In times of pastoral transition, the stability, unity, and ongoing ministry of the local church is crucial. Consequently, the district superintendent (or a representative appointed by the district superintendent) will work closely with the local church board to implement the following steps which (a) may allow the local church to retain some or all staff for at least a period of time during the transition; (b) will still allow the new pastor freedom to develop his/her own team of associates, if desired; and (c) will allow a board and district superintendent discretion to provide transitioning staff a reasonable amount of time to make necessary personal and professional adjustments. First, upon resignation or termination of the pastor, any associates shall also submit their resignations effective concurrently with the pastor. Second, a local church board may request that the district superintendent approve the continued service of any or all associates. This approval, if granted, could continue until 90 days after the new pastor’s assumption of duties or until the incoming pastor nominates his or her paid associates for the coming year in harmony with paragraph 160. Directors of childcare/ schools (birth through secondary) shall submit their resignations effective at the end of the school year in which the new pastor assumes the duties of the office. The chief executive officer of any subsidiary and/or affiliated corporation shall submit his or her resignation at the end of that contractual period in which the new pastor assumes the duties of the office. The incoming pastor may have the privilege of recommending the employment of staff members previously employed.