Meeting Minutes List

Describe the item or answer the question so that site visitors who are interested get more information. You can emphasiCommission on Finance, Administration, Pension, & Benefits AGENDA NOTES – THURSDAY, April 9, 2026
ATTENDING:
1 Harrison Bell
2 Sam Gregory
3 Vivian Kinnear
4 Bishop Auta (NT) OUT
5 Luvo Thwethwa (SAT) OUT
6 Sung-Soo Kim
7 Jennifer Lineberry OUT
12 MEMBERS; 2 STAFF ATTENDING
8 Sherry Austin
9 Chris Akers
10 Jim Noble
11 Joy Perry
12 Matt Seel
13 Rhonda Bourgeois 14 Richard Croll
15 Olandor Boyce (LT) STAFF:
1 Molly Williams
2 Mike Schafer OUT 3 Matt Conover
WELCOME AND PRAYER –HARRISON
APPROVAL OF MEETING MINUTES FROM LAST MEETING – VIVIAN
• Commission approved March 19th meeting minutes with additional edits.
PETITIONS
449.7-Local Church Connectional Funding Remittance Options
The rationale of the petition is to allow annual conferences to collect connectional funding from local churches rather than requiring direct payment to the general church. After discussion, Matt Seel moved to approve, seconded by Jim. The petition was approved unanimously as amended and will go forward from the FAPBC. The commission emphasized the need for a standardized reporting format provided by the general church to ensure proper church credit and bookkeeping.
807.4.d – General Church Budget Removal of 90 Percent Limitation
The rationale for the petition is to remove the requirement that the general church budget be limited to 90% of connectional funding. This change would provide greater budgeting flexibility and help avoid unnecessary accumulation of excessive reserves. Following the discussion, Jim made a motion, seconded by Matt Seel, to approve the petition as amended. The motion carried unanimously. Sam then made a motion that the petition be forwarded to the Connectional Council without change. If the petition is declined or amended, the commission voted to retain the option of submitting it independently. Chris seconded the motion, and it passed unanimously.
710.4 – Financial Audits in Annual Conferences
The rationale for the petition is to add audit requirements for annual conferences, addressing a gap in the Book of Discipline and Doctrine, which provides for audits at the global and local church levels but does not address the conference level. Matt Seel made a motion, seconded by Rhonda, to approve the petition, including Matthew’s concise language defining an audit. The motion passed unanimously, and the commission agreed that the petition would go forward from the FAPBC.
711.1 – Annual Conference Connectional Funding Allocation
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The rationale for the petition is to remove restrictive language that prevents annual conferences from budgeting connectional funding for ministries. Sam made a motion, seconded by Jim, to approve the petition, with the amendment that ¶711.1 be deleted and the following language added: “Connectional funding amounts are set in accordance with ¶449.” The motion passed unanimously, and the commission agreed that the petition would go forward from the FAPBC.
Sam will compile the final versions of all four petitions for Harrison and Vivian to sign. Sam will handle the portal submission process, which is due May 1, 2026.
POTENTIAL PETITIONS OR RECOMMENDATIONS TO CONNECTIONAL COUNCIL Insurance Sub Team Report-Chris
It was determined that no legislation is needed, as the Connectional Council already has explicit authority in the Book of Discipline and Doctrine to make benefit decisions. Because health insurance options are highly complex and carry significant implications that vary by conference size and demographics, the commission agreed that the next steps should include gathering input from the annual conferences through a survey of conference leadership regarding insurance options, as well as scheduling a meeting with Conference #2 (Operating Officers). Chris, Richard, Joy, and Rhonda will continue this work, including meeting with an insurance broker and with GuideStone Financial Resources to prepare information on the implications of various options before the General Conference.
Scouting America Report- Chris
Conversations regarding general liability insurance, risk management, and Boy Scout issues continue with attorneys and liability insurance brokers.
Proposal to establish the GMC Foundation-Harrison
The proposal from the Assembly of Bishops to create a foundation for philanthropic giving and legacy gifts was discussed. Matt Seel made a motion, seconded by Sam, to recommend to the Connectional Council the creation of the foundation. The motion passed unanimously. The proposed board composition would include representatives from continental regions, the Assembly of Bishops, the Finance Commission, laity, clergy, financial and legal professionals, and general church staff. Paid staff of the Global Methodist Church, including bishops, would have a voice but not a vote. The foundation would provide annual financial statements to the Finance Commission and the Connectional Council. Donor-designated restrictions must align with priorities established by the General Conference and/or the Connectional Council, as well as with the Book of Discipline and Doctrine. The commission agreed to cover the legal establishment costs, estimated to be less than $10,000. The initial investment amount will be determined at a later date once the foundation structure is operational.
IF TIME ALLOWS – Deferred until April 16 meeting
Non-US Connectional Funding Strategies-Rhonda/Olandor
International Financial Training Request
Nigerian AC Lawsuit Update
Audit Update
Quarter 1 Financials
Churches that have not paid Connectional Funding
CLOSING PRAYER - SAM
Next meeting: APRIL 16 and April 30,2026 at 7 AM Central Time (Daylight Savings Time)
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