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The General Council on Finance and Administration (GCFA) announces the release of the latest video in its Data-Driven Discernment campaign, entitled “Understanding the Proposed 2025 -2028 UMC Budget.” Delivering crucial updates on the denomination's financial landscape as The United Methodist Church prepares for the upcoming General Conference, this video serves as a informative resource for delegates as they ponder how to fund and allocate ministry over the next four years. This video provides a comprehensive exploration of the denominational budget, encompassing allocations to the seven apportioned funds essential to sustaining the church's diverse initiatives: Africa University, Black College Fund, Episcopal Fund, General Administration Fund, Interdenominational Cooperation Fund, Ministerial Education Fund, and World Service Fund. Key highlights from the video include: Proposed budget figures for the Jurisdictional and Central Conferences, reflecting a 43% reduction in the Jurisdictional budget and a 10% reduction in the Central Conference budget compared to the 2016 budget. Detailed breakdowns of each apportioned fund, offering insights into proposed funding amounts and percentage changes from previous quadrennia. Insights into the decision-making process behind budget allocations, considering factors such as trends in giving, disaffiliation, and economic indicators. In the video, GCFA General Secretary Rev. Moses Kumar acknowledges the collaborative effort and prayerful consideration that went into crafting the budget, highlighting the collective dedication to advancing the Kingdom of God. Chief Communications Office Brandy Bivens emphasizes the importance of realistic budget forecasting to ensure responsible stewardship of the church's resources. For more information and to view “Understanding the 2025 – 2028 UMC Proposed Budget,” please visit https://gcfa.org/general-conference#umc-budget-video. You may view other items in the Data-Driven Discernment series, including Strengthening the Episcopal Fund, Understanding the Budget Process, and the Journey of a Dollar by visiting www.gcfa.org/generalconference.

Nashville, Tennessee – The General Council on Finance and Administration (GCFA) proudly announces its groundbreaking partnership with Ministry Brands, a leading provider of transformative technology and services tailored for religious organizations. The exciting addition of this ministry partner will equip United Methodist churches with cutting-edge solutions to foster growth, engage their congregations, and magnify their impact on the world. Ministry Brands is steadfast in its commitment to supporting churches in fulfilling their missions by offering integrated solutions spanning member management, digital giving, website development, communications, media, event planning, and beyond. With nearly 90,000 faith-driven organizations already benefiting from Ministry Brands' suite of services, the platform stands as a beacon in elevating technological standards and service excellence within the church community. "We are thrilled to embark on this transformative journey alongside Ministry Brands, furthering our dedication to empowering churches with state-of-the-art technology tailored to their distinct needs," said Kellie Schmeal, Relationship Director at GCFA. "This ministry partnership perfectly aligns with our mission to provide churches with the tools necessary to thrive in an ever-evolving landscape." At the core of Ministry Brands' offerings lie the fundamental pillars of healthy churches, encompassing community and discipleship cultivation, communication and engagement enhancement, financial stewardship security, staff and volunteer effectiveness optimization, and safety assurance. Through its comprehensive end-to-end solution, Amplify +, United Methodist churches can now access a myriad of tools and insights essential for extending their reach beyond traditional boundaries, thus empowering their ministry, mission, and members. "At Ministry Brands, we're more than just a technology company for churches; we're partners in a mission that resonates deeply with our core values. Empowering healthy churches is at the heart of everything we do”, said Chris Bacon, CEO of Ministry Brands. “We are extremely excited to partner with the General Council on Finance and Administration, a collaboration designed to extend the reach and impact of their incredible work. By offering exclusive access to our Ministry Brands Amplify+ packages, we're equipping UMC churches with the industry-leading, end-to-end solutions they need to excel in today’s rapidly changing church landscape. This initiative is a testament to our belief in supporting church staff and volunteers, ensuring they have the tools to thrive not just on Sundays, but every day." To further explore the benefits of GCFA's ministry partnership with Ministry Brands for United Methodist organizations, visit the GCFA Partner page at https://www.gcfa.org/partners/, or contact the Connectional Relations team at ConnectionalRelations@gcfa.org, or call 866-367-4232.

Communications & Marketing Annual Conference Newsletter & Email Best Practices Website Creation Worksheet ​ Finance Apportionment Calculation and Review of Payments Submitted to GCFA ​ Travel and Meeting Planning Hybrid Event Pre-Event Checklist Hybrid Event Questionnaire Best Practices Checklist for Pre-event Best Practices Checklist for Post-event Virtual Event Checklist Travel and Meeting Planning Case Study ​ Human Resources Human Resources Training Videos ​ Information Technology IT Security IT Case Study of Greater New Jersey Conference ​ Insurance United Methodist Insurance Program ​ Ministry Partners Partners Page Ministry Partners Discount Page ​ Local Church Clergy Housing Allowance Explained Ministry Resource Guide Local Church Audit Guide Forms

Data Services AC Treasurer Training Presentation BAC Instructions BAC Form Request For New GCNO US All Tables with Non-Binary Episcopal Services Episcopal Residence Housing Standards Episcopal Housing Allowance Agreement Bishop Housing Allowance Payment-Tax Considerations Additional Episcopal Information and Links Marketing and Communications Communications and Marketing Presentation ​ Travel and Meeting Planning Travel and Meeting Planning Presentation ​ United Methodist Insurance UMI Presentation ​ Information Technology Information Security Best Practices Training ​ Human Resources Human Resources Presentation ​ Ministry Partners Ministry Resource Guide Denominational Discounts ​ UMC Support Services For Local Churches For Annual Conferences GCFA Resources Tax Packet Legal Manual ​ Forms Financial Local Church Legal ​

Data Services 2023 Training Presentation ​ Episcopal Services Episcopal Fund and Departmental Overview Presentation Episcopal Fund Travel Expense Policies Procedures 2017-2020 General Conference – Report 5 – Episcopal Fund – GC Approved JEO Financial Statement Audit Guidelines EO Financial Reporting Checklist Marketing and Communications 2023 Resources for your Annual Conference Presentation Finance Apportionment Calculation, Review of Payments Submitted to GCFA (Special Sunday offerings, etc,), Best practices for authority structures over spending from reserves vs. planned operations Presentation CF&A Training ​ Travel and Meeting Planning Introduction to Meeting Planning – What is meeting planning? Hybrid Meeting Checklist Hybrid Event Questionnaire Pre-Event Checklist Post-Event Checklist Virtual Event Checklist ​ United Methodist Insurance Presentation on Intro to UMI, Observations of Conference Programs, Emerging Insurance Issues, Risk Management Sovereign Insurance – MinistrySafe ​ ​ Information Technology IT Security – What you Need to Know ​ Human Resources Presentation on Recruiting Best Practices, Office Best Practices, Employment Law HR Training Videos Referral Bonuses ​ Ministry Partners Ministry Resource Guide Denominational Discounts ​ UMC Support Services For Local Churches For Annual Conferences GCFA Resources Tax Packet Legal Manual Forms Financial Local Church Legal ​ Books The Buck Stops Here by Mary Logan Church Financial Records Handbook 2017-2020 – Cokesbury The Little Book of Boards by Erik Hanberg Ministry and Money – A Practical Guide for Pastors by Janet T. Jamieson & Philip D. Jamieson Nonprofit Finance: A Practical Guide for Controllers, CFOs and Board Members by Sheila Shanaker, CPA The Giant Hairball by Gordon MacKenzie ​ Listservs (Google groups) UMC-Treasurer Groups – To be added, contact Christine Dodson Association of United Methodist Conference Pension and Benefits Officers (AUMCPBO) – To be added, contact Paul Fernandez Online Resources Church & Clergy Tax Guide by Richard Hammar Evangelical Council on Finance & Administration Church Excel newsletter and website  https://www.ecfa.church/churchexcel.aspx The Church Network (for Church Business Administrators) ​ Magazine subscriptions Church Law & Tax Report Church Finance Today

Agenda NAACT Agenda ​ Presentations Key Note Presentation General Conference Investment Committee GCFA Presentation 2018 Administry Presentation 2021 Trustee Training For The District 2021 Finance Training for Amory St James 2022 First Time Appointee 2022 Clergy Transitional Workshop 2023 Finance Training For District Events 2023 First Time Appointee 2023 Trustee Training 2023 NAACT Presentation Wespath NAACT Presentation Letters 2021 Year End Letter Pastor Letter 12/1/2021 Treasurer Letter 12/20/2022 Pastor Letter 4/1/2023 Pastor Letter 8/31/2023 ​ Sponsor Links Gcfa.org Greatspirit.com Interfaith.org Steeplecom.com Vancopayments.com

Legal Legal Manual Administrative and Judicial Procedures Handbook GCFA Tax Packet FLSA Fact Sheet for Seasonal Employees Record Retention Policy ​ Finance Financial Commitment Book (2017-2020) Book of Discipline Apportionment Reference Jurisdictional Apportionment Formula ​ Travel and Meeting Planning Best Practices Checklist for Pre-event Best Practices Checklist for Post-event ​ Episcopal Services Administrative Support Services Episcopal Housing Residence Standards Checklist Episcopal Fund 101 Bishop Housing Allowance Payments - Tax Considerations Episcopal Housing Allowance Agreement Episcopal Residence Information for Tax Reporting ​ Human Resources Understanding a Compensation Study I-9 Compliance Training ​ Data Services Understanding Data Terms for Tables 1, 2, and 3 UMC Acronym Guide ​ Insurance United Methodist Insurance Program ​ Marketing Annual Conference Newsletter & Email Best Practices Communication Best Practices & GCFA Resources for Your Conference ​ Ministry Partners Partners Page Ministry Partners Discount Page ​ Information Technology Digging Deep IT Assessment 7 Steps to Improve Data Security IT Case Study of Greater New Jersey Conference KnowBe4 Cyber Security Awareness Materials ​ UMC Training UMC 101

Annual Accessibility Audit Minutes of the Charge/Church Conference (PDF) (Word) Rev. Feb. 2022 Annual Report of the Pastor (PDF) (Word) Rev. Feb. 2022 Annual Report of the Deacon (PDF) (Word) Rev. Feb. 2022 Annual Finance Committee Report (PDF) (Word) Rev. Feb. 2022 Annual Trustee Committee Report (PDF) (Word) Rev. Feb. 2022 Fund Balance Report (PDF) (Word) Rev. Feb. 2022 Appointment to an Extension Ministry  PDF Rev. Feb. 2022 GCFA Insurance Worksheet (PDF) Proper Insurance Coverage Standard (PDF) Rev. Dec 2021

Introduction: GCFA Legal Manual Section 1 - Church Structure Section 2 - Local Church Section 3 - Personnel Section 4 - Property and Estate Planning Section 5 - Risk Management

Commercial Use Of The Cross And Flame Commercial License Application For Permission Cross and Flame

Comprehensive Guide To Understanding Copyrights For Your Ministry

Administrative and Judicial Procedures Handbook