Salary suggestions 2008-09
Compensation guidelines for 2008-09 designed to encourage fair compensation within the pastoral, teaching and related ministries. Includes daycare/preschool workers.
Salary suggestions 2008-09 interactive spreadsheet
An interactive salary worksheet in Microsoft Excel format.
"Luther on stewardship," Rev. Tim Maschke presentation
"A Lofty Christian Work: Luther on Stewardship" handout, presentation by Rev. Tim Maschke 9/30/08.
403(b) sweeping administration change begins Jan. 1, 2009
The revised IRS 403(b) regulations governing Tax-deferred Savings Plans and Tax-sheltered Annuities that go into effect on Jan. 1, 2009, will have a significant impact for all employers that have at any time offered a 403(b) to their employees. Depending on the employer’s ultimate decision and action, employees can be affected as well.
Articles of incorporation and bylaws
South Wisconsin District bylaws updated 7/19/06.
Congregation constitution and bylaws guidelines
Congregations cannot become members of The Lutheran Church—Missouri synod until their constitutions and bylaws have been approved by a constitution committee of a District of the Synod. Any constitution or bylaw amendments must also have that approval before becoming operative.
Read more on the LCMS website or click the "get resource" link below for the sample (PDF).
Congregation officers update form
To help us better communicate with the officers of your congregation, we would like you to fill out the enclosed form with the names and addresses of the chairpersons of the listed positions at your congregation.
Congregational commitment form 2009
Congregation's mission and ministry 2009-10 commitment form for District and Synod.
Congregational gifts remitted
Form for mailed gifts for District and Synod mission and ministry
Congregational personnel manual
Congregational Personnel Manual 2003 employee handbook section (Microsoft Word)
Congregational treasurer's manual
This publication is designed to provide accurate and authoritative information in regard to the subject matter covered. 2006 edition.
Convention 1997 proceedings
1997 District convention proceedings in PDF format
Convention 1997 workbook
1997 District convention workbook in PDF format
Convention 2000 proceedings
2000 District convention proceedings in PDF format
Convention 2000 workbook
2000 District convention workbook in PDF format
Convention 2003 proceedings
2003 convention proceedings in PDF format
Convention 2003 workbook
2003 convention workbook in PDF format
Convention 2006 proceedings
2006 convention proceedings in PDF format
Convention 2006 workbook
2006 convention workbook in PDF format
Employment resource manual
The Employment Resource Manual for Congregations and Districts is intended to be used as a guide in performing the tasks necessary to provide adequate and effective management of the personnel working in the congregational setting or district office. Revised 2003.
IRS 403(b) regulation changes for all employers
On July 23, 2007, the U.S. Treasury Department and the IRS released final regulations for Section 403(b) of the Internal Revenue Code. These regulations affect the Concordia Retirement Savings Plan (CRSP) as well as individual contracts that church workers may have set up on their own with other companies (such as Thrivent, Fidelity, American Funds, etc.). The regulations are generally effective Jan. 1, 2009, with one exception related to 90-24 transfers between 403(b) plans which was effective Sept. 24, 2007.
LCMS national contract program
LCMS purchasing program link.
Mandatory reporting of child abuse
A 2004 Wisconsin law requires clergy to report suspected cases of child sexual abuse.
Pastor Self Evaluation Tool (SET)
All pastors are encouraged to update their Self Evaluation Tool (SET)
every four years. If you need to update your SET, visit
mns.lcms.org/cop.html. Once updated, please e-mail a copy to
Karen Hauser and send a hard copy with your signature to the District president's office. If you need to update your Personal Information Form (PIF) please contact Karen by
e-mail or phone (800) 793-3678.
Pastor Self Evaluation Tool (SET)
All pastors are encouraged to update their
Self Evaluation Tool (SET) every four years. If you need to update your SET, visit
mns.lcms.org/cop.html. Once updated, please e-mail a copy to
Karen Hauser and send a hard copy with your signature to the District president's office. If you need to update your Personal Information Form (PIF) please contact Karen by
e-mail or phone (800) 798-3678.
Planning a Lutherland study tour presentation (2007 fall pastors conference)
Planning a LutherLand study tour was presented by Rev. Larry Myers (Elm Grove) during the SWD 2007 fall pastors' conference at the Heidel House Resort, Green Lake.
Containing tips and practical advice for planning and executing a Lutherland study tour, the PowerPoint presentation it is based on Myers' six years living in Germany and eight study tours he led to the sites. He gives permission for use of the content (brochure, pre-tour briefing, planning, etc.). Click the link below to download (3 Mb). 
Salary suggestions 2007-08
Compensation guidelines designed to encourage fair compensation within the pastoral, teaching and related ministries.
Step by step through a church building program
"Step by step through a church building program" (Microsoft Word). This document, prepared by the SWD building committee, is designed to serve as a resource and guide for congregations planning to build new facilities or add on to existing facilities.
Student aid application form
Church worker student aid application form. The pastoral verification form and college form are also needed. See student aid page.
Student aid application guidelines
Taxes and ministers 2007
Tax help designed for ordained or commissioned ministers. 2007 edition, revised 10/07.
Vicar application and instructions
If your congregation will be applying for a vicar please go to
mns.lcms.org/cop.html to download the vicarage application program and instructions. Completed applications must be sent to the District president’s office for processing.