The Constitution of The LN Covenant Church | Lake Norden Covenant Church

A historical state from the preamble of the Constitution and By-laws of the Lake Norden Covenant Church as revised in 1995, 2006 and again in 2018.

The Lake Norden Covenant Church is a communion of congregation gathered by God, united in Christ, and empowered by the Holy Spirit to obey the great commandment and the great commission. It affirms its companionship in faith with other church bodies and all those who fear God and Keep God’s commandments.

The Lake Norden Covenant Church adheres to the affirmations of the Protestant Reformation regarding the Bible. It confesses that the Holy Scripture, the Old and the New Testament, is the Word of God and the only perfect rule for faith, doctrine, and conduct. It affirms the historic confessions of the Christian Church, particularly the Apostles’ Creed and Nicene Creed, while emphasizing the sovereignty of the Word of God over all creedal interpretations.

In continuity with the renewal movements of historic Pietism, the Lake Norden Covenant Church especially cherishes the dual emphasis on new birth and new life in Christ, believing that personal faith in Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord is the foundation for our mission of evangelism and Christian nurture. Our common goal experience of God’s grace and live in Jesus Christ continues to sustain the Lake Norden Covenant Church as an interdependent body of believers that recognizes but transcends our theological differences.

The Lake Norden Covenant Church two divinely ordained sacraments, baptism, and the Lord’s Supper. Recognizing the reality of freedom in Christ, and in conscious dependence on the work of the Holy Spirit, we practice both the baptism of infants and believer baptism. The Lake Norden Covenant Church embraces this freedom in Christ as a gift that preserves personal conviction, het guards against an individualism that disregards the centrality of the Word of God and the mutual responsibilities and disciplines of the spiritual community.

The Lake Norden Covenant Church has its roots in historical Christianity, the Protestant Reformation, the biblical instruction of the Lutheran Church of Sweden, and the great spiritual awakenings of the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. These influences, together with more recent North American renewal movements, continue to shape its development and distinctive spirit. The Lake Norden Covenant Church is committed to reaching across boundaries of race, ethnicity, culture, gender, age, and status in the cultivation of communities of life and service.

The Lake Norden Evangelical Covenant Church began in the 1880’s with the coming of Swedish and Norwegian immigrants into the area around Lake John and Lake Norden where

they filed homestead claims. Many of these settlers had been converted in revivals in Sweden and shared a need for Christian fellowship. At first, they assembled in homes to read and study the Word of God and to sing and pray. The schoolhouses became meeting places when visiting pastors come.

According to available records, the church organization took place in 1882. The minutes of a business meeting held May 18, 1890, at the C. L. Johnson home is the first complete record now available to the congregation. At his meeting, the name the Scandinavian Christian Mission Congregation was adopted. The constitution was patterned after the Mission Friends in Sweden and gave as its purpose to glorify God and the salvation of the lost. The minutes, of this meeting records the names of Charles L Johnson, Mary (Mrs. Charles) Johnson, Olaf Person, John Olson, Martha Olson, Walfred Lofstedt, and O. Christensen. At this meeting C. L. Johnson was consecrated by the laying on of hands as an elder, a position he prayerfully and faithfully filled until his death. Other pioneer families regularly attending the meetings were the Mels Hanson, the Svante Hoglunds, the Andrew Persons, Andrew Stenstrom, Mrs. Jacob Hanson, the Magnus Hansons, the Paul Olsons and the Martin Andersons. Per Olson was one of the early spiritual leaders of the group.

In 1892 a more complete constitution was adopted. In 1910 this was revised, and the name changed to Norden Mission Scandinavian Evangelical Lutheran Church. In 1938 this was translated from the Swedish to the English language and the name “Evangelical Mission Covenant Church of Lake Norden” was adopted. More recently, in 1958, the denomination shortened its name to Evangelical Covenant Church.

The Sunday School was organized in the house of Martha Olson, the first superintendent and teacher with Charles Johnson and Olaf Olson, the first superintendent and teacher. Charles Johnson and Olaf Person were also early teachers. The Ladies Aid, known now as Covenant Women, was organized in 1892; through the years working actively for the church and community, home and foreign missions.

Itinerant Covenant ministers came to preach the word of God and to officiate at marriages, baptisms, parochial summer schools, confirmations, and burials. In 1900 Rev. G. F. Palmer became the first permanent pastor. For many years, before there was a church building, the people held by the shores of Lake John or in newly constructed houses and barns. The first Mission Mote was held in 1885.

The church building was erected on the fam of Olaf Person at Lake John in 1901. In the winter of 1908, the building was moved to the newly founded town of Lake Norden, its present location. The congregation has always strived to make it a beautiful house of worship. In 1959-1962 the sanctuary was remodeled with Delbert Jacobson and Duane Johnson and other men in the church doing much of the work themselves. A Baldwin organ was also installed. A former pastor, Rev. Charles Carlson designed and built the chancel furniture at this time. In 1970 the addition of carpeting and new pews completed the church as it is today.

Special observance of the 90th anniversary was held in 1972. Three former pastors visited to share this celebration, Rev. Alton Peterson, Rev. Paul Johnson, and Rev. Edward Larson. We celebrated centennial year in 1982.

Following is a list of the pastors who have served: Gustaf F. Palmer 1900-1916, Oscar F Larson 1917-1919, Klaus E Pearson 1920-1922, Elder Anderson 1921, Elmer E Larson 1924-1926, Axel Long 1926, A. I. Osborne 1926, Clarence T Molen 1929-1930, Charles Carlson 1930-1935, Paul J Johnson 1935-1941, Elmore Nelson, 1942-1943, J Wallace Carlson 1943-1944, John Nelson 1944-1945, Luther M Englund 1945-1947, Edward Larson 1947-1949, Stanley K Mueller 1949-1952, Paul J Johnson 1952-1955, Alton Peterson 1955-1959, Evert Eklund 1959-1968, Kendall B Dahlstrom 1968, Leonard Johnson 1969, Lyle Person 1970, David O Carlson 1971-1975, Mark S Olson 1975-1978, Edwin Noren 1979.

ARTICLE I

The name of this church shall be the Evangelical Covenant Church of Lake Norden, South Dakota and for the sake of convenience known as Lake Norden Covenant Church.

ARTICLE II

Affiliation

The church is a member of the Evangelical Covenant Church (ECC) and its Northwest Conference (NWC). It is pledged to work in harmony with the ECC and NWC, and to faithfully support the mission, ministries, and policies of each.

ARTICLE III

Confession of Faith

We believe in the Holy Scriptures, the Old and New Testament as the Word of God and the only perfect rule for faith. Doctrine, and conduct.

ARTICLE IV

Purpose

We covenant to cultivate a community of worship committed to prayer, preaching and study of the Word of God, the celebration of the sacraments, and fellowship across gender, race, age, culture, and class. In so doing, we covenant to equip loving, giving, growing Christians to reach out with the good news of Jesus Christ—evangelizing the lost, ministering to those in need, and seeking justice for the oppressed.

ARTICLE V

Membership

Membership in the church is granted as provided in the by-laws to those who through faith in God’s Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, have been born anew to a living hope through the Holy Spirit, have been baptized according to the Holy Scriptures, desire to live a Christian life, promise to faithfully support the mission, ministries, and policies of the church, and to share in its fellowship and obligations.

ARTICLE VI

Governance

The authority of the government of this church is vested in its membership acting through duly called congregational meetings. The management, administration and oversight of business and spiritual affairs are delegated by the congregation to appropriate leadership as delineated in the Bylaws. All elected leadership specified in the Bylaws shall be members of the church.

ARTICLE VII

Officers

The officers of the church shall be a chair, vice-chair, secretary, and secretary. All officers shall be members of the Leadership Team. The Leadership Team shall serve as the Trustees of the church according to state requirements. The Leadership Team shall serve as the Trustees of the church according to state requirements. All officers voting members of the Leadership Team.

ARTICLE VIII

Congregational Meetings

An annual Meeting shall be held as near the first of the fiscal year as feasible. At the annual meeting, written progress reports shall be submitted by the pastor(s), ministry staff, officers, and ministry teams. Reports on an independent review of financial records shall be submitted by the treasurer for the church and each of its organizations. Election for offices shall be held. Election for the Leadership Team will be elected. The church budget shall be submitted for action.

Additional congregational meetings shall be held not less than semiannually. Items as required by the Constitution and By-laws shall be submitted for congregational action.

ARTICLES IX

Assets of the Church

1. The congregation shall hold title to its own assets.

2. In the event of schism within the church, from which we earnestly pray God to spare us, in which there are competing claims to the assets by various factions of the membership, the title of all church property, real or personal, shall remain with the group which abides by the constitution and By-laws, as determined by the executive board of the NWC.

3. No action for the sale or transfer of assets may be taken when the closure of the church is under consideration without the prior approval of the NWC executive board. In the event the congregation votes to cease, the property and all assets of the church shall become and be the property of the ECC and the NWC, shared equally for the furtherance of the mission of both in that region, primarily, but not exclusively through church planting.

ARTICLE X

Amendments

Amendments in harmony with this constitution, the Model Constitutions for Local ECC churches, non-profit laws of (the state of incorp[oration), and not in conflict with ECC principles and policies may be adopted by a two-thirds vote of those present and voting in an annual meeting of the congregation, providing the proposed amendment was presented in written form at the preceding annual meetings. Articles IX and X may be amended only with the approval of the NWC executive board.

BY-LAWS – LEADERSHIP TEAM MODEL

ARTICLES I

Membership

Section 1. Purpose.

The purpose of membership is to join with other followers of Christ in building a community of worship committed to prayer, preaching and study of the Word of God, the celebration of the sacraments, and fellowship across gender, race, age, culture, and class. In so doing, the membership covenants together to equip loving, giving, growing Christians to reach out with the good news of Jesus Christ – evangelizing the lost, ministering to those in need and seeking justice for the oppressed.

Section 2. Responsibilities.

The members of this church do covenant together by God’s grace to live lives in a manner consistent with the standards of biblical teaching, including the support of this congregation in attendance, prayer, service, and giving, to live lives in word and deed that are an encouragements to others to know and be like Jesus Christ, to reflect in all our relationships the servant love of our Lord, and to support the broader mission of Christ through the ECC and the NWC.

Section 3. Admission into Membership.

Membership in the church is granted to those who through faith in God’s Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, have been born anew to a living hope through the Holy Spirit, have been baptized according to the Holy Scriptures, desire to live a Christian life, promise to faithfully support the mission, ministries, and policies of the church, and to share in its fellowship and o ligations.

Upon completion of a membership class, persons desiring to apply for membership shall submit their application to the Leadership Team. Applicants shall meet with a committee appointed by the Leadership Team to give testimony to personal faith in Jesus Christ. Upon completion of such, the committee shall submit its recommendations on the applications to the Leadership Team who shall notify members of the church of the recommendations. Any member objecting to or having concerns over the granting of membership to an applicant shall communicate in writing such objection or concern to the Leadership Team within 10 days after notification by the Leadership Team.

Final action on applications for membership shall be taken by the Leadership Team within sixty (60) days of receiving the recommendations of the interview committee. Such action may be appealed by a member at the next congregational meeting where the action of the Leadership Team may be overturned by a majority vote of members present and voting.

Applications who are received into membership of the church shall be welcomed at a service and make public confession of their Christian faith, as outlined in The Covenant Book of Worship.

Section 4. Children.

Children of the church shall be nurtured under its spiritual care. They shall receive instruction in the Word of God, Christian doctrine, and the history of the church. After completing Confirmation and a review by the Leadership Team or those designated by the Leadership Team, they will be considered members as outlined under Section 3 of this article.

Section 5. Discipline.

Discipline of members. The Leadership Team shall be responsible for admonishing members who willfully neglect their responsibilities to the church or who err in doctrine or conduct.

Erring members. Any member known to err in doctrine or conduct shall be counseled according to the procedure outlined in Matthew 18:15-18 and Galatians 6:1. Any member having knowledge of such error shall, in the spirit of Christian love, seek to restore the erring member. If he or she does not heed this counsel, the matter shall be brought to the attention of the Leadership Team in writing, which shall in meekness and gentleness seek to restore the member.

After the above process has been completed, dismissal of a member remaining in gross error in doctrine or conduct may result by a two-thirds vote of all current Leadership Team members. Such action may be appealed by the member to the congregation for consideration at the next congregational meetings.

Forfeiture of rights. A member who has been properly dismissed from the church or has withdrawn membership, has forfeited all rights and privileges of membership in the church.

Section 6. Withdrawal and Removal of Membership.

Any member desiring to transfer or withdraw from membership shall make such request in writing to the Pastor or Leadership Team. Letters of transfer shall be issued by the pastor if so requested, and the member is in good standing. The Leadership Team shall annually review the membership roster to determine inactivity. Those determined to have neglected their responsibilities may be approached under the process outline in Section 5 of this article.

Section 7. Recording.

The names of those joining and terminating membership shall be duly recorded and reported to

the congregational meeting following action.

Section 8. Non-member friends.

Non-member parish friends shall be enrolled by the church as a part of its total constituency. The church and its pastor shall serve them in all their spiritual needs, and they shall be encouraged to consider this as their church home. They shall be kept informed of the activities of the church.

ARTICLE II

The Leadership Team

Section 1. Purpose

The Leadership Team shall be responsible for building, maintaining, and overseeing the spiritual welfare of the congregation and for directing and overseeing all ministries and business affairs of the church.

Section 2. Composition.

The Leadership Team shall be comprised of not less than 5 nor more than 9 Leadership Team members, one of whom shall be the Senior Pastor (ex officio). Members of the Leadership Team are voting members. The Leadership Team may appoint other pastors or staff members as non-voting advisors and may remove the same.

Section 3. Qualification.

Any member of the church meeting the biblical standards of character and giftedness for church leaders may be nominated and elected to the Leadership Team.

Section 4. Election.

Leadership Team members shall be nominated by the Nominating committee and elected by a (percentage) vote of those members voting at a meeting of the congregation called for that purpose.

Section 5. Term of Office.

Leadership Team members shall be elected by the congregation during the Annual Meeting for a term of 3 years.

Section 6. Vacancies and Removal.

A Leadership Team member may resign. A Leadership Team member may be removed from office by a (percentage) vote of congregational members voting at a meeting called for that purpose. Vacancies created by resignation or removal may be filled by appointment through the 2/3 vote of the Leadership Team.

Section 7. Notification of Meetings.

All Leadership Team members shall receive a minimum 3-day advance notification of any meetings, including time and place of the meeting. In emergency situations, the 3-day notice may be waived by the 2/3 vote of the entire Leadership Team.

Section 8. Quorum.

A majority of Leadership Team members shall constitute a quorum with the Pastor, Chair/Vice-Chair necessary in order to reach the quorum requirement.

Section 9. Decisions.

The Leadership Team shall strive for unanimity. Matters shall be determined by a majority vote of a Leadership Team quorum, unless on a matter in which the Constitution and Bylaws require the church to vote.

Section 10. Organization.

The Leadership Team shall elect from among themselves a chair, vice chair and secretary yearly. Treasurer shall hold that position until they chose to resign. If the treasurer choses to resign the Leadership Team asks for 90-day notification of that decision in order to select and train the replacement Treasurer. The Treasurer shall be a voting member of the leadership team.

Chair. The Chair shall preside at all business meetings of the church and of the Leadership Team. The chair shall confer with the senior pastor in preparing the agenda for such meetings and shall utilize the counsel that the senior pastor can give by virtue of training, experience and calling.

Vice-chair. The vice-chair shall assume the duties of the chair in the chair’s absence, assist in the Chair’s duties and chair the mutual ministry committee.

Secretary. The secretary shall keep and preserve the minutes of all business meetings of the church and of the Leadership Team conduct and preserve all official correspondence as shall be delegated and be responsible for the official seal and documents of the church.

Treasurer. The treasurer shall ensure proper policies, processes, reporting, and reviewing of all matters related to the finances of the church, including the submission of monthly financial reports to the Leadership Team.

Section 11. Responsibilities of the Leadership Team.

In being responsible to the congregation for building, maintaining, and overseeing the spiritual welfare of the church and for directing and overseeing all ministries and business affairs of the church, the Leadership Team shall:

· Present annual mission and ministry objectives to the congregation

· Determine Ministry Team needed to carry out the church’s mission and ministry, and appoint appropriate leadership for the Ministry Teams

· Approve church policies.

· Be responsible for representing the congregation in certain staff relationships including:

o Hiring and dismissal of staff subject to the provisions of these Bylaws. Action shall be by 2/3 vote.

o Annual appraisal of the senior pastor and of the ministry staff, and providing godly counsel or discipline as required.

o Annual review and approval of staff compensation and compensation for new staff and other personnel expenses for any staff, member, or activity

o Establishment of personnel policies

o Approval of changes in staff job descriptions and approval of job descriptions for new staff positions and maintenance of current job descriptions for all staff members

o Be responsible for overseeing the preparation and submission of a proposed budget for each fiscal year to the membership for each fiscal year to the membership for approval. Upon approval of the budget by the membership, the Leadership Team shall be responsible for seeing that the budget is carried out as approved. The Leadership Team shall have the authority to appropriately adjust budget items and amounts where ministry objectives necessitate but in no event shall total expenditures exceed the total authorized budget without prior notification of the membership. The Leadership Team shall annually appoint an independent review of the financial records of the church and report such findings to the congregation.

o Hear and respond appropriately to concerns of members.

o Be responsible for church discipline as outlined in Article I, Section 5 of these Bylaws.

o Act as the trustees of the church for the advancement and protection of its assets. The Leadership Team shall designate those Leadership Team members and any other members of the church who shall be authorized to sign legal documents on behalf of the church.

o Be responsible for action on applications for membership as outlined in Article I, Section 3 of these By-laws.

Section 12. Unity.

Action by the Leadership Team shall be taken in such manner as to preserve the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.

ARTICLE III

Ministry Terms

Section 1. Purpose

Ministry Teams shall be formed as required to implement the varied ministries of the church.

Section 2. Establishment.

Ministry Teams shall be established by the Leadership Team to implement specific ministries. The configuration of Ministry Teams shall be reviewed regularly by the Leadership Team, upon recommendation of the church staff, in accord with the church’s purpose, strategies and objectives for mission and ministry.

Section 3. Duties.

The duties of Ministry Teams shall be to

· Meet as required to plan and execute specific mission and ministry objectives.

· Recruit and train ministry personnel

· Define and provide the necessary materials required for ministry.

· Submit annually to the Leadership Team proposed budgets and objectives for the forthcoming year and manage consistent with approved budgets.

· Report as requested to the Leadership Team.

Section 4. Leadership

· The leader of a Ministry Team shall be approved by the Leadership Team in consultation with the pastor(s). The team leader will serve as liaison to the Leadership Team to provide reports and information when requested, and to forward requests to the Leadership Team when necessary.

· Ministry Team members may be selected by the Ministry Team leader. The Leadership Team may remove a Ministry Team member.

· Each Ministry Team shall organize itself as required to perform its ministry.

· The Leadership Team may appoint one of its members to be an ex officio member of any Ministry Team, who may also serve as that Ministry Team leader.

· Ministry team leaders will meet as necessary for the purpose of coordination, encouragement, and mutual planning.

· The Senior Minister or Leadership Team designee shall oversee such meetings.

ARTICLE IV

Pastoral and Ministry Staff

Section 1. Purpose

Pastoral and additional ministry staff servant-leadership positions are created to help the congregation fulfill Christ’s purposes in the world and among its members.

Section 2. Pastoral Qualifications.

· Pastors of the church shall meet the qualifications for character, giftedness, and call set forth in the Holy Scriptures.

· The Senior Pastor shall be credentialed by the ECC in accordance with their qualifications and duties.

· A pastor shall be a member of the church by virtue of the call to serve the church.

Section 3. Call of the Senior Pastor.

· The Senior Pastor shall be called at a regular or special congregational business meeting, the purpose of which shall be announced two weeks in advance. The Senior Pastor shall be nominated by a pastoral search committee.

· The committee shall be elected by the membership at a congregational business meeting.

· It shall be representative of the congregation and have five to nine members, including the Leadership Team chair.

· It shall work closely with the regional conference superintendent.

· The Senior Pastor shall be called by written ballot with a two-thirds vote of members present and voting required for a call.

· The call shall be for an indefinite period.

· When the church received aid from the conference and/or denomination through appropriations, the call shall be with the approval of the NWC.

Section 4. Call of Additional Pastors and Ministry Staff.

· Additional staff members to hold ministerial credentials shall be called at a congregational business meeting, the purpose of which shall be announced at least two weeks in advance.

· The meeting shall include the budget implications of the proposed position.

· The Leadership Team will recommend one candidate for a call, and the vote shall be by written ballot, with two-thirds vote required for call.

· The Leadership Team may establish the search committee or may serve as the search committee.

· When the Church receives aid from the conference and/or denomination through appropriations, the call shall be with the approval of the NWC.

· The call shall be for an indefinite period unless otherwise noted at the time of call.

Section 5. Duties of the Senior Pastor.

· The Senior Pastor shall preach and teach the Word of God, administer the sacraments, provide missional leadership, and faithfully carry out pastoral work.

· The Senior Pastor shall direct the church staff, providing counsel, encouragement, and Christian discipline to assist in the accomplishment of objectives for each staff member.

· All staff shall be responsible to the Senior Pastor.

· The Senior Pastor shall be a member of the Leadership Team and an ex officio member of all ministry teams and committees and in such capacity shall strive to establish and accomplish objectives and strategies in conjunction with the mission and purpose of the church.

Section 6. Duties of Additional Pastors and Ministry Staff Members.

· Additional pastors and ministry staff members shall carry out specific areas of ministry under the direction of the Senior Pastor.

· They may be designated by the Leadership Team to be the leader or member of one or more Ministry Teams.

Section 7. Cooperation.

· The pastor(s) shall, both in word and precept, work in harmony with the ECC and the NWC.

Section 8. Resignation of a Pastor or Ministry Staff Member.

· A pastor or ministry staff member may resign by submitting a letter of resignation to the Leadership Team.

· Unless there are extenuating circumstances, six weeks’ notice should be observed.

Section 9. Dismissal.

· The dismissal of a pastor or ministry staff member should be undertaken only after avenues of remediation have been pursued.

· Dismissal of the Senior Pastor.

o The dismissal of the senior pastor shall be by congregational vote at a special meeting called for that express purpose.

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Lake Norden Covenant Church