Constitutions

Congregational constitution resources in addition to the synod's constitution and more.

Resources for Congregations and Leaders/Constitutions

Each of this church’s expressions—congregations, synods, and the churchwide organization—has a constitution. Click titles below to download constitutions, bylaws, and continuing resolutions for the following:

Constitution of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America

Constitution of the Southeastern Pennsylvania Synod

2025 Model Constitution for Congregations (Word)

2025 Model Constitution for Congregations (PDF)

2025 Model Constitution for Congregation Amendments (Word)

2025 Amendments to Model Congregation for Constitutions (PDF)

The Constitutions, Bylaws, and Continuing Resolutions reflect the theology and polity of this church as it organizes itself to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ, share the sacraments, reach out to the neighbor with good news, and share the love of God in the world. Each expression of this church — churchwide, synod, and congregation — is held together in a relationship of interdependence that encourages each to respond to its context. These documents also demonstrate our commitment to seeing ourselves with others as part of the one, holy, catholic, and apostolic Church.

Updating Your Constitution

Each congregation shall provide a copy of its governing documents to the synod. All proposed changes in the constitution or incorporation documents of a congregation shall be referred to the synod with which the congregation is affiliated. The synod shall approve or disapprove the proposed changes and shall notify the congregation of its decision. The synod shall recognize that congregations may organize themselves in a manner which they deem most appropriate.

Congregation Constitutions 101 Workshop Available

The ELCA Office of the Secretary did a Congregation Constitution 101 webinar for the folks in Region 4. The hour-long session was recorded, and the recording and the accompanying PowerPoint are now available on the Office of the Secretary Constitutions page on the ELCA website (in the Congregations section; slides and recording available).

The training was designed for congregation leaders and covers the basics of how constitutions help, how the Model Constitution is organized, and how to go about amending and updating your congregation constitution.