ELCA Model Constitution for Congregations

The Model Constitution for Congregations of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, like the other governing documents of this church, reflects the theology and polity of this church as it organizes itself to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ, share the sacraments, reach out to the neighbor with good news and share the love of God in the world. Each expression of this church — churchwide, synod, and congregation — is held together in a relationship of interdependence that encourages each to respond to its context. These documents also demonstrate our commitment to seeing ourselves with others as part of the one, holy, catholic, and apostolic Church. As such, the Model Constitution for Congregations is deeply rooted in Scripture, the Lutheran Confessions, and the history of this church and its predecessors.