In 1538 the Lippe Diet adopted a Church Order (constitution), which was adapted in 1571.
Simon VI, Count of Lippe adopted the Reformed Faith in 1605 and promoted its spreading within his county, using his monarchic privilege of cuius regio, eius religio.
After Leopold IV, Prince of Lippe abdicated on 12 November 1918 his role as supreme governor (summepiscopate; cf.
The synod (church parliament) then gained full independence.
During Nazi period the church accepted into its ministry many pastors persecuted by the government.
According to the church order of 1931 the Landessuperintendent is to be elected by the synod (i.e. general assembly).
As to the Reformed members of the church the Landessuperintendent functions as the spiritual leader.