Annual Meeting FAQ

What is an Annual Congregational Meeting?

The ELCA constitution dictates that ELCA churches hold at least one meeting of their membership annually to discuss and pass resolutions supporting their mission. This includes passing a fiscally sound budget, electing leaders to serve on council and ministry teams, making ministry decisions such as partnering with Reconciling in Christ, approving the purchase or sale of property, calling a pastor, and more.

Who can attend these Congregational Meetings?

Everyone! However, there are three categories of those present at the meeting: observers, voters, and those with a voice but no vote.

Observers: Anyone is welcome to observe the proceedings and learn about St. Andrew from the business side, including its ministry and leadership. However, these persons are non-members of St. Andrew and have no voice or vote. 

Associate Members: Persons who have self-elected to be associate members have chosen not to be voting members. Many times, this is a person who loves being active in the life of the community but who does not want to "join" the church. For the "good order of the church," these persons are able to voice their opinions, support, or objections, but they do not have a vote in the ultimate decisions.

Voting Members: Persons who are voting members have been welcomed into the community through baptism, affirmation of baptism, or transfer from another ELCA congregation. Again, for the "good order of the church," these persons are eligible to serve as officers, council members, and chairs of ministry teams. They also have a voice and vote at all congregational meetings.