New York Consolidated Laws, Religious Corporations Law - RCO § 432. Church council and church management

Any incorporated church or body to which this article applies shall have its affairs managed by a church council.  Such council shall consist of the pastor, the trustees of the corporation as well as any others, such as corporate secretary and treasurer, who may be designated as church council members by the by-laws.  If the local church or body has a pastor, he shall be president of the corporation and be a member of such council and serve as presiding officer of its meetings.  In the absence of a pastor, the by-laws shall provide for the manner of selecting a presiding officer.  The by-laws shall further set forth the time and manner of notice for such meetings.