Plan of Organization
United Methodist Network of Practice
The Church Network
I.
The Primary Focus of the United Methodist Network of Practice (UMC
Network) is:
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II.
Leadership of the UMC Network is given by a:
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III.
To foster support and collegial networking of United Methodist Administrators;
To offer fellowship, support and educational offerings at the National Conference;
To relate to GCFA on issues, programs, and legislative matters which impact the
work of local church administrators and their certification; and
To relate to Candler School of Theology on matters pertaining to the training of
church administrators through NICFA.
Dean who shall serve for two years by giving spiritual and temporal leadership to
gatherings of the UMC Network at The Church Network National Conference and
act as a liaison for the UMC Network to The Church Network staff and Board of
Directors; and responsible for all UMC Network communications including,
developing our conference booklet each year, emailing UMs prior to Conference,
and posting to the UMC Network Facebook page.
Vice Dean who shall serve for two years and be responsible for planning at least one
social event as at The Church Network National Conference. The Vice Dean will
then succeed the Dean. The person serving as Vice Dean and then Dean will be
expected to serve a total of four years in leadership. Under extenuating
circumstances, a one-year extension of leadership may be granted. Under no
circumstances should any one person serve more than five years.
Nominations for the Leadership of UMC Network shall be as follows:
The Leadership Team Nominating Committee of the UMC Network shall include:
 Outgoing Dean of the UMC Network
 Current Vice Dean of the UMC Network
 GCFA Certification Staff Executive
 Director of the National Institute in Church Finance and Administration
 Any members of The Church Network Board of Directors who are United
Methodists
Adopted July 2013.
Edited August 2015 to reflect change of names of NACBA and “Community of Practice to “The
Church Network” and “Network of Practice”; and elimination of responsibilities for workshop
leader selection.
The Leadership Team Nominating Committee shall nominate the Dean and Vice Dean
for the impending Conference Year and shall be communicated to the UMC Network no
less than thirty days prior to the National Conference. The Nominations shall be
presented to the UMC Network at National Conference in the business session.
Nominations shall be accepted from the floor contingent that all nominees shall have
agreed to serve if elected. Once elected, the new Dean and Vice Dean shall be installed
during the National Conference and take office at the end of the National Conference.
In the case of vacancies in between National Conference, the existing Leadership Team
Nominating Committee shall fill interim vacancies on behalf of the UMC Network.
IV.
Budget
Expenses for UMC Network will be budgeted and offset with UMC Network event
registration revenue from The Church Network National Conference. Sponsorships for
UMC events at the National Conference may also be sought. Financial reports will be
communicated to the leadership team by NACBA. Reimbursement for expenses of the
Dean and the Vice Dean will be set at no more than $1,500 each.
V.
Communication
Communication will be facilitated through a UMC Network web page on The Church
Network website; a Facebook page for the UMC Network; and by such other Church
Network publications as may be available. The Dean shall coordinate all forms of
communication.
VI.
Certification
GCFA shall continue certifying United Methodist church administrators in accordance
with The United Methodist Church Book of Discipline.
Adopted July 2013.
Edited August 2015 to reflect change of names of NACBA and “Community of Practice to “The
Church Network” and “Network of Practice”; and elimination of responsibilities for workshop
leader selection.