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This article explores key areas where ministries should protect their organizations from streaming and copyright infringement. While incorporating popular worship songs can enhance engagement, it’s important to be aware of the risks associated with copyright laws. The Legal Services team at GCFA hopes to clear up some of the common misunderstandings that we’ve encountered. Myth 1: "Churches are exempt from music performance licensing." Truth: The religious service exemption states that churches do not need a performance license to play or perform Christian and secular music in worship services. Only musical works (music and lyrics) and non-dramatic literary works (like poems, prose, short stories, books, periodicals) are exempt. It is essential to understand that this exemption only covers two of the six rights – performance and display – specifically "during services at a place of worship or other religious assemblies." The exemption does not cover performance activities at a place of worship for social, educational, fundraising, or entertainment purposes. Your church will need a license for these other types of activities. Myth 2: "The religious service exemption allows us to broadcast my church's worship service." Truth: While the exemption allows churches to perform activities such as singing copyrighted music and reciting poems in sermons without first obtaining permission, this exemption does not extend to retransmitting a service containing copyrighted material. The Congressional history shows that the exemption does not extend to broadcasts or other transmissions to the public, even if the product is sent from a religious entity. If the church broadcasts, webcasts, livestreams, podcasts, or records worship services that include copyrighted material, it will need a streaming license or written permission from the owner for each work used. Myth 3: "We don't copy anything. We just project lyrics during worship service. We are safe." Truth: Interesting point! Especially since the display is exempted under the religious service exemption. But a copyright issue arises when someone has first entered those lyrics into a computer or has written them down on transparency. That's an act of reproduction, which is not exempt under the religious service exemption. Therefore, if your church reproduces lyrics in any form and projects the copied version during worship service, your church will need a license that grants the reproduction right, or written permission from the owner to reproduce, for any copyrighted work used in this way. Myth 4: "My church does not perform music outside of worship services, so we are covered." Truth: This is very rarely the case. With some reflection, you may recognize that your church is playing music outside of the worship services, including activities like retreats, picnics, conferences and seminars, Vacation Bible School, camps, youth group gatherings, weddings, on-hold music, music played before and after worship service, community events, and in the daycare setting. None of these activities are considered part of a worship service and would not be exempt under the religious service exemption. Any copyrighted material used in these church-related activities would require appropriate licensing depending on how the material is being used during the event. Myth 5: "We only use the hymnal in our services, we never project the lyrics, and we don't stream our services. We don’t need a license." Truth: Great! If that's 100% true, all the time, without exception, then you are fine. But considering the realities of church music ministries, it's usually not the case. Sooner or later, someone will probably want to use a song, not in the hymnal, and they may wish to project lyrics on the screen. Or other sub-ministries of the church may need to create a song sheet. Or retreats and camps may need a custom songbook. Weddings and funerals may require a special insert into the program. And if any of these events are recorded, churches will run into copyright issues of reproduction, recording, and distribution. Myth 6: "If it's in the hymnal, it is free to use however we choose." Truth: Hymnals are also copyrighted, and there are limitations on how the material may be used, even if your church has purchased the hymnals. Hymns that are listed in the hymnal as being in the public domain may be reproduced without permission. Lyrics from copyrighted hymns may be reproduced in the worship bulletin and displayed on a screen if the church has published hymnals for the congregation and if the reproduction is done following the copyright requirements in the hymnal. One typical requirement is to correctly note the copyright information in the bulletin or on the screen. Consult the hymnal and any related license for proper use of the copyrighted songs in a hymnal. Myth 7: "We can show a video and/or lyrics using YouTube." Truth: YouTube videos can be shown in your church, provided the video is on an official channel, and you have permission from the copyright owner. An official YouTube channel is considered a channel owned and operated by the owner of copyrighted material. YouTube's Terms of Service specifies that content on the site should only be accessed for "personal, non-commercial use" except where "prior written permission is obtained from YouTube and, if applicable, the respective rights holders [the copyright owner]" of the content. Meaning, you must have written permission from the owner of the material or have an appropriate license that grants the necessary permissions based on how you want to use the material. It is also important to note that the material must be original work, not derivative if your license does provide permission to show the material. For example, if your license grants permissions to reproduce, distribute, and display the song "Great Are You Lord" by David Leonard, and you find the music on YouTube, but it is not labeled as the "official video," then you do not have permission to use that version. You need to contact the owner of that version and obtain written permission to use it as your church intends or continue searching for the official video. This also applies to lyric videos. Often these videos are uploaded to the publisher's YouTube channel and/or embedded on the publisher's website with details of how they permit them to be used. It is considered consent if the videos are intended to be used in a church service. As a general rule, it is recommended that you do not use YouTube to show videos, including lyric videos, without the copyright owner's explicit permission. Myth 8: "I can just use Google to find images for Sunday's bulletin." Truth: Wrong! UNLESS you have received permission to use the image first, it is a violation. The rule of thumb here is to assume that any image you find online is copyrighted material, and you must obtain written authorization from the creator before using the image. Myth 9: "The fair use law means that I can use the image I found online without permission from the creator since we are considered nonprofit." Truth: Fair use is probably not what you expect and is rarely available in a church setting. Whether or not you are within the boundaries of fair use depends on your situation and a balanced application of the law's four factors: 1) the purpose of use, 2) the nature of use, 3) the amount and substantiality used, and 4) the market effect. The fair use exceptions may be available when a church, including a Sunday School class, uses a copyrighted work or a part thereof for teaching or comment purposes. In the educational context, the U.S. Copyright Office has published a helpful advisory circular containing guidelines for fair uses of copyrighted works: http://www.copyright.gov/circs/circ21.pdf. We hope this information will help you avoid some common mistakes when dealing with copyright laws. You can view all articles relating to copyright here: Overview of Copyright Law Copyright Guidelines for Video and Images Church Copyright License Options Infringement: Did you know? Still confused? We understand - it is a lot of material and unfortunately the stakes are high! For a small fee, you can engage our copyright services specialty team to help you figure out which license(s) are right for your ministry. If you wish to have our team work for you, simply fill out our Copyright License Questionnaire to begin the process. A valued member of our team will be in touch and get you on the road to copyright peace of mind! Disclaimer: The information provided in these guidelines is for informational purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice. In developing the guidelines, certain assumptions have been made about underlying practices and uses of intellectual property. Any change in those assumptions could affect the application of a particular guideline or recommended best practice. Therefore, while the information provided below may assist a local church, it is not a substitute for legal advice by an attorney with knowledge of copyright law or the written approval of specific copyright holders. If there is any doubt as to whether a particular use or practice violates copyright laws, the local church should seek the written advice of a lawyer or specific written approval of the particular use by the copyright holder or licensing agent. Further, the local church should maintain a copyright file containing all written advice obtained from an attorney(s), all licenses/permissions for works used, and records of any payments made to licensors or owners of copyrighted works.

The event isn't over until you've had the chance to review how it went! Use this checklist to evaluate your success and to make changes for your next event. Did the program stay within budget? Registration website Hotel Post event meeting

Strong financial stewardship starts long before a crisis. This practical checklist from GCFA helps local churches think proactively about reserves, sustainability, and planning for the future. 1. Clarify what counts as reserves Check each item your church has identified correctly: 2. Identify what reserves are for 3. Review what should be excluded from reserves 4. Look at your church’s financial baseline 5. Identify your church’s biggest risks 6. Involve the right people 7. Decide what level of reserves is right for your church 8. Make a plan to fund or rebuild reserves 9. Put the policy in writing 10. Review annually Simple discussion questions for a church meeting You could also use these questions as a next step: What funds do we currently have that are truly available in an emergency? What financial risks would hurt our ministry most if they happened this year? How long could we sustain ministry if giving dropped unexpectedly? What upcoming repairs, staffing needs, or ministry shifts should affect our reserve planning? Do we have a written policy, or are we relying on habit and assumption?

Most churches don’t set out to create technology risks. It just happens organically. A volunteer sets up the first computer. Someone’s nephew configures the Wi‑Fi. A well‑meaning staff member creates the admin login for the server “just to get it working.” And before long, the church is running payroll, donations, email, livestreaming, and member data through systems that quietly become mission critical. Then you discover something uncomfortable: only one person knows the passwords. That’s not just inconvenient. That’s a single point of failure, meaning if they’re gone, you’re stuck. The Day It Becomes a Crisis “It was 8:42 a.m. on a Sunday. The livestream machine rebooted after an update, and the Assistant Pastor that had the login was on vacation and couldn’t be reached.” It usually doesn’t blow up on a normal Tuesday. It happens at the worst possible moment and for us, that’s a Sunday: The finance administrator needs access to donation records before a meeting. The pastor can’t get into email on Sunday morning. A staff member gets sick and suddenly the “tech person” is unreachable. When only one person holds the passwords, the church can get locked out of its own ministry tools—email, file storage, donor platforms, accounting systems, even the server in the cloud. Recovering access can take days or weeks. Vendors may require proof of ownership. Password resets might be tied to an email account you also can’t access. And while you’re untangling all that, ministry work slows down and frustration spreads quickly. It Feels “Safer” … But Often Isn’t Sometimes churches keep “admin access” limited to one person because it feels more secure. Fewer people know the credentials, so fewer people can misuse them. In practice, that setup often creates bigger security problems: Passwords get reused across systems because it’s easier. Old accounts never get removed because nobody else knows they exist. Backups may not be tested if they’re happening at all. A church can’t easily prove who changed what, and when. And churches are not “too small to matter.” Churches handle sensitive data: donation histories, addresses, counseling notes, background check records, and payroll. What Healthy Churches Put in Place This doesn’t require a huge budget. It only requires a little planning and structure: At least two trusted admins for critical systems (email, server, finance, backups). A secure password vault owned by the church (not a personal notebook or phone). Document the basics: where the systems are, who supports them, how to reset access, how backups work. Role-based access so staff have what they need, but not “all-powerful” accounts A quick access review whenever staff or volunteers change roles. This is not about distrust. It’s about continuity. The church must be able to operate if any one person is unavailable because eventually, they will be. Bottom Line If only one person knows the password, that one person is in control of all of the technology. Even if they are well-intentioned and well-informed, it’s more responsibility than one person can and should handle. Getting ahead of this is one of those behind-the-scenes decisions that most people will never notice… and that’s exactly the point. When it’s done right, nothing dramatic happens. Ministry keeps moving. People are served, and the church is better protected.

Data Sharing Policy Understanding Data Terms for Tables I, II, & III

April 15, 2026 English GCFA hosted a Zoom meeting regarding journal submissions, as many annual conferences have not turned in recent annual conference journals to GCFA as required by the Book of Discipline . Important Materials below. Link to Recording (all languages) Passcode: tHWt4H&Z   Slide Presentation Resources: Journal Submission Guide in English Remember: Your 2025 Journal Submission is the most important Your Journal must include statistics We will publish statistics and list of journals we have or are missing in August 2026 French GCFA a organisé une réunion Zoom concernant les soumissions de journaux, car de nombreuses conférences annuelles n'ont pas remis les journaux des conférences annuelles récentes à la GCFA comme l'exige le Livre de Discipline . Matériaux importants ci-dessous. Lien vers l'enregistrement (toutes les langues) Code d'accès : tHWt4H&Z Présentation de diapositives Ressources: Guide de soumission d'article en français Souviens-toi: Votre soumission de journal 2025 est la plus importante. Votre journal doit inclure des statistiques Nous publierons des statistiques et la liste des revues que nous avons ou qui nous manquent en août 2026. Portuguese A GCFA organizou uma reunião no Zoom sobre submissões de periódicos, já que muitas conferências anuais não entregaram recentemente os periódicos das conferências anuais à GCFA, conforme exigido pelo Livro da Disciplina . Materiais importantes abaixo. Link para a gravação (todos os idiomas) Código de acesso: tHWt4H&Z Apresentação de Slides Recursos: Guia de Submissão de Artigos em Português Lembrar: Sua submissão de jornal de 2025 é a mais importante Seu diário deve incluir estatísticas Publicaremos estatísticas e a lista de periódicos que temos ou estão faltando em agosto de 2026

Whether your ministry is booking an offsite event or opening your building to community use, the details matter. A venue contract can protect your budget—or quietly create extra costs and complications. A facility use agreement can extend ministry impact—or leave your team managing avoidable headaches. For churches, annual conferences, camps, and other United Methodist ministries, these decisions are about more than logistics. They are about stewardship. In this article, you’ll learn: How to approach an outside venue contract with more confidence  What hidden costs, deadlines, and clauses ministries often miss  What to think through before allowing outside groups to use your building  Quick Venue Contract Checklist For leaders who want the highlights before diving in Before you sign a contract—or open your doors—ask: Have we clearly defined our must-haves and deal-breakers? Are fees, taxes, service charges, and deadlines spelled out in writing? Did we compare more than one option? Do we understand cancellation, damage, and responsibility terms? If we’re using our own property, do we have a clear written agreement? 1) When Your Ministry Is Booking an Outside Venue If your ministry is planning an event at a hotel, retreat center, conference center, or banquet venue, don’t assume the first proposal is the final answer. Start with a clear RFP Before a venue can give you a meaningful quote, they need more than a date and a guest count. A simple request for proposal (RFP)  should outline: Meeting space needs Guest room block Meal requirements AV needs Parking and accessibility Setup and timing needs Tax exemption status The venue’s pricing and availability will often be built around what you ask for first, so a clear RFP leads to a stronger proposal and a stronger contract. Know your non-negotiables Before reviewing proposals, decide what truly matters. For example: Do you need to stay near the airport ? Is there a guest room rate cap ? Do you need onsite catering ? Does your group require easy access for older adults or mobility devices ? When you identify your must-haves early, you avoid wasting time on venues that don’t really fit your event or your budget. Ask for what actually helps One of the most practical takeaways from the contract negotiation webinar is that more is negotiable than many leaders think . Ministries can often ask for: Discounted staff rooms Complimentary Wi-Fi Reduced parking Room upgrades for key leaders Lower food and beverage minimums Better deposit schedules The key is to ask for the concessions that truly reduce costs or improve the attendee experience. Get multiple proposals Even if you already have a favorite venue, compare more than one option. Multiple proposals help you: See whether pricing is competitive Spot stronger value elsewhere Negotiate from a more informed position Sometimes your “backup” venue ends up being the better fit. Watch the hidden costs A quoted room rate or meal price is rarely the full story. Ask specifically about: Taxes, including what your applicable tax exemption applies to and what it does not apply to Service charges Administrative fees AV surcharges Parking Setup fees Security Early access or late breakdown costs A breakfast listed at $30 per person can become much more expensive once all the add-ons are included. Read the deadlines and clauses Don’t focus only on pricing. Pay attention to: Deposit due dates Room block cutoff dates Final headcount deadlines Cancellation milestones Then read the clauses carefully, especially around: Cancellation Attrition Force majeure Damage Outside vendor restrictions If a clause feels one-sided or unclear, ask questions and request revisions. 2) When Your Church or Ministry Is Serving as the Venue Many churches and ministries are asking a different question: Should we allow outside groups to use our building? For some, that means weddings, funerals, community meetings, support groups, concerts, or nonprofit partners. Used well, your building can extend ministry impact. But it should be approached with structure and clarity. GCFA’s “ Leased Church Property Insights ”  guideline is especially helpful here. It gives ministries a practical framework for thinking through what it means to lease or share church property with a third party. Even if your ministry is not entering into a long-term lease, the resource is still useful because it reminds leaders to think carefully about how the space will be used, who is responsible for what, and whether the arrangement truly supports the ministry’s mission and stewardship goals . That makes it a strong companion resource for any church or ministry considering outside use of its property. Start with ministry purpose Before you discuss rates or calendars, ask: Does this use align with our ministry values? Does it support our community relationships? Will it create strain on staff or volunteers? Are we saying yes because it’s strategic or just because the space is open? A building can be an asset, but not every use is a good fit. Put expectations in writing Even if the outside group is a trusted partner, clear written expectations matter. Spell out: Which spaces are included Dates and times of access Who opens and closes the building Setup and cleanup expectations Equipment or kitchen use Tech access What happens if something is damaged Clarity protects relationships. Think beyond the reservation Sometimes the biggest issues are not legal, they’re operational. Before approving outside use, consider: Who is the point person? What areas are off-limits? Will staff need to reset the space? How will traffic, wear and tear, HVAC, or security affect regular ministry rhythms? These practical details are often what determine whether a facility-use arrangement feels like a blessing—or a burden. Be honest about the real cost Even when the goal is ministry rather than revenue, your building still absorbs real costs: Utilities Custodial time Staff coordination Supplies Security Setup labor Maintenance Technology support Not every group needs to pay market rate, but leaders should understand the true cost of using the space. Use the resource before you open your doors widely If your church or ministry is considering regular outside use of its property, don’t wait until after you’ve had a difficult experience to create structure. A Simple Rule of Thumb Whether you are booking a venue or becoming the venue, ask the same question: “Does this agreement clearly support our ministry goals, our people, and our stewardship responsibilities?” If the answer is unclear, slow down. A little more clarity on the front end can save significant time, cost, and frustration later. Want to Go Deeper? If your ministry is negotiating with an outside venue , start with GCFA’s Third Party Usage webinar . If your church or ministry is considering outside use of your property , review: Leasing Third Party Church Property . And if you want support with venue contracts or event planning, UMC Support’s Travel & Meeting Planning team can help ministries think through venue decisions, negotiations, and planning.

This second session in our Cybersecurity Training series is designed for pastors, staff, and key volunteers who want clear, approachable church scam prevention guidance to help protect their congregation, finances, and mission in an increasingly digital world. What you’ll gain from this training: A practical, ministry-appropriate way to think about cybersecurity as faithful stewardship Guidance on recognizing and responding to common threats like phishing and pastor-impersonation scams Simple steps to strengthen passwords, accounts, devices, and online giving systems A framework for preparing an incident response plan—before a crisis happens Actionable next steps your church can begin using right away

(Part 3 — Voices from the Journey) In the previous two articles, we’ve explored what Saving Grace is and why financial well-being matters for clergy and ministry leaders. Now we turn to the most important question:  Does Saving Grace actually change anything at the intersection where faith meets finances? The clearest answer comes not from curriculum outlines or statistics — but from the people who have lived it. The quotes in this article were shared anonymously with Wespath’s Clergy Financial Well-Being Initiative. (If you recognize your quote and wish to be attributed for your contribution, please contact bbivens@gcfa.org .) Across seminaries, annual conferences, and foundations, participants consistently describe the same discovery: financial stress is rarely just about math or money. Our relationship with money impacts our calling, relationships, identity and disciplines as well as spiritual health. Saving Grace  creates space to address all of this and more, creating real peace of mind where faith meets finances. “I didn’t know I needed this.” A Perkins School of Theology participant described entering the course with uncertainty and leaving with clarity:   “The Saving Grace course was something I didn't know I needed. It opened conversations that encouraged me, helped me, and challenged me regarding how we exist and interact as human beings in the world… I have gained a better mindset when it comes to navigating financial matters in a faithful, sustainable, and peace-filled way.” Many clergy spend years learning theology, leadership, and pastoral care — yet very little time learning how finances intersect with vocation. The result is often quiet anxiety: budgeting decisions feel disconnected from discipleship, and financial planning feels separate from faith. Saving Grace  reframes the conversation.  Participants don’t simply learn how to manage money . They learn how money relates to stewardship, relationships, and calling. Confidence replaces isolation Financial struggles can feel uniquely personal, even embarrassing. But nearly every Saving Grace cohort reports the same surprising insight: they are not alone. “[Now] I am confident in my savings and spending. I have become more conscientious about how the Lord leads us in our financial journey. Meeting with everyone and discussing different topics was assuring to know I was not in this process alone. I highly recommend taking this course to better our financial understandings!” That shared experience matters. When participants realize others carry the same questions about debt, savings, generosity, or ministry transitions, shame loosens its grip. Practical learning becomes possible because the emotional burden lifts. A participant from Iowa said it simply: “It didn’t make me feel any shame about my money issues.”  For many clergy, that alone is transformative. A course for life transitions Seminary, first appointment, family changes, retirement planning — ministry is filled with financial turning points. Participants consistently note that Saving Grace  meets them right where they are. One seminarian navigating major change reflected: “With my life transition into ministry and seminary, I took the Saving Grace course in the middle of an extreme shift in my financial situation… Saving Grace not only helped me meet the requirements for a very significant scholarship award, it also gave me the opportunity to intentionally think about my finances during seminary and beyond… We took a grace-filled look at our finances in a safe and affirming space.” The key phrase appears again: grace-filled . The course does not begin with judgment or pressure. It begins with the assumption that faithful people want to steward well — they just need tools, language, and community to do so. Practical habits that stick Participants consistently report real behavioral changes — not just good intentions. “We are implementing a spending plan and charting expenses each day. I’ve reviewed areas of expenses that can be adjusted to save money. More importantly, I feel more confident and less ignorant, and therefore less intimidated when it comes to addressing our finances.” Confidence becomes action. Action becomes peace. And peace supports ministry. Clergy frequently report that once financial anxiety decreases, their emotional and spiritual availability for their congregations increases. More than financial literacy Saving Grace is not merely a budgeting workshop or retirement seminar. It is a discipleship practice: one that integrates theology, relationships, and practical stewardship. Participants leave with: Language to talk about money in families and congregations Habits that reduce stress Clearer financial goals Renewed confidence in their calling A sense that finances can be approached faithfully, not fearfully. Perhaps the simplest summary comes from a participant who wrote afterward: “I feel more confident and less intimidated when it comes to addressing our finances.” An invitation If you have ever postponed financial planning because it felt overwhelming…If you have ever wondered whether faithful stewardship could actually feel peaceful…If you have ever assumed everyone else has this figured out but you… You are exactly who Saving Grace  was created to support. Your conference, foundation or seminary may be offering cohorts. Stay tuned for information about emerging options.  For more information, email bbivens@gcfa.org .

As Annual Conference season approaches , now is the perfect time to think beyond registration, logistics, and event-day details, and plan for what happens after  the meeting ends. Whether you're organizing an annual conference, ministry leadership training, church retreat, workshop, or other ministry events, gathering feedback from attendees can help you improve future events, strengthen the attendee experience, and make more informed decisions about everything from speakers to schedules to site selection. The key is asking the right people , asking the right questions , and making it easy for people to respond. Why attendee feedback matters A thoughtful post-event survey can help you: Understand what worked well Identify what needs improvement Measure satisfaction with speakers, sessions, and logistics Strengthen relationships with attendees, sponsors, and partners Make better planning decisions for next year’s event Here are some steps to take when planning a post-event survey. 1. Identify feedback groups Best practice: If different groups had different roles, schedules, or goals, they should not all receive the exact same survey. Consider surveying these groups: Attendees This is your primary audience and often your most important feedback source. Their responses can help you evaluate the overall event experience, content, hospitality, and logistics. Vendors or sponsors Vendors and sponsors should receive a different survey  than attendees. Their experience is centered on visibility, connections made, booth setup, communication, and return on investment. Youth or young attendees If your event includes youth-specific programming, activities, or tracks, consider a separate or simplified survey tailored to their experience. Speakers or special guests Rather than sending a standard survey, speakers and special guests often benefit more from a personalized follow-up note  that thanks them and invites specific feedback. Staff or volunteers Staff don’t always need a full survey, but it can still be helpful to gather internal feedback either through a short, customized survey or as part of a broader event debrief. 2. Keep your questions simple, specific, and easy to answer The best event surveys are: Short enough to complete quickly Specific enough to be useful Focused on one idea per question A mix of rating scales, multiple choice, and short-answer responses Avoid asking double questions like: “How was the venue and food?” Instead, separate them so your feedback is clearer and more actionable. 3. What should you ask attendees? You don’t need a huge survey, but you do need the right categories. Core attendee survey questions to consider Overall event experience Was this your first time attending? How satisfied were you with the event overall? What was your favorite part of the event? How can we improve on future events? Sessions, breakouts, and workshops If your event includes multiple sessions, ask attendees to evaluate them individually. Which sessions did you attend? How helpful was each session? Which breakout or workshop was most valuable to you? What topics would you like to see next time? Speakers and presenters How would you rate each speaker or presenter? Which speaker or session stood out most to you? Do you have any suggestions for future presenters or topics? Event logistics These topics should be addressed one at a time  for clearer feedback: Venue Food Host city or location Transportation Hotel accommodations Communication before the event Registration process Special event elements (if applicable) Depending on your event, you may also want to ask about: Worship experiences Vendor or exhibit hall experience Childcare availability and value Networking opportunities Final open-ended question Always end with a simple catch-all question like: Is there anything else you’d like us to know? That one comment box often surfaces your most useful insights. 4. Don’t forget vendors, sponsors, and internal teams If your event includes exhibitors, sponsors, or volunteer teams, their feedback can be just as valuable. Questions for vendors and sponsors Ask about: Overall satisfaction with the sponsorship/vendor experience Quality of pre-event communication Booth setup or location challenges Likelihood of participating again Additional comments or suggestions Questions for staff or volunteers Keep these short and practical: How clear were your responsibilities? Did you have what you needed to do your role well? What challenges came up? What would help improve the experience next time? 5. Timing matters: when should you send the survey? If you wait too long, response rates drop fast. Best practice for timing Send the first survey within 24–48 hours  after the event ends Send one reminder  a few days later if needed Keep the survey open for about 5–7 days If needed, send a different follow-up  to sponsors, vendors, or speakers on a separate timeline For larger events like Annual Conference, it can also help to: Mention during the event that a survey is coming Include the survey link in the closing session slides or final email Let attendees know their feedback will help shape future gatherings 6. Make it easy to respond Even the best survey won’t help if people don’t complete it. Increase response rates by: Keeping it short Using mobile-friendly forms Asking only relevant questions Personalizing by attendee type when possible Being clear about why the feedback matters A simple line like this can help: “Your feedback will help us improve future gatherings and better support attendees, churches, and ministry leaders.” 7. A simple rule for better event feedback If you want better feedback, remember this: Ask only what you’re willing to use. Don’t overload people with questions just because you can . Focus on the decisions you’ll need to make later: Should we use this venue again? Were the breakout topics helpful? Did the schedule work? Did vendors feel the event was worth it? Was communication clear enough before attendees arrived? When your questions connect directly to future planning, the feedback becomes much more useful. 8. Choose the right survey tool for your event There are many survey tools available, but the right one depends on your event size, registration process, and how integrated you want your communication to be. Stova For larger or more complex events, Stova  can be especially helpful because it combines registration, communication, and post-event surveys in one platform . And if you’d rather not manage the technology yourself, UMC Support’s Travel and Meeting Planning team can handle your online event registration for you using Stova . Through GCFA’s Online Event Registration service, the team provides a powerful web-based event management system  built specifically to support United Methodist events, with features like: Branded registration pages Online payments Multiple language options Attendee communication tools UMC Support uses Stova as its event management software because it offers the capabilities most needed for United Methodist meetings and conferences. Why it stands out: Registration and attendee data live in the same system You can send targeted pre-, during-, and post-event emails Surveys can be built in advance and scheduled to send automatically You can segment surveys and emails based on registration categories You don’t have to move contact information between multiple platforms UMC Support can manage the registration process on your behalf, helping reduce administrative burden That makes it especially useful for events like Annual Conference , where you may need different communications for clergy, laity, exhibitors, special guests, or other attendee groups. Other common options If you need a simpler or lower-cost option, these can also work well: Google Forms  – simple, free, easy to use Microsoft Forms  – helpful if your organization already uses Microsoft 365 SurveyMonkey  – strong survey templates and reporting Jotform  – flexible forms with customization options   If planning your event, from registration to the final survey, feels overwhelming, UMC Support’s Travel and Meeting Planning team is here to help . Our experienced team can support you from the earliest planning stages through onsite coordination and post-event follow-up, so you can focus less on logistics and more on the purpose of your gathering. From beginning to end , we’re ready to help make your next event a success.

2017-2020 Calculation on Number of Bishops - Jurisdiction 2018 Costs and Apportionments Received by Jurisdictional and Regional Conferences 2021 Costs and Apportionments Received by Jurisdictional and Regional Conferences Membership and Apportionments Received as % of Total UMC Church - Africa Contributions to the Episcopal Fund Status Reports 2023 ​ ​ Regional Conference Contributions YTD March 2023 Regional Conference Contributions YTD March 2023 with MTD Receipts Information Jurisdictional Conference Contributions YTD March 2023 Regional Conference Contributions YTD April 2023 Regional Conference Contributions YTD April 2023 with MTD Receipts Information Jurisdictional Conference Contributions YTD April 2023 Regional Conference Contributions YTD May 2023 Regional Conference Contributions YTD May 2023 with MTD Receipts Information Jurisdictional Conference Contributions YTD May 2023 Regional Conference Contributions YTD June 2023 Regional Conference Contributions YTD June 2023 with MTD Receipts Information Jurisdictional Conference Contributions YTD June 2023 Regional Conference Contributions YTD July 2023 Regional Conference Contributions YTD July 2023 with MTD Receipts Information Jurisdictional Conference Contributions YTD July 2023 Regional Conference Contributions YTD August 2023 Regional Conference Contributions YTD August 2023 with MTD Receipts Information Jurisdictional Conference Contributions YTD August 2023 Regional Conference Contributions YTD September 2023 Regional Conference Contributions YTD September 2023 with MTD Receipts Information Jurisdictional Conference Contributions YTD September 2023 Regional Conference Contributions YTD October 2023 Regional Conference Contributions YTD October 2023 with MTD Receipts Information Jurisdictional Conference Contributions YTD October 2023 Regional Conference Contributions YTD November 2023 Regional Conference Contributions YTD November 2023 with MTD Receipts Information Jurisdictional Conference Contributions YTD November 2023 Regional Conference Contributions YTD December 2023 Regional Conference Contributions YTD December 2023 with MTD Receipts Information Jurisdictional Conference Contributions YTD December 2023 2024 Regional Conference Contributions YTD March 2024 Regional Conference Contributions YTD March 2024 with MTD Receipts Information Jurisdictional Conference Contributions YTD March 2024 Regional Conference Contributions YTD April 2024 Regional Conference Contributions YTD April 2024 with MTD Receipts Information Jurisdictional Conference Contributions YTD April 2024 Regional Conference Contributions YTD May 2024 Regional Conference Contributions YTD May 2024 with MTD Receipts Information Jurisdictional Conference Contributions YTD May 2024 Regional Conference Contributions YTD June 2024 Regional Conference Contributions YTD June 2024 with MTD Receipts Information Jurisdictional Conference Contributions YTD June 2024 Regional Conference Contributions YTD July 2024 Regional Conference Contributions YTD July 2024 with MTD Receipts Information Jurisdictional Conference Contributions YTD July 2024 Regional Conference Contributions YTD August 2024 Regional Conference Contributions YTD August 2024 with MTD Receipts Information Jurisdictional Conference Contributions YTD August 2024 Regional Conference Contributions YTD September 2024 Regional Conference Contributions YTD September 2024 with MTD Receipts Information Jurisdictional Conference Contributions YTD September 2024 Regional Conference Contributions YTD October 2024 Regional Conference Contributions YTD October 2024 with MTD Receipts Information Jurisdictional Conference Contributions YTD October 2024 Regional Conference Contributions YTD November 2024 Regional Conference Contributions YTD November 2024 with MTD Receipts Information Jurisdictional Conference Contributions YTD November 2024 Regional Conference Contributions YTD December 2024 Regional Conference Contributions YTD December 2024 with MTD Receipts Information Jurisdictional Conference Contributions YTD December 2024 2025 Regional Conference Contributions YTD April 2025 Regional Conference Contributions YTD April 2025 with MTD Receipts Information Jurisdictional Conference Contributions YTD April 2025 Regional Conference Contributions YTD May 2025 Regional Conference Contributions YTD May 2025 with MTD Receipts Information Jurisdictional Conference Contributions YTD May 2025 Regional Conference Contributions YTD June 2025 Regional Conference Contributions YTD June 2025 with MTD Receipts Information Jurisdictional Conference Contributions YTD June 2025 Regional Conference Contributions YTD July 2025 Regional Conference Contributions YTD July 2025 with MTD Receipts Information Jurisdictional Conference Contributions YTD July 2025 Regional Conference Contributions YTD August 2025 Regional Conference Contributions YTD August 2025 with MTD Receipts Information Jurisdictional Conference Contributions YTD August 2025 Regional Conference Contributions YTD September 2025 Regional Conference Contributions YTD September 2025 with MTD Receipts Information Jurisdictional Conference Contributions YTD September 2025 Regional Conference Contributions YTD October 2025 Regional Conference Contributions YTD October 2025 with MTD Receipts Information Jurisdictional Conference Contributions YTD October 2025 Regional Conference Contributions YTD November 2025 Regional Conference Contributions YTD November 2025 with MTD Receipts Information Jurisdictional Conference Contributions YTD November 2025 Regional Conference Contributions YTD December 2025 Regional Conference Contributions YTD December 2025 with MTD Receipts Information Jurisdictional Conference Contributions YTD December 2025

Audited Financial Statements Africa University 2017   2018    2019    2020 2021 2022 2023 The Connectional Table (CT) 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 ​2023 Discipleship Ministries (GBOD) 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 ​2023 General Board of Church and Society (GBCS) 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 ​2023 General Board of Global Ministries (GBGM) 2017 Audited Financial Statements General Board of Global Ministries-Consolidated. United Methodist Committee on Relief ​ 2018 Audited Financial Statements General Board of Global Ministries-Consolidated United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) ​ 2019 Audited Financial Statements General Board of Global Ministries-Consolidated United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) ​ 2020 Audited Financial Statements General Board of Global Ministries-Consolidated United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) 2021 Audited Financial Statements General Board of Global Ministries-Consolidated United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) ​ 2022 Audited Financial Statements General Board of Global Ministries-Consolidated United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) 2023 Audited Financial Statements  General Board of Global Ministries (GBGM)​  United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) ​ General Board of Higher Education and Ministry (GBHEM) 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 General Commission on Archives and History (GCAH) 2017 2018   2019 2020 2021 2022 ​2023 General Commission on Communications (UMCom) 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 ​2023 General Commission on Religion and Race (GCORR) 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 ​2023 General Commission on the Status and Role of Women (GCSROW) 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 ​2023 General Commission on United Methodist Men (UMM) 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 ​2023 General Council on Finance and Administration (GCFA) 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021   2022 ​2023 General Agency Benefits Plan (AGI) 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 ​2023 General Funds 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 ​2023