New York Consolidated Laws, Religious Corporations Law - RCO § 465. Church governance

1. A church incorporated under this section shall provide in its certificate of incorporation or by-laws for trustees to be elected or appointed at large, or by virtue of their office.  There shall be a minimum of three trustees.  To the extent practicable, terms of office shall be for three years and staggered.  Terms may be consecutive.

2. Provision shall also be made in its certificate of incorporation or by-laws for officers of the corporation to be elected or appointed at large or by virtue of their office.  The president and secretary shall not be the same person.  To the extent practicable, terms of office shall be for three years and staggered.  Terms may be consecutive.

3. Provision shall also be made in its certificate of incorporation or by-laws for spiritual oversight of the church by an eldership board or a senior pandit, swami, guru or some combination of the above.  Terms of office may be definite or indefinite as the by-laws may specify.

4. Provision shall also be made in its certificate of incorporation or by-laws for periodic affirmation of appointive positions by a designated body or board.