution

1. Name

The name of this Congregation is OUR SAVIOUR’S LUTHERAN CHURCH, KNOX, hereinafter referred to as 'the Congregation'.

2. Confession

1. The Congregation declares:
   1. It accepts without reservation the Holy Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments, as a whole and in all their parts, as the divinely inspired, written and inerrant Word of God, and as the only infallible source and norm for all matters of faith, doctrine and life.
   2. It acknowledges and accepts as true expositions of the Word of God and its own confession, all the Symbolical Books of the Evangelical Lutheran Church contained in the Book of Concord of 1580, namely, the three Ecumenical Creeds: the Apostles' Creed, the Nicene Creed, and the Athanasian Creed; the Unaltered Augsburg Confession; the Apology of the Augsburg Confession; the Smalcald Articles; the Small Catechism of Luther; the Large Catechism of Luther; and the Formula of Concord.
2. The Congregation requires that all instruction and practice shall conform to the doctrinal basis laid down in Article II Clause 1 of this constitution.

3. Relationship to the Church

1. The Congregation, as a member of the Lutheran Church of Australia Incorporated, hereinafter called 'the Church', and of the Lutheran Church of Australia Victorian District, including Tasmania, hereinafter called 'the District':
   1. accepts the Constitution and By-laws of the Church and of the District;
   2. undertakes to participate in the work of the Church and of the District and to promote their Objects;
   3. agrees that where it cannot reach an amicable settlement on a question of ownership or control of any of its property, it shall in keeping with 1 Corinthians 6 make every effort to avoid action in the civil courts by first seriously seeking to settle any differences through the mediation and adjudication of the judicial system of the Church; and
   4. agrees to submit to the President of the District any amendments, alterations, additions, and deletions which it may make from time to time to its Constitution for determination by the Church Council of the District that the amended Constitution remains in conformity with Article IV of the Constitution of the Church.
2. In common with the Church, the Congregation regards unity in doctrine and its application in practice as the necessary prerequisite for church fellowship, and it rejects religious syncretism or unionism in all its forms. It therefore adheres to the principle: Lutheran pulpits are for Lutheran pastors only; Lutheran altars are for Lutheran communicants only. Any exception to the application of this principle belongs to the sphere of privilege, not of right, and the determination of any such exception is to be made in consonance with the above by the conscientious judgment of the pastor, as the case arises.
3. In common with the Church, the Congregation regards as anti-Christian any organisation or society, secret or open, which while practising forms of religion does not confess faith in the Triune God and in the Lord Jesus Christ as the only Saviour from sin, and which in teaching or in practice substitutes salvation by works for salvation in Christ.

4. Objects

The Objects of the Congregation are to:

1. glorify the Triune God in its worship and in its work;
2. bear witness to the Lord Jesus Christ through the proclamation of the Gospel in accordance with the Confession and practice of the Church;
3. gather into the Congregation such persons as are, or desire to become, members of the Church for their edification through the Word and the Sacraments;
4. help the members to dedicate their God-given spiritual, material and physical gifts to the service of their Lord;
5. enable the members to reach out into the community in their daily lives and in their Congregational activities as bearers of the Gospel.
6. exercise discipline over its members in conformity with the Scriptures and the Confession of the Congregation;
7. join with the Church and the District in building and extending the Kingdom of God; and to
8. acquire, dispose of or otherwise deal with real and personal property in the interest of the work of the Church and the Congregation.

5. Membership

1. The Congregation shall comprise baptised, confirmed, communing and voting members.
   • BAPTISED MEMBERS are all those:
     1. who have been baptised in the Congregation; or
     2. who have transferred as baptised members from another Congregation of the Church; or
     3. who have been baptised in accordance with the institution of Christ and have placed themselves or have been placed under the spiritual care of the Congregation.
     4. Towards these members the Congregation recognises a continuing spiritual ministry so long as they remain in the community served by the Congregation.
   • CONFIRMED MEMBERS are all those baptised members:
     1. who have been confirmed in the Congregation; or
     2. who have been received as confirmed members by transfer from another congregation of the church; or
     3. who after instruction in the Christian faith and acceptance of it have been received into the Congregation by adult reception according to the rites of the Evangelical Lutheran Church.
   • COMMUNING MEMBERS are all those baptised members:
     1. who are defined as confirmed members in the Clause above and who commune at least twice a year; or
     2. who after instruction in the Sacrament of Holy Communion have been admitted to communion prior to confirmation and who commune at least twice a year.
   • VOTING MEMBERS shall be confirmed and communing members who accept the Constitution and By-Laws of the Congregation. The voting rights shall be defined in the By-laws. Any voting member whose right to partake of the Lord’s Supper has been suspended by the Congregation as an act of church discipline is not entitled to exercise the right to vote while under such suspension.
2. People UNDER SPIRITUAL CARE are those whom the congregation is in contact with and who are not defined in any of the above categories.
3. The duties of members shall be to:
   1. strive to remain true to the baptismal covenant;
   2. make diligent use of the Means of Grace, joining regularly in hearing the Word of God and partaking of the Lord's Supper;
   3. lead a Christian life in love, humility and peace, endeavouring through admonition, consolation and encouragement to edify one another;
   4. present their children for Holy Baptism in early infancy and to diligently nurture them in the Christian faith in the home and in the schools provided by the Congregation;
   5. study the Scriptures in private and hold family devotions in the home;
   6. promote the unity and welfare of the Congregation as a family of God;
   7. express their gratitude to God for His material gifts and blessings by contributing regularly towards the financial support of the Congregation and of the Church as the Lord has prospered them;
   8. recognise and carry out their mission to the community in their daily lives and in the activities of the Congregation;
   9. support the pastor in all work in the Congregation and community through prayer and personal concern for the pastor's spiritual and material welfare;and
   10. avoid holding membership in anti-Christian societies.
4. Membership in the Congregation shall terminate when a person:
   1. is received into membership in another congregation of the Evangelical Lutheran Church after having obtained a Letter of Transfer from the Congregation;
   2. joins another church outside the fellowship of the Evangelical Lutheran Church;
   3. can no longer be located, in which case the person’s name shall be removed from the list of members by action of the Congregational meeting;or
   4. is excommunicated, or chooses to be excluded.
5. Any action involving excommunication shall be determined according to the principles of Scripture contained in Matthew 18:15-20 and related passages. Persons who refuse to accept Christian admonition and to discuss their case with the Congregation or its representatives thereby exclude themselves.
6. Upon termination of membership such members' right, title, interest or claim in, to, and upon any property of the Congregation shall cease and they shall have no claim to compensation for contributions made by them.

6. The Ordained Ministry

1. The Congregation recognises and upholds the Office of the Ordained Ministry as the office divinely instituted for the public administration of the Means of Grace.
2. The Pastor of the Congregation shall be a man whose soundness in faith, aptness to teach, and other qualifications for office have been examined and approved by the Church.
3. The duties of the Pastor shall be to:
   1. preach the Word of God and administer the Holy Sacraments according to the Confession of the Congregation (Article II);
   2. exercise pastoral oversight over all organisations and activities of the Congregation;
   3. live an exemplary life;
   4. visit the sick, the infirm, the destitute, and the afflicted, and to exercise pastoral care among the members of the Congregation;
   5. diligently instruct and train the young;
   6. comfort, instruct, reprove, admonish, and warn, both publicly and privately, the members of the Congregation as the Word of God directs (2 Timothy 4:1-5);
   7. equip and help the members to fulfil their Christian ministry for the edifying of the body of Christ and for outreach into the community;
   8. be mindful of the calling as a winner of souls, both within and without the Congregation;
   9. be responsible for the keeping and preservation of accurate Congregational records;
   10. exercise as much as possible the right to attend the meetings of all committees and organisations of the Congregation;
   11. submit a written pastoral report to the annual meeting of the Congregation.
4. The right of the Congregation to call a Pastor shall be exercised, where applicable in association with other Congregations;
   1. in consultation with the President of the District or the President's deputy, and with regard to the regulations of the Church and of the District; and
   2. only at a meeting duly convened for this purpose and conducted according to the rules of the Church concerning calls and transfers.

7. Authority and Powers

1. The Congregation as a body shall have supreme power to administer and manage all its affairs by a majority vote of those present and entitled to vote unless otherwise specified by the Constitution or By-laws.
2. The Congregation, however, shall not be empowered to decide anything contrary to the Word of God and the Confessions (Article II), and any such decision shall be null and void. In matters of doctrine a decision shall be made only after careful study of the Word of God in accordance with Article II Clause 1.
3. The Congregation shall have the right to appoint teachers and other helpers. It shall exercise this right, where applicable in association with other congregations, in accordance with the regulations of the Church and of the District.
4. Officers or committees, whether elected or appointed by the Congregation, shall have no authority beyond that which has been conferred upon them, and whatever power may have been delegated to them may at any time be varied or revoked by the Congregation.
5. Any pastor, teacher or officer may be removed from office by the Congregation in Christian and lawful order in accordance with the rules of the Church, for one of the following causes: persistent adherence to false doctrine, scandalous life, or wilful and persistent neglect of their official duties. In any such procedure voting shall be by ballot.
6. The establishment and conduct of all institutions and societies within the Congregation shall at all times be subject to the approval and supervision of the Congregation.

8. Meetings

1. The Congregation shall hold a regular annual meeting for the management of its affairs as prescribed in the By-laws.
2. The Congregation may hold other meetings from time to time as prescribed in the By-laws.
3. It shall be the duty of every member entitled to vote to attend the meetings of the Congregation unless unable to do so.
4. All resolutions carried at a duly convened meeting of the Congregation shall be binding upon all members of the Congregation, whether they were present or absent, or refrained from voting, provided always that the required quorum was present.

9. Officers and Administration

1. The Congregation shall appoint a committee of management, called the Church Council as prescribed in the By-laws.
2. The Congregation shall appoint such other officers, committees and persons as need and occasion require for the proper conduct of its worship and the management of its affairs as prescribed in the By-laws or as determined from time to time by congregational resolution.

10. Dissolution

Any decision to dissolve the Congregation shall be taken only after consultation with the President of the District and shall require a two-thirds majority vote of those present and entitled to vote, the quorum for such meeting being one-third of all members entitled to vote. Such a decision shall not become operative until the sanction of the Church Council of the District has been obtained. In the event of such dissolution, the Congregation may give indication regarding the use of its assets by the District and/or the Church. Where no such indication is given they shall be transferred to the District absolutely.

11. By-laws

The Congregation shall have power, by majority vote of the quorum prescribed in the By-laws for the transaction of ordinary business, to make, repeal, alter or amend By-laws not inconsistent with these or any amended rules for the regulation of its proceedings and the management of its business and affairs and for giving effect to the rules. Notice of any such change shall either be given at a duly called meeting of the Congregation held at least seven days earlier or be published to the Congregation on the two immediately preceding Sundays.

12. Alterations to the Constitution

1. The Congregation shall have power at a duly convened meeting by a two-thirds majority vote of those present and entitled to vote to repeal, alter, amend, or add to these rules, except as hereinafter provided, and subject to Article III.l(4).
2. Notice of the proposed repeal, alteration, amendment, or addition shall be presented in writing and  shall be read to the Congregation at a duly called meeting of the Congregation held at least fourteen days earlier or be published to the Congregation on the two immediately preceding Sundays.
3. The quorum for such meeting shall be one-quarter of the members entitled to vote.
4. Article II and Article XII Clause 4 of this Constitution shall be considered fundamental and shall not be repealed, added to, altered, or amended so as to alter their intent and meaning.

By–laws

1. Membership

1. Voting members shall be confirmed and communing members who have reached the age of 16years.It shall be the duty of voting members to attend the meetings of the Congregation, and there shall be no voting by proxy.

2. Church Discipline

1. The Congregation shall exercise church discipline in an evangelical manner in accordance with the procedure laid down in Matthew 18:15-17. At all stages of the procedure, the purpose of all church discipline, to gain a member, is to be observed.
2. The stages of discipline are:
   1. In an endeavour to convince the erring member at fault, there shall be:
      1. personal admonition; and, if necessary,
      2. admonition in the presence of witnesses; and, if necessary,
      3. admonition by the Congregation.
   2. Any member who is evidently impenitent and unheedful of the admonition, shall be excluded from membership in the Congregation, through excommunication, pronounced by the pastor as the called and ordained servant of the Word.
3. If the stages of discipline cannot be carried out because the erring member refuses to submit to the discipline of the Congregation, self-exclusion shall be declared to have taken place.
4. The exercise of church discipline shall give due regard to the procedure adopted by the Church in its regulations under the Commission on Adjudication and Appeals.

3. Meetings

1. The annual meeting of the Congregation shall be held during the month of November.
2. Other meetings of the Congregation may be called by the Pastor, the Committee of Elders, the Church Council, and upon the written request of any ten voting members.
3. Notice of meetings shall be by announcement at two services preceding the meeting, the first announcement being at least one week before the date of the meeting.
4. The chief business to come before the meeting shall be announced at the same time that the notice of meeting is given.
5. In addition to the specific provisions concerning a quorum laid down in the Constitution, (viz. Articles X and XII), a quorum of one third of all voting members shall be required for the transaction of normal business; for the calling of a pastor, or appointment of a teacher or other salaried church worker; for the removal from office of the pastor or other officer; for the buying or selling of property; and for the undertaking of a large financial commitment by the Congregation.
6. A simple majority is required for the transaction of normal congregational business.
7. The chairperson shall have a deliberative vote and in the case where a deciding vote is required, a casting vote.
8. Unless specified in the Constitution or By-laws, the chairperson shall ordinarily decide the manner of voting, whether by show of hands or by ballot, but the meeting may itself decide by special resolution the manner of voting to be adopted.
9. Items may be placed on the Agenda by:
   1. any voting member;
   2. any committee appointed by the Congregation;
   3. any organisation of the Congregation;
   4. the pastor(s).
10. The conduct of meetings shall, where applicable, be in accordance with the rules for transacting business adopted by the Church.

4. Election of Officers and Committees

The Church Council shall present a list of candidates to the annual meeting of the Congregation. Any voting member at the meeting may make additional nominations, except for the position of elder, provided that the consent of the person nominated has been obtained. Election shall be by ballot. The officers and committee-members shall assume their duties at the close of the meeting. In the event of a vacancy occurring in any office other than Elder, the Church Council shall appoint a successor to serve till the next annual meeting.

5. Officers and Committees

1. The elected officers of the Congregation shall be: Chairperson, Vice-Chairperson, Secretary; Treasurer, Assistant Treasurer, Auditor and Sunday Club Coordinator.
2. The elected standing committees of the Congregation shall be: Elders, Worship, Family Life Support Service Management, Property, and Fellowship.
3. Voting members shall be eligible for election to any of the positions and committees stated in Clauses 1 and 2 above. However special provisions apply in the case of Elders (see Article VIII).
4. Confirmed members shall be eligible for appointment to such other committees and special duties as the Congregation may determine from time to time.
5. Elections of all officers and committees shall be held annually. All elected officers and members of committees shall retire annually and be eligible for re-election. However special provisions apply in the case of Elders (see Article VIII).
6. All minute books, records, and correspondence of the Congregation, its officers and committees, shall remain the property of the Congregation.
7. The pastor ex officio may attend all meetings of the committees.

6. Duties of Officers

1. The CHAIRPERSON shall:
   1. preside at meetings of the Church Council and Congregation;
   2. ensure that all elected and appointed officers and committees effectively carry out their assigned duties and generally encourage and cooperate with all office-bearers;
   3. ensure that an agenda is prepared for the meetings of the Church Council and Congregation.
2. The VICE-CHAIRPERSON shall:
   1. serve as chairperson in the absence or inability of the chairperson to act, at the request of the chairperson;
   2. assume the office of chairperson when a vacancy occurs until the next AGM and then be eligible for re-election.
3. The SECRETARY shall:
   1. keep an accurate record of all proceedings of the Church Council and Congregation;
   2. attend to all correspondence unless it be delegated to another person;
   3. prepare an agenda for meetings;
   4. see that committees are informed of decisions affecting their functions.
4. The TREASURER shall:
   1. keep an accurate record of receipts and payments in the form required by the Congregation;
   2. pay promptly all accounts authorised by the Church Council or Congregation;
   3. remit all moneys for Church and Parish purposes regularly;
   4. prepare progress reports on the finances of the Congregation for meetings of the Church Council and Congregation;
   5. review regularly the financial position of the Congregation;
   6. submit the books for audit as required by the Church Council and Congregation.
5. The ASSISTANT TREASURER shall:
   1. serve as treasurer in the absence or inability of the treasurer to act.
   2. assist the treasurer in the performance of the above duties as required.
6. The AUDITOR shall:
   1. examine thoroughly the books of the Treasurer and vouch for their correctness;
   2. advise on aspects of the Congregation's finances as necessary.
7. The SUNDAY CLUB COORDINATOR is responsible to the Elders for the running of the Sunday Club which provides spiritual nurture for children in an educational and enjoyable environment. The Club aims to develop responsible children who have a knowledge and love of God’s Word. Specifically the Coordinator shall:
   1. assess and recommend teaching resources;
   2. draw up a program of lessons and activities for the year;
   3. ensure sufficient teachers are available;
   4. facilitate meetings with teachers;
   5. ensure teachers have appropriate support and spiritual guidance;
   6. organise the Christmas play and the end of year presentations;
   7. lead the opening devotional segment at each session

7. The Church Council

1. The Church Council shall consist of the Chairperson, Vice-Chairperson, Secretary, Treasurer, Assistant Treasurer, Pastor, chairpersons/convenors (or their representatives) of standing committees as prescribed in Article V Clause 2 of these By-Laws and other members as determined by the congregation from time to time.
2. The Church Council shall generally meet once every two months. The Council shall:
   1. consider the general welfare of the Congregation and its program of activities;
   2. receive reports from the standing committees and make recommendations to the Congregation;
   3. in cases of emergency, be called on to act between meetings of the Congregation if necessary;
   4. be responsible to the Congregation for all administrative matters including interpretation of policy;
   5. be responsible for the funding and financing of the counselling service provided by the FLSS Management Committee including the determination of the employment terms and conditions of the counsellor and support staff.
   6. appoint a Nominations Committee prior to each AGM and fill casual vacancies until the next annual meeting. with the exception of Elders.
3. Any voting member may attend a Church Council meeting, provided the Chairperson or Secretary is notified before the meeting of matters they wish to raise. These members may participate in discussion but are not eligible to vote.

8. The Committee of Elders

1. The number of Elders elected shall be between four and six. It is desirable that the Committee contains approximately equal numbers of men and women.
2. The office of Elder is restricted to voting members over the age of 25 years.
3. Nominations for the position of Elder may be made by any two voting members or the Pastor. They shall be submitted to the convenor of the Elders at least two weeks before the date of the annual meeting. All nominations must have the assent of the existing Elders and Pastor before becoming eligible for election.
4. Elders shall be elected for a four-year term with approximately half retiring every two years. Retiring elders shall be eligible for re-nomination.
5. Election of Elders at the annual meeting shall be by secret ballot and a nominee must receive two-thirds of the votes to be elected. If the number of nominees receiving more than two thirds of the votes exceed the number of positions to be filled, election shall be on the basis of the highest number of votes received.
6. All newly elected Elders shall be installed in office and existing Elders recommissioned at a special service held as early as possible after the annual meeting at which elections took place.
7. In the event of vacancies occurring between annual meetings, elections are to be held at specially convened congregational meetings.
8. Elders shall assist the Pastor in matters pertaining to the spiritual ministry of the Congregation. In particular they shall:
   1. appoint a Convenor who will ensure that meetings are called at least four times a year or more frequently if necessary;
   2. serve as confidants and advisers to the pastor in the oversight of the worship life of the congregation and in the pastoral care of members;
   3. support the pastor in the maintenance of Christian discipline and good order in the Congregation and to mediate when differences or conflicts occur;
   4. concern themselves with the doctrinal and spiritual life of the Congregation and its members;
   5. pray for, encourage, and be concerned about the spiritual, emotional and physical health and welfare of the pastor and the pastor’s family;
   6. encourage all members of the Congregation in the fulfilment of their Christian vocation;
   7. notify the pastor of those needing pastoral care, particularly the sick, spiritually distressed and at risk;
   8. assist the pastor in arranging for pulpit assistance, special services and guest speakers, including the appointment of lay readers, and in general be concerned that an attitude conducive to worship is maintained in the services;
   9. coordinate regular reviews of the pastor’s ministry as specified in the documents of call;
   10. be a good example of Christian conduct and conversation, respecting confidentiality and their position of trust within the congregation.

9. The Worship Committee

1. The Worship Committee shall consist of the pastor, an elder and other members as appropriate.
2. 2.    The Worship Committee shall:
   1. seek to lead the members of the Congregation into an ever deepening appreciation of the role of worship and liturgy, including the significance of music and the arts in the service of the church;
   2. endeavour to implement ways of improving congregational participation in worship, including the involvement of youth and children;
   3. encourage worship leaders and all others interested in the use of the arts in worship to attend music and worship seminars;
   4. encourage and assist interested persons who show potential to develop and use their particular talents in worship;
   5. serve as an advisory committee in the provision and maintenance of musical instruments used in worship;
   6. prepare rosters for lay assistance at worship services (ie. communion, Bible readings, stewards, church cleaning, flowers/coffee, audio).

10. The Family Life Support Service Management Committee

1. The committee shall consist of no more than five members and include an executive of Chairman, and Secretary, to be elected within the Committee, and the congregational Treasurer. The Counsellor and Pastor shall be ex-officio members of the Committee.
2. The Committee will direct the Service, setting policy and goals related to the mission statement:“Called to help people towards healing and wholeness”
3. It will provide:
   1. a professional counselling service for adults in the outer eastern metropolitan region (with a special focus on the Knox community) with at least one professional counsellor and one receptionist.
   2. educational opportunities for knowledge, awareness and skills through the facilitation of seminars and workshops.
   3. an “umbrella” for various support and self-help groups of the congregation.
   4. links with other community organisations where applicable.
4. The funding and financing of the counselling service and the determination of the employment terms and conditions of the counsellor and support staff shall be the responsibility of Church Council.

11. The Property Committee

1. The Property Committee shall consist of a convenor and other members as appropriate.
2. The Property Committee shall:
   1. see that the property, buildings and possessions of the Congregation are kept in good order;
   2. undertake minor repairs as necessary and report on actions taken to the Congregation;
   3. report major needs to the Congregation with recommended action;
   4. make annual inspections of all congregation-owned property and buildings including the manse and its facilities and report its findings to the Congregation;
   5. establish and maintain an up-to-date inventory of all congregation-owned equipment .

12.  The Fellowship Committee

1. The Fellowship Committee shall consist of a convenor and other members as appropriate.
2. The Fellowship Committee shall foster and organise opportunities for congregational members and friends to meet with each other and to share experiences in an atmosphere of Christian friendship.

13. The Nominations Committee

1. The Nominations Committee shall consist of the Pastor, Chairperson and one other member elected by Church Council.
2. The Nominations Committee shall:
   1. seek and receive nominations from members of the Congregation for all offices and committees of the Congregation. However special provisions apply in the case of Elders (see Article VIII);
   2. nominate, with their agreement, such persons as it considers suitable for the various offices  and committees in addition to the nominations received, but without the necessity of nominating more candidates than positions to be filled;
   3. consult with all committees in good time to learn of possible vacancies and to solicit from the respective committees their nominations;
   4. to receive from officers intending to decline re-election, an indication of such intention in good time.
   5. ensure that all nominees are willing to except office.