Expert: Gordon F. Stoneburner - 5/27/2006

Question
What is the Lutheran Hierarchy - Who are the Leaders, How is the group governed or administered, what is the election process to elect a leader.

Thanking You,
Mick

Answer
Mick:
Different groups of Lutheans have different systems.  In the Missouri Synod (2nd largest group in the USA) We have a president who is elected every 3 years by a voting delegation comprised of 1/2 pastors and 1/2 laity.  The delegation has 1 of each elected from small groups called circuits which are composed of @12 churches in each circuit.

Churches are governed by a voters' assemblly composed of all elidgable members of that congregation.  They choose the pastor, teachers, and make most large financial decisions.  

Districts are made up of many circuits in a geographical region.  They have a district president elected at a DIstrict convention where every church has 1 pastor & 1 laity representing them.

Hope that helps.

In Christ's service,

Gordon Stoneburner