A10.01. This congregation will have the authority to call an associate in ministry , when passed by at least two-thirds majority ballot vote of members present and voting at a congregational meeting called for that purpose. Before a call is issued, the call committee shall seek the advice and help of the bishop of the synod. Balloting shall be limited at any one meeting to a single nomination presented by the Church Council with at least two-thirds of its members concurring. Unless otherwise agreed, the call shall normally become invalid unless a definite answer is received within thirty days after its receipt. Article 10 ASSOCIATE IN MINISTRY
A10.02. The specific duties of the associate in ministry, compensation, and other matters pertaining to the service of the associate in ministry shall be included in a job description that shall accompany the letter of call.
A10.03. The call of this congregation, when accepted by an associate in ministry, shall constitute a continuing mutual relationship and commitment which, except in the case of the death of the associate in ministry, shall be terminated for the following reasons:
- 1. mutual agreement to terminate the call or the completion of a call for a specific term;
- 2. resignation of the associate in ministry; which shall become effective, unless otherwise agreed, 30 days after the date on which it was submitted;
- 3. inability to conduct effectively the office of associate in ministry in this congregation in view of local conditions, without reflection on the competence or the moral and spiritual character of the associate in ministry;
- 4 the physical or mental incapacity of the associate in ministry;
- 5. disqualification of the associate in ministry through discipline on grounds of doctrine, morality, or continued neglect of duty; or
- 6. the dissolution of this congregation.
A10.03.a. When alleged physical or mental incapacity of the associate in ministry or ineffective conduct of the associate in ministry;
- .01. has come to the attention of the bishop of the synod, the bishop in his or her sole discretion may investigate such condition personally; or
- .02 . has been brought to the synod's attention by an official recital of allegations by this Church Council or by petition signed by at least one-third of the voting members of this congregation, the bishop shall investigate such conditions personally.
A10.03.b. In the case of alleged local difficulties which imperil the effective functioning of this congregation, all concerned persons shall be heard, after which the bishop of the synod shall decide on the course of action to be recommended to the associate in ministry, the pastor and this congregation. If they agree to carry out such recommendations, no further action shall be taken by the synod. If any party fails to assent, this congregation may dismiss the associate in ministry by a two-thirds majority vote of the voting members present at a regularly called meeting.
A10.03.c. If in the course of proceedings there may be grounds for disciplinary action, recommendations concerning disciplinary action may come from the synodical bishop, who may bring charges in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution and Bylaws of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America and the Constitution and Bylaws of the Northeastern Ohio Synod.
A10.03.d. If in the course of the proceedings, it should become apparent that the duties of the associate in ministry cannot be conducted effectively due to local conditions, the bishop of the synod may temporarily suspend the associate in ministry from service in the congregation without prejudice and with pay provided through a joint churchwide synod fund.
A10.04. This congregation shall make satisfactory settlement of all financial obligations to a former associate in ministry before calling a successor. An associate in ministry shall make satisfactory settlement of all financial obligations to this congregation.
A10.05. When an associate in ministry is called to serve, the privileges and responsibilities of each associate in ministry shall be specified in documents to accompany the call and to be drafted in consultation involving the pastor, the Church Council, support staff committee and the bishop of the synod. As occasion may require, the documents may be revised through a similar consultation.
A10.06. With the approval of the bishop of the synod this congregation may call an associate in ministry for a specific term. Details of such calls shall be in writing setting forth the purpose and conditions involved. Such call may also be terminated before its expiration in accordance with the provisions of this constitution.
A10.07. The associate in ministry shall be a member of this congregation.