LSF Guidelines
Lutheran Student Fellowship
GUIDELINES
INTRODUCTION
At the national convention of The Lutheran Church---Missouri Synod held at Indianapolis in July, 1986, a resolution was adopted calling for the formation of a new organization for college and university students in the Synod. The Board For Mission Services believes that such an organization represents a positive option for individuals, small groups, and congregations who support college students in the mission of the Church.
One of the purposes of the new origination will be to develop a network of LCMS student groups to enable interaction between students and campuses. Such student interaction, occurring within the framework of the Church and its confessional position, will provide a stimulus for the sharing and promoting of new ideas, successful programs, and effective resources, as well as a forum for addressing mutual concerns.
In particular, the new student organization will have a significant impact on those town-gown and contact ministries where a student organization is needed to provide a structure, a purpose, and a program, as well as leadership for the congregation's campus ministry efforts. Student leaders will also provide continuity for the congregation's campus program.
Many contact and town-gown congregations are unable to benefit from special privileges often granted by the university to recognized and approved student groups because they have not organized such as student group. The Synod's new student organization can become that local organization which applies for and receives "recognition" by the university. Ordinarily, recognized student groups benefit from free use of university facilities, campus mail, printing, publicity, and in some instances, even "funding" for special events.
HISTORICAL BACKGROUND
In 1928 an LCMS student organization was formed as a " Student District of the Walter League." The purpose of the organization was to serve college and university students as an extension of the Walther League.
In 1968, anticipating the "union" of Lutheran Church Bodies in America and the uniting of Lutheran campus ministries, the national officers of Gamma Delta voted to disband their organization in favor of a new pan-Lutheran organization which would serve all Lutheran students. Gamma Delta, and the student organization of the ALC and LCA ("Lutheran Student Association of America"), were both disbanded and a new organization was formed in 1969 called, "The Lutheran Student Movement."
This action, however was not supported by everyone in LCMS campus ministries, and since the 1970's efforts have been made to establish once again a distinctly "LCMS" student organization. During the 1985 more than 30 LCMS campus ministries and four District Conventions called for the Synod to establish a new student organization. The Synod Convention in Indianapolis, Indiana (198), responded by adopting the following resolution.
RESOLUTION 1-09Overtures 1-26A--27B (CW,pp32-33)
WHEREAS, An organization for college and university students has not existed in the Synod since Gamma Delta was disbanded in 1968, and
WHEREAS, Four district conventions have officially expressed the need for students on various campuses to associate with fellow Lutheran students on the local level and be involved in the church's ministry; and
WHEREAS, Such an organization of students would assist in fostering an appreciation for the
Mission and theology of the Synod through a network of local, regional and national student gatherings, providing additional opportunities for worship, fellowship, Bible
Study, leadership training, and the development of more effective ways to be involved
in the church's ministry; and
WHEREAS, A Lutheran Church--Missouri Synod student organization would also provide a vehicle
For promotion campus ministry particularly in the more than 600 town-gown and contact campus congregations where a "full-time" campus pastor is not presently available; therefore be it
RESOVED, That the Synod direct the Board for Mission Services, through its Office of Campus
Ministry, to work toward the establishment of a national Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod organization for college and university which reflects the evangelical, Biblical
and confessional position of the Synod.NAME
The name of the organization for college and university students of The Lutheran Church--Missouri Synod shall be Lutheran Student Fellowship--Missouri Synod.
STATEMENT OF PURPOSE
Lutheran Student Fellowship, an organization of college and university students in the Lutheran Church --Missouri Synod, seeks to support, strengthen and enhance the mission of campus ministry as declared in the Statement of Purpose of the 1985 Position and Directional Statement for Campus Ministry in the Synod.
Sponsored by the LCMS through initially its Board for Mission Services, and currently through the LCMA (Lutheran Campus Mission Association) Board as part of Lutheran World Missions, Lutheran Student Fellowship endeavors to provide for all those participating the LCMS campus ministries additional opportunities for spiritual growth, service, leadership development and networking. Lutheran Student Fellowship strives to enable students to grow and mature in their faith in Jesus Christ during their college years, to grow in their understanding of the doctrine and practice of The Lutheran Church--Missouri Synod as taught in Holy Scripture and stated in the Lutheran Confessions, and to respond to the Gospel of Jesus Christ with a strengthened sense of mission and ministry in the areas of worship, nurture, outreach, fellowship, and service.
In whatever setting campus ministry takes place, whether in all-student assemblies, or in town-gown and contact congregations, or perhaps in supporting individuals isolated from any Lutheran presence, Lutheran Student Fellowship seeks to become a trusted servant and partner in proclaiming Jesus Christ in the academic community.
The mission statement of the LSF National Council shall be reviewed annually by the National Council to keep the LSF focused on goals and objectives in keeping with this statement of purpose.Mission Statement
LSF strives to shape college students into Christian leaders by nurturing their faith so that the Gospel of Jesus Christ will be boldly proclaimed on college campuses, in Lutheran congregations, and throughout the world.
Purpose
The purpose of the Lutheran Student Fellowship--Missouri Synod shall be to enable young adults to grow in Christ through service and love to all peoples in the power of the Gospel.
Leadership (... enables young adults...)
Service (...through service and love...)
Faith (...in the power of the Gospel...)
FUNCTION
Lutheran Student Fellowship will provide college and university students, as well as others who may respond to LCMS campus ministries, additional opportunities to grow in the grace and love of Jesus Christ and glorify Him through acts of love and service, specifically. . .
1. to reach out to those in the academic community, including international students,
With the Gospel message of God's love and forgiveness in Jesus Christ.2. to participate in training programs in witnessing, Gospel communication, leadership and
skill development.3. to serve in the mission of the church whether locally, nationally or overseas.
4. to assist LCMS congregations located in college communities to develop and foster a ministry
with students in the campus setting.5. to provide a support system for individuals and small groups of students without a supporting
LCMS congregations.6. to encourage students, as they prepare for their Christian vocation, to consider full-time work
in the Church.7. to promote and utilize student leadership on a local, regional and national basis.
8. to be an advocate in presenting the needs and abilities of college and university students to the
Church.9. to facilitate a positive transition from home congregations to campus ministry.
10. to establish linkage with Lutheran Youth Fellowship ( LYF) for the purpose of promoting campus
ministry.RESOURCES
The resources of Lutheran Student Fellowship shall be available to all LCMS college and university students, as well as to others who may participate in LCMS campus ministries. The National Council of Lutheran Student Fellowship, together with assistance from the LCMA Board and ISM (International Student Ministry, will . . .
1. coordinate and promote the programs and activities established by the Council, LCMA and ISM.
2. develop and provide program resources for student use.
3. provide Biblical and confessional studies prepared specifically for student participants.
4. establish and provide a student communications network through emails, the website and other publications.
MEMBERSHIP
Membership in Lutheran Student Fellowship shall occur through one of the following options:
1. when the local campus ministry elects to affiliate with Lutheran Student Fellowship.
2. when an organization or group of students within a local campus ministry, town-gown or contact
Congregation, or Synodical college/seminary, elects to affiliate with Lutheran Student Fellowship.3. when these two options are not available or do not apply, a person may also affiliate with Lutheran Student
Fellowship on an individual basis, $1 per year per person.Applications for membership are available online at www.lutheranstudentfellowship.org, . Membership is renewed annually for $50 a chapter. Membership runs August 15th-August 14th the following year. Dues are divided and spent
as follows, $10 to help start new chapters, $10 to revamp existing chapters, $10 towards the scholarship, $10 for administrate costs phone calls, stamps, website etc.., and $10 for national publicity. If chapters are in a hardship position the suspension of the dues is possible for one or more years. Chapters are still expected to fill out the renewal/update form on line and make payment of $1.LOCAL STRUCTURE
Lutheran Student Fellowship recognizes that local groups are sometimes diverse in membership and organization. Therefore, affiliated local ministries, groups or organizations may organize in a way most suitable to their local situation.
REGIONAL STRUCTURE
Regional configurations will be defined by the standing national council in consultation with the District Campus Ministry Coordinators.
Each Region will have an administrative board which will meet to plan and promote regional activities. Each local ministry or group is entitled to have a representative on the board. In addition, those holding membership on an individual basis may also serve on the administrative board of the Region. Representatives on the regional administrative board must be affiliated with an LCMS congregation or Campus Ministry.
The board will elect from among the board members a chairman, a secretary-treasure, and a representative to the National Council. Other officers may be elected as needed. The board will also select as an advisor an individual serving in a campus ministry position. All terms of office are for one year except that of Regional advisor. The term for Regional Advisor shall be for two years. The term shall run from July1-June 30 for National representatives. Appropriate job descriptions for regional officers are the responsibility of the National Council and are to be sent to regional officers immediately after their election to office.In the event that a National Co-Facilitator or Pastoral Adviser resigns or moves out of campus ministry or out of the region the National Council will work with the LCMA Board to find a replacement.
In the event that a National Representative from a region resigns the president of that region, in consultation with their remaining officers and the regional adviser, will appoint a replacement, where no regional structure is in place an individual maybe appointed by the LSF council upon recommendation from a local pastor and phone interview with the officers.
In the event that a region has not had an election for officers, the National Council will request the Regional adviser to appoint a chapter member to serve the region as National Representative.
The Regions, through activities and resources that nurture Christian growth and relationships, will seek to provide opportunities for students at schools within the region to come together for retreats, gatherings or other special events.
NATIONAL STRUCTURE
Lutheran Student Fellowship, as a national organization, shall consist of a National Council composed of the national representative from each Region. The Council shall meet annually. A President, Vice-President, and Secretary/Treasurer shall be elected by the Council from among its representatives to a one-year term and shall be eligible to serve a maximum of two years. Acting officers, even though not national representatives are eligible for reelection.
In the event that any one of the officers of the National Council resigns, the LSF Pastoral Adviser consultation with the remaining executive board and the LSF Co-Facilitators will appoint a replacement form among the members of the National Council.
The National Council shall plan, promote, coordinate and implement the purposes and functions of Lutheran Student Fellowship, and in general. provide leadership for all aspects of the organization. The National Council shall consider a national gathering of students every two years, and support events like the LCMA Confabulation, Beautiful Feet, and Peer Ministry Training.
The Synod shall provide financial support for the national council through Lutheran World Missions and the LCMA Board. Other monies may be received by the LCMA board, and LSF National through gifts and offerings from individuals and local groups.
The LCMA Board shall serve as advisers to the National Council.
POLICY
Lutheran Student Fellowship, locally, regionally and nationally will reflect the Synod's doctrinal and confessional position. Policies of the organization are subject to review by LCMA Board.
December 4 1987
UPDATED JUNE 26, 1995, TO REFLECT DECISIONS MADE BY THE 1992,1993,1994, AND 1995 NATIONAL COUNCIL.
UPDATED MARCH 19, 2006 TO REFLECT DECISIONS MADE BY THE 2004, 2205 AND 2006 NATIONAL COUNCIL.UPDATED JULY 14,2006 TO REFLECT DECISIONS MADE BY THE 2006 NATIONAL COUNCIL.
UPDATED JUNE 15, 2007 TO REFLECT DECISIONS MADE BY THE 2007 NATIONAL COUNCIL