A member of the clergy who fails to fulfill the responsibilities of being a member of the clergy by remaining unassigned for four or more years will be considered to be no longer participating as a member of the clergy. In such instances, the person will be required to file his or her credential. The District Ministerial Credentials Board shall report to the district assembly “the credential of (the elder or deacon in question) has been filed by the District Ministerial Credentials Board.” This action should be considered nonprejudicial to character. The individual who files may have his or her credential reinstated according to the provisions of 538.2.