“The United Methodist Church forms disciples of Jesus Christ who, empowered by the Holy Spirit, love boldly, serve joyfully, and lead courageously in local communities and worldwide connections.”
Living into this vision requires more than passion and calling—it also requires dependable systems, healthy workplaces, and faithful stewardship that allow ministry to flourish. The General Council on Finance and Administration (GCFA) supports the Church in this work by providing financial transparency, practical tools and administrative services that strengthen local ministry and connectional mission.
Love Boldly — Through Trust, Care, and Accountability
Bold love is sustained when leaders and members trust that the Church is caring well for its people and its resources.
- Human Resources Support
GCFA provides guidance and administrative services related to human resources, benefits, compensation, and policies that help churches and conferences care for their employees with fairness and integrity. Clear HR practices help ensure that staff are supported, protected, and valued — creating healthier ministry environments where people can serve without fear or confusion.
When churches model care and accountability in how they treat their people, they reflect Christ’s love in tangible, everyday ways.
Serve Joyfully — By Removing Administrative Barriers
Joyful service thrives when leaders are freed from unnecessary complexity and uncertainty.
- IT and Technology Services
GCFA supports the Church through information technology services, cybersecurity protection and guidance, data management, and systems support that help ministries operate safely and efficiently. Reliable technology allows churches, conferences, and agencies to focus on worship, outreach, and discipleship, rather than troubleshooting systems or managing risk alone.
- Financial and Administrative Tools
From payroll and benefits administration to financial reporting and audits, GCFA’s shared services help simplify essential tasks. When systems work as they should, leaders can serve with greater joy, confidence, and peace of mind.
Lead Courageously — With Stability and Long-Term Vision
Courageous leadership requires both faith and infrastructure that can sustain ministry into the future.
- Policies, Planning, and Risk Management
GCFA equips denominational leaders with tools and guidance for long-term financial planning, compliance, and risk management, helping them make wise decisions even in times of uncertainty. These resources support leaders who are navigating change, growth, or new ministry opportunities in their local contexts.
- Connectional Support
By providing consistent systems and resources across the denomination, GCFA helps leaders lead courageously within a wider connection—knowing they are not navigating challenges alone.
A Shared Commitment to the Vision
GCFA’s work often happens behind the scenes, but its impact is felt every day—in healthy staff, secure systems, trusted processes, and sustainable ministry.
Through faithful stewardship, people-centered policies, and dependable infrastructure, GCFA helps the Church live into its calling. Together, empowered by the Holy Spirit, we are better equipped to love boldly, serve joyfully, and lead courageously in our local communities and across the worldwide connection. Visit www.gcfa.org to learn about our work throughout the Connection.