Model Constitution

Model Constitution

UPDATED 11/2025

At the August 2025 ELCA Church-wide Assembly, several constitutional amendments for congregations were passed, along with corrections to the model constitution.
 

MNYS Secretary Tom Sargent requests congregations review and update their constitutions, and email them to him ([email protected]) for review.

 

The Model Constitution for Congregations linked below is consistent with the requirements of the constitutional governing documents of the ELCA’s churchwide organization and synods:

• Model Constitution for Congregations — Updated 08/2025 (PDF)
• Model Constitution Amendments — Updated 08/20205 (PDF)
• Guide for Use of the Model Constitution for Congregations is a helpful reference for congregations reviewing their constitutions. Congregations are encouraged to work with their synod’s Constitution Committee from the outset of their work; this may ensure a greater likelihood that the synod will approve the proposed changes (*C17.03.).