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MUTARE, ZIMBABWE – July 30, 2025  – The General Council on Finance and Administration (GCFA) of The United Methodist Church is pleased to announce the successful completion of its Stewardship Quadrennial Training Event for the African Continent, held at Africa University on July 22–23, 2025. View the recap video here. “We want to thank GCFA for organizing this historic event, which has given us in Africa an opportunity. It is a new day for all of us to join our siblings in Christ, living into our Connection,” said Bishop Mande Muyombo, President of the African College of Bishops and Chair of The Connectional Table. “It is time now for our growth to be expressed in tangible expressions of joyful giving in order to support the mission and ministries in all contexts and around the world.” The two-day event brought together more than 115 participants representing annual conferences from across the continent. Attendees included African Bishops, treasurers, Council on Finance and Administration (CF&A) chairs, legal representatives, communicators, and annual conference secretaries. The event was born out of conversations between Bishop Mande in his role as African College of Bishops President and GCFA General Secretary Rev. Moses Kumar. “GCFA is grateful for not only the attendance of all African Bishops, but the encouragement and cooperation they gave their leaders who are faithfully committed to carrying out stewardship across their many countries,” said Rev. Moses Kumar, GCFA General Secretary. The training offered in-depth instruction on recent updates to The Book of Discipline  and emphasized best practices in stewardship, including being good stewards of finance, property, and data. Rooted in Jesus Christ, the event was marked by a spirit of worship, fellowship, learning, listening, and collaboration. Participants engaged in dynamic workshops, shared experiences, and explored strategies to strengthen the financial, administrative, and missional health of their respective conferences. The gathering was hosted at Africa University, a vital educational institution of The United Methodist Church. The university’s welcoming environment provided an ideal setting for this diverse group of leaders to grow together in knowledge and faith. "The African church is vibrant and growing, and this gathering was an opportunity to equip leaders with tools to ensure faithful stewardship and sound administrative practices," said GCFA Board of Directors Chairperson Bishop David Graves.  "The energy and commitment of those in attendance were truly inspiring, and we look forward to the fruit that will come from the seed we collectively planted throughout the Connection across Africa." In addition to skills sessions for various job roles, the Quadrennial Training Event held four plenary sessions, one of which focused on General Agency Resources for the Regional Conferences. That plenary featured speakers from Wespath Benefits, The Connectional Table, United Methodist Communications, and Discipleship Ministries. “As we return to our respective episcopal areas and annual conferences, we carry with us not just new knowledge, but a renewed confidence that the Church in Africa is not only surviving; it is flourishing. And, indeed the future of The United Methodist Church is in safe, faithful hands,” said Bishop Ande Emmanuel, Resident Bishop of Nigeria and Mission Districts of Senegal and Cameroon Episcopal Area. GCFA is committed to providing resources and training opportunities that strengthen the connectional ministries of the church worldwide. This Quadrennial Training Event continues a tradition of empowering leaders to serve with integrity and excellence. “This event was a Godsend,” said GCFA Board of Directors Regional Conferences member Pastor Francisco Bernardo Neto. “This was a trip that has changed my life.” For more information about the General Council on Finance and Administration and its ongoing work, please visit www.gcfa.org . Media Contact: Brandy Bivens Chief Communications Officer General Council on Finance and Administration Phone: 615-369-2338 Email: bbivens@gcfa.org

Nashville, Tennessee – The Board of Directors of the General Council on Finance and Administration (GCFA) held its monthly meeting virtually on February 24, 2021. Rev. Steve Wood, Chairperson of the Committee on General Agency and Episcopal Matters, (GAEM), presented the sole action item, which was the 2023-2024 budget allocations, as proposed by the Connectional Table. The measure, which was approved unanimously, is 9.2% less than the amount included in the current ADCA. Bishop Michael McKee, President of GCFA’s board said, “As we look toward the future, we have been in prayerful discernment around funding the mission of The United Methodist Church. As always, we want to thank our faithful members for their generosity. This has been a collaborative effort, and we thank the members of the Connectional Table and GCFA for their thoughtful attention and time to move us all forward, together.” On February 18, 2022, the winter meeting of GCFA’s Board of Directors was held and GCFA’s General Secretary and Treasurer Rev. Moses Kumar announced eight jurisdictional conferences paid 100% of their general Church apportionments. They are California-Nevada, Dakotas, New England, Northern Illinois, Oklahoma Indian Missionary, Red Bird Missionary, Upper New York, and West Virginia. Also announced were the ten episcopal areas in the regional conferences paid 100% of two apportioned funds for regional conferences. They are Central and Southern Europe, Central Congo, Davao in the Philippines, East Congo, Eastern Angola, Eurasia, Germany, Liberia, Mozambique, and Nordic-Baltic. Kumar praised the generosity of all United Methodists, saying “We are so thankful to these conferences and Episcopal areas. It is because of their sacrificial giving that we can truly be in connection and provide ministry in so many places.”

On Friday, May 3, 2024 at General Conference, the General Council on Finance and Administration (GCFA) presented the 2025 – 2028 revised budget for funding of the general Church, which was accepted by a 95% majority of delegates voting. GCFA is grateful to the local churches and annual conferences who faithfully pay their apportionments and make this budget possible.   Apportionments are paid in the jurisdictions according to a formula, which is local church net expenditures multiplied by a base percentage rate, which results is the apportioned amount. The base percentage rate, also called the base rate, was 3.29% in the last budget passed by General Conference. This year, General Conference voted on a reduced base rate of 2.6% and, if collection rates are 90% or above for the years 2025 and 2026, the base rate will rise to 2.9 percent, effectively acting as a conditional base rate. Combined with apportionments from regional conference giving, the 2.9 percent conditional base rate budget will garner a total of $373.4 million dollars and a 2.6 percent base rate would be $353.5 million dollars in total apportionments.   Those dollars are then allocated to our seven apportioned funds, which include Africa University, the Black College Fund, the Interdenominational Cooperation Fund, the General Administration Fund, the Ministerial Education Fund, and the World Service Fund.   Our first apportioned fund alphabetically is Africa University. Africa University is one of the great success stories of The United Methodist Church. Under the 2.9 percent conditional base rate the proposed budget for Africa University is $5.1 million dollars and under the 2.6 percent base rate the budget would be $4.9 million dollars.   The next apportioned fund is The Black College Fund. The Black College Fund supports the eleven historically Black colleges in the United States. The proposed budget for this fund under the 2.9 percent conditional base rate is $23.1 million dollars and the proposed Black College Fund base rate under the 2.6 percent rate is $21.9 million dollars. Through your support, together Africa University continues to change lives and develop excellent leaders.    The Episcopal Fund, another of our apportioned funds, provides for the salary, expenses and support of United Methodist episcopal leadership, as well as some ecumenical ministries. Combined with giving from the Regional Conferences, under the 2.9 percent conditional base rate the allocation for the fund is $87.4 million dollars and the proposed Episcopal Fund budget under a 2.6 percent base rate is $82.8 million dollars.    The General Administration Fund finances general Church activities that are specifically administrative in nature, as opposed to those activities which are programmatic, missional, or ecumenical. The General Administration Fund for the quadrennium using the conditional 2.9 percent base rate is $29.9 million dollars when combined with regional conference apportionments. Under the 2.6 percent base rate the General Administration fund is proposed at $28.3 million dollars when combined with regional conference giving.   The Interdenominational Cooperation Fund allows The United Methodist Church to partner with Christian sisters and brothers throughout the world to fulfill a shared ecumenical mission.  Our relationships with ecumenical partners are supported through this Fund. General Conference voted to unrestrict previously designated dollars in the fund, as it had a high level of reserves and a capacity to continue doing its ministry. Under the 2.9 percent conditional base rate, the Interdenominational Cooperation Fund is proposed for funding of $2.4 million dollars and under a 2.6 percent base rate funding would be $2.3 million dollars.   Another apportioned fund is the Ministerial Education Fund. During the life of the Ministerial Education Fund, we have faithfully given more than $900 million to support the work of clergy leadership in our Church. Twenty-five percent of this fund is retained by the annual conferences.  The Ministerial Education Fund proposed budget under the 2.9 percent conditional base rate is $57.9 million dollars and the Ministerial Education Fund proposed budget under the 2.6 percent rate is $54.8 million dollars.   The World Service Fund is the heart of our collective Church ministry.  It funds the work of the Church reaching out into the world.  The World Service Fund provides financial support for the worldwide ministries of our denomination through the ministries of our general Church. The proposed World Service Budget under the 2.9 percent conditional base rate is $167.5 million dollars and the World Service Budget under the 2.6 percent base rate would be $158.5 million dollars.   These seven apportioned funds make up the total general Church budget, and GCFA is thankful to the delegates for their thoughtful consideration during General Conference relating to the budget. Together, we know that our budget isn’t about funding and dollars and cents; rather, the financial support received by The United Methodist Church means spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ and focusing on ministry and mission to people and places where it is needed.

No. 1: World Service Fund When United Methodist congregations give their share of apportioned funds, they participate in God’s work. The World Service Fund is the heart of our collective church ministry. Through this fund... No. 2: Ministerial Education Fund The Ministerial Education Fund was established by action of the 1968 General Conference. Its mission is to engage the membership of the church in an effort to equip annual conferences, theological schools, and... No. 3: The Black College Fund The 1972 General Conference established the Black College Fund as one of the apportioned general church funds. The objective of the fund is to provide financial support for institutions of higher education that have historically... No. 4: Africa University Fund The 1988 General Conference approved the establishment of a United Methodist university on the continent of Africa. By the time the 1992 General Conference convened, the site selection process was complete, the Zimbabwe Annual Conference... No. 5: The Episcopal Fund The 1988 General Conference approved the establishment of a United Methodist university on the continent of Africa. By the time the 1992 General Conference convened, the site selection process was complete, the Zimbabwe Annual Conference... No. 6: General Administration Fund The General Administration Fund (¶ 813) finances general church activities that are specifically administrative in nature. In the 2025-2028 quadrennium, the jurisdictional apportionments for these General Administration Fund activities will... No. 7: Interdenominational Cooperation Fund The Interdenominational Cooperation Fund allows The United Methodist Church to fulfill our disciplinary mandate to continually strive toward... No. 8: Apportionment Formulas The Book of Discipline provides that the General Council on Finance and Administration (GCFA) will recommend the formulas by which all apportionments to the annual conferences shall be... No. 9: General Church Special Sunday Offerings The General Council on Finance and Administration (GCFA), in consultation with the Connectional Table (CT) and the Council of Bishops, makes recommendations to... No. 10: Committee on Audit and Review The Committee on Audit and Review (Committee) of the General Council on Finance and Administration (GCFA) has the principal function of assessing the... No. 11: Directives for the Administration of the General Funds Fixed charges in any of the general funds will be paid as expended within the limits of the approved budgets. However, the General Council on Finance and Administration (GCFA) is... No. 12: Pay Equity in the General Agencies of The United Methodist Church Paragraph 807.12a requires the General Council on Finance and Administration (GCFA) to “gather from all general agencies... No. 13: References from Previous General Conferences The 2016 General Conference referred three petitions (60945, 60946, 60947) to the Connectional Table (CT), the Standing Committee on Regional Conference Matters (Standing Committee), and GCFA. Each... No. 14: General Church Sources of Funding to The General Council on Finance and Administration The General Council on Finance and Administration (GCFA) fulfills a wide variety of oversight responsibilities within The United Methodist Church. Spending by GCFA is in support of... No. 15: Income from The Board of Trustees and the Permanent Fund The General Council on Finance and Administration (GCFA), by action of the 1972 General Conference, serves as the successor to The Board of Trustees of The... No. 16: Report on General Agencies Headquarters/Staff Location Via ¶ 807.6 of the Book of Discipline , the General Conference has assigned the General Council on Finance and Administration (GCFA) the following responsibility... No. 17: The United Methodist Church Foundation Investment Management As we approach the twenty-fifth anniversary of The United Methodist Church Foundation d/b/a Foundation Investment Management (FIM), we are proud to have grown as a ministry of... No. 18: United Methodist Insurance Co., Inc. Since 1976, the General Conference has required the General Council on Finance and Administration (GCFA) to make available a “church-wide [property and liability] insurance program.” The General Conference revisited... No. 19: World Service Specials The Book of Discipline defines a World Service Special as “a designated financial contribution made by an individual, local church, organization, district, or annual conference to a...

The Board of Directors of the General Council on Finance and Administration (GCFA) held its quarterly board meeting November 18, 2022, where it approved spending plans, recommended a base percentage rate for 2025-2028, and learned about a successful technology partnership between UMC Support, GCFA’s ministry services arm, and an annual conference. The 2023 spending plans of the general agencies receiving general Church funds, including GCFA, were approved. World Service fund collection rate assumptions ranged from 60-75%. The spending plans show a 13% decrease in 2023 compared to 2017, and an increase of 11% from 2022. There is projected usage of $11 million of reserves in 2023. The Board also approved the 2023 spending plan of $21.5 million for the Episcopal Fund, as is required each year. Assumptions for the spending plan include a jurisdictional apportionment collection rate of 85% and regional conference collection rate of 50%. Out of 46 Jurisdictional Bishops approved by General Conference, the spending plan reflects 39 active Jurisdictional Bishops, and 20 active Regional Conference Bishops. Additionally, the Board approved a recommendation that will go before the next General Conference to reduce the base percentage for 2025-2028 by 25% as compared to 2017-2020, resulting in a base rate percentage of 2.470069%. This creates a 38.1% reduction in the overall budget compared to 2017-2020. The board also approved allocations for the Episcopal Fund, the General Administration Fund and GCFA’s fixed charges. It voted to reduce the Episcopal Fund by 20%, the General Administration Fund by 29.6%, and GCFA’s fixed charges by 42.7%. These actions result in a 42.3% reduction in the amount available to allocate among the World Service, Interdenominational Cooperation, Africa University, Black College, and the Ministerial Educational Funds, for which The Connectional Table will bring allocation recommendations to GCFA. Beyond approval of budgetary items, the Board also was informed about a partnership between GCFA’s UMC Support Technology Services and the Greater New Jersey Annual Conference. By choosing UMC Support’s IT, the annual conference saved approximately $100,000 a year and has a better file sharing system to save their employees time and frustration. President of the GCFA Board Bishop Michael McKee said, “As we are coming up on a time of Thanksgiving, we are grateful to all the hardworking GCFA staff for input on spending plans and for guiding our finances, among other work. Together, ministry continues as we work to fulfill the important mission of The United Methodist Church as we move forward with conscientious stewardship.”

The Board of the General Council on Finance and Administration met on May 20 to address a matter of significant Connectional importance. The Board wholeheartedly affirmed the need to support initiatives regarding funding in Regional Conferences for theological education. The Board committed to work collaboratively across the United Methodist Connection to make this funding a reality.  The GCFA board received a request per the Book of Discipline  ¶820.3 for a denomination-wide, one-time $35 million special appeal from The Endowment Fund for Theological Education in the Regional Conferences. The Board was extremely supportive for additional theological education funding in our Regional Conferences. As GCFA’s role in approving special appeals is one of fiduciary responsibility, the Board deferred a decision until a revised request is submitted that addresses accountability of oversight of the funds by an audited general Church agency, in conjunction with review of general Church apportionments collections. The Board committed to ongoing conversations across the Connection to bring this initiative to fruition in the future. “Our Board could not be more grateful to Bishop John Schol and members of The Endowment for lifting up this important and life-changing need that will ultimately help the United Methodist Church grow and thrive across the world,” said Board Chair Bishop David Graves. “We look forward to successful conversations across the Connection to make this funding a reality.”

August 15, 2025 – The General Council on Finance and Administration (GCFA) of The United Methodist Church convened its most recent virtual board meeting on August 15.  As part of GCFA’s commitment to living into the Connection and supporting The United Methodist Church at a worldwide level, the Board of Directors approved the establishment of a Regional Conferences Litigation Fund to better support litigation of denominational significance in the Regional Conferences.  Continuing GCFA’s dedication to serving worldwide ministries, the Board also approved funding for a quadrennial stewardship training event to be held this October in Manila, with participants chosen and invited by the area Bishops. This training will be modeled after GCFA’s successful African quadrennial stewardship training that occurred in July.  The Board of Directors also approved recommendations regarding employee benefits for the General Agencies of The United Methodist Church (GAUMC). For the plan year 2026, a 6.5% increase in medical benefit premiums was approved. While any increase is challenging, it is important to note that this is the lowest renewal rate in the broker’s entire book of business, and it stands as the only single-digit increase among their portfolio. Other benefits, including vision and dental plans, saw little to no increase. This stability is a positive outcome of the collective efforts and wise stewardship across the agencies.  For further information about GCFA’s initiatives, or to learn more about GCFA’s work and mission, please visit www.gcfa.org/about . We remain grateful for the ongoing partnership of our agencies, annual conferences, and local churches as we journey together toward a vibrant future for The United Methodist Church worldwide.

GCFA Releases 2023 Financial Update: A Journey Through the United Methodist Church's Fiscal Landscape As anticipation of the upcoming General Conference, the General Council on Finance and Administration (GCFA) proudly announces the "2023 Financial Update" for The United Methodist Church. This comprehensive recap offers members a passport to understanding the fiscal journey that shaped our past year. Key Highlights Include: 1. 2023 Jurisdictional Apportionments:  Gain insights into the evolution of jurisdictional apportionments. 2. General Funds Collection Rate:  Explore the general funds collection efforts. 3. Regional Conference Apportionments:  Understand the allocation of apportionments in regional conferences. 4. Annual Apportionment Collection:  Learn about changes in annual apportionment collections. 5. Total Allocated Apportionments:  Get a holistic view of the total apportionments allocated throughout the denomination. "Our 2023 Financial Update is a testament to our commitment to transparency and accountability within The United Methodist Church," said Rev. Moses Kumar, General Secretary of GCFA.

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 Regional Conferences, reflecting a 43% reduction in the Jurisdictional budget and a 10% reduction in the Regional 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 .

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 the three Episcopal Areas of the Philippines. Attendees included Bishops, treasurers, Council on Finance and Administration (CF&A) chairs, communicators, annual conference secretaries, and a chancellor.  The training, part of GCFA’s ongoing Connection-wide stewardship initiative, focused on strengthening financial and administrative practices within the Connection. Sessions offered in-depth instruction on updates to The Book of Discipline  and emphasized faithful stewardship of finance, giving best practices, and data.  “We are deeply grateful to GCFA for coming to the Philippines at such a critical time in the life of the church. Their presence is a powerful affirmation that the Philippines Regional Conference is part of the worldwide connection of the church,” said Bishop Ruby-Nell Estrella, Resident Bishop of the Manila Episcopal Area. “This training is more than administrative work – it’s a renewal of a sacred calling. When we seek God’s Kingdom first, budgets become testimonies of God’s provision; journals and reports become stories of faith and fruitfulness, and leadership becomes a reflection of the faithful stewardship of Christ himself.”    Rooted in Jesus Christ, the gathering was marked by a spirit of worship, fellowship, and collaboration. Participants engaged in interactive workshops, shared local best practices, and explored strategies to strengthen the financial, administrative, and missional vitality of their respective conferences.  “The dedication and energy of the leaders gathered here in the Philippines was both humbling and inspiring,” said Rev. Shelia Ahler , Chairperson of the General Agency and Episcopal Matters Committee of the GCFA Board of Directors, who also volunteered her time leading sessions on accounting, budgeting, and auditing.  “Their commitment to stewardship and transparency reflects the heart of our shared mission to support the Church’s ministries in every context.”  GCFA General Secretary Rev. Moses Kumar  expressed appreciation for the participants’ active engagement and for the partnership of the Philippines College of Bishops in making the event possible. “GCFA is committed to helping strengthen stewardship across the Connection,” Kumar said. “We are deeply grateful for the leadership and witness of the Church in the Philippines. Personally, I also want to express gratitude to those who gave their time to travel to Manila, including Rev. Shelia, Ahler; Rev. Dr. Aleze Fulbright, Secretary of the General Conference; GCFA Chief Communications Officer Brandy M. Bivens; GCFA Connectional Relations Regional Conferences Manager Ndzulo Tueche; GCFA Video Producer J.P. Penrod, and GCFA Travel and Meeting Planner Brittany Combs.   The event included plenary sessions and workshops on general agency resources, financial reporting, data stewardship, and administrative best practices, as well as opportunities for participants to engage directly with GCFA leaders.  For more information about the General Council on Finance and Administration and its ongoing work, please visit www.gcfa.org .  Media Contact:   Brandy Bivens  Chief Communications Officer General Council on Finance and Administration  Phone: 615-369-2338  Email: bbivens@gcfa.org

PRESS RELEASE General Council on Finance and Administration FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE August 18, 2023 Contact: Brandy M. Bivens 615-369-2338 bbivens@gcfa.org GCFA Reports Medical Costs Savings; Board of Directors Approve Employees Benefits for General Agencies, Episcopal Salaries Nashville, Tennessee – The Board of Directors of the General Council on Finance and Administration (GCFA) met virtually on Friday, August 18, 2023, to discuss and approve several key recommendations related to employee benefits for the General Agencies of The United Methodist Church (GAUMC). The meeting resulted in decisions aimed at enhancing the well-being of employees and optimizing healthcare costs within the organization. For 2024, the Board approved a minimal increase at 0.6% of the health and welfare plans, resulting in no increase to employee participant’s premiums. The Board also approved a recommendation to bundle dental and vision insurance with the medical plan, resulting in cost savings for both of those benefits. The decrease in medical costs in 2023 from 2022 was a remarkable decrease of 22.2%. This decrease can be attributed to wellness programs effectively implemented by GAUMC, which represents an estimated savings of more than $126,000 on medical claims. The Board also approved a 5% adjustment to the salary scale for GAUMC employees starting next year. This religious nonprofit market-based adjustment is to the salary scale only and does not automatically create individual salary increases, as salaries of agencies are set by the individual agencies themselves. This increase to the salary scale brings GAUMC closer inline, although still behind, the religious nonprofit market, to accommodate inflation and other economic factors. The Board also set the amounts for the 2024 Episcopal salaries, which will see a 2% increase in the Jurisdictional and Regional Conferences. Episcopal office and housing allowances next year remain the same. The General Council on Finance and Administration coordinates and administers financial resources, safeguards the legal interests, and rights of the Church, and provides administrative resources to enable the fulfillment of the mission of The United Methodist Church. To learn more about UMC Support, sign up for our monthly newsletter, The Collaborator or visit www.gcfa.org/services/.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE November 17, 2023 Contact: Brandy Bivens 615-369-2338 bbivens@gcfa.org Nashville, Tennessee – The Board of Directors of the General Council on Finance and Administration (GCFA) held its quarterly board meeting virtually November 17, 2023, where it approved spending plans and received an update on the quadrennial budget process ahead of General Conference. The 2024 spending plans of the general agencies receiving general Church funds, including GCFA, were approved. The total spending in the 2024 plans show a decline of 15% compared to 2017. Reserve changes were reviewed for each agency. Overall unrestricted reserves are projected to increase by $3.2 million in 2023 and decline by $9.2 million in 2024. All but two agencies are projecting a decline in reserves, but each agency has sufficient reserves to accommodate their spending plans. The Board also approved the 2024 spending plan of $24.8 million for the Episcopal Fund, as is required each year. Assumptions for the spending plan include a jurisdictional apportionment collection rate of 85% and regional conference collection rate of 50%. The spending plan also includes a 3% increase in salary and office allowances for all Bishops, while the housing allowances will remain at 2023 levels. The Board also approved continuing a stipend through August 2024 for active Bishops serving more than one area, at $2500 a month, as having nine active bishops serving in interim roles represents a savings of $1.45 million. The Board also received an update on next steps in the quadrennial budget process. The GCFA Board will meet in February 2024 to approve an updated budget, once year-end statistics, including disaffiliation, are known. Following that meeting, GCFA and The Connectional Table will meet to discuss allocations, and the final budget as recommended will be presented in committee and plenary at the General Conference, which starts April 23, 2024. The Board also affirmed the intention to begin reinstating the housing and office allowances to the East Africa Episcopal Area when the General Board of Global Ministries (GBGM) informs GCFA that adequate progress has been made on an agreement between Bishop Wandabula and GBGM. # # # # # The General Council on Finance and Administration coordinates and administers financial resources, safeguards the legal interests, and rights of the Church, and provides administrative resources to enable the fulfillment of the mission of The United Methodist Church. UMC Support is GCFA’s Ministry Support Services division, providing solutions and sustaining ministries in the areas of Communications and Marketing, Human Resources, Technology, Finance, Copyright, Ministry Partnerships, and Travel and Meeting Planning. To learn more about UMC Support, sign up for our monthly newsletter, The Collaborator Follow us on Facebook and visit us at our website!