CONSTITUTION AND BYLAWS

OF THE ASSOCIATION OF INDEPENDENT EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCHES

ARTICLE 1 – PURPOSE AND VISION

Desiring the establishment of a practical and pragmatic Christian denomination under the Headship of Jesus Christ, this Lutheran body is hereby formed to proclaim the Gospel, uphold sound doctrine, provide pastoral oversight, and serve congregations in faithfulness to Holy Scripture and the Lutheran Confessions.

ARTICLE 2 – NAME

The name of this organization shall be the Association of Independent Evangelical Lutheran Churches (hereafter referred to as "the Association"), established in the fall of 1988 and incorporated in the State of New York on May 8, 2001.

ARTICLE 3 – STATEMENT OF FAITH

Section 1.

The Association confesses the canonical Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments as the divinely inspired Word of God, delivered by the Holy Spirit, and sufficient for all matters of faith and life.

Section 2.

The Association accepts the Symbolical Books of the Evangelical Lutheran Church as contained in the Book of Concord (1580), as true and faithful expositions of Holy Scripture and as correct articulations of our faith. These are

  • The Apostles’ Creed

  • The Unaltered Augsburg Confession (1530)

  • The Apology of the Augsburg Confession

  • The Smalcald Articles

  • Luther’s Small Catechism

  • Luther’s Large Catechism

  • The Formula of Concord (Epitome and Solid Declaration)

Section 3.

The substance of this article shall be unalterable.

ARTICLE 4 – DUTIES OF THE ASSOCIATION

The Association shall:

  • Stand guard over the purity and unity of our faith.

  • Oppose false doctrine and theological error.

  • Support pastors in the faithful execution of their office.

  • Prepare future pastors through training and formation.

  • Examine candidates for the Holy Ministry.

  • Provide ordination and installation into the pastoral office.

  • Offer pastoral care and oversight to congregations in need.

  • Give theological counsel on matters of doctrine and practice.

  • Promote uniformity in ceremonies and worship practices.

  • Uphold the exclusive use of orthodox Lutheran hymnals and catechetical resources.

  • Foster fellowship with people of all faith traditions.

  • Establish mission congregations where opportunities arise.

ARTICLE 5 – GOVERNANCE

Section 1.

The Association shall operate under an Episcopal polity, with each ministry being semi-congregationally governed and accountable to the Council of Bishops, Supervising Bishop, and Presiding Bishop. The Supervising and Presiding Bishops shall serve in advisory capacities, except as otherwise defined in this Constitution.

Section 2.

The Council of Bishops shall act as the governing board of the Association under the authority of the Presiding Bishop. Members serve three-year terms and may be reappointed. The Council may include up to twelve (12) Bishops in addition to the Presiding Bishop, according to the needs of the Association. The Presiding Bishop may act independently on matters of the Association, within the limits set by this Constitution.

Section 3.

The Presiding Bishop serves in perpetuity unless resignation or removal occurs. He provides spiritual leadership and doctrinal oversight, supervises ministers and congregations, and serves as the chief spokesperson for the Association.

Section 4.

The Supervising Bishop, appointed by the Presiding Bishop, maintains the operation of the Association when the Presiding Bishop is incapacitated. He may not overturn or revise decisions of the Presiding Bishop. Upon the vacancy of the Presiding Bishop, the Supervising Bishop shall call the Council of Bishops to elect a successor.

Section 5.

The Council of Bishops, appointed by the Presiding Bishop, guards the doctrinal and pastoral integrity of the Association. It approves or denies ordination and transfer candidates, makes doctrinal and ecclesial decisions, and oversees discipline and pastoral qualifications.

ARTICLE 6 – DISSOLUTION

The Association does not hold property or financial assets and does not solicit or disburse funds. Upon dissolution, it shall simply cease to function, with no assets to distribute.

ARTICLE 7 – GENERAL MEETINGS

The Association shall meet in assembly at least once every two years. The Council of Bishops shall determine the time and place of such assemblies.

ARTICLE 8 – RULES OF ORDER

All meetings and official business of the Association shall be conducted in accordance with the most recent edition of Robert’s Rules of Order.

ARTICLE 9 – ARTICLES AND BYLAWS

Section 1.

The Articles and Bylaws of this Constitution may be amended, repealed, or added to by a unanimous vote of the Council of Bishops.

ARTICLE 10 – ADVISORY NATURE

The Association serves in an advisory capacity to its member congregations and their pastors. Congregations are self-governing and autonomous, with their own constitutions and bylaws. The Association offers support during crisis situations and does not exercise control over internal congregational matters except as explicitly outlined in this Constitution.

ARTICLE 11 – MEMBERSHIP

Section 1.

Members include ordained ministers, congregations, and missions received according to the Association’s procedures. Membership records shall be maintained.

Section 2.

Members are free to separate from the Association at any time. A written notice of departure must be submitted by the member congregation.

Section 3.

Each member congregation retains full legal ownership of its property. The Association shall not interfere with property rights. If a congregation dissolves, it may choose to donate property to the Association for disposal as determined in consultation.

Section 4.

Adjunct Congregations: A congregation affiliated with another church body may apply for adjunct membership. Upon leaving its former body and affirming this Constitution, it may become a full member congregation.

ARTICLE 12 – ORDINATION

Section 1.

Ordained Lutheran ministers seeking membership must affirm the doctrine and practice of the Association and apply through the Presiding Bishop. Final acceptance requires a majority vote of the Council of Bishops.

Section 2.

Ministers from non-fellowship bodies must complete a colloquy to assess doctrinal agreement. Upon provisional acceptance, they may accept a call within the Association.

Section 3.

Transfers from other Lutheran bodies shall follow the procedure in Section 2.

Section 4.

Ministers may be subject to discipline for:

  • Teaching false doctrine

  • Malfeasance of duty

  • Immoral conduct (e.g., sexual immorality, substance abuse, or criminal activity)

Investigations will be led by a committee of the Council of Bishops. Accused bishops shall recuse themselves from involvement in their case. Discipline will follow scriptural principles (e.g., Matthew 18:15–19; Titus 3:10).

Section 5.

Students preparing for ordination must attend a seminary approved by the Association or pursue training through the Independent Lutheran Seminary. They may serve as vicars or establish missions. Upon successful completion and call acceptance, ordination will be administered by an authorized cleric, with approval from the Supervising Bishop.

BYLAWS TO THE CONSTITUTION

BYLAWS FOR ARTICLE 5 – GOVERNANCE

  • 05.02.01 Decisions by the Council of Bishops must be unanimous.

  • 05.02.02 New Bishops may be appointed after vetting and consultation.

  • 05.03.01 The Presiding Bishop may resign due to health or discipline (see Art. 12 §4).

  • 05.05.01 Decisions may be appealed in writing for reconsideration.

BYLAWS FOR ARTICLE 10 – ADVISORY NATURE

  • 10.01.01 In a crisis, the pastor must consult the Supervising Bishop and the Council of Bishops. If verified, the Council may assume interim oversight.

    10.01.01.01 Crisis includes:

    • Ongoing dissent that destabilizes the congregation

    • Rebellion against church discipline

    • Threats to personal safety

    10.01.01.02 Other crises are determined in consultation with the Supervising Bishop and the Council.

BYLAWS FOR ARTICLE 11 – MEMBERSHIP

  • 11.01 Congregations must affirm the Association's doctrine (Art. 3) and revise their constitutions as needed.

  • 11.01.02 A majority vote of the congregation is required for membership.

  • 11.01.03 Application is submitted through the Presiding Bishop.

  • 11.02.01–02 Members must uphold the Constitution and call only qualified ministers.

  • 11.02.04 The Association shall supply pastoral care when needed.

  • 11.02.05 Annual reports are due by December 31st.

  • 11.03.04 Congregations that dissolve must notify the Council.

BYLAWS FOR ARTICLE 12 – ORDINATION

  • 12.01 All candidates must apply through the Presiding Bishop.

  • 12.02 Candidates must show training in an approved seminary or through the Independent Lutheran Seminary.

  • 12.03 Ministers unresponsive for two (2) years and who fail to file annual reports may be removed from the Association roster.