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

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Model Constitution Congregation 2013

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2013 Amendments to the Model Constitution

2013 Amendments to the Model Constitution for Congregations.

2013 Amendments to the Model Constitution

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Constitución Modelo para Congregaciones 2013

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Enmiendas al a Constitución Modelo para Congregaciones 2013

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Archiving in Congregations

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Attestation of Record and Financial Requirements

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An 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

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Compensation and Benefits for a Pastor Form

Definition of compensation, benefits and responsibilities of the pastor.

Compensation and Benefits for a Pastor Form

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Compensation and Benefits for a Pastor Guide

Instructions for filling out the definition of compensation, benefits and responsibilities of the pastor form.

Compensation and Benefits for a Pastor Guide

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Compensation and Benefits for Lay Roster Form

Definition of compensation, benefits and responsibilities for lay rostered individuals.

Compensation and Benefits for Lay Roster Form

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Compensation and Benefits for Lay Roster Guide

Instructions for filling out the definition of compensation, benefits and responsibilities of lay rostered individuals.

Compensation and Benefits for Lay Roster Guide

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Dispose Records During Disbanding

Instructions on how to dispose of records for closing or disbanding congregations.

Dispose Records During Disbanding

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Congregation Records Retention Schedule

Guidelines for record keeping: explains when and how expired files should be disposed by congregations.

Congregation Records Retention Schedule

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Maintaining Parish Register

Advice for congregations on how to maintain their parish register.

Maintaining Parish Register

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Maintaining Parish Register

A PowerPoint presentation, which explains how a congregation should maintain the parish register.

Maintaining Parish Register

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Microfilm Digital Preservation

A comparison of microfilm and digital preservation technologies.

Microfilm Digital Preservation

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Recommendations for Congregation Secretaries

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Model Constitution Amendments 2011

2011 Amendments to the Model Constitution for Congregations.

Model Constitution Amendments 2011

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Model Constitution Amendments 2009

2009 Amendments to the Model Constitution for Congregations.

Model Constitution Amendments 2009

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Model Constitution Amendments 2007

2007 Amendments to the Model Constitution for Congregations.

Model Constitution Amendments 2007

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Model Constitution Amendments 2005

2005 Amendments to the Model Constitution for Congregations.

Model Constitution Amendments 2005

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Model Constitution Amendments 2003

2003 Amendments to the Model Constitution for Congregations.

Model Constitution Amendments 2003

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Model Constitution Amendments 2001

2001 Amendments to the Model Constitution for Congregations

Model Constitution Amendments 2001

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Model Constitution Amendments 1999

1999 Amendments to the Model Constitution for Congregations.

Model Constitution Amendments 1999

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Model Constitution Amendments 1997

1997 Amendments to the Model Constitution for Congregations.

Model Constitution Amendments 1997

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Model Constitution Amendments 1995

1995 Amendments to the Model Constitution for Congregations.

Model Constitution Amendments 1995

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Model Constitution Amendments 1993

1993 Amendments to the Model Constitution for Congregations.

Model Constitution Amendments 1993

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Model Constitution Amendments 1991

1991 Amendments to the Model Constitution for Congregations.

Model Constitution Amendments 1991

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Model Constitution Amendments 1989

1989 Amendments to the Model Constitution for Congregations.

Model Constitution Amendments 1989

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Below 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

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2014 November Constitutions of the ELCA

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Rationale for 2013 Amendments

2012 memo from Secretary Swartling summarizing the rationale for amendments to the constitutions.

Rationale for 2013 Amendments

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Definitions and Guidelines

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Federated Union Congregations

Documents of governance and policy related to federated and union congregations.

Federated Union Congregations

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Nomination Process

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Synodically 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

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Vision and Expectations of Ordained Ministers

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Vision and Expectations of Rostered Lay Ministers

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Below 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

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Church Property Loss

Specific pointers regarding church property losses - what you should do if you experience a loss.

Church Property Loss

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Disaster Plan Works

The story of one congregation who had a disaster plan.

Disaster Plan Works

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ELCA Endorsed Insurance Program

The ELCA-Endorsed Property and Liability Insurance Program provides ELCA congregations and synods with quality insurance protection.

ELCA Endorsed Insurance Program

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ELCA Endorsed Property Liability Insurance Programs

Additional information about the Church Mutual insurance program.

ELCA Endorsed Property Liability Insurance Programs

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Florida ELCA Quote Request Process

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How to Handle Embezzlement

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How to Prepare for a Disaster

Preparing for disaster: a guide for congregations.

How to Prepare for a Disaster

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Information 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

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Lessons 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

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Nonprofits and Embezzlement

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Purchasing Insurance Guidelines

Be prepared for the eventually that your congregation experiences a loss by following these guidelines for purchasing insurance.

Purchasing Insurance Guidelines

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Risk Management Information

What is Risk Management and why is it necessary for congregations?

Risk Management Information

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Safety and Loss Prevention

Resources on how your congregation can provide safety and prevent loss.

Safety and Loss Prevention

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Below is a list of resources you can download or purchase. For more information about a specific resource, just hover over the icon.

Lay 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

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Report For Lay Under Call From Synod or Church Council

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Report For Lay Retired

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Report For Lay Not Under Call

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Report For Ordained Minister Not Under Call

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Report For Ordained Minister Retired.pdf

Annual report to be submitted to bishop by retired rostered lay leaders.

Report For Ordained Minister Retired.pdf

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Roster Manual

The roster manual provides guidance on many different situations, including retirement, disability, and on leave from call status.

Roster Manual

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Synod 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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Report for Ordained Minister Under Call From a Congregation

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Report For Ordained Minister From Synod Council Church Council Under Call

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2013 Amendments to the Synods

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2013 Amendments to the Synods

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Model Constitution Synods 2013

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2015 Toolkit for Synod Bishop Elections

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Criteria for Authorized Worshiping Communities

Provides basic info about synodically authorized worshiping communities. Also includes form about EIN number.

Criteria for Authorized Worshiping Communities

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Information Care Rostered Person

Guidelines for synods for the retention of documents in the files of clergy and other rostered persons.

Information Care Rostered Person

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Records Retention Schedule

Guidelines for record keeping: explains when and how expired files should be disposed by synod.

Records Retention Schedule

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