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Calling all General Conference attendees! Get ready for an extraordinary experience with our exclusive GCFA General Conference Travel Package, carefully crafted just for you by our Senior Travel and Meeting Manager, Brittany Combs! For more information on how we can support your ministry through travel and meeting planning, click here.

This 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.

This 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.

This 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.

Did you know that 90% of cyber-attacks stem from email phishing? Our digital protection checklist is your frontline of defense in strengthening your ministry's email security. From multi-factor authentication to advanced threat protection, our checklist will help you navigate the digital landscape securely. Protect your congregation and maintain the integrity of your ministry's operation today! For more information on how we can support your ministry through technology, click here.

Celebrate the season of love with our collection of free graphics infused with Bible verses about love! This Valentine's Day, adorn your ministry's outreach with the essence of love rooted in biblical teachings. Download now and illuminate hearts with the warmth of God's love. For more information on how we can support your ministry through communications, click here

Your Strategic Guide to Destination Selection: Choosing the Perfect Meeting Location Planning an event requires careful consideration of several factors to guarantee a successful affair. In this guide, we'll walk you through essential elements to consider when selecting the perfect destination for your meeting. 1. Time of Year: Does your event coincide with the city’s peak travel season or off-season? Note that hotel rates tend to be higher during the peak season. 2. Weather: Keep in mind the season and weather conditions during the chosen month. Be aware of potential challenges, such as hurricane season or blizzards, that may impact travel. 3. Accessible Destination: Evaluate the ease of access to the chosen city by plane or car. Will the meeting be held in a large metropolitan city or a rural town? Assess transportation options, including direct flights, and factor in potential city traffic. 4. Exploration Destination: Check if the city offers attractions, shopping, and restaurants within walking distance or a short drive. Consider whether the destination is more rural, limiting attendees' ability to explore without a mode of transportation. 5. Parking: Does the venue have sufficient parking to accommodate all attendees? Inquire about valet and/or self-parking options. Does the venue charge for parking? If so, explore discounts or complimentary options. 6. Venue: Assess the size of the venue's ballroom to ensure it can accommodate your general session in the desired seating arrangement. Will the group need to reuse the ballroom for meals or are alternative rooms available to host meals? Does the venue have enough meeting space to accommodate all events (breakouts, general sessions, meals, etc.)? 7. Food and Beverage: Check if the venue offers in-house catering and whether the menu aligns with your group's budget. Inquire about policies regarding outside food or beverage. Will the group have any off-site meals they need to organize? Consider in conjunction with the exploration aspect. 8. Transportation: Determine if shuttles will be provided to and from the airport or for off-site events. Are transportation services easy or difficult to arrange? Check the availability of public transportation options in the chosen destination (Uber, train, bus, etc.) Examining all aspects, from exploration opportunities to weather conditions, will bring you closer to a seamless experience for all attendees. Ready for a new approach? Let us handle the logistics! Contact UMC Support at ConnectionalRelations@gcfa.org to begin planning an event that transcends the ordinary. Dive into our curated selection of the top 10 Annual Conference planning resources here.

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 Central 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...

One of the most frequently asked questions at our Help Desk involves passwords. Watch this short video and protect your ministry! For more information on how we can support your ministry through technology, click here

The Western North Carolina Annual Conference has developed a helpful checklist for local churches to protect their local finances. Thanks to Western North Carolina Annual Conference for developing a handy Checklist for Protection of Church Finances!

Discover the key to crafting a robust IT budget for your ministry. Leverage cost optimization, grants, and more!

New Year, New Approach to Annual Conference Planning. As the New Year unfolds, so do the opportunities to bring your conference together in a powerful way. Hosting an annual conference is not just an event; it's a chance to connect, collaborate, and cultivate a vision for the future. To ensure your annual conference is a resounding success, UMC Support’s Travel and Meeting Planning team is here to guide you through the entire process. If you’re ready to elevate your annual conference planning this year, look no further. A Quick Guide to Planning Your Annual Conference with UMC Support: Step 1: Define Your Objectives and Budget: Articulate the purpose of your annual conference and establish a realistic budget. Our team can assist in crafting a strategic plan that aligns with your goals but also maximizes financial efficiency. Step 2: Choose the Right Format: Decide whether an in-person, virtual, or hybrid event best suits your conference’s needs. We'll help you navigate the pros and cons of each format to create a memorable experience. Step 3: Selecting the Perfect Venue: With an extensive network of venues and hotels, our team will assist you in finding the ideal space that accommodates your conference’s size, logistical considerations, and budget constraints. UMC Support’s certified, faith-based planners and attorneys can expertly review and negotiate contracts on your behalf to save you a fortune! Step 4: Streamlined Registration Process: Ensure a seamless experience for everyone involved, from organizers to participants. Utilize our advanced event management software to effortlessly handle registrations, track attendance, and communicate with attendees. Seize the opportunity to plan an unforgettable annual conference this New Year! Let UMC Support's expert Travel and Meeting Planning department handle logistics from start to finish so you can focus on the spiritual growth and connection that your annual conference deserves. Get Started Today! Ready to bring your vision to life with precision and purpose? Contact UMC Support to begin planning an annual conference that transcends the ordinary at ConnectionalRelations@gcfa.org. Explore Our Resources! Dive into our top 10 Annual Conference planning resources here.