Retention of Legal and Vital Records
| Description of Records | Care of Records | Final Disposition |
|---|---|---|
| Charter or articles of incorporation Constitution, bylaws, and continuing resolutions Deeds, titles, surveys, leases, mortgages, easements, blueprints, and construction drawings Insurance policies (current and retired) Copies of letters of call to the pastors and ELCA rostered church workers Documentation creating endowment funds and for bequests, gifts, and endowments | Secure these documents by placing them in a fire-proof safe or maintaining copies in an off-site location. Keep the constitution current and send a copy to the synod for approval. | Place in the congregation's archives. |
| Minutes of regular and special congregational meetings Minutes of the congregation council and its executive committee | Place in the congregation's archives | |
| Tax-exempt status reports and documentation or the congregation's 9 digit federal employer i.d. number Current service or construction contracts and warranties Employment contracts Policy documents (which may be in continuing resolutions) Personnel handbooks and employee benefit programs | Maintain while current | Place in the congregation's archives |