Chapter 22: The Pastoral Relations
Part I — Form of Government
Sections 23.1–23.6
Section 23.1
22-1. The various pastoral relations are pastor, associate pastor, and
assistant pastor.
Section 23.2
22-2. The pastor and associate pastor are elected by the congregation using
the form of call in BCO 20-6. An existing assistant pastor may be elected by
the congregation as an associate pastor at the recommendation of the Session
without the election of a pulpit committee. Being elected by the congregation,
they become members of the Session.
Section 23.3
22-3. An assistant pastor is called by the Session, by the permission and
approval of Presbytery, under the provisions of BCO 20-1 and 13-2, with
Presbytery membership being governed by the same provisions that apply to
pastors. He is not a member of the Session, but may be appointed on special
occasions to moderate the Session under the provisions of BCO 12-4.
Section 23.4
22-4. The relationship of the associate pastor to the church is determined by
the congregation. The relationship of the assistant pastor to the church is
determined by the Session. The dissolution of the relationship of both is
governed by the provision of BCO 23.
Section 23.5
22-5. In order to provide necessary changes in pastorates, a temporary
relation may be established between a church and a minister called Stated
Supply. If a church is unable to secure a regular pastor or a Stated Supply,
then the Session with approval of Presbytery may establish a temporary
relation between the church and a licentiate called Student Supply or Ruling
Elder Supply.
Section 23.6
22-6. Such temporary relationships can take place at the invitation of the
church Session to the minister of the Word, the licentiate, or the ruling elder.
The length of the relationship will be determined by the Session and the
minister, the licentiate, or the ruling elder, with the approval of the Presbytery.
Stated supply, student supply, or ruling elder supply relationships will be for
no longer than one year, renewable at the request of the Session and at the
review of the Presbytery. (See also BCO 19-1).
The Dissolution of the Pastoral Relation and
The Procedure for Honorable Retirement