NASHVILLE, Tenn. – The 2021 fourth quarter meeting of the Board of Directors for the General Council on Finance and Administration (GCFA) was held Wednesday, Dec.1 via Zoom.
In its actions, the GCFA Board:
- Approved certification of 24 persons from the certification class of the Professional Association of the United Methodist Connectional Structure (PAUMCS). This virtual class is larger than the previous year.
- Received and approved a report from the Committee on Fiduciary, Foundation and Property Matters (CFFPM) to modify minimum insurance requirements for annual conferences and local churches. These changes will benefit many small United Methodist churches seeking adequate insurance coverage. The change in the requirements takes effect immediately.
- Approved the recommendations from the Committee on General Agency and Episcopal Matters (GAEM) for the spending plans of all general Church agencies and other United Methodist entities, and the spending plan for the Episcopal Fund, as is required each year.
- Approved a revised quadrennial general Church budget based on information received from the GAEM Committee. The revised quadrennial budget incorporates the survey results received from annual conference leadership that was completed in the fall of 2021. The budget will be reviewed again prior to the postponed General Conference in 2022.
- Approved the sale of the GCFA office at 1 Music Circle North. Bishop Michael McKee, GCFA president, said, “These are historic times for the agency. GCFA moved from Evanston, Illinois to Nashville in 2005 and consolidated locations in an effort to be good stewards of United Methodist resources entrusted to the agency. This sale and relocation are another step in continuing efforts at stewardship.”
Noting that the meeting was held virtually when the annual fall meeting had been planned earlier this year as an in-person gathering, Bishop McKee said, “We are grateful for the members of the Board, the staff, and others who virtually attended our final meeting of the year. The flexibility and understanding about last minute changes is a testament that we all take our roles seriously. I pray during this advent season we all find reasons to celebrate and safely be in communion with and work with others.”
Sharon Dean serves as director of communications for the General Board of Finance and Administration.