Constitution of the LCMC Lutheran Men

ARTICLE I: NAME

The name of the organization functioning under this constitution shall be LCMC Lutheran Men (hereafter, “LCMC-LM”).

ARTICLE II: AFFILIATION

The LCMC-LM shall be affiliated with Lutheran Congregations in Mission for Christ (hereafter, “LCMC”).

ARTICLE III: PURPOSE and OBJECTIVES

SECTION 1    While the men of LCMC congregations is our focus group, this organization shall provide avenues for all members of LCMC congregations and other interested persons to reach out in support of mission churches, and smaller churches needing assistance. 

SECTION 2     LCMC-LM shall encourage the spiritual, intellectual and social development of the men in LCMC congregations and other interested persons to deepen their commitment to Christ and their participation in the outreach efforts of His Church.

SECTION 3    LCMC-LM shall seek to raise funds from persons in LCMC member congregations for mission churches and smaller churches which have expressed a desire to grow in witness, number, and service to God's people.  It shall do this by an annual appeal to all LCMC men and other interested persons for funds for: 1) a Mission Loan Fund (for buildings and property only); and 2) a Mission Gift Fund (primarily, but not exclusively, for start-up office equipment).

ARTICLE IV: MEMBERSHIP

SECTION 1    ACTIVE MEMBERSHIP shall include any Lutheran Men Group or individuals that make at least an annual financial contribution to LCMC-LM.

ARTICLE V: MEETINGS

SECTION 1    An Annual Meeting will be held in conjunction with the LCMC National Gathering.  The date, time and location of the gathering shall be announced in the LCMC periodical or included in an LCMC mailing.

ARTICLE VI: DELEGATES

SECTION 1    Any and all members of LCMC-LM as described in Article IV shall have voice and vote at the Annual Gathering.

SECTION 2    A quorum shall consist of those present, but at least two officers, or their assignees, are required to be present for a meeting to conduct business.

ARTICLE VII: OFFICERS and EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

SECTION 1    The officers shall be a President, a Vice President, a Secretary, a Treasurer, a Promotional Secretary, and a Pastoral Advisor who shall be elected from among the active membership, and who shall be members in good standing of an LCMC member congregation.

SECTION 2    These officers shall be elected or appointed in such manner and for such time as defined in the Bylaws.  Vacancies occurring between each Annual Meeting shall be filled by appointment by the Executive Committee.

SECTION 3    The LCMC-LM Executive Committee shall consist of the elected officers and the immediate past President.

SECTION 4    Job descriptions approved by the LCMC-LM Executive Committee will define the duties of the elected officers, and the Executive Committee.
           
SECTION 5    The LCMC-LM Executive Committee shall transact all necessary business between Annual Gatherings.

SECTION 6    The LCMC-LM Executive Committee shall meet at such times and places as the committee may decide.  However, no expenses will be reimbursed except for the Annual Gathering.

SECTION 7    The LCMC-LM Executive Committee shall present a detailed report of its activities to the Annual Gathering.

ARTICLE VIII: EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

With the approval of the LCMC-LM Executive Committee, the President shall appoint such committees as are needed to facilitate the promotion of the program of LCMC-LM.  The President shall designate directors or chairmen of such committees.

ARTICLE IX: AMENDMENTS

This constitution may be amended by a two-thirds vote of the members present at any Annual Meeting, provided notice of such amendment shall have been given in writing at least thirty days prior to the Annual Gathering and the LCMC Annual Gathering in an LCMC mailing and shall have been approved by LCMC-LM Executive Committee.

ARTICLE X: RATIFICATION

After at least a volunteer interim executive committee fills five of the six offices, this constitution shall become operative.

ARTICLE XI: RELATIONSHIP TO LCMC

SECTION 1    This organization shall function in accord with the confession of faith and the statement of purpose adopted in the constitution and bylaws of LCMC.

SECTION 2    Funds raised by LCMC-LM will be maintained in separate accounts by LCMC-LM.

SECTION 3    Requests for funds (from the Mission Loan Fund and Mission Gift Fund) will be channeled through the LCMC-LM Grant Request Committee.  Referrals may come from the LCMC-LM Executive Committee, the LCMC Board or National Service Coordinator, districts, or a sponsoring congregation of a mission congregation.  Upon distribution of funds, the National Service Coordinator and appropriate district and sponsoring congregation will be notified.

SECTION 4     Loan Funds can only be granted to a congregation by a two-thirds majority vote of the LCMC-LM Executive Committee, as recommended by the Grant Request Committee.  Loans shall be announced at the Annual Gathering.

SECTION 5    Gift Funds shall be granted by the Grant Request Committee by a two-thirds majority vote of the committee, and announced or presented at the LCMC Annual Gathering. Gift Funds are to be used primarily, but not exclusively, for start-up office equipment in mission congregations.

SECTION 6    The fiscal year shall be the same as the LCMC fiscal year.

SECTION 7    The address shall be LCMC-LM, c/o St. Michael Lutheran Church, 7000 Sheldon Road, Canton, MI  48187.