The Church Council is the principal governing arm of the church with overall responsibility for the life and activities of the congregation. The Church Council consists of the pastors and twelve elected members of the congregation. (Any voting member of the congregation may be elected, subject only to the limitation on the length of continuous service.) Members of the Council are elected by written ballot to serve three years; their tenure must be arranged so that approximately one-third of the terms expire annually. Members may only serve two consecutive terms. The Church Council normally meets once a month. Meetings are open to interested members of the congregation and meeting minutes are available in the church office. Special meetings may be called by the pastors, the President, or at the request of at least half of the voting members of the Council. A quorum for the transaction of business consists of a majority of the voting members of the Council. Further information about the responsibilities and terms of the Church Council may be found in Chapter 12 of the Constitution & Bylaws.