The moment after which he has to provide for his family does not arrive right away. Since no one-sided blame is laid on either party, it would be unjust if the ministerial family were left without any support as of the moment of dismissal. The churches have therefore made the provision that proper arrangements are to be made for the support of the minister and his family for a reasonable period of time.
Here we speak of "proper arrangements," no longer of "proper support." Strictly speaking, from the very moment of his dismissal the brother has no longer any right to support. He is no longer subject to the call of the church, is no longer its minister, and in this case it no longer applies that "the labourer is worthy of his hire." For the sake of preventing hardships, however, and in order to give him time to adjust to the new situation and earnestly to look for other employment for which some preparation may be necessary, he will be supported for a reasonable period of time.
No definite period of time is set. Much will depend on further developments. Should the brother be able to obtain employment right away, the support ceases as soon as he receives income from that employment. In case he prepares himself for another position by further study, it is reasonable that he receives such a support which enables him to complete these studies. What should definitely be avoided, however, is: making his position a permanent one and providing him with support for the rest of his life. This is
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