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.

2022 Model Constitution for Congregations

2022 Model Constitution for Congregations

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2022 Model Constitution for Congregations 8.5x11 format

2022 Model Constitution for Congregations 8.5x11 format

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2022 Constitución modelo para congregaciones

2022 Constitución modelo para congregaciones

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2022 Amendments to the Model Constitution for Congregations

2022 Amendments to the Model Constitution for Congregations

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2022 Enmiendas a la Constitución Modelo para Congregaciones

2022 Enmiendas a la Constitución Modelo para Congregaciones

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Rationale for 2022 Amendments

Rationale for 2022 Amendments

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Enmiendas al a Constitución Modelo para Congregaciones 2019

Enmiendas al a Constitución Modelo para Congregaciones 2019

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2019 Amendments to the Model Constitution for Congregations

2019 Amendments to the Model Constitution for Congregations

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2019 Model Constitution for Congregations

2019 Model Constitution for Congregations

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Constitución Modelo para Congregaciones 2019

Constitución Modelo para Congregaciones 2019

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Archiving in Congregations

Archiving in Congregations

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Attestation of Record and Financial Requirements

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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Close of Congregations

Close of Congregations

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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 a Deacon Form

Definition of compensation, benefits and responsibilities for Deacons.

Compensation and Benefits for a Deacon Form

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Compensation and Benefits for a Deacon Guide

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

Compensation and Benefits for a Deacon Guide

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Compensación Beneficios Palabra y Sacramento

Definition of compensation, benefits and responsibilities of the pastor.

Compensación Beneficios Palabra y Sacramento

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Pasos Compensación Palabra y Sacramento

Definition of compensation, benefits and responsibilities of the pastor.

Pasos Compensación Palabra y Sacramento

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Compensación Beneficios Palabra y Servicio

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

Compensación Beneficios Palabra y Servicio

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Pasos Compensación Palabra y Servicio

Definition of compensation, benefits and responsibilities for Deacons.

Pasos Compensación Palabra y Servicio

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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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ELCA Regional Archives

ELCA Regional Archives

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Maintaining Congregational Record

Advice for congregations on how to maintain their congregational record.

Maintaining Congregational Record

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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

Recommendations for Congregation Secretaries

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Records of Disbanding Congregations

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

Records of Disbanding Congregations

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Organizing and Administering Congregational Annual Meetings

Organizing and Administering Congregational Annual Meetings

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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.

DEIA Report Part 1

DEIA Report Part 1

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DEIA Report Part 2

DEIA Report Part 2

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Synod Council Report Form

Synod Council Report Form

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Synod Assembly Report Form

Synod Assembly Report Form

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Disciplinary Proceedings

Rules Governing Disciplinary Proceedings Against Rostered Ministers and Congregations of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America

Disciplinary Proceedings

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Definitions and Guidelines for Discipline 2021

Definitions and Guidelines for Discipline 2021

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Definitions and Guidelines for Discipline 2021 (Spanish)

Definitions and Guidelines for Discipline 2021 (Spanish)

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Definitions and Guidelines for Discipline survey findings

Definitions and Guidelines for Discipline survey findings

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Memorials and Resolutions Flowchart

Download this visual overview and learn how memorials and resolutions are passed.

Memorials and Resolutions Flowchart

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Guidelines for Memorials and Resolutions

Guidelines for Memorials and Resolutions

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Guidelines for Writing Memorials and Resolutions

View these guidelines for writing an effective Memorial or Resolution.

Guidelines for Writing Memorials and Resolutions

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2021 Memorials and Resolutions Webinar Recording

Zoom recording

2021 Memorials and Resolutions Webinar Recording

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2021 Memorials and Resolutions Webinar Slides

2021 Memorials and Resolutions Webinar Slides

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Suggestions for Reference and Counsel and Resolutions Committees

Read these helpful tips before reporting resolutions and memorials to your synod assembly.

Suggestions for Reference and Counsel and Resolutions Committees

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Constitutions, Bylaws and Continuing Resolutions of the ELCA

Constitutions, Bylaws and Continuing Resolutions of the ELCA

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Documents of Governance and Policy Related to Federated and Union Congregations

Documents of Governance and Policy Related to Federated and Union Congregations

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Nomination Process

Nomination Process

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Synod Authorized Ministry Guidelines

Guidelines that address the issue of providing Word and Sacrament ministry through the use of synod authorized ministry.

Synod Authorized Ministry Guidelines

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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

Addressing and Preventing Crime in Congregations

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Active Shooter Event Quick Reference

Active Shooter Event Quick Reference

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Active Shooter Study Quick Reference

Active Shooter Study Quick Reference

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Protecting Your Congregations against an Active Shooter

Protecting Your Congregations against an Active Shooter

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Business Continuity Planning

Business Continuity Planning

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Church Mutual Sensor Program FAQ

Church Mutual Sensor Program FAQ

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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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Congregational Disaster Preparedness Guide

Preparing for disaster: a guide for congregations.

Congregational Disaster Preparedness Guide

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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 Property Liability Insurance Programs

Additional information about the Church Mutual insurance program.

ELCA Endorsed Property Liability Insurance Programs

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ELCA Endorsed Property Liability Insurance Programs (Spanish)

Seguro de Propiedad y Responsabilidad Endosado por ELCA

ELCA Endorsed Property Liability Insurance Programs (Spanish)

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Emergency Preparedness

A publication of Church Mutual Insurance Company

Emergency Preparedness

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Florida ELCA Quote Request Process

Florida ELCA Quote Request Process

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Guidelines for Keeping Insurance Records

Why you should never throw out an insurance policy.

Guidelines for Keeping Insurance Records

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How to Handle Embezzlement

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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Managing Risks: First Steps in Identifying Congregational Liability


"Managing Risks: First Steps in Identifying Congregational Liability" by Richard B. Couser, copyright (c) 1993 Augsburg Fortress. Used by permission.

Managing Risks: First Steps in Identifying Congregational Liability

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Nonprofits and Embezzlement

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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Severe Weather Preparednesss

Severe Weather Preparednesss

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Staying Safe in Church

Staying Safe in Church

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Wildfire Preparedness

Wildfire Preparedness

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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.

Constitution for Synods 2022

Constitution for Synods 2022

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Amendments to the Constitution for Synods 2022

Amendments to the Constitution for Synods 2022

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Bishops Relational Agreement

Bishops Relational Agreement

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Interim Ministry Sample Contract

Interim Ministry Sample Contract

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ELCA Regional Archives

ELCA Regional Archives

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Report For Minister of Word and Service Under Call From a Congregation

Annual report to be submitted to bishop.

Report For Minister of Word and Service Under Call From a Congregation

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Report For Minister of Word and Service Under Call from Synod or Church Council

Annual report to be submitted to bishop.

Report For Minister of Word and Service Under Call from Synod or Church Council

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Report For Minister of Word and Service Retired

Annual report to be submitted to bishop.

Report For Minister of Word and Service Retired

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Report For Minister of Word and Service Not Under Call

Annual report to be submitted to bishop.

Report For Minister of Word and Service Not Under Call

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Report For Minister of Word and Sacrament Not Under Call

Annual report to be submitted to bishop.

Report For Minister of Word and Sacrament Not Under Call

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Report For Minister of Word and Sacrament Retired

Annual report to be submitted to bishop.

Report For Minister of Word and Sacrament Retired

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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 Administrative Resources

Resource  for synod vice presidents and church council members to guide them through their role.

Synod Council Administrative Resources

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Report For Minister of Word and Sacrament Under Call From a Congregation

Annual report to be submitted to bishop.

Report For Minister of Word and Sacrament Under Call From a Congregation

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Report For Minister of Word and Sacrament From Synod Council Church Council Under Call

Annual report to be submitted to bishop.

Report For Minister of Word and Sacrament From Synod Council Church Council Under Call

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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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Roster File Guidelines

Guidelines for synods for the retention of documents in the files of rostered ministers.

Roster File Guidelines

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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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Recommendations For Synod Secretaries

Recommendations For Synod Secretaries

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App B - Disclosure Form

App B - Disclosure Form

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App D - Biographical Information Form

App D - Biographical Information Form

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App E1 - First Ballot Form

App E1 - First Ballot Form

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App E2 - Second Ballot Form

App E2 - Second Ballot Form

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App E3 - Third Ballot Form

App E3 - Third Ballot Form

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App E4 - Fourth Ballot Form

App E4 - Fourth Ballot Form

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App E5 - Fifth Ballot Form

App E5 - Fifth Ballot Form

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App F - Withdrawal from Ballot for Bishop Form

App F - Withdrawal from Ballot for Bishop Form

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App G1 - Report of the First Ballot Form

App G1 - Report of the First Ballot Form

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App G2 - Report of the Second Ballot Form

App G2 - Report of the Second Ballot Form

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App G3 - Report of the Third Ballot Form

App G3 - Report of the Third Ballot Form

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App G4 - Report of the Fourth Ballot Form

App G4 - Report of the Fourth Ballot Form

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App G5 - Report of the Fifth Ballot Form

App G5 - Report of the Fifth Ballot Form

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1988 ELCA Yearbook

1988 ELCA Yearbook

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1989 ELCA Yearbook

1989 ELCA Yearbook

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1990 ELCA Yearbook

1990 ELCA Yearbook

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1991 ELCA Yearbook

1991 ELCA Yearbook

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Annual Congregation Report

 

Access Form A online.

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