NEW MILFORD, Conn.—The First Congregational Church lost their associate pastor in part because of church leaders' struggle to define that role, according to an article in The Greater New Milford Spectrum.

In her letter to members of the congregation announcing her resignation, the Rev. Virnette Hamilton said the church has struggled to define the role of an associate pastor for years. Hamilton resigned in May, after serving the church since 1992.

The church's strategic planning committee has identified pastoral roles as an issue, and the Rev. Hamilton said she believes the church can best wrestle with the issue of clergy roles and expectations "without a settled pastor holding the position of associate."

Hamilton has been a member of the church for 23 years and volunteered as leader of children's choirs and other activities before returning to college, Yale Divinity School in New Haven, to study for the ministry.

She said in her letter to the congregation that "any conflict over pastoral roles has the negative potential to limit attendance, giving and service to God." She also said she believes "conflict when handled well has the positive potential for great growth."

Church leaders also see the conflict as a possibility for positive change at the church. In their letter to the congregation, the church deacons wrote, "We are being given an opportunity to start anew."

"As the first steps are taken on this new path, we need to look back, for the door that closes behind us has a window in it," the deacons wrote. "We are called to see the road that brought us to this juncture and remember the many good and happy events along the way."