Article II - The Pastor and Associate Pastors

The pastor and any associate pastors of the church will meet the New Testament requirements of the office and will be in good standing of the Covenant Ministerium. The pastor will by virtue of call be a member of the church and an ex-officio member of the official council and all ministries and committees of the church.

The pastor will be devoted to the service of the church, preaching and teaching the Word of God, administering the sacraments, and faithfully performing pastoral work. The pastor will provide the church with an accurate record of pastoral acts and present a written report to the church's annual business meeting. The pastor will practice good administrative procedures and cooperation with the council. The associate pastor will serve the church according to the job description agreed upon at the time of call.

The pastor and any associate pastors will, both in word and precept, work in harmony with the covenant, the regional conference, and fellow ministers.

The pastor will be called at a regular or special congregational business meeting, the purpose of which will be announced two Sundays in advance. The pastor will be nominated by a pastoral search committee. This committee will be elected by a congregational business meeting. It will be representative of the congregation, have five to nine members and will work closely with the regional conference superintendent. The pastor will be called by ballot with a two-thirds vote required for a call. The call will be for an indefinite period of time with a minimum of six-weeks notice required by the church or the pastor for termination of the pastors' duties.

Charges against the pastor and any associate pastors will be submitted in writing to the Church Council and will not be considered unless supported by the testimony of three witnesses. If in the judgment of the church Council the pastor errs in doc trine or conduct, the case will be referred to the committee on ministerial standing and discipline of the East Coast Conference prior to further action by the church.