Who cannot hold a church conference without permission from the district overseer?

The pastor is the individual required to obtain permission from the district overseer before holding a church conference. This requirement exists because the pastor's role carries responsibility for the overall administration and spiritual guidance of the church. They operate under the authority and accountability structures established within the church organization, which includes adhering to policies set by the district overseer.

The district overseer represents higher-level oversight and is responsible for ensuring that local church activities align with the broader objectives and governance of the denomination. Therefore, a pastor must seek permission for church conferences to ensure that all meetings, especially those that can impact the congregation's direction and operations, are in accordance with the established guidelines and support from district leadership. This structure helps maintain unity and coherence within the church’s mission and practices.