Welcome Packet
Whether you are new to The River Conference, or just need an update on our policies, programs, and expectations, download our Welcome to TRC document. This contains a lot of valuable information that every pastor should know.
Local Church Profile
From time to time, the Superintendents will request that you complete a TRC Church Profile to help them better understand your church and the context in which it operates.
Articles of Incorporation
Please click the button below to get to our fillable document. The completed document is what you will need to provide to The River Conference, Free Methodist Church USA, and Financial Institutions. Keep this document in a safe place that you can easily access when needed.
Bylaws
We have provided a template that can be filled out with your information. The document is the Bylaws for a non-profit corporation and is what you will need to provide to The River Conference, Free Methodist Church USA, and Financial Institutions. Keep this document in a safe place that you can easily access when needed.
Pastoral Transitions
One of the most stressful seasons in the life a local church is the transition of a lead Pastor. Congregants often compare the loss of an effective lead pastor to the loss of family member, confidante, or close friend. Additionally, many Pastors feel a sense of loss even if they are transitioning to another ministry opportunity as they are deeply invested in the relationships, ministries, and mission of the churches they serve. To better prepare Churches and transitioning Pastors, we are urging those who are transitioning or anticipate transitioning, develop a transition plan in conjunction with The River Conference Superintendents.
Please download and review the Pastoral Transition document if you are contemplating a transition.
When The River Conference recommends a pastoral candidate for appointment to a local church, the Ministerial Appointments Committee (MAC) has generally reviewed the church profile constructed by the Local Board of Administration (LBOA). That profile includes information about the needs of the church and community. In addition, the pastoral candidate has had several interviews with the Superintendents and the MAC to carefully evaluate their academic, experiential, spiritual, and personal preparation to lead a local congregation. Based upon this information, the first best-fit available pastor is recommended for appointment to the church.
When this happens, the delegate(s), LBOA, and recommended pastoral candidate have an opportunity to reflect with one another prior to final affirmation of the appointment. This happens through a meeting between the prospective pastor, delegate(s), and LBOA. Please download the Pastoral Transition - Interview Guidelines to help you with this meeting.
Please download and review the Pastoral Transition document if you are contemplating a transition.
When The River Conference recommends a pastoral candidate for appointment to a local church, the Ministerial Appointments Committee (MAC) has generally reviewed the church profile constructed by the Local Board of Administration (LBOA). That profile includes information about the needs of the church and community. In addition, the pastoral candidate has had several interviews with the Superintendents and the MAC to carefully evaluate their academic, experiential, spiritual, and personal preparation to lead a local congregation. Based upon this information, the first best-fit available pastor is recommended for appointment to the church.
When this happens, the delegate(s), LBOA, and recommended pastoral candidate have an opportunity to reflect with one another prior to final affirmation of the appointment. This happens through a meeting between the prospective pastor, delegate(s), and LBOA. Please download the Pastoral Transition - Interview Guidelines to help you with this meeting.
Legal Resources
The Free Methodist Church USA has a Church Legal Forum and Resource page on their website. If you are in need of legal information this is a great place to start. legal.fmcusa.org