Church Polity

Church Polity is the form of government used in a church. There are many forms of polity in the world, and a few distinct models used within American Christendom. The main models we see today are the Monarchical, Episcopal, Presbyterian, and Congregational systems. Lutheran churches in the United States have traditionally used the Congregational System, with some incorporating various hierarchical elements within the structure at synodical or geographical district levels.

LCMS congregations will all have a constitution that is based on the model established by Walther. While some details vary among different congregations, they usually follow the same format outlining what they believe, procedures for running the congregation, formats of meetings, etc.

According to the Bylaws of the LCMS,

"A congregation which applies for membership in the Synod shall, before its application is submitted to the District Board of Directors, submit its constitution and bylaws to the appropriate District President, who shall refer such to the standing constitution committee of the District. This committee shall examine the constitution and bylaws to ascertain that they are in harmony with Holy Scripture, the Confessions, and the teachings and practices of the Synod in order that any necessary changes may be made by the congregation before the application is acted upon. An application for membership by a congregation shall not be acted on by the District Board of Directors until the congregation has made such changes as may be deemed necessary." (Bylaws of the LCMS, Part II. Membership, A. Eligibility and Admission of Congregations, 2.03 Constitutions of Congregations, Paragraph a.; 1998 Handbook)

Over the last several years, many LCMS congregations have been switching from a Voters Assembly model to a Board of Directors model for their constitutions. The Voters Assembly model has all authority in non-doctrinal matters resting with the voters of the congregation. The Board of Directors model concentrates more authority within the Board of Directors and less direct control by the voters. The model more closely in line with C.F.W. Walther's original intent is that of the Voters Assembly.

Redeemer Lutheran Church uses the Voters Assembly model of the Congregational System for its church polity. We even mention two of C.F.W. Walther's books as sources for the structure we maintain. These books (listed on our Recommended Books page) are: Church and Ministry and The True Visible Church and The Form of a Christian Congregation.