Our Church Order: The Emeritus Minister

It ought to be plain that when the churches at large place themselves in the room of a local congregation to assume financial responsibility for the pension of an emeritus minister, it departs from right principle. The only body from which a pastor can receive his emeritation is not the classis or synod, but the brother­hood whose minister he is. To this body only he can sustain the relation of emeritus pastor. This body only can be held responsible for his stipend. If provided for by the...