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Financial Well-Being as a Ministry Discipline: Why Saving Grace …. for United Methodist Pastors
Even though financial well-being is increasingly correlated with holistic well-being and flourishing, many United Methodist pastors find conversations about personal finances uncomfortable, overwhelming, or quietly stressful.
Feb 12


Local Church Budget Checklist
A faithful budget does more than cover expenses — it helps your church live into its calling. The checklist below puts principles into action, offering a clear, step-by-step guide to help your leadership team align resources with ministry priorities and communicate impact with both clarity and confidence.
Feb 11


Pastor Impersonation Scams: What Church Leaders Need to Know
Churches nationwide are experiencing a rise in scams that impersonate pastors through urgent emails and texts requesting money, gift cards, or sensitive information—putting congregants and staff at risk.
Feb 11


GCFA Announces, Seeks Prayers for New General Secretary
Media Contact: Brandy M. Bivens Chief Communications Officer GCFA bbivens@gcfa.org The General Council on Finance and Administration (GCFA) is pleased to announce the appointment of Caitlin Congdon as the next General Secretary of GCFA beginning April 1, 2026, following a thoughtful and prayerful discernment process by the Search Committee and the Board of Directors. “On behalf of the Board of Directors, we are confident that Caitlin’s experience, vision, and collaborative sp
Feb 2


You’re Invited: United in Impact Partner Meeting
Communicators, Church leaders, and United Methodists who are passionate about stewardship, generosity, and strengthening local United Methodist Churches are invited to join an upcoming United in Impact Partner Zoom Meeting on January 21, 2026.
Jan 15


Financial Well-Being as Faithful Stewardship: Why Clergy Need Saving Grace
When finances feel overwhelming, ministry can suffer. See how Saving Grace helps clergy find clarity and peace.
Jan 15


GCFA Update and Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Boy Scouts' Bankruptcy
The United Methodist settlement involving the Boy Scouts of America (“BSA”) is final now that the United States Supreme Court has rejected a request to review the BSA bankruptcy case. What does that mean and what comes next?
Jan 15


Help Shape the Future of Our Leadership Program - Please Vote
Local churches today face increasing complexity—financial oversight, human resources, legal compliance, and operational systems—all while maintaining vibrant ministry. To meet these challenges, we are updating a program designed specifically for executive and senior pastors, as well as other local church leaders , to gain business and operations skills essential for effective church administration . Previously titled the Academy of Church Business Administration, we are s
Jan 14


GCFA Requests Declaratory Decision
The General Council on Finance and Administration (GCFA) of The United Methodist Church has submitted a request to the Judicial Council for a declaratory decision regarding the meaning, application, and effect of ¶ 404.2 of The Book of DisciplineThe General Council on Finance and Administration (GCFA) of The United Methodist Church has submitted a request to the Judicial Council for a declaratory decision regarding the meaning, application, and effect of ¶ 404.2 of The Book o
Dec 22, 2025


Four Ways To Be Found Online
How can people find your church online? In this webinar from GCFA we explore four practical ways churches can build an effective online presence.
Dec 16, 2025


GCFA Forms New Ministry Partnership with Switcher Studio for Digital Worship and Communication
GCFA is pleased to announce Switcher Studio as an official Ministry Partner.
Dec 4, 2025


Digital Stewardship: Protecting Your Church Online
Protecting your church online is an essential part of caring for your people and supporting your ministry. This webinar offers practical guidance to help congregations strengthen their cybersecurity practices with confidence.
Nov 19, 2025


General Council on Finance and Administration Concludes Final 2025 Meeting, Approves Spending Plans Amid Fiscal Challenges
GCFA convened for its final in-person meeting of the year, addressing critical financial matters as the denomination navigates ongoing fiscal challenges.
Nov 14, 2025


Cross and Flame Guidelines: UMC and Commercial Use
The Book of Discipline states that the UMC Cross and Flame may be used by official United Methodist agencies, including local churches, “to identify United Methodist work, programs and materials.” This means the symbol is reserved for ministries and organizations that are officially part of The United Methodist Church. By ensuring the Cross and Flame is used properly, we preserve its meaning and protect its role as a trusted mark of our shared witness in the world.
Nov 11, 2025


Facebook Group vs. Facebook Page: Which is Right for Your Church?
Social media platforms have become valuable tools for congregations to connect, engage, and share information with their communities.
Nov 6, 2025


Boost Your Church's Online Presence: The Ultimate Guide to Local Church SEO
Are you ready to bring your ministry to the forefront of online searches? Uncover the secrets of effective SEO with expert Rodney Bowen.
Nov 6, 2025


GCFA Releases 2025–2028 Budget Handbook in Six Languages and Third Quarter Financial Update Video
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Brandy Bivens Chief Communications Officer General Council on Finance and Administration (GCFA) of The United Methodist Church Nashville, TN – The General Council on Finance and Administration (GCFA) of The United Methodist Church is pleased to announce that the 2025–2028 United Methodist Church Budget Handbook (formerly the Financial Commitment Booklet) is now available in six languages— English , French , Korean , Portuguese , Spanish , and S
Nov 4, 2025


2025 General Church Finance Report: Quarter 3
The General Council on Finance and Administration (GCFA) has released the denominational financial results for the first three quarters of 2025 for The United Methodist Church. The update is available in both video and report formats, including apportionment collections by annual conference and a General Church apportionments summary . Both formats provide a comprehensive overview of apportionment collections, including information by both Regional and Jurisdictional Confer
Nov 3, 2025


GCFA Holds Stewardship Quadrennial Training for the Philippines Regional Conferences
More than 50 United Methodist leaders gather for stewardship and administrative training in Manila Manila, Philippines – The Stewardship Quadrennial Training Event for the Philippines, held in Manila on October 13–14, 2025, marked a successful milestone for The General Council on Finance and Administration (GCFA) of The United Methodist Church, as it was the final quadrennial training event for 2025. The two-day event brought together more than 50 participants representing
Oct 23, 2025
NAACT 2023
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
Oct 21, 2025
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