7.01  A person may be called to a particular church to one of four relationships: pastor, associate/assistant pastor, stated supply, or interim pastor.
     7.02  The office of pastor is to be held only by an ordained minister, whom the particular church has called for an indefinite time and to whom the presbytery has entrusted the spiritual care of the church, including the office of moderator of the session.
     7.03  The office of associate/assistant pastor is to be held only by an ordained minister whom the particular church has called for a definite or indefinite time to fulfill various pastoral functions as outlined by the church issuing the call, and approved by the presbytery. In the absence of the pastor, the associate pastor may, with the approval of the pastor and session, serve as moderator of the session or of a congregational meeting.
     7.04  The office of stated supply may be held by an ordained minister, a licentiate, or a candidate, whom the particular church has called for an indefinite time, or, in the case of an interim supply, for a definite time, for less than full time work. An ordained minister serving as stated supply may fulfill all duties and functions pertaining to the spiritual care of the church, including moderating the session. A licentiate or a candidate serving as stated supply may fulfill the duties and functions except moderating the session, administering the sacraments, and solemnizing marriages.
     7.05  The office of interim pastor is to be held by an ordained minister who is invited by the session of a church without an installed pastor. An interim pastor may preach the word, administer the sacraments, and fulfill pastoral duties for a specified period of time not to exceed twelve months, while the church is seeking a pastor. An interim pastor may not be called to be the next installed pastor or associate/assistant pastor of a church served as interim pastor.
     7.06  A person shall enter into one of these relationships with a particular church only with the approval of the presbytery in the bounds of which the particular church is located. The presbytery may authorize its board of missions to act on its behalf in examining the call and to give tentative approval to a relationship between a particular church and a minister, licentiate, or candidate, subject to formal approval at a meeting of the presbytery.
     7.07  The relationship between a minister, licentiate, or candidate and a particular church may be dissolved only by presbytery, acting on the request of both parties, or on the request of one party if sufficient reasons are presented, or when, in the opinion of the presbytery, the well-being of the particular church demands it.

7.10 Installation of Pastors and Associate/Assistant Pastors      Top
     7.11  Pastors and associate/assistant pastors shall be installed by presbytery or by a commission of presbytery. The service of installation shall include a sermon appropriate to the occasion, a brief explanation of the nature of the pastoral relation, and the asking of the following questions:
     To the minister:

I.		Are you willing to assume the responsibilities as pastor (or associate/assistant pastor) of this church, according to the agreements made in your acceptance of the call?
II.		Do you believe that in taking upon you these pastoral responsibilities you are influenced by a sincere desire to promote the glory of God and the good of the church?
III.		Do you solemnly covenant that, in reliance upon the grace of God, you will endeavor faithfully to fulfill the responsibilities of a pastor (or associate/assistant pastor) to this church, to preach and teach the word of God, to care for the sick, the troubled, the dying, and the bereaved, and to lead this church in its witness and ministry, as God gives you wisdom and strength?

When these questions have been answered in the affirmative, the following questions shall be asked:
     To the elders of the session:

I.		As the immediate representatives of the people, are you willing to share with the minister, as your pastor (or associate/assistant pastor), in the government and leadership of the congregation?
II.		The Constitution identifies the session of a particular church as the minister in charge and the elders elected by the people. The session thus constituted is charged with the pastoral oversight of the congregation. Are you, with this minister in charge, willing to share fully in the pastoral oversight of the congregation?
III.		Do you covenant with this minister, as your leader and pastor, to share openly and fully with him or her about all the ministries of this particular church, praying for and with him or her, and encouraging him or her in this work with you?

     To the congregation:

I.		Are you willing to enter into the pastoral relation with this minister whom you have called to be your pastor (or associate/assistant pastor)?
II.		Do you covenant to encourage and assist him or her in the ministry which you share with him or her in this congregation?
III.		Do you covenant that through your stewardship and prayers you will continue that material and spiritual support by which he or she will be sustained in his or her ministry with you?

     When these questions have been answered in the affirmative, the presiding minister shall say:
     I now declare that ____________________ has been regularly called and installed pastor (or associate/assistant pastor) of this congregation, agreeable to the word of God and according to the government of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church/Cumberland Presbyterian Church in America. Therefore, ____________________ is entitled to all support, encouragement, and honor in the Lord. In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
     The presiding minister, or one appointed for the purpose, shall then deliver an appropriate charge to the pastor (or associate/assistant pastor) and to the congregation to fulfill the covenant made between them. Then, by prayer, the minister shall commend them to the grace of God and to God's holy keeping.