YourSocialMinistry Organization’s Pathto Affiliation with the ELCA entails guiding principles, commitments, expectations and processes. ... D. Agreement between SMO and ELCA—a

Your Social MinistryOrganization’s

Path toAffiliationwith the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America

Preface

Welcome to A Social Ministry Partnership: Path to Affiliation.

We are happy that you intend to be affiliated with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America(ELCA).

Affiliation with the ELCA entails guiding principles, commitments, expectations and processes.The Church Council and the Program Unit for Church in Society of the ELCA have endorsed A SocialMinistry Partnership as a tool for understanding and assessing affiliation status of social ministryorganizations.

The enclosed material will guide an organization which seeks affiliation with the ELCA.In addition to relating to the ELCA through affiliation, social ministry organizations grantedaffiliation automatically become members of Lutheran Services in America (LSA). Organizations areencouraged to be active in LSA and experience the many facets and opportunities LSA offers tosocial ministry organizations. LSA is the membership alliance of Lutheran social ministryorganizations and two church bodies, the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America andThe Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod.

I look forward to working with you in our social ministry partnership and pray God’s blessing onyour ministry that is so much an integral part of the mission and ministry of the Church.

The Rev. Dr. Rebecca Larson, Executive DirectorProgram Unit for Church in SocietyEvangelical Lutheran Church in America8765 W. Higgins RoadChicago, Illinois 60631-41871-800-638-3522www.elca.org

Your Social Ministry Organization’s Path to Affiliation with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America 2

Contents

IntroductionYour guide to new opportunities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4

Pathfinders: What is affiliation?Walking together: Charting the course . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6

Sharing conversation: Destinations and benefits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7

Crossroads: Choosing a path . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8

Welcome to Lutheran Services in America: Your travel partners . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9

Signposts: Criteria and expectationsSMOs’ commitments to the ELCA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10

IntersectionsELCA commitments to SMOs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12

Map quest: Beginning the journeyELCA affiliation process . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14

Journeying together after affiliation:Partners in ministryMaintaining the ministry relationship . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16

Annual partnership review . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17

Ministry partnership review . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19

Appendix: Your map and navigational toolsA. Glossary of terms and acronyms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20

B. Role of Synods as Corporate Members . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21

C. Governing documents and sample language . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24

D. Agreement between SMO and ELCA—a sample letter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29


YOU AREHERE

We welcome your accompaniment as youconsider entering into a relationship

with the ELCA Social Ministry Organizations(SMOs) family.

The ELCA’s motivation for social ministry isexpressed in its Statement of Purpose:

“The Church is a people created by God inChrist, empowered by the Holy Spirit, calledand sent to bear witness to God’s creative,redeeming, and sanctifying activity in the world.To participate in God’s mission, this churchshall [4.02.c.] serve in response to God’s love tomeet human needs, caring for the sick and theaged, advocating dignity and justice for all peo-ple, working for peace and reconciliation amongthe nations, and standing with the poor andpowerless and committing itself to their needs.”

A Social Ministry Partnership (SMP) is theguide endorsed be the ELCA Church Counciland the Church in Society (CS) Program Unit forgranting SMOs affiliation status. The documentwas created by representatives of LutheranSMOs, ELCA synods and the LutheranChurch–Missouri Synod (LCMS). It provides forthe ELCA to independently recognize, reviewand grant affiliation for SMOs. We are happythat you are considering such a relationshipwith us.

In the ELCA, affiliation designates arelationship between a separately incorporatednonprofit SMO and one or more church units (i.e.synod/congregation/ELCA churchwide organization,requiring one of these church body units to be theSMO corporate member).

ELCA affiliation:

� provides an environment in which individualministry partners recognize and act uponpotentially cooperative responses to humanneeds;

� supports and advances the church’s full careministry through an intentional and mutuallybeneficial connection.

� presents opportunities to share the missionand work interdependently with partners whopossess different strengths. Communicatingopenly, they plan together and support oneanother’s ministries. By working together,their individual ministries are strengthenedand they address human needs with resourcesbeyond what they could do alone. Creatingthis cooperative environment lies behind theaffiliation process.

� allows each ministry partner—congregation,social ministry organization and synod—to dis-cover and offer its own contribution, strengthand opportunity for hospitality and service.

� preserves the integrity and autonomy of eachministry partner; it does not allow oneministry partner to exercise control orsupervision over another.

� provides for automatic membership in LutheranServices in America (LSA), the alliance ofLutheran SMOs, the ELCA and the LCMS.


IntroductionYour guide to new opportunities

The ELCA understands that people, financesand opportunities—brought together—enhancethe mutual capacity to provide response. Allinvolved in this partnership recognize—and actupon—the potential benefits of meeting humanneeds through cooperative response. Theintegrity and autonomy of the partnered organi-zations are not altered by the affiliation rela-tionship.

You will work with CS. In order to facilitateSMOs affiliation with the ELCA and LSA, thisunit is charged to develop “a comprehensivesystem for human services to carry out… min-istry with persons in poverty and other personswith limited options and special needs.”

To accomplish these aims, theprogram unit for Church in Society:� recommends overall policy for the church’s

social ministry activity,

� establishes criteria to grant and maintainaffiliation for SMOs,

� administers the ELCA’s participation in LSAthrough its elected members serving thatorganization’s board,

� maintains standards for chaplains servingin affiliated SMOs, in cooperation with theELCA Vocation and Education (VE) unit,.

� works with the ELCA Mission InvestmentFund (MIF) in administrating loans to affili-ated social ministry organizations, and

� supports the ELCA Office of the Secretary(OS) in maintaining a list of affiliated socialministry organizations that seek and qualifyfor participation in the ELCA’s group taxexemption.

As you seek and obtain affiliation, we look for-ward to working with you in this social ministrypartnership, and pray God’s blessing on yourministry as an integral part of the Church’smission and ministry.


Walking together:Charting the courseAffiliation is the means by which theELCA affirms that an SMO is integralto the church’s mission and ministry.God’s Spirit calls forth, forms and sends theChurch into all the world to preach the GoodNews of Jesus Christ, to baptize and make disci-ples, teach what Jesus taught, and serve asJesus served.

In response to God’s love, Lutheran individuals,congregations, judicatories and SMOs seek tomeet human needs, advocate for dignity andjustice, and work for peace and reconciliationamong all people.

As in Jesus’ ministry, the church’s socialministry occurs wherever human caring takesplace.

This ministry of service—a part of God’s mis-sion to the broken world—is essential to thechurch’s meaning.

Affiliation establishes a ministryrelationship for a shared mission.It establishes a unique and dynamic ministryrelationship dependent upon mutual commit-ment, responsibilities and support, presumingthat once affiliation has been granted it iso be arelationship that will continue into perpetuity.

An affiliating SMO commits itself to thechurch’s social ministry mission and to thehighest standards of service delivery, leader-ship, stewardship and mutual cooperation.


PathfindersWhat is affiliation?

Other ministry partners celebrate this interde-pendent relationship, and the special role eachministry plays in the church’s work, by assign-ing affiliate ministries their highest priority forvolunteer and financial support.

Affiliation encourages faithfulstewardship.Based upon the Christian understanding thatGod owns all human and financial resources,faithful stewardship is committed to caring forthose God-given resources entrusted to eachaffiliate. Affiliation enables growth in knowl-edge, effectiveness and generous response, andrecognizes each ministry partner’s role as anenvoy of God’s care and compassion.

Affiliation status may be granted to:� a social ministry organization’s primary (“parent”) corpo-

ration/ any of its not-for-profit subsidiaries which meet allcriteria as stated on page 10, Commitments of SMOs.

� social ministry organizational structures in which only asubsidiary corporation meets all criteria (in such cases,the subsidiary may be granted affiliation status eventhough the primary/parent corporation is not eligible forsuch status.

Affiliation status cannot be granted to:� for-profit corporations.

� SMOs with self-perpetuating boards of directors.

YOU AREHERE

Sharing conversation:Destinations andbenefitsAffiliation articulates anunderstanding between different butequal parts of the church.It defines where we will journey together in arelationship which maintains both the autonomyand integrity of the partners.

Affiliation brings wider opportunitiesto the ELCA and each specific SMO,including:� resources of health and healing from Word

and Sacrament ministry, and the means tobring a touch of love to a broken, sufferingworld,

� service and advocacy ministry acknowl-edged as a shared task for the wholechurch,

� shared vision for ministry and appropriatemutual accountability,

� opportunity to plan together for ministryand to enter into mutual conversation withother areas of the church which share acommon faith in Jesus Christ,

� relationships based on collegiality and reci-procity, capitalizing on each other’s skillsand capacities,

� access to financial, volunteer and prayersupport from ELCA synods, congregationsand their members, and

� strength, motivation and concern for assist-ing people at the most fractured points inlife—through our love for God’s Word andthe Holy Spirit’s empowerment.

The characteristics, expectations,and benefits of affiliation include:� publically acknowledging each other (e.g.

SMO and synod) through such things asnewsletters, public gatherings and specialservices (e.g. assemblies, CEO/chaplaininstallations, etc.);

� involving members of Lutheran congrega-tions (either entirely or predominantly) asthe trustees who participate in governingthe SMO (Category I);

� educational opportunities for the Lutherancongregations/communities to understandthe needs and assets of the populationsclosely related SMOs serve, and opportuni-ties to partner with them in service;

� engagement in Lutheran theology andELCA traditions, with specific studyresources for board members and staff, inorder to ground the SMO’s purpose andwork (see Appendix B—Resources); and

� opportunity for SMOs to participate in pub-lic policy arenas where secular and reli-gious leaders are in dialogue; and

� a written agreement that articulates theSMO’s relationship to the ELCA nationally.


Category I OrganizationSMO with a Lutheran majority

Affiliated SMOs in this category:1 provide services in a manner which is

consistent with the social policy docu-ments and positions of the ELCA;

2 have a board of directors of which atleast 51 percent are members fromLutheran congregations;

3 obtain endorsement or affirmation ofLutheran board members by constituentLutheran congregations, synods, churchbody/affiliated social ministry organiza-tions;

4 declare publicly that the organization isaffiliated with the ELCA; and.

5 have a corporate membership that is atleast 51 percent Lutheran derived fromcongregations, synods, or church bodyorganizations* which are corporatelysponsored.

* organizations sponsored by congrega-tions/synods/associations which singly or incombination elect board members

Category II OrganizationSMO with Lutheran and otherChristian, other faith or secularnot-for-profit participantswithout a Lutheran majority

Affiliated SMOs in this category:1 provide services in a manner which is

consistent with the social policydocuments and positions of the ELCA;

2 have a level of Lutheran presence on theorganization’s board of directors acceptableto the ELCA synod(s) and the church body;

3 obtain endorsement/affirmation ofLutheran board members by constituentLutheran congregations, synods orchurch body/affiliated social ministryorganizations;

4 secure endorsement/affirmation of boardmembers representing other Christian,other faith/secular not-for-profit partici-pants (i.e. corporate members from a dulyconstituted body of that group, such as acongregation, conference/judicatory oranother not-for-profit communityorganization);

5 furnish evidence of Lutheran congregationalparticipation/synodical support/historicalLutheran identity acceptable to the ELCAand its appropriate synod(s).


Crossroads: Choosing a pathTypes of Affiliation


In 1997, LSA officially began as an alliance ofthe ELCA, the LCMS and their SMOs.

Through LSA, the two church body’s relatedhealth-and-human service organizations partnerto shape a future where society will value gen-erosity, inclusion, justice and mutual care.Currently LSA works toward the realizationthat Lutheran social ministry and their SMOorganizations.

Lutheran Services in America is comprised ofthe two national Lutheran churches and their300 affiliated or recognized social ministryorganizations. As part of a larger network, eachsocial ministry organization has the opportunityto give and to receive—everything from knowl-edge and encouragement to forms and pro-grams. In the midst of expanding and ever-more-complex needs and opportunities,together members of LSA can find new efficien-cies, new resources and new pathways to makea difference. LSA works to ensure that its mem-bers not only survive, but also are able to moveinto the future healthy and strong.

Together in LSA, members of the system areenabled to grow more robust and become betterintegrated. The expertise, experience, effective-ness and power of Lutheran social ministryorganizations can be harnessed and connectedfor greater impact. As a participative culture,LSA uses technology and new forms ofconvening to learn together, to share strengths,to collaborate, to speak out, to solve problemsand to seize opportunities.

LSA members believe that, with God’s help, andthat of so many others in their communities,they can create a movement of hope and gracecan provide glimpses of the joy of generosity.LSA mobilizes others who care about justice.

LSA builds a spirit of possibility to reflect a willthat shapes the future. LSA celebrates and livesout Lutheran identity in ways that invite others.LSA believes that all members can grow togeth-er to be healthy and vital organizations LSAseeks to help members grow together to linkeffective service with effective advocacy. LSAworks to help the Lutheran social ministrysystem become a recognizable force of integrat-ed, results-driven capacity harnessed to make adifference in God’s name.

Welcome to Lutheran Services in America (LSA):Your travel partners

Affiliated SMO governing documentsand organizational policies shallcommit to:� participate with ELCA congregations,

synod(s), and other affiliated social min-istry organizations in responding to God’slove, seeking to meet the human needs ofthe vulnerable and powerless, and advocat-ing for dignity and justice for all people.

� open communication and cooperation withELCA Lutheran congregations, synod(s),and other affiliated social ministryorganizations,

� provide responsible governance, and

� exercise excellence in service, managementand stewardship of all resources

To become affiliated, the SMO isrequired to:1 adopt a declaration of intention to be

affiliated with the ELCA in accordance withall affiliation criteria and provisions,

2 operate as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporationand in compliance with all associatedrequirements,

3 confirm that endorsement/affirmation ofLutheran board members by their con-stituent Lutheran congregations/synods/ELCA-affiliated social ministry organiza-tions has been obtained,


SignpostsCriteria andexpectations

4 acknowledge that the organization is fullyresponsible for its own management andfiscal affairs, and that church affiliationshall not cause any Lutheran congregation,synod, or the ELCA to incur or be subject tothe organization’s liabilities or debts(including any loan or bond prospectus),

5 commit residual assets to the ELCA, itscongregations, synod(s) or other affiliatedsocial ministry organizations, for continua-tion of the organization’s mission in theevent of organizational dissolution,

6 submit for church body review any pro-posed governing document changes whichmay impact the organization’s affiliationstatus,

7 verify that rotating, limited terms for boardmembers has been established,

8 document that licensing by applicable gov-erning and regulating authorities has beenobtained,

9 sign a Letter of Agreement as presented bythe ELCA-CS program unit (see Appendix Dfor sample Letter of Agreement),

10 join in ministry partnership reviewsinitiated by CS (see Journeying Together:Partners in Ministry section beginning on page16 for full process description), and

11 agree to participate in LSA in which, byaffiliating, you become a member, receivingthe benefits accorded to LSA members andfully supporting its mission, includingpaying annual dues. (See page 9 for LSAmembership benefits.)

Relating to ELCA social policydocuments and positionsELCA social statements are policy and teachingdocuments intended to inform, guide and chal-lenge the church and its members. The follow-ing excerpts from Guiding Perspectives forSocial Statements, ELCA, 1998, guide the SMOin providing services in a manner which is con-sistent with the social policy documents andpositions of the ELCA:

1 Their teaching function builds upon andseeks to nurture the freedom of Christiansto decide and act responsibly.

2 Those who represent the (ELCA) areexpected to present the positions of thesocial statements as those of theEvangelical Lutheran Church in America.

3 It is expected that ELCA-affiliated agenciesand institutions will develop policies andpractices consistent with the principles anddirectives of social statements.

Expectations of Affiliated SMOs

The ELCA expects affiliate SMOs to:1 follow a mission statement which declares

the organization’s purpose, directs its min-istry of responding to human needs as anexpression of the Gospel, and affirms theintegral nature of its mission with the mis-sion of the church.

2 provide services in a manner that is consis-tent with the social policy documents,statements/ resolutions adopted by theELCA/synods. [See this section, # 3 above].

3 declare publicly that the organization isaffiliated with the ELCA.

4 provide evidence of Lutheran congregation-al participation, synodical support/historicalLutheran identity which is acceptable to theELCA and its synod(s).

5 develop written agreements with thesynod(s) in whose areas the organizationoperates which clarify roles and responsi-bilities, and include provisions for coopera-tion in fund raising.

6 initiate an annual review of the ministrypartnership with the synod(s) in whose areathe organization operates.

7 reach an understanding with local SMOsand synods prior to establishing services ingeographic areas not previously served bythe organization.

8 exchange annual reports with the ELCA, itssynod(s) and other SMOs sharing the orga-nization’s service area.

9 notify and consult with the ELCA and itsynod(s) when a vacancy in the organiza-tion’s chief executive office is anticipated oroccurs.

10 notify the ELCA when the SMO changesname, location, deletes services or expandsservices to other locations.

11 recruit board members who understand thechurch’s role in addressing human care andjustice issues, and who have personalexpertise which can contribute to theboard’s effectiveness.

12 adopt equal opportunity and affirmativeaction policies which promote an environ-ment in which racial, ethnic, cultural andgender diversity is understood, respected,and observed.

13 adopt ethical guidelines for board membersand maintain continuing alertness to ethicalissues, including conflicts of interest.

14 develop and implement standards foreffective governance.

15 provide regular training and educationfor board members on their roles andresponsibilities.

16 evaluate the board and the organization’schief executive officer’s performance on anannual basis.

17 establish standards for highest qualityservice delivery, providing for external eval-uation and working toward formal accredi-tation by applicable accrediting agencies.


Within the ELCA, synods and synodicalbishops participate with affiliated SMOs

in a variety of ways. Some relationships areformal and prescribed. Others are informal/occasional (such as participating in a newchaplain’s installation or attending an anniver-sary event.)

A more formal relationship might occur when aboard seat is designated as having to be filledby the bishop of the synod in which the organi-zation is located, or the bishop serves on theSMO board in an ex-officio capacity with theimplicit responsibility for regularly beingpresent at board meetings.

To demonstrate its commitment toaffiliated SMOs, the ELCA will:1 list each in the yearbook of the Evangelical

Lutheran Church in America.

2 commend each to synods and congregationsas responsible ELCA ministry partners,deserving of ongoing financial, volunteerand prayer support.

3 uphold each organization’s work as integralto the ministry of the ELCA in church bodyand synod events and in their regular andspecial communications.

4 commend the ministry of each organizationto ELCA synod(s), congregations, and tosociety.

5 provide interpretation and education to thechurch about the nature social ministry’swork.

6 recommend affiliates as partners to congre-gations seeking to address human care andjustice needs in their communities.

7 encourage congregational involvement inthe organization’s ministry and programsthrough ongoing financial, volunteer andprayer support.

8 accord access to church-based grant fundsfor each organization.

9 assist in identifying dedicated, qualifiedLutherans for service as board members.

10 promote affiliates’ leaders inclusion onELCA churchwide and synod boards, com-mittees, task forces and study groups.

11 attend affiliates’ gatherings.

12 coordinate, convene and participate inMinistry Partnership Assessments witheach SMO.

13 take part in annual ministry reviews.

14 participate in, and in some cases convene,discussions concerning expansion ofservices into new territories.

15 provide ELCA social policy documents andpositions which relate to service andadministration in order to help establish theframework within which the SMO operates.[see previous section]

16 offer access to LSA Public Policy Office andthe ELCA Washington Office resources toassist with the SMOs public policy andjustice efforts.

17 facilitate the church call process whenELCA rostered personnel join affiliatedorganizations staff.

18 serve as responsible corporate members foreach organization.


IntersectionsELCA commitmentsto affiliated SMOs

When you affiliate, who serves asELCA Corporate Member?In affirming a new SMO’s ministry for affilia-tion, the ELCA studies its governing documentsto determine which church entity will serve ascorporate member. It is important to the ELCAthat the SMO governing board has a demon-strated link to a congregation, a group of con-gregations, a synod or group of synods, or thechurchwide expression.

Synod as Corporate MemberWhen the synod serves as Corporate Member, itfaithfully seeks the best interest of the organi-zation for which is has accepted this responsi-bility. Accordingly, the synod will participatewith the SMO:

� in securing the highest level of committedboard candidates,

� remaining attentive to the SMO’s steward-ship of its mission and human and financialresources, and by

� publicly acknowledging the integral natureof the affiliated SMO’s work to the missionof the church.

Congregation as Corporate MemberWhen the congregation serves as SMOCorporate Member, the congregation isexpected to:

� recognize the SMO as a vital part of itsministry,

� actively promote the SMO’s ministry, dis-tributing information in bulletins, newslet-ters, brochures and presentations.

� provide congregational delegates to attendand participate in the corporation’s annualmeeting.

� supply financial support for the SMO’s min-istry (e.g. in the congregation’s annualbudget, an annual appeal or special fundraiser, or through congregational auxiliaryactivities and individual member support).

� encourage member volunteers to participatedirectly in the SMO’s work (e.g. through theSMO auxiliary, serving on the board or aboard committee, volunteering for a specificfunction or an area of interest, or being theSMO advocate in the congregation.)

� pray regularly for the SMO and its ministry.

Combined Corporate MembershipWhen an SMO’s service area crosses severalELCA synods, or when a synod shares corporatemembership with one or more LCMS districts(i.e. pan-Lutheran SMOs), each corporate mem-ber is expected to play an equal role in boardselection and governing document review.Communication among the corporate membersas well as with the SMO is critical for insuringfocus on mission and maintaining access to vitalinformation.


ELCA affiliation process

Request for AffiliationA letter of request for ELCA affiliation must bysent by the SMO to:

Director, Department for Social MinistryOrganizationsProgram Unit for Church in SocietyEvangelical Lutheran Church in America8765 W. Higgins RoadChicago, IL 60631-4187

The following documents should be includedwith the request:

� The SMO Board of Director’s resolutionstating the intent to become affiliated withthe ELCA

� Copies of the Articles of Incorporation andBylaws.

� Copy of the 501(c)(3) letter

� SMO’s Mission Statement

� Purpose or Vision Statement (if not ingoverning documents)

� Brief summary of the SMO’s history

� Description of the SMO’s programs/servicesand how they correlate with the ELCA

� Chart of organizational structure (i.e.parent corporation, subsidiaries, etc.)

� List of current Board(s) of Directorsincluding board members’ church bodymembership

� List of licensing and accrediting agencies

� Brief narrative description of programs

� Current annual budget(s)-operating andcapital

� List(s) of congregations/synods acting asCorporate Members (if not explicitly listedin governing documents)

� Copy of recent newsletter/annual report

� Strategic Plan (if available)

ELCA Response procedureInitial Contact with Synod: Following reviewof the request letter and basic documents,church body staff will contact the bishop(s) ofthe appropriate ELCA synod(s) to share infor-mation, seek cooperation and secure approval toinitiate the formal study process.

On-Site Study for Affiliation: An on-site studywill be conducted by a team composed ofrepresentatives of CS, representatives fromappropriate ELCA synod(s)/one or moreaffiliated SMOs. The on-site study goals are togain knowledge about the SMO, discuss whataffiliation entails and review commitments,requirements and expectations.

ELCA staff recommendationThe on-site study team members will prepare areport that includes a recommendation to grantor deny affiliation status, a recommendation togrant or deny affiliation status, as well as anyrecommendations regarding modificationsrequired for the SMO to be in compliance withthe requirements for affiliation.


Map QuestBeginning the Journey

For types ofaffiliation,see page 8.

ELCA decision on affiliation statusand letter of agreementIn accordance with church polity, CS will reviewthe documentation, synod endorsement(s),recommendations of the on-site study team andmake a decision to approve or deny affiliation.CS will then notify the SMO and its board ofthis decision. Once affiliation has been grantedit is assumed to be a relationship that will con-tinue into perpetuity.

As a prerequisite to the effective date of affilia-tion, a Letter of Agreement will be developedand signed by the SMO and CS. [See AppendixD for sample letter.]

Provisional affiliation statusOne-year provisional affiliation status may begranted to SMOs which generally comply withthe criteria for affiliation but need time toadjust policies and structures to do so. Theprocess for obtaining provisional status is thesame as for full affiliated status.

At any time during the provisional status, theSMO may submit documentation which showsthat all criteria have been met. The church bodywill then decide to grant or deny full affiliationstatus.

If the SMO has not complied with all criteria foraffiliation within one year of receiving provision-al status, they must request an extension inwriting. The ELCA will then either extend ordiscontinue the provisional status.

Probationary affiliation statusAn affiliated organization may be given proba-tionary status if it no longer meets the affilia-tion requirements but wishes remain affiliated.Probationary status may be granted for one yearwhile the SMO works to again meet the require-ments. At the end of the year, full status willeither be restored or terminated.

Termination of affiliationBy the ELCA: When an affiliated LutheranSMO fails to abide by the Commitments ofSocial Ministry Organizations (pages 2-4), inaccordance with the policy of the ELCA, itsaffiliation status may be terminated by CS. TheSMO will be notified by CS at least ninety (90)days prior to the intended action, allowing theorganization an opportunity to seek a continua-tion of its affiliated status.

By an SMO: The SMO may terminate affiliationstatus through action of its corporate member-ship. If such action is under consideration, theproposed resolution for termination must besubmitted to the corporate members and to CSat least sixty (60) days prior to the intendedaction.

Affiliation with the ELCA withrecognition by the LCMSWhen an SMO is pursuing affiliation with theELCA and recognition by the LCMS at the sametime, ELCA and LCMS staff will work togetherto avoid unnecessary duplication of effort by theSMO.


Maintaining the ministryrelationship

Written Agreements and Annual/Ministry Partnership ReviewsLying behind the design for affiliation is theELCA’s effort to create a relationship in whichministry partner:

� recognizes and responds cooperatively tohuman needs,

� maintains its autonomy,

� respects the integrity and does not seek toexercise control or supervision over theother, and

� provides for appropriate accreditation,complying with all licensure and regulatoryrequirements.

Cooperative environmentWritten agreements and Annual and MinistryPartnership Reviews foster this cooperativeenvironment. They:

� represent commitments of the ministrypartners to meet together regularly and towork to strengthen each individual, as wellas their shared, ministry,

� focus primarily upon the ministrypartnership environment,

� are not regulatory.

Written AgreementsWritten agreements identify commitmentsSMOs and synods make to build and maintainan effective cooperative ministry partnership.They will:

� have a format developed or selected by theparticipants,

� include commitments by both parties toactions which are designed to strengthenthe ministry partnership,

� be reviewed and revised at SMO/synodannual ministry review meeting, and

� guide the SMO-synod relationship in thecoming year.


JourneyingTogetherPartners in Ministry

Annual ministrypartnership review

Annual ministry partnership reviewsare intended to ensure opportunitiesfor ministry partners to evaluate andstrengthen both their partnershipand individual ministries. They will:� be initiated and scheduled by the SMO and

preferably be hosted by the synod,

� include the chief executive, selected staffand representatives of the organization’svolunteer leadership,

� include the synodical bishop plus selectedstaff/council/committee members,

� evaluate the overall cooperative ministrypartnership health,

� address all aspects of the ministry partner-ship, including planning, communication,and fund-raising,

� define in writing mutually agreeable com-mitments for the coming year, and may

� include more than one of the SMO’soperating in the synod, and may

� result in a single written agreement signedby the synod and more than one SMO.

If the area of service of an affiliated SMOembraces multiple synods, church body staffmay assist in coordinating the review.

A Guide for Annual ReviewsThese checklists and discussion points mayhelp you form an Annual Review agenda.

In the synod relationship with theSMO Governing Board:� how does the synod elect/appoint/endorse

board members?

� does the bishop serve as a boardmember/ex officio member?

� how does the SMO board officially advisethe synod of major policy/programschanges?

� do synod social ministry representa-tives/synod staff attend board meetingsregularly/upon invitation/never?

In relating to the synod, is the SMO:� attending/present at synod assemblies?

� invited to present to relevant synodboards/committees?

� receiving minutes of relevant synodboard/committees?

� being asked to participate in the develop-ment of synod policies for social ministry?

� having their news included in synod writ-ten/electronic media reports and outreach?

In its financial relationship with thesynod, has the SMO:� received synodical grant awards?

� received synod endorsement for a capitalfunds drive?

� been carried as budget line in the synod’sbudget?


When relating programmatically:� are synod representatives invited to regular

SMO functions and events?

� do synod staff maintain regular liaison withthe SMO?

� is the SMO on the synod’s regular mailinglist and are representatives invited to spe-cial synod functions?

� does the SMO regularly provide the synodand its congregations information throughnewsletters, brochures, etc.?

For both the synod and the SMO:� what are common concerns and goals?

� what are priority areas for strengtheningthe Synod-SMO ministry relationship?

� what are future shared opportuni-ties/challenges for the ministryrelationship?

� what will guide the relationship of theSynod and the SMO in the coming year?

� what are specific goals to be evaluated ayear from now at the Ministry Partnership’sAnnual Review?

� what is the date and place of next year’smeeting?

A checklist of persons to be invitedby the SMO to annual reviews:� Chief Executive

� Board Members

� Church Relations Officer

� Foundation Director

� Chief Financial Officer

� Program Directors

� Pastoral Care Director

� Other selected staff

� Representatives of congregational partners

� Representatives of other member entities

� Synod Bishop

� Synod social ministry committee member(s)

� Synod council member(s)


Ministry partnershipreviews

Ensuring opportunitiesMinistry partnership reviews are intended toensure opportunities for representatives fromSMOs, synod(s), and the church body to discussthe SMO’s effectiveness in meeting its mission,and to evaluate and strengthen the ministrypartnership. These reviews will:

� occur at predetermined intervals or whenrequested by an SMO, synod, or churchbody representative,

� be initiated and coordinated by church bodystaff,

� review the ministry partners’ relationship,identifying areas of success and concern,and

� identify the participants’ commitments forstrengthening the ministry partnership andthe individual ministries.

A planning guide for full ministrypartnership reviewsPlease send to the ELCA one month prior to aFull Ministry Partnership Review, Governingdocuments for all affiliated corporations whichhave been updated from the last review,as well as:

� Annual Reports (essential)

� Mission Statement

� Organizational structure chart or descrip-tion (e.g., parent corporation, subsidiaries,etc.)

� List of congregations or synod(s) acting ascorporate members

� Current list of Board(s) of Directors includ-ing their church body affiliations

� Brief narrative description of programs

� Licensing and accrediting agencies list

� Current monthly and quarterly financialreports

� Plans (e.g., long-range, strategic)

The following questions—and otherssuggested by participants—will formthe agenda basis.� How effective is the SMO in meeting its tar-

geted human needs?

� What is the ministry partners’ relationship?

� What are particular strengths of the SMO?

� What are particular strengths of synod(s) inrelationship to social ministry?

� What are areas of concern?

� How can the SMO help the ministry part-nership?

� How can the synod(s) help the ministrypartnership?

� How can the ELCA help the ministry part-nership?

� What is the relationship with LSA? Howhelpful are/may its resources be for theministry partners’ relationship?

� What does this SMO have to share withother SMOs?

� How can other SMOs be of help to thisSMO?

� What follow-through is planned after thisreview?


Acronyms used in discussing Affiliation

CS: Church in Society; ELCA unit charged withaffiliation process

ELCA: Evangelical Lutheran Church in America

LCMS: Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod

LSA: Lutheran Services in America (umbrellaorganization for all SMOs, the ELCA andthe LCMS)

MIF: Mission Investment Fund, the ELCAprogram unit handling affiliated SMO loanrequests

OS: ELCA Office of the Secretary

SMO: Social Ministry Organizations (includesvarious types)

VE: Vocation and Education, an ELCA programunit

Affiliation—the act of becoming formally con-nected with another organization

Endorsement—official approval and publicsupport for a nominee for an SMO board seat byone or more expressions—congregation (s) orsynod(s) of the ELCA

Corporate member

� organization of persons or bodies (morethan one) with an identifiable membership,

� has a membership who are bound togetherfor a common purpose by an identifiableconstitution or rules (which may be writtenor oral),

� is an organization where the form of associ-ation is not one which is recognized in lawas being something else (for example, anincorporated body or a partnership),

� must have an existence distinct from thosepersons who would be regarded as its mem-bers,

� tie between the organizations need not be alegally enforceable contract,

� formal organization that participates indecision-making, based on their own consti-tutional element which “defines their legiti-mate domain, potential membership, andoperational rules which would define theirtask of collective “interest-representation”

Not-for-profit corporation meets thedefinition of “non-profit organizations” set out inthe Income Tax Act;

Social Ministry Organization (SMO)—a legally incorporated nonprofit 501(c)(3) organ-ization with a constituted governing boardactive in providing service to persons in povertyand/or to those with limited options on behalf ofone or more congregations and/or synods and/orthe churchwide organization of the EvangelicalLutheran Church in America.


AppendixYour Map andNavigational Tools

APPENDIX AA GLOSSARY OF TERMS AND ACRONYMS

Within the ELCA synods and bishops participatewith social ministry organizations (SMOs) in avariety of ways, some of them quite informal andoccasional while other relationships are formaland prescribed. Participation in the installation ofa new chaplain or attendance at the one-hundredthanniversary dinner are of the occasional variety. Amore formal relationship might occur when aboard seat is designated as having to be filled bythe bishop of the synod in which the organizationis located, whether in an ex-officio capacity withor without full vote. The responsibility for beingpresent at board meetings on a regular basis isimplicit. The highest level and most formal way inwhich a synod participates in an SMO is by beingthe sole corporate member or part of a group ofcorporate members.

Corporate membership is the highest level ofinvolvement because in reality “member” is equiv-alent to “owner.” According to A Social MinistryPartnership which details the criteria which aLutheran entity must meet in order to be consid-ered affiliated with the ELCA, the term “corporatemember” means “An entity entitled to exercise themembership rights of participation in the electionof board members and approval of changes to theorganization’s governing documents.”

When the ELCA affirms the ministry of a newSMO through affiliation the governing documentsare scrutinized to determine which expression ofthe church carries the responsibility for serving inthe role of corporate member. It is important tothe ELCA that the governing board of the SMOhas a demonstrated link to a congregation, agroup or congregations, a synod or group of syn-ods, or the churchwide expression. We do not affil-iate SMOs where organizational boards are self-perpetuating because we view the board as crucialto maintaining the mission of that social ministry.The synod’s mission and the SMO’s mission areinterrelated and integral to each other. Therefore,the primary role of the synod as corporate memberis to select all board members or endorse the nom-ination of a significant portion of them. Activemembership in a Lutheran congregation is stipu-lated for board members in the affiliation criteria.It is hoped that the selection of board candidatescan involve mutual dialog between the synod and

SMO about qualifications. It is also hoped that allparties are seeking persons with special gifts anda vocation for board service. The synod staff andcouncil should know the people selected for suchboard service on your behalf. Responsibility fortimely action to fill board vacancies lies with thecorporate member. A vacancy weakens the boardparticularly in this era when smaller boards aredeemed to be more efficient.

The second role of the synod as corporate memberis to approve those portions of the governing docu-ments - Articles of Incorporation and By-Laws -which detail the expectations and obligations ofthe corporate member. Approval would be requiredwhen the corporation is being established andapproval for changes in these sections is key everytime change is proposed. The affiliation criteriarequire that the ELCA also review proposedchanges. Timely response to requests for approv-ing changes and attention to the nature of the pro-posed changes are both quite important.Maintaining a current file on each SMO for whichthe synod serves as Role of Synods as CorporateMembers of Lutheran Social MinistryOrganizations corporate member is strongly urged.

Two significant provisions required of all entitiesthat become affiliated are related to declarationsof fiscal responsibility and plans in the event of adissolution. In both these sections of the Articlesand By-laws the corporate member is named. TheELCA requires that the church in all its expres-sions be declared exempt from responsibility forthe SMO’s liabilities. Such a provision is not anironclad guarantee of exemption from all questsfor deeper pockets in the event of debts or law-suits filed to address other grievances. However,having such a provision holds up before the board,the staff, and the corporate member the accounta-bility for regular and frequent exchange of infor-mation about pending situations in which new lia-bility might be assumed and in which liability isalleged from external sources. In the descriptionof the distribution of remaining assets following adissolution mention is frequently made of rever-sion to one or more expressions of the church.This may include the naming of a synod whetheror not it is a corporate member. It is in the synod’sbest interests to be aware of such presumptions


APPENDIX BROLE OF SYNODS AS CORPORATE MEMBERS OFLUTHERAN SOCIAL MINISTRY ORGANIZATIONS

since in some instances what might appear tohave been an asset may bring with it a set of prob-lems and liabilities.

When several synods form the combined corporatemembership of an SMO that crosses synod lines orwhen a synod shares corporate membership withone or more LCMS districts in the case of pan-Lutheran SMOs each corporate member is expect-ed to play an equal role in board selection andgoverning document review. Communicationamong the corporate members is as critical ascommunication with the SMO to insure access tovital information and maintenance of the focus onmission.

Faithful corporate members seek the best interestof the organization for which they have acceptedthis responsibility. They fulfill this responsibilityoutlined in A Social Ministry Partnership by par-ticipating with the organization in securing thehighest level of committed board candidates, byensuring that they remain attentive to the SMO’sstewardship of its mission and its resources—human and financial, and by publicly acknowledg-ing the integral nature of the work of affiliatedSMOs to the mission of the church.

Corporate membership background

“Incorporation is a concept that grew out of theChristian theological principle of the CorpusChristi, the ‘body of Christ,’ a way in which theChristian church has traditionally defined itself…The concept of the Corpus Christi was used by thethirteenth-century Pope Innocent IV to form localparish corporation in England… The concept of anorganization with a collective membership of natu-ral persons whose life continued beyond that ofany one natural person was in place before theadvent of Christianity.” (emphasis added) [pp. 2-3],(Everson, H. (The Corporate Person, 1998).

Everson also commented, “If the corporation isthat artificial person defined by law, then the gov-erning board of the corporation is that artificialperson defined by law, then the governing board ofthe corporation is the embodiment/incarnation ofthat artificial person. The board - which exists byauthorization of the corporate members - is theactual living, breathing, thinking, acting, flesh-and-blood entity that represents the corporateowners, members, and stakeholders who compriseand surround the corporation. In turn, the mem-bers limit their control and agency by conferringthem to the board. They delegate the board to acton their behalf. Since it exists at the will of thecorporate members who elect it, the board is

therefore understood by the state to be the ulti-mately responsible person. [p. 5] He concludeswith this observation, “The church would do wellto rediscover its corporate heritage and its involve-ment in the development of the not-for-profit cor-poration, and from that history reclaim its under-standing of what it means to live and work corpo-rately as one body.” [p. 7]

The decision on whether or not to have membershas significant implications, according to theNational Center for Nonprofit Boards in a guide tocreating bylaws (1997). Some nonprofit corpora-tions have a category of members who “govern thecorporation by electing the board of directors.” Afew states require nonprofit corporations to haveat least one member. One way to meet thisrequirement is to specify an affiliated nonprofitcorporation as a member. Although most statesrequire that the articles of incorporation statewhether there will be members, some states allowthe bylaws to stipulate whether the organizationwill have members and the qualifications neces-sary for members, as well as the relations, rights,and duties of the members to each other and tothe organizations. When stipulating these qualifi-cation, the organization may include among thecategories that of corporate member. Because ofthe importance and frequency of issues relating tomembers, the categories of members and theirrelated voting rights, even if stated in the articlesof incorporation, should be reiterated in thebylaws. (See model language in attached reprintfrom A Social Ministry Partnership.)

According to Board Source, formerly known as theNational Center for Nonprofit Boards, governanceissues arise when an organization is growing orcontracting. In the contracting or dissolving situa-tion especially the framework for making thesedecisions is the by-laws which should be kept con-sistent with the current needs of an organization.The most current version of these by-laws must bekept on file by each of the corporate members sothat their constituents can be aware of their posi-tion vis a vis that of the nonprofit for which theyserve this important function.

Nationally recognized nonprofit board expert JohnCarver prefers the term “moral owners” over “cor-porate members.” The relationship of the organiza-tion to moral owners according to Carver may betypified by these statements:

1. Owners are those on whose behalf the board isaccountable to others (in the case of ELCA synods—to the members of that synod);


2. Owners are a special group of stakeholders,similar to stockholders in an equity corporation

3. The board’s trust relationship to ownerssupercedes its relationship with staff;

4. Fidelity to those in whose name mission is cre-ated is dominant over fidelity to the current mis-sion, since mission is a continuing creation of theboard itself.

Carver goes on to speak of linkage with moralowners as attitudinal, statistical, and personal.The board of an SMO would do well to educateitself regarding values of the moral owner and actunder the influence of those values.Concomitantly, the moral owner needs to be awareof the goals and strategies by which the SMO andits board are pursuing mission fulfillment. Theboard is responsible to report to its owner regard-ing its stewardship of mission and its resources.

Through affiliation a unique and dynamic ministrypartnership is established which is dependentupon mutual commitment, responsibilities andsupport. As Bishop Gregory Pile recently said, “Itis not a matter of church versus SMO—one beingbetter or stronger or more important in the rela-tionship than the other. It is a matter of theAlmighty empowering us as Church so that wemight be open to the bountiful opportunities andendless possibilities that the Gospel in its freedomgives us.”

The three guiding principles of affiliation are

1. A Shared Mission, implying a ministry of serv-ice in response to God’s love;

2. A Ministry Partnership in which each part ofthe church’s ministry finds its place and throughwhich each is strengthened by the other; and

3. Faithful Stewardship which recognizes God’sownership of all human and financial resources(from A Social Ministry Partnership, 1997).

Seven requirements are set for governing docu-ments of ELCA-affiliated social ministry organiza-tions total seven. All seven deal with some aspectof the relationship between the SMO and theexpression of the church to which it has somemeasure of accountability, in some cases synods,in many cases congregations or groups of congre-gations and in three cases with the churchwideexpression. These seven requirements are:

1. Declaration of intent to be affiliated

2. Lutheran corporate and board membership

3. Endorsement of board members

4. Rotating, limited terms

5. Declaration of fiscal responsibility

6. Changes to governing documents

7. Dissolution (See A Social Ministry Partnership,Appendix 3, pp. 12-13).

Ruth A. RekoELCA Division for Church in Society3/10/03

BIBLIOGRAPHY

A Social Ministry Partnership. (1997). Division forChurch in Society—ELCA and Board for HumanCare and World Relief—LCMS. www.elca.org/dcs

Everson, Harold (1998). The Corporate Person: Thenature of volunteer boards, their culture, and corpo-rate personality. Augsburg Fortress.

Skjegstad, Joy (2002). Starting a Nonprofit at YourChurch, The Alban Institute.

Zeitlin, K. A. and Dorn, S. E. (1997). The NonprofitBoard’s Guide to Bylaws: Creating a Framework forEffective Governance. National Center for NonprofitBoards.


Governing documentrequirements explainedTo review types of affiliation and SMO Lutherancorporate membership guidelines, please seeSection I-C. Note: The SMO’s governing docu-ments will reflect its commitment to the churchby requiring that a portion of its corporate mem-bership be composed of Lutheran congregations,synod(s), the church body, and/or affiliatedsocial ministry organizations. Provision in theby-laws and in agreements with other Christian,Other Faith/Secular not-for-profit participantswill be made for these organizations to beinvolved in the selection of those board mem-bers relate to them.

A. Selection of Board MembersSelection of board members by a church-relatedpartner or partners assists the SMO in sustain-ing and perpetuating its Lutheran identity andmission.

In a Category I Organization—with corporatemembers—the corporate members will elect atleast a majority of the corporation’s board ofdirectors. The balance of the board may beelected by the board itself, with considerationgiven to specific skills and abilities required tomeet the organization’s governance needs. Theexact percentage of members elected by theboard will be determined by the specific needsof the SMO and consideration of its traditions.

In a Category II Organization—with corporatemembers—Lutheran presence on the boarddirectors must be acceptable to or endorsed bythe organization’s Lutheran corporate members.This may be done by:

� direct election by Lutheran corporatemembers,

� nomination of Lutheran board candidates byLutheran corporate members, or

� pre-election approval of a slate of Lutherancandidates.

In both Category I and Category IIOrganizations—where corporate members (e.g.,congregations, judicatories, associations) electboard members—Lutheran board of directors’members must be acceptable to or endorsed byLutheran ministry partners. This may be doneby nomination or pre-election approval byLutheran ministry partners.

B. Rotating, limited termsThe social ministry organization must establishrotating, limited terms for board members.

The length and number of individual terms willbe established and defined by each board.

C. Changes to governing documentsThe organization’s governing documentsmust state that proposed changes to theorganization’s governing documents must beacted upon by the corporate members or—where not-for-profit organizations do not havecorporate members—that body which elects theboard of directors.

Any proposed changes to the governing docu-ments which are related to the requirements foraffiliation must be reviewed by CS. This reviewwill result in advising the organization’s boardof directors on how the proposed changes mayaffect the SMO’s affiliation.

D. DissolutionIn event of dissolution, the organization willcommit residual assets to the ELCA, its congre-gations, synod(s), other Lutheran 501(c)(3)organizations, or other 501(c)(3) organizationsfor the continuation of the organization’smission in the event of dissolution.


APPENDIX CGOVERNING DOCUMENTS and SAMPLE LANGUAGE

Sample language forgoverning documentsThe sample language in this addendum containssome generic suggestions culled from docu-ments of social ministry organizations. EachSMO, in consultation with its legal council,will draft specific governing document languageto fit the needs and laws applicable to itssituation. Note: When the SMO intends toaffiliate with the ELCA and be recognized byLCMS it is necessary that the governingdocuments state both church body names.

The sample language corresponds withGoverning Document Requirements. Thenumbers noted in parentheses refer to theirdiscussion in sections previous sections above.

Request for Affiliation (Declarationof Intent) (see page 10)

It is the intent of [corporate name ofSMO] to be affiliated with theEvangelical Lutheran Church in Americaand function in accordance with churchbody criteria and provisions; OR

[Corporate name of SMO] will maintainaffiliation with....

This language may be used in an article of thegoverning documents titled “ChurchRelationships.”

Selection of Board Members(Lutheran Corporate and BoardMembership) (see page 13)Note: In the samples below, “member(s)” or“corporate member(s)” shall mean “an entityentitled to exercise the membership rights ofparticipation in the election of board membersand approval of changes to the organization’sgoverning documents.” For example, “mem-ber(s)” or “corporate member(s)” may refer topersons on the board of directors.

Category I Organizations which have corporatemembers may include a portion or combinationof these samples:

The members of this corporation shall be[name(s) of corporate member congrega-tion(s)], the majority of which shall beLutheran. OR

The members of this corporation shallconsist of Lutheran congregations of theEvangelical Lutheran Church in Americaand other congregations who from timeto time are invited and elect to becomemembers of this corporation. At all timesthe majority of congregations holding cor-porate membership shall be Lutheran. OR

The majority of the members of this cor-poration shall be the Synod(s) of theEvangelical Lutheran Church in America.OR

The majority of the members of this cor-poration shall be [name of affiliated SMOor association of Lutheran affiliatedSMOs]. OR

The (A) member(s) of this corporationshall be the churchwide expression of theEvangelical Lutheran Church in Americaor its successor, through its ProgramUnit for Church in Society. At all timesthe majority of corporate members shallbe Lutheran. OR

The member(s) of this corporation shallbe [name(s) of SMO(s) affiliated with theEvangelical Lutheran Church in America.


For definitions ofCategory I and IIorganizations,see page 8.

Category II Organizations which have corpo-rate members may include a portion or combina-tion of these samples (noting that the propor-tion of Lutheran corporate membership shall beacceptable to the ELCA/Synod(s) of the ELCA.)

The members of this corporation shallconsist of [names of congregations, atleast one of whom shall be a member ofthe Evangelical Lutheran Church inAmerica]. OR

The members of this corporation shallconsist of [names of church body judica-tories, at least one of whom shall be aSynod of the Evangelical LutheranChurch in America]. OR

The members of this corporation shallconsist of [names of national church bod-ies, or an association of national churchbodies, including the churchwide expres-sion of the Evangelical Lutheran Churchin America]. OR

The member(s) of this corporation shallconsist of [name(s) of organizations, atleast one of whom shall be affiliated withthe Evangelical Lutheran Church inAmerica.

Category I Organizations in which not-for-prof-it corporations have no corporate members sep-arate from the board of directors may use thissample:

The majority of membership (corporatemembership) which elects the Board ofDirectors shall be composed of personswho are members of ELCA congrega-tions, one of more ELCA congregation(s),synod(s), the ELCA, and/or affiliatedsocial ministry organization(s).

Category I Organizations may include one or acombination of the possibilities noted above. Ifthe members who elect the Board of Directorsare solely persons who hold membership inLutheran congregations, it is necessary thateach Lutheran person’s board membership beendorsed. (See Endorsement of Board Membersbelow.)

Category II Organizations in which not-for-profit corporations have no corporate membersseparate from the board of directors may usethe following sample:

_______ percent of the membership(corporate membership) which elects theBoard of Directors shall be composed ofpersons who are members of ELCAcongregations, one or more ELCA congre-gation(s), synod(s), the ELCA, and/oraffiliated social ministry organization(s).

Category II Organizations may include a portionof or a combination of the possibilities notedabove. The percentage of Lutheran membershipmust be acceptable to the synod(s) and/or thechurch body. If the Lutheran percentage ofmembership which elects the Board of Directorsis composed solely of persons who hold mem-bership in Lutheran congregations but do notrepresent judicatories or affiliated social min-istry organizations, it is necessary that eachLutheran person’s board membership beendorsed. (See Endorsement of Board Membersbelow.)

Number of Board Members WhoMust Hold Membership in a LutheranCongregation (see page 8)

Category I Organizations sample:

]The majority of the board of Directors of[name of social ministry organization]shall be members of Lutherancongregations.

Category II Organizations sample:

_______ percent of the Board of directorsof [name of social ministry organization]shall be members of Lutheran congrega-tions. The percentage of Lutheran on theBoard of Directors must be acceptable tothe synod(s) and/or the church body.



Endorsement of Board Members(see page 8)

Category I Organizations sample:

The corporate member(s) will elect atleast a majority of the Board ofDirectors of [name of social ministryorganization].

Category II Organization language pertainingto the Board of Directors may include a portionof or a combination of the following samples:

� The Synod(s) of the EvangelicalLutheran Church in America and/or thecongregation(s) of the ELCA and/or theELCA shall elect/appoint its/their repre-sentatives to the Board of Directors of[name of the social ministry organiza-tion]. OR

� Lutheran candidates for the Board ofDirectors shall be nominated by theEvangelical Lutheran Church in America(ELCA) or [the ____ synod(s) of theEvangelical Lutheran Church in Americaand the ELCA.] OR

� Lutheran candidates nominated forthe Board of Directors shall, prior to theelection, be endorsed by the Synod(s) ofthe Evangelical Lutheran Church inAmerica [and-or] the congregations of theELCA, [and-or] the ELCA.

Category II Organization language pertainingto the Board of Directors must also include asection that addresses election/appointment/endorsement of that portion of the board whichrepresents other church body/bodies/other faithgroups/community organizations. This involvesascertaining having obtained the endorsement/affirmation of those board members represent-ing other Christian, other faith/secular not-for-profit participants/corporate members from aduly constituted body of that group, such as acongregation, a conference/judicatory, or anoth-er not-for-profit community organization.

Rotating, Limited Terms(see page 10)

One-third of the members of the Boardshall be elected each year for a ____-yearterm. No member may serve more than___ successive terms. OR

One-half of the members of the Boardshall be elected every two years for a___-year term. No member may servemore than ___ successive terms.

Declaration of Fiscal Responsibility(see page 10)A statement of financial responsibility as wellas a corporate liability disclaimer must beincluded in the governing documents. A samplestatement of each is below.

[Name of social ministry organization]itself shall be solely responsible for themanagement and fiscal affairs of the cor-poration and for the payment of any debtsand liabilities incurred by the corpora-tion. OR

Affiliation status with the EvangelicalLutheran Church in America shall notcause the ELCA in its churchwide, synod-ical or congregational expressions toincur or be subject to the liabilities ordebts of the corporation or its sub-sidiaries/affiliates (including any loan orbond prospectus).



Changes to Governing documents(see page 10)

Proposed changes in the Articles ofIncorporation, Constitution, or Bylawsthat relate to affiliation with theEvangelical Lutheran Church in Americawill be submitted to the corporate mem-bers for their approval. The same pro-posed changes will be submitted to theELCA Program Unit for Church in Societyfor review prior to action by members ofthe corporation. Other proposed changeswill be reported and acted upon by themembership as provided in the governingdocuments. OR

No amendment pertaining to the intent tobe affiliated with the EvangelicalLutheran Church in America; to boardmembership and/or endorsement of boardmembers; to responsibility for manage-ment of fiscal affairs; to the corporate lia-bility disclaimer; to changes in governingdocuments relating to ELCA affiliation;or to dissolution/merger/change in thestructure of the corporation shall beeffective until approval has been receivedfrom the corporate membership. Thesame proposed amendment shall be sub-mitted to the ELCA Program Unit forChurch in Society for review prior toaction by members of the corporation.


Dear Members of the Board and CEO:

We are pleased to inform you that the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America’s Program Unit forChurch in Society has approved your organization’s affiliation with the Evangelical Lutheran Churchin America (ELCA). The ELCA’s document, A Social Ministry Partnership, together with the appen-dices and any amendments or additions to that document, forms the basis for your affiliation withthis church. The ELCA is pleased to recognize your organization’s ministry as contributing to themission of this church to:

Serve in response to God’s love to meet human needs, caring for the sick and the aged, advocatingdignity and justice for all people, working for peace and reconciliation among the nations, and stand-ing with the poor and powerless and committing itself to their needs. [ELCA Constitution 4.02.c.]

In furtherance of your ministry, the Program Unit for Church in Society agrees to carry out the“Commitments to Social Ministry Organizations” as stated in A Social Ministry Partnership, and youagree to carry out the “Commitments of Social Ministry Organizations” as also described in that doc-ument. In particular, you agree that your organization is solely responsible for its management andfiscal affairs and for the payment of any debts or liabilities incurred by your agency. You specificallyagree not to cause any Lutheran congregation, synod, church body, or other affiliated organization toincur or be subject to your agency’s liabilities or debts.

Based upon these understandings, we welcome you to a church that in its three expressions, andtogether with other affiliated institutions and agencies, promises to:

Lift its voice in concord and work in concert with forces for good, to serve humanity, cooperatingwith church and other groups participating in activities that promote justice, relieve misery, and rec-oncile the estranged. [ELCA Constitution 4.03.g.]

To signify your understanding of the basis for your organization’s affiliation with the ELCA, pleasesign both copies of this Letter of Agreement and return one executed copy to us.

God’s blessings.


APPENDIX DSAMPLE LETTER OF AGREEMENTBETWEEN AN SMO AND THE ELCA

________________________________________________________________________________Executive Director, Program Unit for Church in Society

________________________________________________________________________________Board Chair

________________________________________________________________________________Chief Executive Officer, Name of Organization

________________________________________________________________________________Date

Documents

YourSocialMinistry Organization’s Pathto Affiliation with the ELCA entails guiding principles, commitments, expectations and processes. ... D. Agreement between SMO and ELCA—a