Tuesday Brief
General Superintendent Max Edwards & Judy
June 23, 2026 A Status Report About Conference Support Talking about money isn't exactly "fun," but it matters. Even from a spiritual perspective, it's a major deal—Jesus spoke about finances extremely often, making it one of His most-visited topics. Now, let’s be clear that one of His main messages was that we mustn’t love money, nor let it crowd out our focus on God and His love for people. But Jesus was indeed super clear that faithfulness and honesty must be hallmarks of our financial performance.
10%
I have not talked about Conference Support very often in these weekly briefs – maybe never - which I should probably apologize for, but we pastors often find it difficult to strike the proper balance between emphasis and under-emphasis. I’d say it’s probable that very few of us in the EMC over-emphasize finances, but I suppose the fear of doing so hampers us as well. The EMC is at the very end of its 2025-2026 fiscal year. We begin on July 1, and close the year on June 30th. The last update I received from our General Secretary shows that we are on track to receive somewhere above 90% of our budgeted Conference Support for the year, which sounds like good news, and it truly is, but a few things are important to note with that. First, the Board of Finance forms the budget based on recent history. In other words, the goal is not tied to what we really need, but rather based on previous years’ receipts. Over the last few years, we have had to supplement our operating income with too much of our savings or reserve funds. Second, about 85% of our churches are faithfully meeting their Disciplinary obligation for a 10% Conference Support. And we deeply appreciate the faithful commitment of those who are doing so! But that also means that about 15% of our churches are not honoring their commitment and requirement. If all of our churches were being faithful to tithe in this way, we could see the ministry of the EMC blossom in many ways, and we could maintain our cash reserves for emergencies and new opportunities, instead of having them decline over time.
Pastors, please honor your ministerial vows and the clear requirement of the Discipline. Thanks!! ¶207. “The pastor, and the chair of the Board of Stewards, or, if there is no pastor, the chair of the Board of Stewards, shall certify annual report accuracy that the church has paid its Conference Support when reports are submitted to the General Conference. If Conference Support is not paid in full, the church shall indicate in writing what plans have been made for fulfilling the obligation within thirty days of submitting the report to the Conference Superintendent.”