Retirement is an act in which ministers are relieved of their ministerial mandate, either because they have reached the age of retirement or for other reasons. The ministerial authority remains. However, retired ministers are no longer permitted to exercise this authority unless the Apostle assigns them a special mandate.

As a rule, retirement takes place after ministers complete their 65th year. After consulting with the minister in question, the responsible District Apostle or Apostle can determine whether to extend the ministerial activity in individual situations. The retirement should occur before the minister celebrates his or her 70th birthday. No pressure is to be applied to ministers with respect to any extension in their ministerial activity.

In justified individual cases, an early retirement may also be performed.