Office of the Secretary
Welcome to the Office of the Secretary resource page. This resource page provides you a visual way to explore and download the many types of resources we have available. You may also use our powerful search engine to find other resources not listed here.
Below is a list of resources you can download or purchase. For more information about a specific resource, just hover over the icon.
Guide for Use of the Model Constitution for Congregations 2014
Congregational guide for using the model constitution, bylaws, and continuing resolutions.Guide for Use of the Model Constitution for Congregations 2014
DownloadModel Constitution Congregation 2013
Model Constitution Congregation 2013
Download2013 Amendments to the Model Constitution
2013 Amendments to the Model Constitution for Congregations.
2013 Amendments to the Model Constitution
DownloadConstitución Modelo para Congregaciones 2013
Constitución Modelo para Congregaciones 2013
DownloadEnmiendas al a Constitución Modelo para Congregaciones 2013
Enmiendas al a Constitución Modelo para Congregaciones 2013
DownloadArchiving in Congregations
Archiving in Congregations
DownloadAn Order for the Disposal of Deteriorating Bibles
An Order for the Disposal of Deteriorating Bibles and Other Respected Publications.
An Order for the Disposal of Deteriorating Bibles
DownloadCompensation and Benefits for a Pastor Form Instructions
Instructions for filling out the definition of compensation, benefits and responsibilities of the pastor form.Compensation and Benefits for a Pastor Form Instructions
DownloadCompensation Benefits Lay Roster
Definition of compensation, benefits and responsibilities for lay rostered individuals.Compensation Benefits Lay Roster
DownloadCompensation and Benefits for a Pastor
Definition of compensation, benefits and responsibilities of the pastor.Compensation and Benefits for a Pastor
DownloadCongregation Records During Transition
Certification that the congregation records have been maintained in good order during the tenure of the leaving pastor.Congregation Records During Transition
DownloadCongregation Records Retention Schedule
Guidelines for record keeping: explains when and how expired files should be disposed by congregations.Congregation Records Retention Schedule
DownloadDispose Records Disbanding Congregations
Instructions on how to dispose of records for closing or disbanding congregations.Dispose Records Disbanding Congregations
DownloadLay Roster Compensation Form
Instructions for filling out the definition of compensation, benefits and responsibilities of lay rostered individuals.Lay Roster Compensation Form
DownloadMaintaining Parish Register
Advice for congregations on how to maintain their parish register.Maintaining Parish Register
DownloadMaintaining Parish Register
A PowerPoint presentation, which explains how a congregation should maintain the parish register.Maintaining Parish Register
DownloadMicrofilm Digital Preservation
A comparison of microfilm and digital preservation technologies.
Microfilm Digital Preservation
DownloadOfficial Minutes Guidelines
Guidelines for what should be included in official minutes, the form that they should take, coding systems and headings that should be used.Official Minutes Guidelines
DownloadModel Constitution Amendments 2011
2011 Amendments to the Model Constitution for Congregations.Model Constitution Amendments 2011
DownloadModel Constitution Amendments 2009
2009 Amendments to the Model Constitution for Congregations.Model Constitution Amendments 2009
DownloadModel Constitution Amendments 2007
2007 Amendments to the Model Constitution for Congregations.Model Constitution Amendments 2007
DownloadModel Constitution Amendments 2005
2005 Amendments to the Model Constitution for Congregations.Model Constitution Amendments 2005
DownloadModel Constitution Amendments 2003
2003 Amendments to the Model Constitution for Congregations.Model Constitution Amendments 2003
DownloadModel Constitution Amendments 2001
2001 Amendments to the Model Constitution for CongregationsModel Constitution Amendments 2001
DownloadModel Constitution Amendments 1999
1999 Amendments to the Model Constitution for Congregations.
Model Constitution Amendments 1999
DownloadModel Constitution Amendments 1997
1997 Amendments to the Model Constitution for Congregations.Model Constitution Amendments 1997
DownloadModel Constitution Amendments 1995
1995 Amendments to the Model Constitution for Congregations.Model Constitution Amendments 1995
DownloadModel Constitution Amendments 1993
1993 Amendments to the Model Constitution for Congregations.Model Constitution Amendments 1993
DownloadModel Constitution Amendments 1991
1991 Amendments to the Model Constitution for Congregations.
Model Constitution Amendments 1991
DownloadModel Constitution Amendments 1989
1989 Amendments to the Model Constitution for Congregations.
Model Constitution Amendments 1989
DownloadBelow is a list of resources you can download or purchase. For more information about a specific resource, just hover over the icon.
2013 Amendments to the Constitutions
2013 Amendments to the Constitutions
Download2013 November Constitutions of the ELCA
2013 November Constitutions of the ELCA
DownloadRationale for 2013 Amendments
2012 memo from Secretary Swartling summarizing the rationale for amendments to the constitutions.Rationale for 2013 Amendments
DownloadDefinitions and Guidelines
Definitions and Guidelines
DownloadFederated Union Congregations
Documents of governance and policy related to federated and union congregations.Federated Union Congregations
DownloadNomination Process
Nomination Process
DownloadSynodically Authorized Ministry Guidelines
Guidelines that address the issue of providing Word and Sacrament ministry through the use of synodically authorized ministry.
Synodically Authorized Ministry Guidelines
DownloadVision and Expectations of Ordained Ministers
Vision and Expectations of Ordained Ministers
DownloadVision and Expectations of Rostered Lay Ministers
Vision and Expectations of Rostered Lay Ministers
DownloadBelow is a list of resources you can download or purchase. For more information about a specific resource, just hover over the icon.
Addressing and Preventing Crime in Congregations
Addressing and Preventing Crime in Congregations
DownloadChurch Property Loss
Specific pointers regarding church property losses - what you should do if you experience a loss.Church Property Loss
DownloadDisaster Plans Works
The story of one congregation who had a disaster plan.Disaster Plans Works
DownloadELCA Endorsed Insurance Program
The ELCA-Endorsed Property and Liability Insurance Program provides ELCA congregations and synods with quality insurance protection.ELCA Endorsed Insurance Program
DownloadELCA Endorsed Property Liability Insurance Programs
Additional information about the Church Mutual insurance program.ELCA Endorsed Property Liability Insurance Programs
DownloadFlorida ELCA Quote Request Process
Florida ELCA Quote Request Process
DownloadHow to Handle Embezzlement
How to Handle Embezzlement
DownloadHow to Prepare for a Disaster
Preparing for disaster: a guide for congregations.How to Prepare for a Disaster
DownloadInformation Needed When Making an Insurance Claim
Required information that is required by insurance companies following an embezzlement loss.Information Needed When Making an Insurance Claim
DownloadLessons on Embezzlement from a Synod Bishop
Bishop Wohlrabe reflects on dealing with a major embezzlement in the Northwestern Minnesota Synod office in 2012.Lessons on Embezzlement from a Synod Bishop
DownloadPurchasing Insurance Guidelines
Be prepared for the eventually that your congregation experiences a loss by following these guidelines for purchasing insurance.Purchasing Insurance Guidelines
DownloadRisk Management Information
What is Risk Management and why is it necessary for congregations?Risk Management Information
DownloadSafety and Loss Prevention
Resources on how your congregation can provide safety and prevent loss.Safety and Loss Prevention
DownloadBelow is a list of resources you can download or purchase. For more information about a specific resource, just hover over the icon.
2013 Amendments to the Synods
2013 Amendments to the Synods
Download2013 Amendments to the Synods
2013 Amendments to the Synods
DownloadModel Constitution Synods 2013
Model Constitution Synods 2013
DownloadClergy on Leave or Disability
Annual report to be submitted to bishop by clergy not under call (on leave, disability).Clergy on Leave or Disability
DownloadClergy Retired
Annual report to be submitted to bishop by retired clergy.
Clergy Retired
DownloadClergy Under Call from a Congregation
Annual report to be submitted to bishop by clergy under call from congregation.
Clergy Under Call from a Congregation
DownloadClergy Under Call from Synod Council or Church Council
Annual report to be submitted to bishop by clergy under call from synod or church council.
Clergy Under Call from Synod Council or Church Council
DownloadClergy Under International Call
Annual report to be submitted to bishop by clergy under call from synod or church council outside the US.
Clergy Under International Call
DownloadLay on Leave or Disability
Annual report to be submitted to bishop by rostered lay leaders not under call (on leave, disability).
Lay on Leave or Disability
DownloadLay Retired
Annual report to be submitted to bishop by retired rostered lay leaders.
Lay Retired
DownloadLay Under Call from a Congregation
Annual report to be submitted to bishop by rostered lay leaders under call from congregation.
Lay Under Call from a Congregation
DownloadLay Under Call from Synod Council or Church Council
Annual report to be submitted to bishop by rostered lay leaders under call from synod or church council.
Lay Under Call from Synod Council or Church Council
Download2014 Toolkit for Synod Bishop Elections
2014 Toolkit for Synod Bishop Elections
DownloadCriteria for Authorized Worshiping Communities
Provides basic info about synodically authorized worshiping communities. Also includes form about EIN number.
Criteria for Authorized Worshiping Communities
DownloadInformation Care Rostered Person
A PowerPoint presentation, which explains how a synods should maintain their records of rostered people.Information Care Rostered Person
DownloadInformation Care Rostered Person
Guidelines for synods for the retention of documents in the files of clergy and other rostered persons.Information Care Rostered Person
DownloadRecommendations for Synod Secretaries
Background information and recommendations to assist your synodical secretary in his/her role.Recommendations for Synod Secretaries
DownloadRecords Retention Schedule
Guidelines for record keeping: explains when and how expired files should be disposed by synod.Records Retention Schedule
DownloadRoster Manual
The roster manual provides guidance on many different situations, including retirement, disability, and on leave from call status.Roster Manual
DownloadSynod Council Adminstrative Resources
Resource for synod vice presidents and church council members to guide them through their role.Synod Council Adminstrative Resources
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