Certification

The General Council on Finance and Administration of The United Methodist Church sponsors a once-yearly certification institute. The Institute provides outstanding advanced professional training and enrichment for United Methodist church secretaries from across the denomination. A participant who completes the program and meets the requirements set forth by the General Council on Finance and Administration is eligible to apply for certification as a Professional United Methodist Church Secretary. The 2012 Institute will be July 15-20 in Nashville, Tennessee. Class size is limited to 30 participants. Registrations will be honored in the order in which they are received.

 

Who should attend?

Certification eligibility

How will you and your church/organization benefit?

Why become certified?

What is the cost?

Where will I stay?

What is the program format?

How do I register?

 

Who should attend?

All United Methodist Church Secretaries, Administrative Assistants, General Agency Office Personnel, Episcopal, District and Annual Conference Office Personnel are encouraged to attend.

 

Certification eligibility

Upon successful completion of the Institute, the GCFA staff representative to PAUMCS will review your application.  Following approval, you will be recommended for certification at the GCFA Annual Meeting.

Note: Membership in National PAUMCS is required. To become a member, complete a membership application and mail it along with $50 dues to:

General Council on Finance & Administration

of The United Methodist Church (GCFA)

Attn: PAUMCS

PO Box 340029

Nashville, TN 37203-0029

 

How will you and your church or organization benefit?

The five-day PAUMCS Institute is designed to stimulate professional growth and development of the individual. Participants are introduced to business concepts required for understanding the financial operations of the church as well as relationships with the pastor, church employees and members of the congregation. Studying such concepts with professors selected from a strong business school faculty and other experts encourages secretaries to become better informed and more effective church administrators.

 

The experience of learning with local church secretaries and networking with others in similar office settings provides a broader understanding of the connectional United Methodist Church. Church secretaries learn the functions of district, conference, agency and episcopal offices, while these various office personnel learn about the many responsibilities of a local church secretary.  It is a place to see how all members of the church body are in ministry together.

 

Why become certified?

The 1988 General Conference officially adopted the following legistation:  

The General Council on Finance and Administration shall have the authority and responsibility to provide guidance and consultation for continuing education of church secretaries, including establishment of training and certification programs, and to provide assistance to the Professional Association of United Methodist Church Secretaries. (2008 Book of Discipline, ¶ 807.19)

 

Certification recognizes your accomplishment of successfully completing professional training at an established school of business. It enhances your position as a true professional and stimulates the need for continuing education to augment your ministry in the church.

 

Read some comments from graduates

 

What is the cost?

Registration fee for the 2012 Institute is $325.00*. This includes course materials, a few lunches and two dinners and refreshments. Travel, room, additional meals and any other incidentals are the responsibility of each participant.

 

The registration fee for the Institute may be paid by personal check, money order or church/agency check Payable to GCFA and mailed to the address on the registration brochure. Registration fee scholarships for the Institute are available on a limited basis by written request.

 

Where will I stay?

Arrangements will be made by GCFA with a hotel. The rooms are $95.00* per person/per night which includes breakfast. Participants will receive more information regarding the link for the GCFA Reservation Online Event Program in their welcome packet.

 

What is the program format?

The program begins Sunday, July 15, 2012 with orientation at 5:00 p.m. The Program ends approximately 12:00 Noon on Friday, July 20, 2012. Please do not make flight reservations before 1:30 p.m. on Friday.

 

How do I register?

Print out a registration brochure.

 

*As of of November 2011