Governance
All power in the Church belongs to our Lord Jesus Christ, its head. All actions of this synod are to be carried out under his rule and authority.
This synod shall have a Synod Assembly, which shall be its highest legislative authority. The powers of the Synod Assembly are limited only by the provisions in the Articles of Incorporation, this constitution and bylaws, the assembly’s own resolutions, and the constitutions and bylaws of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.
The Synod Council shall be the board of directors of this synod and shall serve as its interim legislative authority between meetings of the Synod Assembly. It may make decisions which are not in conflict with actions taken by the Synod Assembly or which are not precluded by provisions of this constitution or the constitution and bylaws of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.
Southern Ohio Synod Mission Territory Vision 2025 Narrative
While our Vision 2025 Narrative is not a governing document it is a guide to how we fund and develop ministries in our synod for the next 10 years. This document was presented at the 2015 Synod Assembly and is the basis for the Vision Implementation Team's work over the next few years.
Synod Visioning Document (pdf)
Southern Ohio Synod Gift Policy
The Southern Ohio Synod Finance Team encourages churches to use this policy as a starting point for your own congregation gift policy. We also encourage you to designate a portion of major gifts for the Synod. Such gifts are welcome and needed in addition to regular mission support since the SOS routes 40% of our Mission & Ministry receipts to the ELCA.
Sos Synod Gift Policy Revised 1 17 2021
Constitution Committee
The Constitution Committee reviews congregational constitutions as changes and updates are made so that these constitutions adhere to the Model Constitution for Congregations as adopted by the ELCA Churchwide Assemblies.
The documents and links provided below will help church councils as they update and modify their congregation's constitution so that the document is in compliance with ELCA Churchwide constitutional guidelines. Please note that all changes to a congregation's constitution, except for mandatory updates resulting from ELCA Churchwide Assembly actions, must be reviewed and approved by the Southern Ohio Synod Constitution Committee. Send an electronic copy of the updated/revised constitution to Pr. Bob Abrams, rabrams@southernohiosynod.org. Please contact the synod office at 614.714.3157with questions.
From the ELCA Office of the Secretary: Considerations for Electronic Meetings (rev. 12/15/2020)
Sample Continuing Resolution To Allow For Virtual Congregation Meetings 10.19.20
Note: this sample continuing resolution is for informational purposes only. Please seek advice from a licensed attorney regarding your congregation’s compliance with its constitution and bylaws, as well as state laws and regulations.
ELCA Constitutions Link
Links to the ELCA's Office of the Secretary page on ELCA.org. Use this link to view and download the Model Constitution for Congregations and 2016 updates as approved by the 2016 ELCA Churchwide Assembly.
Helpful Hints for Congregational Constitution Updates
The Southern Ohio Synod’s Constitution Committee offers tips in this document to assist congregations in updating their constitutions. (Click on title above)
Synod Council
The Synod Council shall be the board of directors of this synod and shall serve as its interim legislative authority between meetings of the Synod Assembly. It may make decisions which are not in conflict with actions taken by the Synod Assembly or which are not precluded by provisions of this constitution or the constitution and bylaws of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. (SOS Constitution †S10.02.)
The Synod Council typically meets four times a year in September, December, January and April. Special meetings may be called by the Vice President or Bishop from time-to-time and may be conducted via conference call or web.
About
Clarify
The ELCA confesses the Triune God — Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. We proclaim Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.
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Collaborate
We leverage the wisdom and gifts of all in our synod, including our partners and affiliates, to bring God’s creative and redeeming Word to the world.
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Cultivate
We believe when a synod operates as a platform for connections that empower mission, the baptized are released to join Jesus in the restoration of the world.
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Donate
Everything we have comes from God. We are caretakers of God’s resources, which he has blessed us with to meet our needs and to allow us to partner with him in meeting the needs of others.
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