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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 central 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 Central 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 central conference apportionments. Under the 2.6 percent base rate the General Administration fund is proposed at $28.3 million dollars when combined with central 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.

Optimizing Sponsorship and Exhibitor Relations for Ministry Events Strong relationships with sponsors or exhibitors can provide valuable financial support and exposure opportunities. Cultivating successful partnerships is crucial; however, it requires thoughtful planning, effective communication, and strategic execution. Explore UMC Support's pivotal strategies for optimizing relationships to attract partners eager to invest in your ministry's mission. 1.Optimal Placement and Visibility: Strategically positioning sponsors in high-traffic areas to maximize exposure is vital. Ensuring easily accessible, prime placement within the event venue will enhance the value proposition for sponsors and facilitate meaningful interactions with attendees. 2. Timely Communication: Just like in life, effective communication is vital! Providing timely information about upcoming events allows potential partners ample time to plan and allocate resources accordingly, increasing the likelihood of their participation. This will demonstrate the professionalism and commitment necessary for a lasting partnership. 3. Comprehensive Sponsorship Packages: Gone are the days of offering only booth space as a sponsorship opportunity. Your ministry should develop comprehensive packages that go beyond physical presence, including space on the registration website, logo visibility in promotional materials, and opportunities for video presentations during breaks. Cater to the unique needs and preferences of potential sponsors whenever possible! 4. Audience Size and Demographics: Transparently communicating the size and demographics of the event's audience is essential in attracting sponsors. Potential sponsors need to understand the event's reach and relevance to make informed decisions about their participation. 5. Diverse Sponsorship Avenues: Your ministry should consider offering additional sponsorship avenues to accommodate varying levels of investment and visibility preferences. These include sponsoring specific events within the larger conference, like meals or snacks, creating dedicated lounge spaces, or providing opportunities for larger sponsors to speak at the event. As ministries continue to innovate and adapt in an ever-changing landscape, prioritizing sponsorship and exhibitor relations remains essential for advancing missions and impact. Incorporating these strategies and principles into event planning will enhance the overall experience for sponsors, exhibitors, and attendees. Are you looking for more guidance and inspiration? Check out our Non-Traditional Revenue Toolkit, which provides insights on cultivating ministry partnerships grounded in shared values. Ready to enhance your ministry with impactful sponsorship and exhibitor relations? Contact us today at ConnectionalRelations@GCFA.org to learn more about how we can support your efforts and help you achieve your event goals. Let's partner together to make your next ministry event a resounding success!

Does your tech only work when it wants - not when you need it? Many churches only upgrade their Audio and Video equipment when something stops working, so extending the life of the equipment is crucial to get the most value out of your gear. Here are a few tips for audio and video equipment maintenance to keep things running optimally: Audio Equipment: Dust Dust will wreak havoc on A/V equipment if gone unaddressed and is one of the main reasons for equipment failure in churches, especially when it often only gets used once a week. Cover It – Covering equipment that is powered off between uses is a great way to help reduce the amount of dust that will collect on and in equipment. Clean it – Using compressed air to remove dust from vents and fans on equipment can help reduce the amount of dust collecting inside. Remember to power off and unplug the equipment and follow the instructions on the product. Do not turn the can of compress air upside down or it could spray out liquid that may damage the equipment. Move it – Audio mixer knobs and faders that never move collect a lot of dust and can start to cause noise in the system. It is a good practice to regularly note the position of a knob or fader and then to turn it back and forth to both ends about 10 times before returning it to its original location. This will help to clean and lubricate your knobs and faders. Spray it – After checking the manual for your equipment, you can purchase your manufacturer’s recommended Contact Cleaner and Fader Lube for a deeper clean of the mixer. Again, make sure to follow all instructions on these products. Declutter the booth The A/V booth has a way of collecting junk that does not belong there, from candy wrappers and bulletins from years past to spare lighters for the acolytes. Keeping the tech area clean and organized can go a long way in respecting equipment that costs valuable ministry dollars. Visual Inspection A couple of times a year it is a good idea to visually inspect any hanging speakers and wiring to make sure that they are still securely fastened and safe. You want to make sure that all brackets and safety cables are still securely fastened and that wiring is not frayed. Don’t forget the accessories Remember not to simply focus on the main pieces of equipment but also inspect all microphones, cables, and direct-in (DI) boxes. It is a good idea to annually clean or replace the microphone grills. Video Equipment: Projector To get the most out of your projector, you want to regularly remove dust from it as well. Compressed air and a duster work great for this, along with a proper lens cleaning cloth or towelette for the glass lens. Check the projector for air filters, remove them, and clean them according to manufacturer instructions. Usually this is done by carefully blowing compressed air through the filter in the opposite direction of airflow during normal operation. Be careful not to flip the orientation of the filter before removing it so you don’t put it back together with the dust on the inside where it can be pulled into the projector. Over time, traditional projector bulbs start to dim and eventually burn out. If you notice the projector is not as bright as it once was, you consider replacing the bulb while you are servicing the projector. Remember to wear gloves during this process so that you do not get oil from your skin on the bulb or mirror. Reference the owner’s manual for instructions on replacing the bulb. Camera Clean the camera lens regularly with a proper lens cleaner kit. Paper towel and even some fabrics that are not made for cleaning lenses will scratch them. Cables Clearly mark cables that need repair – take the time to mark bad cables with tape and a marker. Put tape over the ends of the cable and mark what the problem is. Bad cables that don’t get marked frequently make their way back into use and cause more problems. If there is a bad cable that you do not have the ability to fix, dispose of it properly. There is no benefit from keeping bad cables around. Power There are opposing thoughts among professionals on leaving equipment running or powering it off between uses. Whichever side your church is on, it is important to make sure that the equipment is getting the appropriate voltage to operate properly. You can purchase a plug-in voltage meter to monitor this, and your church can purchase a Power Conditioner if necessary. All equipment should be plugged in to surge protectors. Professional Maintenance Consider hiring a professional to come in annually or as needed to go through the entire system and re-calibrate the equalization (EQ) on the main system. Your ministry’s A/V resources are tools that can help you reach your physical and digital community in new and exciting ways. If you are looking to purchase new equipment or just want help making your system perform better, contact our Connectional Relations team to set up a free A/V consultation with our experienced A/V specialist.

Do you know the rules of using the United Methodist symbol, the cross and flame? A very popular inquiry we receive is about how to correctly use the cross and flame and be in compliance with the Book of Discipline. We have created a handy guide regarding Commercial Use of the Cross and Flame for you to print and refer to as often as needed.

Welcome to the inaugural resource of our series on revitalizing ministries in the wake of recent challenges. Stay tuned for more! Property 1. Inventory: The value of your business personal property should be reviewed to ensure that your coverage is adequate but not overstated. Are there any high-value items that are no longer in place or would not be replaced that are still included in your values? This should be reviewed annually. 2. Property used offsite: Do you have any property that you use offsite? If you have audio equipment that is used for events outside of the church you may need an inland marine policy to cover it while in use. 3. Building: You should have your building’s replacement cost valued every three years. Insure your property to the true replacement cost. i.     Undervaluing your building can lead to coinsurance penalties. ii.     It can also leave you with a shortfall in the event of a total loss. Are you in the right space? If your building is too large for your congregation or not in use for a significant part of the week you have some options: i.     Share space with third parties. ii.     Consider downsizing. iii.     Merge with another congregation. Review your deductibles. i.     Increasing the deductible can lead to a reduction in premium. ii.     Don’t take on more risk than your budget permits. 4. Financial Risk Make sure your treasurer and others involved in the church’s financial management are bonded. It provides extra coverage that standard crime coverage may not provide. Review your cyber exposure. Many policies now include some limited coverage. Review this with your agent to determine if additional coverage is needed to protect your church’s assets. 5. Be aware of any coverage exclusions or sublimits in the policy. The best coverage is an all-risk policy with coverage for everything but losses that are expressly excluded. Liability 1. Churches frequently rely on agents with no experience covering houses of worship or cut corners on liability to save money. 2. Cheap coverage can be very expensive. Policies designed for for-profit organizations aren’t going to include coverage for sexual misconduct and pastoral counseling. 3. There are other key coverages included in the General Council on Finance and Administration’s recommended coverage standards: Directors and Officers Employment practices liability Umbrella or excess liability 4. Hired and non-owed automobile liability is a coverage that is hard to imagine does not apply to your church. Any employee or volunteer using their personal vehicle for church-related activities creates an exposure for your church. Make sure it’s included in your policy. 5. Workers compensation coverage. If your church has even one employee, this is a coverage you must have. You should also seek coverage for volunteers. This coverage greatly reduces exposure to civil suits for work-related injuries and illness. It provides medical coverage for injuries and illnesses with no deductible. It also provides partial income replacement. 6. Automobile liability insurance should be provided for any vehicles that the church owns. Limits for liability should be at least $1,000,000. Make sure that all drivers are qualified, that motor vehicle records are reviewed, that vehicles are properly maintained, and that all drivers know what to do in the event of an accident. 7. Employee benefits liability coverage should be purchased if your church administers any heath, life, or accident benefits. It’s not required if you don’t provide these benefits or if a third party administers them for you. Record keeping 1.     It is very useful to have a picture or video record of your assets. 2.     Insurance policies should be kept in a secure location or backed up, if in digital format. Never discard your policies. 3.     Updates to the building and all major building systems should be recorded and provided with every insurance renewal or request for coverage. 4.     All background checks, training, and retraining records should be kept in a secure location accessible only to those who need them to do their job. 5.     Maintain all records in a secure location known to everyone involved in the church’s administration. 6.     Have a transition plan in place so that new trustees, treasurers, etc. know the procedures and have the information they will need to do their job. Buying Insurance 1.     Hire an agent with experience in placing coverage for churches. 2.     UMIP’s agent has 60 years of experience placing coverage for churches. 3.     Always purchase a form that takes your church’s exposure into consideration. 4.     Comply as closely as possible to the General Council on Finance and Administration’s recommended coverage standards. 5.     Pay close attention to your need for the following coverages: Sexual misconduct Pastoral counseling Employment practices liability Directors and officers Workers compensation Hired and non-owned auto liability 6.     Refer to UMIP’s insurance buying guide for more information. Special thanks to United Methodist Insurance (UMIP) for their contribution to the first installment of our RightSize Your Ministry series. Stay tuned for more resources and insights, coming soon to GCFA.org!

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.

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