I'm a member of church that has decided to request an end of the pastoral relationship. The process has been incredibly painful. How often are these requests made/granted, when the situation is one of disagreement rather than a natural progression? Whose responsibility is it to let the minister know the outcome of the vote? What hope is there for the minister, for the church and the members?

This question came up at our church council meeting tonight: "what is the definition of an adherent?"