Calvary Lutheran Church has operated under roughly the same form of governance since 1964 when a Church Council structure was adopted. Under this model, officers of the congregation were elected to council positions with each individual overseeing a different aspect of church life. Traditionally, the Church Council was further supported by a vast collection of volunteer led committees responsible for such things as education, finances, hospitality, properties, administration, and outreach.

Today, many churches are choosing to adopt a new form of governance to simplify and streamline the organizational structure. This is, in part, a response to the reality that many congregation members are not able or willing to give their time serving on committees as they once did. The new structure also reduces the number of required meetings and allows for more efficient decision making and a more timely response to issues as they arise. The new style of governance is often referred to as the “Carver Model” and utilizes a Board of Directors (sometimes going by a different name) who are elected by the congregation and responsible for setting the policies and procedures of the organization as well as engaging in long-term planning.

All current members of Calvary are invited to explore and learn about the new form of governance being proposed. While the new Board of Directors would in some ways have more power, the work of the congregation and the ministry that God has placed on the hearts of his people is still the responsibility of all who call Calvary their church home.

Below you will find:

• the Rationale for adopting a new form of Governance;
• the Draft Constitution Revision 6A as presented to the Voters’ Assembly in January of 2016;
• and the recently completed Draft Bylaws REVISION 6.

The new Constitution and Bylaws will be up for ratification at the June 5th Voters’ Assembly (following the service). All members of Calvary are encouraged to attend that meeting, as well as at least one of three town-hall meetings scheduled for May 1st (following the service), May 4th (at 7:30pm), and May 15th (following the service). Questions about the new Constitution and Bylaws will be received at the town-hall meetings.

Members of the Constitution and Bylaws committee who have prepared these documents are: Dr. Jerry Miller, Congregational President Robyn Frank, Dan Michels, Rev. Dave Pearcy, Carl Johnson, Carl Jenkins, Becky Johnson, & Rev. Mike Middaugh