The congregation is more than a garden club. Being an officer of the congregation is not simply filling a slot for the year. The officers of the congregation are officers of a non-profit organization incorporated under state statutes and governed by state and federal laws. The President, Vice-President, and Secretary are the corporate officers with legal responsibilities and fiduciary oversight. Unless otherwise stipulated by the congregation's constitution, the pastor is not responsible for legal matters. It is the officers, not the pastor, who can conduct business on behalf of the congregation; sign contracts, open and close bank accounts, apply for credit and credit cards, pull permits, and ultimately deal with personnel.