Article 8. MEMBERSHIP

A8.01. Members of this congregation shall be those baptized persons on the roll of the congregation at the time that this constitution is adopted and those who are admitted thereafter and who have declared and maintain their membership in accordance with the provisions of this constitution and its bylaws.

A8.02. Members shall be classified as follows:

  • a. Baptized members are those persons who have been received by the Sacrament of Holy Baptism in this congregation, or, having been previously baptized in the name of the Triune God, have been received by certificate of transfer from other Lutheran congregations or by affirmation of faith.

  • b. Confirmed members are baptized persons who have been confirmed in this congregation, those who have been received by adult baptism or by transfer as confirmed members from other Lutheran congregations, or baptized persons received by affirmation of faith.

  • c. Voting members are confirmed members. Such confirmed members shall have communed and made a contribution of record during the current or preceding year.

  • d. Associate members are persons holding membership in other Christian congregations who wish to retain such membership but desire to participate in the life and mission of this congregation. They have all the privileges and duties of membership except voting rights and eligibility for elected offices or membership on the Church Council of this congregation.

A8.03. Prior to being received as members of this congregation, all applications for confirmed membership shall be submitted to and shall require the approval of the Church Council.

A8.04. It shall be the privilege and duty of members of this congregation to:

  • a. make regular use of the means of grace, both Word and sacraments;

  • b. live a Christian life in accordance with the Word of God and the teachings of the Lutheran church; and

  • c. support the work of this congregation, the synod, and churchwide organization of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America through contributions of their time, abilities, and financial support as biblical stewards.

A8.05. Membership in this congregation shall be terminated by any of the following:

  • a. death;

  • b. resignation;

  • c. transfer or release;

  • d. disciplinary action by the Church Council; or

  • e. removal from the roll due to inactivity, as defined in the by-laws of this Constitution. Such persons who have been removed from the roll of members shall remain persons for whom the church has a continuing pastoral concern.