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The Constitution
Adopted March 3, 2008
In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
PREAMBLE
We form this institution of training and learning to serve God faithfully by lifting up people of the Church who feel a sense of call from God to serve as ministers and pastors in the Office of Public Ministry. The education provided in this academy will adhere to the Word of God as contained in the Holy Scriptures and their correct interpretation as declared through the Lutheran Confessions as contained in the Book of Concord. By the adoption of this constitution, we form this academy of learning in order to train and educate people of the Church to proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ and serve as ministers and pastors in the congregations of the Lutheran Church.
ARTICLE 1
Name and Incorporation
1.01 The name of this institution shall be Beyond the River Academy. For purposes of this constitution, Beyond the River Academy may also be designated as “the Academy.”
1.02 Beyond the River Academy is incorporated and has its Articles of Incorporation filed under the laws of the State of Minnesota.
Article 2
Statement of Faith
2.01 We at the Academy believe, confess, and teach the Triune God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
2.02 We believe, confess, and teach Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior and the sole source of salvation for a sinful humanity.
2.03 We believe, teach, and accept the canonical Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments as the inspired Word of God and the sole authoritative source and norm of our proclamation, faith, and life.
2.04 We believe, teach, and stand by the confessional writings in the Book of Concord as true witnesses to the Word of God, the standard for our teaching and practice.
Article 3
Governance
3.01 The Academy is governed by a board made up of ordained Lutheran pastors and committed lay people who have demonstrated a flair for living in grace.
3.02 Subject to the limitations imposed by this constitution and the by-laws of the Academy, the business and affairs of the Academy shall be under the direction of the Governing Board.
3.03 Membership of the Academy shall abide by the directors herein put forth by this constitution and by-laws.
Article 4
Membership
4.01 The Academy shall consist of a membership that includes individual contributors, elected representatives from contributing congregations and organizations, graduates of the Academy, and those designated by the Governing Board to serve the needs of the Academy.
Article 5
Amendment of Constitution and By-laws
5.01 An amendment to this constitution may be proposed in writing by any member of the Governing Board.
5.02 Any constitutional amendment must be ratified by two-thirds majority vote of the Governing Board members in and through a properly scheduled meeting.
5.03 By-laws are not to be in conflict with the constitution of the Academy.
5.04 By-laws are to be amended by the Governing Board of the Academy provided that all such by-laws are approved by a two-thirds majority of the Governing Board.
The By-Laws
Adopted March 3, 2008
By-law Section 1
Statement of Purpose
BL 1.01 The purpose of Beyond the River Academy is to offer a practical means by which Lutheran congregations can raise up from within their own number, or acquire from resources outside themselves, persons who exhibit a sense of call by God to serve in the Office of Public Ministry as ministers under contract call or ordained pastors according to the Word of God in the Holy Scriptures.
BL 1.02 The Academy teaches that adherence to the confessions of the Lutheran Church contained in the Book of Concord is a true and correct interpretation to the authority of God’s Word.
BL 1.03 To train and teach persons in specific arenas of education that will equip them to serve a congregation in the Office of Public Ministry.
BL 1.04 Said organization is organized exclusively for charitable, religious, educational, and scientific purposes, including, for such purposes, the making of distributions to organizations qualifying as an exempt organization from Federal income tax under section 501 (c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code, or corresponding section of any future Federal Tax code.
Adopted 9/15/2010
By-law Section 2
Objectives
BL 2.01 Review individual applicants to the Academy through a Review Board appointed by the Governing Board. They will examine the applicant’s submitted forms and with a scheduled interview determine on the basis of education, experience, and personal gifts the needs of each individual applicant in the Academy.
BL 2.02 The student will complete the required course of instruction at the Academy and receive a Certificate of Completion stating their qualification for service in Christian ministry.
BL 2.03 The student who has completed their study at the Academy will have a complete background check run on their recent history to determine the presence of any criminal felonies or sexual improprieties. The Governing Board will review the Academy records, including instructors’ comments, and determine the student’s readiness for parish ministry. Once qualified, the name of the student will be submitted to a Lutheran Congregations in Mission for Christ (LCMC) district as ready for call by a congregation.
BL 2.04 The Academy will offer assistance and information helpful in the process of a congregation seeking a person for call.
BL 2.05 Following placement in a congregation, the Academy will assign a mentor so the new contract minister can have support in fulfilling the call to serve in a congregation.
BL 2.06 The Academy will offer its individual classes for audit by persons interested in taking them for personal growth. Such audits do not qualify one for contract call.
BL 2.07 The Academy will provide classes in continuing education open to any interested persons for spiritual, theological, and personal growth in Christ and the Word of God regardless of denomination affiliation.
By-law Section 3
Organization
(Procedures)
BL 3.01 The Governing Board will appoint a Review Board made up of
Academy personal, as specified in 4.01 of the constitution.
BL 3.02 The Review Board will have five to seven members appointed by the Governing Board, serving a three year term without limits.
BL 3.03 When the Review Board sits in session, a minimum of three members must be present to interview the potential Academy applicant.
BL 3.04 There shall be no specific quotas for service on Academy boards or future adopted structures.
By-law Section 4
Governing Board
BL 4.01 There shall be five (5) to seven (7) members of the Governing Board.
BL 4.02 There shall be no voting by proxy or absentee ballot by members of the Governing Board.
BL 4.03 Meetings of the Governing Board shall be held regularly and determined prior to the close of any scheduled meeting. The president may Call a special meeting of the Governing Board with the consent of a majority of the board members. When a meeting is scheduled, board members will be notified by emails and/or phone contact.
a. Any board member who expresses a need for a meeting must make the request of the president.
BL 4.04 A member of the Governing Board may be removed for cause by a two-thirds vote of the remaining board members, following written notice to the board member of the grounds for removal.
BL 4.05 Vacancies on the Governing Board resulting from death, resignation, or removal of a board member may be filled by the affirmative vote of a majority of the remaining board members.
BL 4.06 The Governing Board may, by resolution, establish committees and boards to conduct the affairs and business of the Academy.
BL 4.07 Except as otherwise provided by the constitution, the by-laws and continuing resolutions, if any, of this Academy, rules of parliamentary procedure as set forth in the current edition of Robert’s Rules of Order shall govern the protocol of this Academy.
BL 4.08a. In the event Beyond the River Academy is dissolved as an educational institution, the following division of assets will take place: 1) online course materials shall become the property of respective teachers, 2) all outstanding bills will be paid from the treasury, 3) uncompleted courses will be refunded on a prorated basis, 4) faculty compensation will be paid proportional to the work completed, and 5) any amount remaining in the treasury will be donated to the pastor training fund maintained by LCMC.
Adopted 6/25/2010
BL 4.08b. No part of the net earnings of the organization shall inure to the benefit of, or be distributable to its members, trustees, officers, or other private persons, except the organization shall be authorized and empowered to pay reasonable compensation for services rendered and to make payments and distributions in furtherance of the purposes set forth in the purpose clause hereof. No substantial part of the purpose of the organization shall be the carrying on of propaganda, or otherwise attempting to influence legislation, and the organization shall not participate in, or intervene in (including the publishing or distribution of statements) any political campaign on behalf of any candidate for public office. Notwithstanding any other provision of this document, the organization shall not carry on any other purpose not permitted to be carried on (a) by an organization exempt from Federal income tax under section 501 (c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code, or corresponding section of any future Federal tax code, or (b) by an organization, contributions to which are deductible under section 170 (c) (2) the Internal Revenue Code, or corresponding section of any future Federal tax code.
Adopted 9/15/2010
BL 4.08c. Upon the dissolution of the organization, assets shall be distributed for one or more exempt purposes within the meaning of the section 501 (c) 3 of the Internal Revenue Code, or corresponding section of any future Federal tax code, or shall be distributed to the Federal government, or to a state or local government, for a public purpose. Any such assets not disposed of shall be disposed of by the Court of Common Pleas of the county in which the principal office of the organization is then located, exclusively for such purposes or to such organization or organizations, as said Court shall determine, which are organized and operated exclusively for such purposes.
Adopted 9/15/2010
By-law Section 5
Academy Officers
BL 5.01 The Academy shall have as its officers a president, a vice-president, a secretary, and a treasurer and such other officers as the Governing Board shall, from time to time, create.
BL 5.02 All officers shall be elected by the Governing Board from among the board’s members.
BL 5.03 The board shall select an individual to perform the responsibilities described in Minnesota Statutes Chapter 317A applicable to the president of the corporation.
BL 5.05 The secretary shall serve as the recording officer of the Academy, shall keep the minutes, have responsibility for records, and other documents of the Academy, and such other duties as may be assigned to the secretary by the Governing Board.
BL 5.06 The treasurer shall propose policy for review in action by the Governing Board of the financial, accounting, insurance, and money management systems of the Academy.
BL 5.07 Should the president of the Academy not be unable to serve, the vice-president shall be charged with the responsibilities of the president until the election of a new president or until the president is able to resume serve.
BL 5.08 Should the vice-president, secretary, or treasurer not be unable to serve, the president, with the approval of the Governing Board, shall arrange for the election of a new officer by the Governing Board to fulfill the responsibilities of the position.
By-Law Section 6
Amendment of By-Laws
BL 6.01 The by-laws of the Academy may be amended at any regular meeting of the Governing Board where the amendment to the by-laws has been presented in writing by the board member proposing it ten days prior to the meeting.
Appendix A:
Policies of Beyond the River Academy
.01 Policy on Conflict of Interest
Any director, principal officer, or member of the board of directors who has a direct financial interest in the outcome of a procedure must absent himself from discussion and the vote on the procedure. He/She may make a presentation regarding the compensation after disclosing the conflict of interest and prior to discussion and voting.
Adopted 6/25/2010
.02 Policy on Disposing of Real Assets
In the event Beyond the River Academy receives the donation of any real property, a receipt will be prepared for the donor indicating the appraised value of the property determined by an appraiser not connected to the Academy or the donor by business or family connections. The appraised value will determine the value of the property when it is offered for sale. The receipt to the owner and a duplicate copy will also indicate any conditions by the donor placed on the use or dispersal of the donation.
Adopted 6/25/2010
.03 Policy on Intellectual Property
The intellectual property of Beyond the River Academy is the material each instructor uses in the course(s) taught. Such property will be owned by BTRA while the instructor is part of the BTRA teaching staff. Since each instructor’s material is unique to him/her, it will pass to their ownership when they are no longer associated with BTRA.
Adopted 6/25/2010
.04 Policy on Discrimination
Beyond the River Academy admits students and staff of any race, color, national origin, and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students and staff at the school. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, and ethnic origin in administration of its educational policies, admission policies, scholarship and loan programs, employment, and other school administered programs.
Adopted 6/25/2010
Adopted March 3, 2008
In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
PREAMBLE
We form this institution of training and learning to serve God faithfully by lifting up people of the Church who feel a sense of call from God to serve as ministers and pastors in the Office of Public Ministry. The education provided in this academy will adhere to the Word of God as contained in the Holy Scriptures and their correct interpretation as declared through the Lutheran Confessions as contained in the Book of Concord. By the adoption of this constitution, we form this academy of learning in order to train and educate people of the Church to proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ and serve as ministers and pastors in the congregations of the Lutheran Church.
ARTICLE 1
Name and Incorporation
1.01 The name of this institution shall be Beyond the River Academy. For purposes of this constitution, Beyond the River Academy may also be designated as “the Academy.”
1.02 Beyond the River Academy is incorporated and has its Articles of Incorporation filed under the laws of the State of Minnesota.
Article 2
Statement of Faith
2.01 We at the Academy believe, confess, and teach the Triune God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
2.02 We believe, confess, and teach Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior and the sole source of salvation for a sinful humanity.
2.03 We believe, teach, and accept the canonical Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments as the inspired Word of God and the sole authoritative source and norm of our proclamation, faith, and life.
2.04 We believe, teach, and stand by the confessional writings in the Book of Concord as true witnesses to the Word of God, the standard for our teaching and practice.
Article 3
Governance
3.01 The Academy is governed by a board made up of ordained Lutheran pastors and committed lay people who have demonstrated a flair for living in grace.
3.02 Subject to the limitations imposed by this constitution and the by-laws of the Academy, the business and affairs of the Academy shall be under the direction of the Governing Board.
3.03 Membership of the Academy shall abide by the directors herein put forth by this constitution and by-laws.
Article 4
Membership
4.01 The Academy shall consist of a membership that includes individual contributors, elected representatives from contributing congregations and organizations, graduates of the Academy, and those designated by the Governing Board to serve the needs of the Academy.
Article 5
Amendment of Constitution and By-laws
5.01 An amendment to this constitution may be proposed in writing by any member of the Governing Board.
5.02 Any constitutional amendment must be ratified by two-thirds majority vote of the Governing Board members in and through a properly scheduled meeting.
5.03 By-laws are not to be in conflict with the constitution of the Academy.
5.04 By-laws are to be amended by the Governing Board of the Academy provided that all such by-laws are approved by a two-thirds majority of the Governing Board.
The By-Laws
Adopted March 3, 2008
By-law Section 1
Statement of Purpose
BL 1.01 The purpose of Beyond the River Academy is to offer a practical means by which Lutheran congregations can raise up from within their own number, or acquire from resources outside themselves, persons who exhibit a sense of call by God to serve in the Office of Public Ministry as ministers under contract call or ordained pastors according to the Word of God in the Holy Scriptures.
BL 1.02 The Academy teaches that adherence to the confessions of the Lutheran Church contained in the Book of Concord is a true and correct interpretation to the authority of God’s Word.
BL 1.03 To train and teach persons in specific arenas of education that will equip them to serve a congregation in the Office of Public Ministry.
BL 1.04 Said organization is organized exclusively for charitable, religious, educational, and scientific purposes, including, for such purposes, the making of distributions to organizations qualifying as an exempt organization from Federal income tax under section 501 (c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code, or corresponding section of any future Federal Tax code.
Adopted 9/15/2010
By-law Section 2
Objectives
BL 2.01 Review individual applicants to the Academy through a Review Board appointed by the Governing Board. They will examine the applicant’s submitted forms and with a scheduled interview determine on the basis of education, experience, and personal gifts the needs of each individual applicant in the Academy.
BL 2.02 The student will complete the required course of instruction at the Academy and receive a Certificate of Completion stating their qualification for service in Christian ministry.
BL 2.03 The student who has completed their study at the Academy will have a complete background check run on their recent history to determine the presence of any criminal felonies or sexual improprieties. The Governing Board will review the Academy records, including instructors’ comments, and determine the student’s readiness for parish ministry. Once qualified, the name of the student will be submitted to a Lutheran Congregations in Mission for Christ (LCMC) district as ready for call by a congregation.
BL 2.04 The Academy will offer assistance and information helpful in the process of a congregation seeking a person for call.
BL 2.05 Following placement in a congregation, the Academy will assign a mentor so the new contract minister can have support in fulfilling the call to serve in a congregation.
BL 2.06 The Academy will offer its individual classes for audit by persons interested in taking them for personal growth. Such audits do not qualify one for contract call.
BL 2.07 The Academy will provide classes in continuing education open to any interested persons for spiritual, theological, and personal growth in Christ and the Word of God regardless of denomination affiliation.
By-law Section 3
Organization
(Procedures)
BL 3.01 The Governing Board will appoint a Review Board made up of
Academy personal, as specified in 4.01 of the constitution.
BL 3.02 The Review Board will have five to seven members appointed by the Governing Board, serving a three year term without limits.
BL 3.03 When the Review Board sits in session, a minimum of three members must be present to interview the potential Academy applicant.
BL 3.04 There shall be no specific quotas for service on Academy boards or future adopted structures.
By-law Section 4
Governing Board
BL 4.01 There shall be five (5) to seven (7) members of the Governing Board.
BL 4.02 There shall be no voting by proxy or absentee ballot by members of the Governing Board.
BL 4.03 Meetings of the Governing Board shall be held regularly and determined prior to the close of any scheduled meeting. The president may Call a special meeting of the Governing Board with the consent of a majority of the board members. When a meeting is scheduled, board members will be notified by emails and/or phone contact.
a. Any board member who expresses a need for a meeting must make the request of the president.
BL 4.04 A member of the Governing Board may be removed for cause by a two-thirds vote of the remaining board members, following written notice to the board member of the grounds for removal.
BL 4.05 Vacancies on the Governing Board resulting from death, resignation, or removal of a board member may be filled by the affirmative vote of a majority of the remaining board members.
BL 4.06 The Governing Board may, by resolution, establish committees and boards to conduct the affairs and business of the Academy.
BL 4.07 Except as otherwise provided by the constitution, the by-laws and continuing resolutions, if any, of this Academy, rules of parliamentary procedure as set forth in the current edition of Robert’s Rules of Order shall govern the protocol of this Academy.
BL 4.08a. In the event Beyond the River Academy is dissolved as an educational institution, the following division of assets will take place: 1) online course materials shall become the property of respective teachers, 2) all outstanding bills will be paid from the treasury, 3) uncompleted courses will be refunded on a prorated basis, 4) faculty compensation will be paid proportional to the work completed, and 5) any amount remaining in the treasury will be donated to the pastor training fund maintained by LCMC.
Adopted 6/25/2010
BL 4.08b. No part of the net earnings of the organization shall inure to the benefit of, or be distributable to its members, trustees, officers, or other private persons, except the organization shall be authorized and empowered to pay reasonable compensation for services rendered and to make payments and distributions in furtherance of the purposes set forth in the purpose clause hereof. No substantial part of the purpose of the organization shall be the carrying on of propaganda, or otherwise attempting to influence legislation, and the organization shall not participate in, or intervene in (including the publishing or distribution of statements) any political campaign on behalf of any candidate for public office. Notwithstanding any other provision of this document, the organization shall not carry on any other purpose not permitted to be carried on (a) by an organization exempt from Federal income tax under section 501 (c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code, or corresponding section of any future Federal tax code, or (b) by an organization, contributions to which are deductible under section 170 (c) (2) the Internal Revenue Code, or corresponding section of any future Federal tax code.
Adopted 9/15/2010
BL 4.08c. Upon the dissolution of the organization, assets shall be distributed for one or more exempt purposes within the meaning of the section 501 (c) 3 of the Internal Revenue Code, or corresponding section of any future Federal tax code, or shall be distributed to the Federal government, or to a state or local government, for a public purpose. Any such assets not disposed of shall be disposed of by the Court of Common Pleas of the county in which the principal office of the organization is then located, exclusively for such purposes or to such organization or organizations, as said Court shall determine, which are organized and operated exclusively for such purposes.
Adopted 9/15/2010
By-law Section 5
Academy Officers
BL 5.01 The Academy shall have as its officers a president, a vice-president, a secretary, and a treasurer and such other officers as the Governing Board shall, from time to time, create.
BL 5.02 All officers shall be elected by the Governing Board from among the board’s members.
BL 5.03 The board shall select an individual to perform the responsibilities described in Minnesota Statutes Chapter 317A applicable to the president of the corporation.
BL 5.05 The secretary shall serve as the recording officer of the Academy, shall keep the minutes, have responsibility for records, and other documents of the Academy, and such other duties as may be assigned to the secretary by the Governing Board.
BL 5.06 The treasurer shall propose policy for review in action by the Governing Board of the financial, accounting, insurance, and money management systems of the Academy.
BL 5.07 Should the president of the Academy not be unable to serve, the vice-president shall be charged with the responsibilities of the president until the election of a new president or until the president is able to resume serve.
BL 5.08 Should the vice-president, secretary, or treasurer not be unable to serve, the president, with the approval of the Governing Board, shall arrange for the election of a new officer by the Governing Board to fulfill the responsibilities of the position.
By-Law Section 6
Amendment of By-Laws
BL 6.01 The by-laws of the Academy may be amended at any regular meeting of the Governing Board where the amendment to the by-laws has been presented in writing by the board member proposing it ten days prior to the meeting.
Appendix A:
Policies of Beyond the River Academy
.01 Policy on Conflict of Interest
Any director, principal officer, or member of the board of directors who has a direct financial interest in the outcome of a procedure must absent himself from discussion and the vote on the procedure. He/She may make a presentation regarding the compensation after disclosing the conflict of interest and prior to discussion and voting.
Adopted 6/25/2010
.02 Policy on Disposing of Real Assets
In the event Beyond the River Academy receives the donation of any real property, a receipt will be prepared for the donor indicating the appraised value of the property determined by an appraiser not connected to the Academy or the donor by business or family connections. The appraised value will determine the value of the property when it is offered for sale. The receipt to the owner and a duplicate copy will also indicate any conditions by the donor placed on the use or dispersal of the donation.
Adopted 6/25/2010
.03 Policy on Intellectual Property
The intellectual property of Beyond the River Academy is the material each instructor uses in the course(s) taught. Such property will be owned by BTRA while the instructor is part of the BTRA teaching staff. Since each instructor’s material is unique to him/her, it will pass to their ownership when they are no longer associated with BTRA.
Adopted 6/25/2010
.04 Policy on Discrimination
Beyond the River Academy admits students and staff of any race, color, national origin, and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students and staff at the school. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, and ethnic origin in administration of its educational policies, admission policies, scholarship and loan programs, employment, and other school administered programs.
Adopted 6/25/2010