When you put a dollar in the offering plate at Grace United Methodist Church, it goes to work in a variety of ways.
At Grace, about 22 cents of every dollar goes to denominational giving. This includes money that is apportioned for various United Methodist ministries in the Illinois Great Rivers Annual Conference as well as money that is set by the General Conference (the church’s highest legislative body) for the seven apportioned funds that are described below.
World Service
The World Service Fund is the heart of our denomination-wide presence, underwriting Christian mission and ministry around the world. It enables United Methodists to (1) Under-gird a network of missionaries and others who serve in the name of Christ and The United Methodist Church around the world; (2) Support specific local church work with children, youth, singles, students, persons who are mentally and physically challenged, adults and older persons; (3) Provide leadership and coordination for denominational ministry with youth; (4) Speak and work to help encourage a more ethical, just and humane world; and (5) Express our commitment to God’s reign through ministries of peace and justice, and efforts to build a church and a society truly inclusive of all persons regardless of race, ethnicity, gender or handicapping condition.
Africa University
Since 1992, Africa University, the only United Methodist degree-granting university in Africa, has served and graduated hundreds of men and women from 20 countries. It is nurtured and funded by United Methodists through the Africa University Fund. This apportioned fund supports ongoing operations, including building maintenance, utilities, classroom equipment and supplies, faculty and staff salaries, and other operational expenses.
The importance of this apportioned fund is its impact on the lives of students. In a continent torn by war, AIDS, poverty, cyclones, and other natural and human-made hardships, Africa University shines as a beacon of hope and light.
For more information, visit the Africa University website at www.africau.edu.
Ministerial Education
Since 1968, the Ministerial Education Fund apportionment has helped thousands of men and women become pastoral leaders in The United Methodist Church. More than 64 percent of our current pastors received direct financial support from this apportioned fund, and every church benefits from it. It is nurtured and funded by United Methodists to provide: (1) Vitally needed scholarships through annual conferences; (2) Essential funds for the support of our 13 United Methodist seminaries in the United States; (3) Programs that encourage men and women to respond to the call to ordained ministry; (4) Continuing-education opportunities for pastors across the connection; and (5) Course-of-study education for local pastors.
The importance of the Ministerial Education Fund apportionment is how it affects the quality of pastors serving in The United Methodist Church. Funding quality education in our seminaries is, undoubtedly, our most important investment in the future.
Black College Fund
Since 1972, the Black College Fund has supported the programs and ministries of 11 historically Black colleges and universities. It is nurtured and funded by United Methodists through the Black College Fund apportionment. This apportioned fund supports departmental research, libraries, operations and physical plant maintenance. It also supports capital expenditures such as new buildings, major remodeling projects and endowments.
The importance of this apportioned fund is how it affects the lives of students. These 11 historically Black colleges and universities provide opportunities for many students of promise who otherwise might be excluded from the educational process. They provide a high-quality education and produce many African-American leaders in the United States and in the church.
For more info on the Black College Fund, point your web browser to www.gbhem.org/bcf.
Episcopal Fund
This fund supports the church’s bishops by paying salary, fringe benefits, office and travel expenses, and a share of housing.
General Administration
This fund finances general church activities that are specifically administrative, including the work of the Judicial Council and the General Conference itself, as contrasted with programmatic, mission or ecumenical activities.
Interdenominational Cooperation
This fund underwrites United Methodist participation in ecumenical bodies such as the national and world councils of churches and the Consultation on Church Union.
