Congregations are centers for mission where people of faith celebrate, learn, and connect with one another and others around the world through service and weekly worship.
The Congregation Council is an elected body of the congregation which has oversight of the life of the congregation, including its worship life, to the end that everything is done in accordance with the Word of God and the faith and practice of the ELCA.
Council leaders will find helpful resources here. More information is also available on the NC Synod's Church Vitality page.
Stewardship Webinar
Compensation Guidelines
Use these guidelines for budget planning.
The previous year's documents are in the tab box below under Treasurers.
Council Resources
2025 Constitution Amendments and Rationale for Amendments
Following the 2025 Churchwide Assembly, held Monday, July 28, through Saturday, August 2, each of this church’s expressions—congregations, synods, and the churchwide organization—has a revised constitution. See the amendments and rationale for amendments.
Visit Link2025 Model Constitution for Congregations
The 2025 ELCA model constitution for congregations includes required and recommended amendments. Required changes reflect our shared identity as this church, binding congregations together in unity while allowing local freedom. Updating your congregation’s constitution brings it into conformity, ensuring both consistency across the ELCA and alignment with collective wisdom for healthy ministry.
Following the 2025 Churchwide Assembly, held Monday, July 28, through Saturday, August 2, each of this church’s expressions—congregations, synods, and the churchwide organization—has a revised constitution. The amendments and rationale are noted on the synod webpage and the ELCA webpage.
May 2026 UPDATE:
The NC Synod Council has approved a Checklist and Process for Submission to aid congregations as they work to bring their congregation’s constitution into alignment with the recent changes approved at the 2025 ELCA Churchwide Assembly. Look for them on the synod’s website.
Constitution Review Checklist 2025
This Constitution Review Checklist 2025 is provided by the NC Synod Council to aid your process of updating your congregation’s constitution.
View DocumentProcess for Submission of Congregation Constitution
This document outlines the process for submitting congregation constitutions for approval by the NC Synod Council. The legal committee of synod council is the group that will review and recommend approval; they will also manage any questions that arise as congregations are working through the process.
View DocumentTreasurers
Compensation Guidelines—2026 Approved
These 2026 Compensation Guidelines were approved by the NC Synod Assembly (May 29-31, 2025) for ministry leaders serving congregations—including Ministers of Word & Sacrament, Ministers of Word & Service, and Synod Authorized Ministers.
View DocumentStewardship in Times of Inflation
With healthcare and other costs rising dramatically, it can be challenging to remember God’s abundance—especially as we turn our attention to next year’s budget. Pastor Mike Ward, Managing Partner of GSB Fundraising, offered a Zoom workshop for council presidents, treasurers, and rostered ministers.
Learn practical, tangible tactics for presenting your stewardship effort this fall, helping congregations focus on advancing ministry rather than simply cutting expenses.
Watch it on the GSB Fundraising website.
Compensation Guidelines 2027—Approved (edited)
These 2027 Compensation Guidelines were approved by the NC Synod Assembly (May 29-31, 2025) for ministry leaders serving congregations—including Ministers of Word & Sacrament, Ministers of Word & Service, and Synod Authorized Ministers.
[Note: This document was edited on 10/2/2026 to reflect the new reporting threshold for 2026 (of $2,000).]
Visit LinkCommittee Expense Report
Requests for reimbursement, accompanied by a receipt, must be submitted within 30 days of incurring the expense.
View DocumentConflict Management
Ice Breakers
Compensation Guidelines—2026 Approved
These 2026 Compensation Guidelines were approved by the NC Synod Assembly (May 29-31, 2025) for ministry leaders serving congregations—including Ministers of Word & Sacrament, Ministers of Word & Service, and Synod Authorized Ministers.
View Document2025 Model Constitution for Congregations
The 2025 ELCA model constitution for congregations includes required and recommended amendments. Required changes reflect our shared identity as this church, binding congregations together in unity while allowing local freedom. Updating your congregation’s constitution brings it into conformity, ensuring both consistency across the ELCA and alignment with collective wisdom for healthy ministry.
Following the 2025 Churchwide Assembly, held Monday, July 28, through Saturday, August 2, each of this church’s expressions—congregations, synods, and the churchwide organization—has a revised constitution. The amendments and rationale are noted on the synod webpage and the ELCA webpage.
May 2026 UPDATE:
The NC Synod Council has approved a Checklist and Process for Submission to aid congregations as they work to bring their congregation’s constitution into alignment with the recent changes approved at the 2025 ELCA Churchwide Assembly. Look for them on the synod’s website.
2025 Constitución Modelo para Congregaciones
The 2025 ELCA model constitution for congregations includes required and recommended amendments. Required changes reflect our shared identity as this church, binding congregations together in unity while allowing local freedom. Updating your congregation’s constitution brings it into conformity, ensuring both consistency across the ELCA and alignment with collective wisdom for healthy ministry.
Visit LinkCompensation Guidelines 2027—Approved (edited)
These 2027 Compensation Guidelines were approved by the NC Synod Assembly (May 29-31, 2025) for ministry leaders serving congregations—including Ministers of Word & Sacrament, Ministers of Word & Service, and Synod Authorized Ministers.
[Note: This document was edited on 10/2/2026 to reflect the new reporting threshold for 2026 (of $2,000).]
Visit LinkRecorded Zoom Meetings
Congregation Council Zoom Playlist
This YouTube playlist contains recordings and links for handouts from each Zoom meeting with council presidents.
Watch VideoQuarterly Treasurer Zoom Meeting
This YouTube playlist contains recordings from Quarterly Treasurer Zoom Meetings.
Watch Video