The Organization of the Congregation in the Early Lutheran Churches in America

by B. M. Schmucker

CHAPTER I.

OF THE PASTORS.

1. The present living pastors, and their successors regularly called, shall preach the Word of God, as given by the Apostles and Prophets, and in accordance with the Unaltered Augsburg Confession, publicly, purely, briefly, clearly, thoroughly, and to edification. They shall also have liberty on week-days, or in the evening to hold meetings in the church or school for edification, admonition and prayer, as their circumstances and strength allow; and in addition, in accordance with the command of Christ their Master, take most diligent care that the Word of God be freely sown, as living seed, and that the congregation be directed to true repentance of heart, living faith, and the power of godliness, unto their soul's salvation.

2. The regular pastors, as faithful stewards of the mysteries of God, shall, at proper times, administer the Holy Sacraments to those who apply for them in the appointed way, and who are fit, worthy and well prepared to receive them, at least in so far as external evidence shows; but they shall also have liberty, to be exercised conscientiously, not by reason sinful passion of whatever kind, but according to the rule of the divine Word, to exclude from the Holy Supper, and from standing as sponsors at Baptism those who spiritually live in grievous sin and transgression, contrary to the salutary doctrine of our Lord Jesus Christ, or who by undisputable evidence are convicted thereof, until they have amended.

3. They shall not hesitate, when possible, to visit the sick, etc.

4. They shall especially have regard to the instruction of the young—superintend and visit the schools, etc.

5. They shall preside at the annual Kirchenrechnung, and at all meetings of the church council, and at the election of officers, etc.

6. They shall not absent themselves from the annual general church meeting, or convention of the regular ministers, without the most urgent necessity and the weightiest reasons, but willingly attend and also assist as much as possible, in serving vacant congregations connected with it, etc.

7. They shall themselves discharge the duties of their office in Church and school, as faithful stewards, as God may give them health and strength, and not have any minister or student take their place, who has not been examined and duly called and ordained in accordance with our Evangelical Church government, etc. It is not in conflict with this rule that our regular ministers should invite another of rightfully called ministers connected with us, when visiting them, to preach for them.

8. If a pastor of our congregation, should give occasion for serious offense, scandal or injury to the congregation, either in doctrine, or in life and conversation, or by violation of this church constitution; then the degrees of admonition shall be impartially followed, in the manner here described: (1.) The Elders, or two-thirds of them, shall lay before such Pastor, with gentleness, the offense in doctrine of life which have been evident, or which have been sustained by two or three indisputably credible witnesses, and if he prove to be guilty, admonish him to amendment. (2.) Should this avail nothing, the whole church council shall invite the nearest Pastors of the United Congregations to meet at a convenient place, and in their presence renew the admonition. (3.) Should this also fail of the desired end, the matter shall be considered at a special meeting of the United Ministerium, or at the annual meeting, if it admits of such delay, and there be thoroughly examined, and the minister, if found to be guilty, and offending, shall be suspended from his office and benefices, and a full account thereof be published.