The ultimate decision making body at Trinity Lutheran Church is the Voters' Assembly The calling and contracting of all staff, determination of the budget, and other business decisions of the congregation. The organization is comprised of all members of the congregation eighteen years old or older. The Board of Lay Ministry is the elected leadership that are charged with carrying out the decisions of the Voters' Assembly.

Board of Lay Ministry

The Board of Lay Ministry consists of the President and Vice-President of the congregation, Treasurer, and Lay Directors of Christian Growth, Stewardship, Properties, Witness, Elders, Fellowship, Youth and Young Adults, Communications, School Administration, School Curriculum and Instruction, School Student Services. All are elected to two-year terms. As leaders of the congregation, it is expected that they attend worship faithfully, participate in ongoing Bible study, and have committed themselves to a life of growing discipleship.

It the task of the Board of Lay Ministry to carry out the decisions of the Voters' Assembly, and to serve as servant leaders of the congregation.

Elders

While the fifteen men who occupy the position of Elder at Trinity Lutheran Church are elected to their positions, it is expected that the men who are Elders will be among the spiritual leaders of the congregation. They are to serve as spiritual servants, setting examples of Christian life, faithfulness in worship attendance, and be committed to ongoing Bible study.

In carrying out their spiritual responsibility, the Elders will attempt to carry out the following:

1. Pray for and encourage the staff of the congregation.
2. Assist the pastoral staff in caring for the spiritual welfare of the congregation.
   
3. Assist the pastoral staff in providing spiritual encouragement to those who are in need of encouragement.
   
4. Work with the pastoral staff in planning and scheduling worship services to meet the needs of God's people.
   
5. Assist the pastoral staff in conducting the worship services of the congregation.
   
6. Assist the pastoral staff in maintaining a meaning music ministry.
   
7. Develop and support programs such ushers, greeters, acolytes, lectors, and altar guild which will maintain order and a worshipful atmosphere for worship services.

Trinity Lutheran Church Constitution & By-laws (109kb .pdf)

Central Illinois District of the Missouri Synod (C.I.D.)

The Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod

In 1867, Trinity Lutheran Church joined the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod. (By the way, the word 'synod' means 'walking together". We have been a part of that church body ever since. Synod's relationship with the congregation can best be described as that of being advisory to the congregation. The congregation is free to call or contract any staff desired and to make decisions it so chooses.

There are three advantages to being associated with the Synod. First of all, it is a blessing to be joined with 2.5 million others who have the same understanding of the Scriptures. The beliefs held and taught here are the same as they were 150 years ago, and a big part of that sameness is the result of that walking together mentioned above.

A second blessing is that the Synod operates two seminaries and ten colleges at which pastors, teachers, directors of Christian education, deaconesses, and other church professionals are taught and prepared for full-time church service. It is such a strength to know that there is a ready supply of people prepared to continue and expand the ministry.

Finally, it is a wonderful gift to work with the other congregations of the Synod to develop and support mission efforts around the world. What one congregation can do is greatly enhanced when working with others to accomplish the task of sharing the Gospel. Toward that goal, at least 10% of general giving is forwarded to our Synod to support the ministries that are being done around the globe.