Board of Directors – The Board of directors has these duties in the Constitution: "The Board of Directors is the legal representative of the Synod. It is the custodian of all property of the Synod, directly or by its delegation of such authority to an agency of Synod. It shall exercise supervision over all the property and business affairs of the Synod except in those areas where it has delegated such authority to an agency of Synod or where the voting members of the Synod through the adoption of Bylaws or by other convention action have assigned specific areas of responsibility to separate corporate or trust entities, and as to those the Board of Directors shall have general oversight responsibilities as set forth in the Bylaws." The current Board of Directors has been embroiled in controversy over a hidden legal opinion and their denial of eight opinions from the CCM.

Book of Concord – The compilation of documents that pastors of The Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod confess to be “a true and accurate exposition of Scripture”. The Book of Concord contains the following documents: The three Chief Symbols (the creeds); The Augsburg Confession; Apology of the Augsburg Confession; The Smalcald Articles; Treatise on the Power and primacy of the Pope; The Small Catechism; The Large Catechism; Formula of Concord. 

Close(d) Communion – The position of The Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod is called close Communion. Some pastors use the term closed, which gives a different implication from the original meaning. Close means that we are similar. It explains that we are close in our theology, making a common confession. Closed implies that the table of the Lord is a place of exclusivity rather than a place for the forgiveness of sins. The model communion statement of 1993 states God’s invitation like this: “Our Lord invites to his table those who trust his words, repent of all sin, and set aside any refusal to forgive and love as he forgives and loves us, that they may show forth his death until he comes.” That same statement points out that the pastor is to instruct and encourage believers in the one true faith, while using discretion when deciding who can commune at the Lord’s table.

Commission on Constitutional Matters – This is the group of five people who are charged with interpreting the Constitution and Bylaws of The Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod. They often must give rulings about the process of dispute resolutions when two parties within the church disagree.

Confessionals – The confessions are the documents included in the Book of Concord. These documents are confessed to be a true and accurate exposition of the scriptures by all pastors of the Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod. A small group of pastors have begun to reference themselves as “confessionals”. In doing so, they make an unnecessary distinction for themselves since all LCMS pastors are “confessional” in that they have stated in their ordination vows that these documents are a true and accurate exposition of Holy Scripture. Please see Rev. David Buegler’s article, Do You Know What is Happening in the LCMS? for more details.

Conservatives – Webster’s dictionary states this, “tending or disposed to maintain existing views, conditions, or institutions”. All pastors of The Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod make a vow to maintain our understanding of Holy Scripture as the inspired Word of God, and to care for the congregation that has called the pastor. A small group of pastors has referenced themselves as conservative, thereby labeling others as “less than conservative”. Please see Rev. David Buegler’s article, Do You What is Happening in the LCMS? For more details.

David Benke – Pastor David Benke is the President of the Atlantic District of The Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod. Pastor Benke prayed in Yankee Stadium after the tragedy of 9/11. His presence was an incredible witness to the world and a comfort to many. However, some pastors and lay people feel it was wrong for him to give witness and pray in the presence of religious leaders from other faiths. Jesus First supports the presence and prayer in the name of Jesus that Pastor Benke spoke at Yankee Stadium.

Formula of Concord – A 1577 document that is part of the Book of Concord. Quoting form the  introduction, “In the wake of Luther’s death (1546) and the military defeat (1547) of Lutheran princes and estates, a series of controversies about the “pure doctrine” of the Reformation threatened to split the Lutherans into two camps:”

Gerald Kieschnick – President Gerald (Jerry) Kieschnick is the President of The Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod. Jesus First supports the mission and ministry of President Kieschnick. Please see the web page Gospel – centered, mission – driven, future – oriented.

Guardians – A term used to describe those pastors who are more inclined to spend their time guarding  and protecting the church from heresy and false teaching. All pastors must be guardians to some extent. Please see Dave Luecke’s ongoing series, Missionaries and Guardians.

Missionaries – A term used to describe those pastors who are more inclined to spend their time bringing God’s word to all people for the sake of saving souls. All pastor must be missionaries to some extent. Please see Dave Luecke’s ongoing series, Missionaries and Guardians.

Syncretism – See Unionism below. Webster’s dictionary defines syncretism as “the combination of different forms of belief or practice”.

Unionism – The Constitution of the LCMS states under article VI, Conditions of Membership, “2. Renunciation of unionism and syncretism of every description, such as: a. Serving congregations of mixed confession, as such, by ministers of the church; b. Taking part in the services and sacramental rites of heterodox congregations or of congregations of mixed confession; c. Participating in heterodox tract and missionary activities.  The 1967 document entitled Theology of Fellowship states on page 27, “it is difficult to get a clear-cut definition of unionism from the literature of The Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod.” This is an interesting statement in light of the fact that Webster’s Dictionary does not have a definition of unionism that applies to the church. Please see Bruce A. Cameron 's article, Unionism and Syncretism: What are they really?

Yankee Stadium Event – After 9/11 Mayor Rudy Giuliani wanted to comfort the people of New York and feared that the neighboring Jewish and Muslim communities could being a “war in the streets”. He brought together civic and religious leaders for an event in Yankee Stadium called, A Prayer for America. Pastor David Benke prayed at the end of the program, “in the precious name of Jesus”. It should be noted that he had the approval of his supervisor, President Gerald Kieschnick and had followed Bylaw 3-07a which speaks to this type of event.