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GCFA Releases Quarterly General Church Finances; Issues Report Via Video Nashville, Tennessee – The General Council on Finance and Administration (GCFA) of the United Methodist Church has released the financial updates on general Church apportionment collections through the first quarter of 2023. The report – both written and in video form - shows an increase in collection rates for the year-to-date Apportionment Collections through March 2023 compared to the same time last year. The reports can be found at www.gcfa.org/reports . Issuing the quarterly report via video is part of GCFA's efforts to make the current state of the church finances more transparent and available to all. "We recognize the importance of transparency and accountability in financial matters. We wanted to make these quarterly videos to provide easy access to financial updates for everyone," said GCFA's General Secretary, Rev. Moses Kumar. The Jurisdictional Apportionments collection rate is 10.3%, which is 1% higher than last year. The World Service Fund collection rate is 9.8%, which is 0.9% higher compared to 2022. The General Administration Fund collection rate is 10%, which is 1% higher compared to 2022. The Episcopal Fund collection rate is 12.9%, which is 1% higher compared to 2022. The report also looked at the Regional Conference Apportionments and revealed that overall collections are down 0.3% compared to the same time in 2022. In total, the 2023 collection rate is down 15% compared to 2017 but up 7% compared to 2022. The total 2023 apportionments allocated to the Annual Conferences are 4% less compared to 2022 and 2% less compared to 2017. 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 brand, offering quality ministry services to The United Methodist Connection in the areas of Communications , Copyright Consultation , Event Sponsorship Support , Finance , Human Resources , Information Technology , and Travel and Meeting Planning . UMC Support also has a vetted ministry partner program , offering discounts and savings programs to ministries in the Connection.

Nashville, Tennessee – On February 17, 2023, the winter meeting of GCFA’s Board of Directors was held virtually. GCFA’s General Secretary and Treasurer Rev. Moses Kumar announced seven jurisdictional annual conferences paid their apportionments in full: California-Nevada, Dakotas, New England, Oklahoma Indian Missionary, Central Appalachian Missionary (formerly Red Bird Missionary), New York, and Wisconsin. Also announced were nine episcopal areas in the Regional Conferences who paid their apportionments in full, including Davao, East Congo, Liberia, Mozambique, Eastern Angola, Germany, Eurasia, Nordic-Baltic, and Central and Southern Europe. In addition, 32 annual conferences and nine Regional Conference episcopal areas paid 75% or more of their apportionments. Kumar praised their generosity, saying “We are so incredibly thankful to these conferences and Episcopal areas, and their members. Giving is one of the ways we are in ministry with one other, a true connection. United Methodism is built on the foundation of Jesus Christ and the commandment to help your neighbor – not just in your community but for the transformation of the world. These dollars give us the ability to fulfill that mission.” Kumar also announced the release of GCFA’s 2022 Impact Report , which is the agency’s annual year in review announcement. That report includes the stabilization of giving rates throughout the Connection, including a .7% increase in World Service giving compared to 2021, bringing funding levels to 73.2%. The Episcopal Fund was down less than one percent, with a 92.9 % giving rate. The General Administration fund showed the least change at a 0.2% increase from 2021, for a total of a 75.7% giving rate. GCFA tracks giving rates along with fulfilling its other duties as mandated by The Book of Discipline , which are paid for with apportionment dollars. GCFA also announced that it offset expenses by more than 30% with revenue derived from both its successful ministry partner program and its ministry services brand, UMC Support . UMC Support offers quality administrative services to individual United Methodist ministries, often at a lower cost than secular vendors. The agency reported a surplus to end the year, according to unaudited preliminary figures.

Let's face it, there are a lot of acronyms used in The United Methodist Church. Whether you're new to the church or were raised in it from youth, it can be hard to keep up with all these UMC acronyms. We've created a guide that will help you! AGI - Agency Group Insurance Manages the benefits for all agencies BMCR - Black Methodists for Church Renewal To raise up prophetic and spiritual leaders who will be advocates for the unique needs of Black people in The United Methodist Church BOD - Book of Discipline This is the instrument for setting forth the laws, plan, polity, and process by which United Methodists govern themselves remains constant. It reflects the understanding of the Church and articulates the mission of the UMC (To make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. The Discipline defines what is expected of its laity and clergy as they seek to be effective witnesses in the world as a part of the whole body of Christ. COB - Council of Bishops According to the Book of Discipline, "The Church expects the Council of Bishops to speak to the Church and from the Church to the world and to give leadership in the quest for Christian unity and inter-religious relationships."[Paragraph 427.2] CPPP - Committee on Personnel Policies & Procedures Referred to as 'C3P'. This is a committee that decides on policies & procedures. All agencies have a voting representation in this committee. CT - Connection Table Facilitates the Church's program life as determined by the General Conference. Its task is to discern and articulate the vision for the Church and to facilitate the stewardship of the mission, ministries and resources of The UMC. The Connectional Table evaluates how effectively the general program-related agencies carry out the mission and ministry of the church as they work with annual conferences and local churches to fulfill the church’s mission to make disciples for the transformation of the world. CRSP - Clergy Retirement Security Program Provides both defined contribution (DC) and defined benefit (DB) components. DAC - Denominational Average Compensation Years of service as clergy other than as a bishop. DM - General Board of Discipleship Focuses on the local church, helping congregations to win converts to the Christian faith; connects leaders with needed resourcing, training, consulting and networking that support spiritual formation through Upper Room Ministries, new church development, revitalization of local churches, young people's ministries and materials for use in central conferences. EAC - Economic Advisory Committee This is a committee that performs economic analysis and advises the Board on economic decisions. United Methodist Church Acronyms FACT - Financial Analysis Consulting Teams Groups of agency staff and retired bishops who help guide interested annual conferences through a process of understanding, analysis, and assessment of their short and long term financial condition and organizational needs. FCPA - US Foreign Corrupt Practices Act The Foreign Corrupt Practices Act of 1977 is a United States federal law that prohibits U.S. citizens and entities from bribing foreign government officials to benefit their business interests. GAEM - General Agency & Episcopal Matters This is a committee that manages anything to do with the Bishops. GAUMC - General Agencies of the UMC Created by the General Conference and administer or carry out the programs and directives adopted by General Conference. GBCS - General Board of Church and Society Promotes the church's Social Principles & other statements on social justice made by General Conference; analyzes long-range social trends underlying ethical values, systemic alternatives and strategies for social change. GBGM - General Board of Global Ministries Enables congregations and annual conferences to participate in mission activity; recruits, sends and receives missionaries across racial, cultural, national and political boundaries. GBHEM - General Board of Higher Education and Ministry Prepares men and women for ordained and other designated ministries in United Methodism; represents church in higher education; develops standards and procedures for certification in ministry careers. GBOPHB - General Board of Pension and Health Benefits Administers the UMLife Options Life Insurance; disability of an active bishop, surviving spouse and depending children benefit, educational benefit for the regional conference bishops as determined by the policies and procedures adopted by GCFA. GCAH - General Commission on Archives and History Cares for the historical interests of the UMC; gathers, preserves and disseminates archival materials; maintains archives & libraries to preserve the church's records for responsible public & scholarly use. GCCUIC (now OCUIR) - General Commission on Christian Unity and Inter-religious Concerns Advocates for ecumenical relationships with other faith communities; seeks to help United Methodists to realize the church's ecumenical commitment-to understand their membership in the one church of Jesus Christ; seeks to discern and advocate God's plan for the unity of the human community. GCOM - General Council on Ministries This body was dissolved. General agencies seeking approval for relocation of headquarters or staff bring the case for relocation before both GCFA and the CT in separate actions. GCFA - General Council on Finance & Administration Coordinates and administers finances of the UMC in accord with General Conference legislative actions…receives, disburses and accounts for the church's general funds, safeguards the church's legal interests and rights. Perform defined responsibilities of review and oversight on behalf of the General Conference in relation to the other general agencies and to perform other assigned functions. Functions as the Board of Trustees of The UMC. GCORR/GCRR - General Commission on Religion and Race Challenges the entire church; and all its agencies and related institutions to the full and equal participation of racial and ethnic minority constituencies in the church's life and mission; strives to ensure inclusiveness through advocacy, counseling, consulting and investigating. GCSRW (COSROW) - General Commission on the Status and Role of Women Challenges United Methodists to work toward the full and equal responsibility and participation of women in the church's life and ministry; serves as an advocate for women; individually and collectively within the church; develops policies and strategies to address and eradicate all form of sexism-including sexual harassment; seeks creative methods to rectify past inequities and to prevent future discrimination and develops guidelines for language in our churches that is inclusive of all persons and reflective of the fullness of God. GCUMM - General Commission on United Methodist Men Coordinates resources on evangelism, mission, stewardship, spiritual development and men's role in society; trains UM Men Leaders; serves as a clearinghouse for chartering information, funding and programming ideas and related issues facing UM Men groups - at local, conference and district levels. MARCHA - Methodists Associated Representing the Cause of Hispanic Americans This is the Hispanic/Latino caucus within UMC. UMCom - United Methodist Communications Seeks to increase awareness of the mission and ministries of the UMC in communities and nations around the world; works to meet the strategic communications, public relations and marketing needs of the global church in order to invite people into relationship with Jesus Christ and advance ministries that change lives; manages the denomination's official website UMC.org UMCOR - United Methodist Committee on Relief The denomination's designated mission-giving channel. UMI - United Methodist Insurance Company, Inc. GCFA formed UMI in April 2011 as successor to UMPACT. The company began retaining risk in Oct 2011 on selected lines of coverage. UMI retains risk, issues policies, collects premium, pays claims, and is subject to federal and state regulation. United Methodist Church Acronyms UMITA - United Methodist Information Technology Association Provides professional networking, resources, and knowledge to empower its members to provide technological leadership in the mission, ministry, and administration of the church. UMW - United Methodist Women, now United Women In Faith Focuses on ministries with women, children and youth. United Methodist Women also support programs and projects aimed at improving the special needs of women because of their refugee statuses, their immigration statuses, situations in which they are abused, their high illiteracy rate in some countries, their economic dependence, their educational disparities, and much more. UMPACT - United Methodist Property and Casualty Trust Serves as the primary vehicle through which GCFA responds to its Disciplinary mandate regarding insurance. It is a non-profit, member-owned, captive insurance company owned and capitalized by the annual conferences and agencies that participate and provides various insurance coverages to annual conferences and agencies of the UMC. After 29 years of UMIP (United Methodist Insurance Program), GCFA formed the UMPACT. UMPH - UM Publishing House Distributes all the official publications, records and forms of the denomination, publishes books through Abingdon Press, and operates Cokesbury retail and online stores, mail order service. It also publishes and distributes church school materials and resources throughout the denomination; functions as a fully self-supporting agency. Advances Christianity throughout the world by publishing and distributing resources to support the work, ministry and mission of clergy, seminarians, Christian educators and laity in The UMC and the broader Christian community; functions as a fully self-supporting agency; provides, through Cokesbury, a vast array of products and services to individuals and congregations, including altar ware, church furniture, etc. from a variety of publishers. UMVIM - United Methodist Volunteers in Mission A GBGM Project. United Methodist Volunteers in Mission (UMVIM) is a short-term mission agency of the United Methodist Church. UMVIM exists to promote, encourage and enable Christians to exemplify “Christian Love in Action” through short-term mission service locally, nationally and internationally. WCC - World Council of Churches Founded in 1948, includes 349 member communions throughout the world representing over 560 million Christians.

Nashville, Tennessee – The Board of Directors of the General Council on Finance and Administration (GCFA) held its summer board meeting virtually on August 18, 2022 and approved a resolution designating funds from a recent property sale, among other action items. GCFA recently sold its headquarters at 1 Music Circle N. in Nashville and has moved into 1908 Grand Avenue, sharing space next to the Discipleship Ministries, the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry, and Africa University Development Office, among others. GCFA received $12.7 million in proceeds from the sale, and the board approved designations for the proceeds, including missional investment in the form of innovative training events and retreats for church leaders, future long-term capital expenditures, and operational expenses. The first innovative training event, called ‘Refresh. Renew. Recenter,’ is a clergy wellness retreat also funded in part through a Lilly Foundation grant in conjunction with Wespath. These events are focused on the five pillars of well-being, including physical, spiritual, mental, social, and financial wellness, and GCFA anticipates planning more of these in partnership with annual conferences and other agencies. “We bring a spirit of thankfulness for our local pastors who are doing the front lines work of making disciples,” said Rev. Moses Kumar, GCFA’s General Secretary and Treasurer said. “We look forward to seeing the fruit of this and other innovative events to refresh and restore our valued clergy.” Based on financial and economic data available, the Board voted to increase Episcopal salaries and office grants in the Jurisdictional and Regional Conferences by 4% in 2023 and voted to maintain the current level of housing grant for 2023. In addition, the Board received an update regarding GCFA’s annual conference survey, which had a response rate of more than 90%. The survey results estimate an anticipated reduction in local church expenditures due to church disaffiliation or closure. A 21.3% net expenditure reduction was forecasted through 2025. Similarly, the Economic Advisory Committee projected a decline in the apportionment base by 24% through the next quadrennium from 2022 levels. “The GCFA Board thanks the Economic Advisory Committee and annual conference leadership for their invaluable input in helping forecast our denominational finances,” GCFA Board President Bishop Michael McKee said. “We are grateful for United Methodist faithful who continue to give generously to United Methodist churches and the connection.”

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 Conferences. The General Church Finance Report  initiative aligns with our mission to support the fulfillment of the Church's mission through responsible financial and administrative ministries. Our vision to be a trusted administrative resource for The United Methodist Church underscores our commitment to facilitating Christian mission and ministry globally. The quarterly videos serve to embody our core values: promoting fiscal integrity, strategic alliance building, and adherence to our historic United Methodist traditions and disciplines.

The GCFA has published the denominational financial results for the first half of 2025 for The United Methodist Church 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 Conferences. The General Church Finance Report  initiative aligns with our mission to support the fulfillment of the Church's mission through responsible financial and administrative ministries. Our vision to be a trusted administrative resource for The United Methodist Church underscores our commitment to facilitating Christian mission and ministry globally. The quarterly videos serve to embody our core values: promoting fiscal integrity, strategic alliance building, and adherence to our historic United Methodist traditions and disciplines.

General Church Finance Report  initiative aligns with our mission to support the fulfillment of the Church's mission through responsible financial and administrative ministries. Our vision to be a trusted administrative resource for The United Methodist Church underscores our commitment to facilitating Christian mission and ministry globally. The quarterly videos serve to embody our core values: promoting fiscal integrity, strategic alliance building, and adherence to our historic United Methodist traditions and disciplines.

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. Watch the recording or download the presentation to begin building safer, more resilient systems. Webinar Highlights For Protecting Your Church Online: Why churches are increasingly targeted due to limited resources, outdated systems, and the sensitive data ministries hold. Real-world examples of church cyberattacks, including ransomware, impersonation scams, and data breaches. How to build a culture of cybersecurity, including routine conversations and designating a cybersecurity champion. Core best practices such as strong passwords, MFA, phishing awareness, and ransomware prevention. Maintaining secure systems by keeping software up to date and ensuring volunteers and staff follow safe digital habits. Creating dependable data backup routines, including off-site options and regular restoration testing. Recovery strategies after a cyber incident, emphasizing clear response plans and fast restoration of operations. Panel insights from GCFA’s CIO Sharon Asmus and Technology Services Manager Rob Jett. If your church is looking for affordable, year-round cybersecurity and IT support, the UMC Support Tech Value Pack offers a simple, cost-effective way to secure your computers, safeguard sensitive data, and get reliable help when you need it. It includes: 24/7 monitoring Antivirus and advanced security protections Cloud backup for your ministry files Help desk support And more—all tailored for United Methodist churches Related Links: Create and Use Strong Passwords - National Cybersecurity Alliance​ What is Multifactor Authentication (MFA) and Why Should You Use It? - National Cybersecurity Alliance​ What Is Phishing and How To Avoid It - National Cybersecurity Alliance​ How to Update Your Software - National Cybersecurity Alliance

on ¶ 404.2 of The Book of Discipline Media Contact: Brandy M. Bivens bbivens@gcfa.org 615-403-3514 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Nashville, TN  — 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 Discipline, 2020/2024 , with full support of this request by the leadership of the Interjurisdictional Committee on Episcopacy. GCFA’s intent is to ask the Judicial Council to issue a declaratory decision to resolve these questions in a clear and consistent manner that supports faithful administration of the Discipline across the denomination. The questions and brief to the Judicial Council can be found here . “This request reflects our commitment to transparency, clarity, and responsible stewardship,” said GCFA General Secretary Moses Kumar. “GCFA wishes to carry out the intent of our General Conference delegates faithfully and efficiently.” GCFA brings this request in a spirit of collaboration, seeking to ensure that all parties have a shared understanding of their responsibilities under ¶ 404.2 and the time necessary to carry them out faithfully. Leadership of the Interjurisdictional Committee on Episcopacy is supportive of the request for greater clarity. “We have appreciated the collaborative work with GCFA and other church leaders as we seek to interpret ¶ 404.2 as amended by the General Conference. We look forward to the guidance of the Judicial Council in response to this request,” said Rev. Kim Ingram, Interjurisdictional Committee on Episcopacy Chairperson. “Over the past year, the Interjurisdictional Committee on Episcopacy, the individual Jurisdictional Committees on Episcopacy, and related task forces have been actively engaged in fulfilling the mandates of The Book of Discipline and ensuring the provision of necessary episcopal leadership for the coming quadrennium. This work will continue in the months ahead as we remain committed to faithful discernment together.” ### About GCFA The General Council on Finance and Administration (GCFA) is the administrative agency of The United Methodist Church responsible for ensuring financial integrity and providing support services that strengthen the connectional ministries of the Church. About the Interjurisdictional Committee on Episcopacy The Interjurisdictional Committee on Episcopacy is elected by the General Conference, consisting of the individual members of the respective Jurisdictional Committees on Episcopacy. The Interjurisdictional Committee on Episcopacy is tasked with recommending to the General Conference the total number of bishops to be elected within the jurisdictions based on missional reasons according to the process outlined in Par 404.2, Par. 513, and Par. 525 of The Book of Discipline.

What are the best ways for your ministry be found online? In this webinar from the General Council on Finance and Administration (GCFA) , we explore four practical ways churches can build an effective online presence —even with limited staff, time, or technical expertise. This session is designed for church leaders, pastors, communicators, and administrators  who want their church to be more welcoming, better connected, and easier to be found online. In this webinar you’ll learn: How Find-a-Church directories  help people discover your congregation The pros and cons of all-in-one church platforms  for websites, giving, and communication How churches use social media  as a first point of connection When church website builders or custom websites  make sense for long-term growth A key takeaway: there is no one-size-fits-all solution . The best church online presence depends on your ministry’s size, capacity, and goals—and this webinar helps you choose a path that fits where you are now while preparing for what’s next.

December 4, 2025  Nashville, TN – The General Council on Finance and Administration (GCFA) of The United Methodist Church is pleased to announce Switcher Studio as an official Ministry Partner.   Switcher Studio empowers churches of all sizes to produce professional-quality livestreams using equipment they already own, such as iPhones and iPads. With easy multi-camera streaming, customizable graphics, and seamless editing capabilities, Switcher Studio helps congregations share worship, events, and ministry moments with excellence—regardless of budget or tech experience. The platform also supports remote participation, social media integration, and volunteer-friendly workflows, making it a valuable resource for churches seeking to broaden their connection both inside and beyond their walls.  “At Switcher, we believe technology should empower — not complicate — the work of ministry,” said Nick Mattingly, CEO of Switcher. “Partnering with the United Methodist General Council on Finance and Administration allows us to help churches of every size extend their reach and share their message of hope in meaningful, creative ways.”  This partnership underscores GCFA’s ongoing effort to provide trusted, practical solutions that help ministries thrive. By partnering with Switcher Studio, GCFA is expanding the range of high-value digital tools available to local churches, empowering them to communicate effectively and grow their reach in an increasingly online world.  “GCFA is committed to serving United Methodist churches with resources that strengthen ministry and support their mission in the world. Partnering with Switcher Studio enables us to extend that support into the digital space—helping congregations share the Gospel and engage their communities with excellence. Together, we are equipping churches with tools that make real and lasting impact,” said GCFA’s General Secretary Rev. Moses Kumar.   To learn more about Switcher Studio and explore how their livestreaming tools can support your congregation’s ministry, visit https://www.gcfa.org/switcher .     About GCFA  The General Council on Finance and Administration (GCFA) of The United Methodist Church provides stewardship, administrative, and financial services that support the connectional ministries of the Church. GCFA is committed to resourcing United Methodist congregations and agencies with tools that strengthen mission, enhance accountability, and support ministry at every level of the denomination.  About Switcher Studio  Switcher Studio is a leading livestreaming and video-creation platform that enables users to produce professional-quality content using iPhones and iPads. Designed to be accessible, flexible, and affordable, Switcher Studio serves churches, nonprofits, creators, and organizations around the world as they share their stories and connect with their communities. For more information, visit switcherstudio.com .

Nashville, TN — November 13, 2025 — The General Council on Finance and Administration (GCFA) of The United Methodist Church convened for its final in-person meeting of the year, addressing critical financial matters as the denomination navigates ongoing fiscal challenges.  During the meeting, GCFA approved all general agency spending plans for the upcoming year, ensuring continued support for the ministries and operations that serve the global connection. In addition, GCFA adopted the spending plan for the Episcopal Fund. The approved plan includes no salary increases and no changes to existing office and housing allowances for Bishops, reflecting GCFA’s commitment to responsible stewardship during a time of financial constraint.  The agency also heard an update during the General Secretary’s remarks regarding the denomination-wide campaign, United In Impact. The campaign seeks to educate members on United Methodist ministry happening at every level of the Church, while demonstrating the denomination’s ability to adapt and thrive.  “We are committed to transparency and fiscal responsibility,” said GCFA General Secretary Moses Kumar. “While these are difficult times, we believe that through collaboration and faithful stewardship, The United Methodist Church will overcome these challenges and continue its mission.”  GCFA reaffirmed its dedication to supporting the Church’s ministries while maintaining prudent financial practices. As the denomination moves forward, GCFA will continue to monitor economic trends and provide guidance to ensure sustainability.