CONFERENCE WORKBOOK

June 1-3, 2014

North Texas Annual Conference
of the United Methodist Church
Welcome to Annual Conference 2014
This Conference Workbook contains an agenda, program announcements, schedules, reports, and
legislative proposals for the 2014 North Texas ANNUAL CONFERENCE in Richardson, TX.
The agenda provides the schedule of events planned during Annual Conference.
Meals will be available in the air conditioned Gathering Tent just outside the Sanctuary on the
south side of the building. Meals must be pre-purchased online at www.ntc2014.org. Deadline is
Wednesday, May 28
th
. Please note there are some meals that are provided at no cost to
participants. Those meals are listed on pages 12 and 13. In order to ensure we have enough for
those special meals, preregistration is required.
Area Maps are included at the back of this workbook.
Information/Registration is in the Shawver Welcome Center in the Sanctuary complex. Please
check here for messages, nametags, etc. Lost and Found will also be here.
Hearing devices are available at the information desk in Shawver Welcome Center for use in the
sanctuary.
First Aid supplies are available at the Shawver Welcome Center desk in the Sanctuary complex.
Snack Stations are located on the north and south hallways on either side of the sanctuary, in the
Shawver Welcome Center, and the Exhibitor Tent. Cold and hot beverages are available
(including bottled water) as well as selected snack foods. You are asked to leave a donation in the
baskets provided at each station to defray the costs.
SUNDAY, JUNE 1
3:30 p.m. Clergy Session, Spring Valley UMC (Childcare available at FUMC, Richardson.)
3:30 p.m. Laity Session, Hamilton Park UMC (Childcare available at FUMC Richardson.)
5:00 p.m. Laity Dinner, Hamilton Park UMC (Childcare available at FUMC Richardson.)
7:00 p.m. Opening Worship Bishop Sally Dyck preaching, First UMC Richardson
Worship to include a time of remembrance for clergy and spouses who have died this past year, and
commissioning of interns for Project Transformation, Lydia Patterson Institute, Bridgeport & C2K
(Childcare available).
Reception to follow in the Bartula Family Life Center hosted by Bishop & Mrs. McKee honoring Bishop
Dyck and the Families of those remembered

MONDAY, JUNE 2 and TUESDAY, JUNE 3
7:00 a.m. Quest Diagnostics screenings for Health Flex participants to be held Monday and
Tuesday in Room 205. Pre-registration is required.
7:45 a.m., Holy Communion will be served by the Order of St. Luke, Monday and Tuesday
mornings in the Chapel.
8:00 a.m. Cokesbury is in the Choir Room (off of the south hall to the sanctuary)and exhibits are
located in the Exhibition Tent and Shawver Welcome Center.
8:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. General session in the Sanctuary. The main floor of the sanctuary is for all
voting members of Annual Conference. A section to stage left will be reserved for persons
requiring sign language. The balcony is for visitors. Please wear your name badge at all times.
7:00 p.m. The Monday Evening Service of Ordination and Commissioning --Bishop Sally Dyck
preaching, First UMC Richardson
Childcare is available at no cost, but reservations must be made in advance. Please call First
UMC Richardson to register your child/children. The telephone number for First UMC
Richardson is 972-235-8385. Deadline Wednesday, May 28
th
.

PLEASE NOTE: If you want a bound, printed copy of the 2014 North Texas Conference Journal,
you must complete the order form located in the back of this workbook.
i


Conference Information
Welcome
Table of Contents ..................................................... i
Agenda ..................................................................... ii
Consent Calendar .................................................... vi
Conference featured presenters ............................. viii
Logo and Worship .................................................... x
Meals ...................................................................... xii
Name Badge Colors .............................................. xiii
Acronyms .............................................................. xiv
In the Neighborhood............................................... xv


Legislative Proposals
#1 Lay/Clergy Equalization ............................... 1
#2 Equitable Compensation ............................... 2
#3-5 Board of Pension & Health .......................... 5
#6 Finance and Administration ....................... 10
#7-10 Board of Trustees ...................................... 20
#11 Accountable Reimbursement Policy ................ 37

Conference Reports
Bishops Initiative: Clergy Effectiveness ............... 38
Bishops Initiative:
Advancing Womens Leadership ........................... 40
Communications..................................................... 43
Core Leadership Team ........................................... 44
Center for Leadership Development ...................... 45
Board of Ordained Ministry ................................... 52
Center for New Church Development and
Congregational Transformation ............................. 53
Bridgeport Camp and Conference Center ............. 55
Prothro Center at Lake Texoma ............................. 56
Report of Conference Statistician .......................... 57
Board of Pension and Health Benefits Reports ...... 61
Council on Finance and Administration ................. 77







Connectional Reports
Africa University .................................................... 94
Lydia Patterson Institute ......................................... 95
Methodist Childrens Home.................................... 96
Mount Sequoyah Center ......................................... 98
Perkins School of Theology .................................... 99
Providence Place ................................................... 101
Saint Paul School of Theology ............................. 103
Southern Methodist University ............................. 104
Southwestern University ....................................... 106
Texas Methodist Foundation ................................ 112
Texas United Methodist College Assoc ................ 113
Texas Wesleyan University .................................. 114
Wesley-Rankin Center .......................................... 115

General Information
Location and Directions ........................................ 118
Journal Order Form ............................................... 120
School of Christian Mission .................... Back Cover
























Table of Contents
ii

Annual Conference 2014 Agenda
Revised 4/25/14
**Unless otherwise indicated, all locations are at First UMC Richardson
Sunday, June 1
2:459:00 pm Childcare (by Reservation) Education Bldg. 1
st
Floor
3:30 pm Clergy Session Spring Valley UMC
Laity Session Hamilton Park UMC
5:00 pm Laity Dinner Hamilton Park UMC
Clergywomen Dinner Spring Valley UMC
Young Clergy Dinner Mays Hall
5:009:00 pm Information Center Open Shawver Welcome Center
7:00 pm Opening Worship FUMCR Sanctuary
Bishop Sally Dyck, preaching
Includes: Memorial Remembrance, Project Transformation,
Lydia Patterson Institute, Camp Bridgeport and C2K Intern Commissioning
Offering: Project Transformation & Camp Scholarships

Reception Hosted by Bishop Michael & Joan McKee Bartula Family Life Center
Honoring Bishop Sally Dyck and the Families of Those Remembered

Monday, June 2
6:00 am Buildings Open
6:30 am Exhibitor Area Open for Set-Up Exhibitor Tent
7:00 a.m. Extension Ministry Breakfast Ogden Fellowship Hall West
7:00 - 9:00 am Quest Diagnostics Education Center, Room 205
7:00 am9:00 pm Information Center Shawver Welcome Center
7:30 am Teller Meeting Sanctuary
7:45 am Communion & Prayer Service Chapel
8:00 am Exhibits Open (until 6:30 pm) Exhibitor Tent
Nametags Available/Meal Tickets sold Shawver Welcome Center
Snack & Coffee Stations Open Sanctuary Complex
8:00 am 9:00 pm Childcare (by Reservation) Education Building 1
st
Floor
8:15 am Opening Session Sanctuary
Organization of Conference - Rev. Judith Reedy
Morning Worship Ken Medema, musician
Episcopal Address - Bishop Michael McKee
Committee on Episcopacy Scott Smith
Center for New Church Starts and Congregational Transformation Dr. Jim Ozier
iii

9:30 am BREAK
9:50 am Session Resumes
Bethlehem Center Highlight
10:00 am Retiree Reflections Part I
Board of Ordained Ministry Report - Rev. Jan Davis
Includes: Retiree Recognition, Introduction of Ordainands, Commissionees and Newly Licensed Local
Pastors

11:10 am Introduction of Keynote Speaker Bishop Michael McKee
Keynote - Rev. Sue Nilson Kibbey, Director of Connectional and Missional Church
Initiatives, West Ohio Annual Conference
Musical Response Ken Medema
Announcements - Rev. Judith Reedy

12:10 pm General Lunch Gathering Tent
Special Lunches
Retirees Bartula Family Life Center
Board of Church & Society Epiphany Episcopal Church
Evangelical Fellowship Epiphany Episcopal Church
1:30 pm Afternoon Session Sanctuary
Gathering Worship, Ken Medema, musician
Texas United Methodist College Fund Highlight
Laity Presentation - Linda Parks
Center for Connectional Resources - Rev. Jodi Smith
Includes: Board of Pensions & Health Benefits, Board of Trustees, Conference Initiative Finance
2:15 pm BREAK
2:35 pm Retiree Reflections Part II
3:00 pm Center for Leadership Development - Rev. Marti Soper, Rev. Aleze Fulbright
Includes: Presentation of Harry Denman Evangelism Award, Conference Initiatives Clergy Effectiveness-
(Rev. Jan Davis & David Tyson) and Advancing Womens Leadership (Rev. Anna Hosemann-Butler)
3:30 pm Keynote Rev. Sue Nilson Kibbey
Musical Response Ken Medema

4:30 pm BREAK for Dinner and Worship Rehearsals
4:45 pm Worship & Ordination/Commissioning Rehearsal Sanctuary
5:00 pm Texas Star Round-Up Barbeque Gathering Tent
iv

5:45 pm Ordinand/Commissionee, Spouse and Sponsor Dinner Room 230 (food service in 226)
6:30 pm Exhibits Close
7:00 pm Service of Ordination and Commissioning Sanctuary
Bishop Sally Dyck, preaching
Offering: Zip Code Connection

Reception for Ordinands/Commissionees Bartula Family Life Center

Tuesday, June 3
6:00 am Buildings Open
7:00 am Perkins Alumni Breakfast Mays Hall
7:00 - 9:00 am Quest Diagnostics Education Center, Room 205
7:00 am5:00 pm Information Center Shawver Welcome Center
7:45 am Communion & Prayer Service Chapel
8:00 am Exhibits Open (until 5:00 pm) Exhibitor Tent
Snack & Coffee Stations Open Sanctuary Complex& Bartula
Family Life Center

9:00 am4:00 pm Information Desk Bartula Family Life Center
8:00am5:00 pm Childcare (by Reservation) Education Building 1
st
Floor
8:00 am Morning Session Sanctuary
Morning Worship - Ken Medema, musician
Ordinand Reflections
8:30 am Council on Finance & Administration Budget Dr. Clayton Oliphint
Change the World Weekend
Core Leadership Team Bishop Michael McKee, Linda Parks
Young Persons Address
Wesley Rankin Community Center Highlight
Committee on Nominations Linda Parks, Jeff Bouis
Other Business Bishop McKee
10:00 am BREAK
10:30 am Clergy Voting Sanctuary
Laity Keynote Workshop and Discussion Bartula Family Life Center
with Rev. Sue Nilson Kibbey
12:30 pm General Lunch Gathering Tent
Special Lunches
Clergy Spouses Ogden Fellowship Hall West
Deacons Mays Hall
v

Black Methodists for Church Renewal Epiphany Episcopal Church
Local Pastors Epiphany Episcopal Church
1:45 pm Afternoon Session Sanctuary
Gathering Worship - Ken Medema, musician
Report on Clergy Voting Bishop Michael McKee
Center for Missional Outreach Dr. Larry George
Includes: Zip Code Connection and Bishop Oden Award
Golden Cross Highlight
Ordinand Reflections
Consent Calendar Dr. Larry George
2:40 pm BREAK
2:50 pm Laity Voting Sanctuary
Clergy Keynote Workshop and Discussion Bartula Family Life Center
with Rev. Sue Nilson Kibbey
5:00 pm Exhibits Close
5:00 pm Closing Session
Report of Voting Bishop Michael McKee
Announcements Rev. Judith Reedy
Courtesies & Resolutions - Rev. Jackye Waiters-Lee
Service of Covenant & Communion w/Setting of Appointments Sanctuary


















vi

Preliminary Consent Calendar Instructions

The Consent Calendar will be presented as a resolution in which the reports listed can be
approved in one motion rather than separate motions for each item. A consent calendar, as the
name implies, refers to the general agreement that certain item(s) are voted on, without questions
or discussion, as a package. It differentiates between routine matters not needing explanation and
more complex issues needing examination. It is not that the routine matters are not important,
nor that they dont need to be approved by the body, it is just that they are not controversial and
so there is no need for discussion before taking a vote. Many of the items are placed on the
consent agenda because there is no change what-so-ever or a minor word(s) change for
clarification year after year. The main purpose of a consent calendar is to liberate our business
sessions from administrative details, repetitious discussions, and help keep our focus on
celebrating, worshipping, teaching, learning and strategic issues.

To be placed on our consent calendar, the report item must:
1) Not have financial implications that have not already been included in the new budget and,
2) Not deal with conference rules.

To be removed from the consent calendar, the report item must have the following actions:
1) A note proposing the item to be removed, signed by 5 voting members of the annual
conference, submitted to the Conference Secretary, and
2) Must be done within twenty-four (24) hours of presenting the consent calendar





















vii

Preliminary Consent Calendar

CENTER FOR CONNECTIONAL RESOURCES
BOARD OF PENSION AND HEALTH BENEFITS
COMPREHENSIVE FUNDING PLAN.............................................................61
HEALTH BENEFITS POLICIES ......................................................................65
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
CLOSING OF WHITE ROCK UMC .................................................................20
MERGER OF JOSEPHINE AND COPEVILE UMC ........................................20
MERGER OF ST. JAMES AND HAVEN CHAPEL UMC ..............................20
LEGAL REPRESENTATION STATEMENTS ................................................21
COUNCIL ON FINANCE AND ADMINISTRATION
ACCOUNTABLE REIMBURSEMENT POLICY ............................................37
YEAR END FINANCIAL REPORTS ...............................................................77
STATISTICIANS REPORT..........................................................................................57
BRIDGEPORT CAMP AND CONFERENCE CENTER ..............................................55
THE PROTHRO CENTER AT LAKE TEXOMA ........................................................56

CONFERENCE COMMUNICATIONS ................................................................................43

CONNECTIONAL AGENCY REPORTS
AFRICA UNIVERSITY .................................................................................................94
LYDIA PATTERSON INSTITUTE...............................................................................95
METHODIST CHILDRENS HOME ............................................................................96
MOUNT SEQUOYAH CENTER ..................................................................................98
PERKINS SCHOOL OF THEOLOGY ..........................................................................99
PROVIDENCE PLACE................................................................................................101
SAINT PAUL SCHOOL OF THEOLOGY .................................................................103
SOUTHERN METHODIST UNIVERSITY ................................................................104
SOUTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY .............................................................................106
TEXAS METHODIST FOUNDATION ......................................................................112
TEXAS UNITED METHODIST COLLEGE ASSOCIATION (TUMCA) .................113
TEXAS WESLEYAN UNIVERSITY ..........................................................................114
WESLEY-RANKIN COMMUNITY CENTER ...........................................................115





viii

Bishop Michael McKee
Dallas Area

Michael McKee is a native of Fort Worth, Texas. He
received a Bachelor of Arts degree from the
University of Texas
at Austin (1973), a
Master of Theology
from Perkins School
of Theology of
Southern Methodist
University (1978),
and was awarded an
honorary Doctor of
Divinity degree from
Texas Wesleyan
University (2005).

He was ordained deacon in 1975 and ordained elder
in 1979 in the Central Texas Annual Conference,
where he served several churches, including most
recently 15 years as the senior pastor of First UMC,
Hurst.

He has held numerous offices including chair of the
Board of Ordained Ministry and the Mid-Cities
District Committee of Ordained Ministry. He was a
delegate to three Jurisdictional Conferences and two
General Conferences.

In 2012, McKee was elected to the episcopacy by the
South Central Jurisdictional Conference and assigned
to serve as the resident bishop of the Dallas Area
effective September 1, 2012.

McKee chairs the Justice and Reconciliation
Leadership Team and is a member of the Council of
Bishops Executive Committee. He serves on the
Boards of Trustees of Southern Methodist University,
Texas Methodist Foundation, Southwestern
University, and Methodist Health System, Dallas. He
also serves as chair of the Executive Board of Perkins
School of Theology and co-chairs the Campaign
Steering Committee of Perkins School of Theology,
Southern Methodist University.

Mike and Joan (Craig) McKee have been married
since 1975 and have two adult children: Erin, who
lives with her husband, Darin, and son, Knox, in
California; and Meredith, who lives in Dallas.

Bishop Sally Dyck
Chicago Area

Wherever I am in ministry, I envision a community
of people studying scripture, exercising the
disciplines of our faith,
and discovering the joy
of sharing faith with
others through word and
deed, says Bishop Sally
Dyck, episcopal leader of
the Northern Illinois
Conference of the United
Methodist Church. As a
result, my vision is that
the United Methodist
Church and its
membership will become
a spiritually vital and
energized body of believers who make a difference in
every community as well as the world.

Born in Ritzville, Washington into a Mennonite
family, Bishop Dyck joined the United Methodist
Church as a young adult. She graduated magna cum
laude from Boston University College of Liberal Arts
with a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science
and magna cum laude from Boston University School
of Theology. She received a certificate from the
Ecumenical Institute which is a joint program of the
World Council of Churches and the University of
Geneva, Switzerland. She also received a Doctor of
Ministry from United Theological School, Dayton,
OH, in Black Church Studies as a Bishop James S.
Thomas fellow.

Bishop Dyck was ordained an elder in the East Ohio
Conference in 1981, and before entering the
episcopacy was a pastor and a district superintendent
in that conference. In 2004 she was consecrated a
bishop and assigned to lead the Minnesota Area of
the Church until September 1, 2012, at which time
she was reassigned to the Northern Illinois
Conference. Her leadership priorities are based on the
Great Commandment and the Great Commission: to
guide people to love God with their whole selves and
daily practice spiritual disciplines and to share Gods
love with those who do not know God.

Upon her arrival in Chicago, Bishop Dyck quickly
recognized the need for the local United Methodist
Churches to be emboldened to make a difference in
Chicago. She has established an Urban Strategy
initiative with the goal of putting together a
2014 North Texas Annual Conference Featured Speakers
ix

graduated plan that allows every congregation a place
to begin within their level of capability; to identify
what is already going on and to address four key
areas: Community Safety, Restorative Justice,
Education and Literacy as well as Food Deserts. Im
new to Chicago but my heart breaks for this city; the
city that everyone loves so much and yet has such an
underbelly of need, poverty, corruption, violence and
fear. I feel called to empower the United Methodist
Church to make a difference in Chicago so that it
may be a place of peace for its children and
communities.

Bishop Dyck has served on the board of directors for
the General Board of Global Ministries, chairing the
Personnel Committee, was elected to the Central
Committee of the World Council of Churches in
2006 and became president of the General
Commission on Communication of The United
Methodist Church in 2008. Throughout her service in
the wider church, her mission has been to direct and
empower the church to transform the world through
its calling and witness. Sallys personal mission
statement is taken from the communion liturgy:
one in Christ, one with each other, and one in
ministry to the world. She is an advocate for the
United Methodist Churchs Imagine No Malaria
effort which is working to end preventable deaths
from malaria in Africa.

Believing that God wants people to experience
wholeness in all parts of their lives, she also
encourages the faithful to take up disciplines of
nutrition and exercise that support physical health.
Bishop Dyck begins her day with prayer, Bible study,
a 3-6 mile run and works out 2-3 times a week. Over
the years I have had core principles that are at the
heart of my ministry. Social and personal holiness are
central to my life, faith, and ministry as are holy,
healthy habits of body, mind and soul.

She has been married to the Rev. Kenneth Ehrman, a
United Methodist elder, since 1976. The two have
traveled the globe together by plane, bicycle, and on
foot.






Rev. Sue Nilson Kibbey
West Ohio Area
Sue Nilson Kibbey currently serves as the Director
for Connectional and Missional Church Initiatives for
the West Ohio Conference of the United Methodist
Church. Kibbey served as
the Executive Pastor at
Ginghamsburg UMC in
Tipp City, OH for over
ten years, where she
teamed with Senior
Pastor Mike Slaughter to
create and deploy the
vision of the church,
while managing the
discipleship staff for
children, youth and
adults. She has been
named one of the top ten
church administrators in America
(thechurchreport.com). An ordained elder in the
United Methodist Church, Sue is also the author of
Ultimately Responsible: When Youre in Charge of
Igniting a Ministry, Transformation Journal: A One
Year Journey through the Bible, and Starting a Single
Adult Ministry, and is the creator of the Ministry by
Strengths program.
Ken Medema
Singer/Songwriter
For four decades, Ken Medema has inspired people
through storytelling and
music. Though blind
from birth, Ken sees and
hears with heart and mind,
custom designing every
musical moment of his
performance with brilliant
improvisation that defies
description. With an ever-
growing circle of
followers around the
world, Kens artistry and
imagination have reached
audiences of 50 to 50,000
people in 49 United States and in more than 15
countries on four continents.

2014 North Texas Annual Conference Featured Speakers

x

Logo And Worship



Why Impact?
and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth -
Acts 1:8
God has called us not only to receive the story of Jesus, but to live it and share it in words and deeds. We
need to keep telling the story of Jesus until it becomes the story for others. We have been sent forth as
witnesses to IMPACT our communities and our world. Our 2014 Annual Conference will be a time of
celebrating the IMPACT that North Texas United Methodists are making in our various mission fields.
We will gather to worship, fellowship, and focus on strategic directions that will maximize our IMPACT
in mission and ministry. Join us for these exciting days of encouragement, inspiration, and revitalization.

Dynamic Worship. . . Uplifting Music. . . .Moments of Memory. . . . Challenging
Message
All worship experiences for Annual Conference 2014 are being planned with each of you in mind. It is
our hope that you will leave Annual Conference with a renewed dedication to the worship experience in
your own church . . . .and that your cup will be filled.
Opening Worship (Sunday evening)
Sunday evening will feature a mass choir comprised of musicians from ten churches in our annual
conference. The service will include our Time of Remembrance as we celebrate those who have served so
faithfully the Methodist Church as clergy or spouses. We will welcome to this service our young people
who will be participating in Project Transformation, Lydia Patterson Institute, Bridgeport, and the C2K
programs. Bishop Sally Dyck will bring the message on this opening night. (see bio)

Monday Evening Worship
Monday evening worship will be highlighted with the Service of Ordination and Commissioning. Bishop
Dyck will bring the message. This service again will be woven together with beautiful music provided by
the choir from First United Methodist Church, Dallas Dana Effler, director; Tim Effler, organist.
Sunday Evening Opening Worship Choirs: Sunday, June 1
Custer Road United Methodist Church; Tim Morrison, director
xi

First United Methodist Church Allen; Rusty King, director
First United Methodist Church Richardson; Michael Lightfoot, director
First United Methodist Church The Colony; Tish Davenport, director
Flower Mound United Methodist Church; Jan Call, director
Hamilton Park United Methodist Church; Jimmy Mosby, director
St. Luke Community United Methodist Church; Monya Logan, director
St. Marks United Methodist Church; Larry McCord, director
The Journey from First United Methodist Church Richardson; Caitlin Wells, director
Trietsch Memorial United Methodist Church Flower Mound; Karen Chraska, director

Childrens Choirs sing in Opening Worship:
Highland Park United Methodist Church; Terrie Preskitt, director
First United Methodist Church Richardson; Kim ONeil, director
Custer Road United Methodist Church; Lynda Morrison, director

Accompanists for Opening Worship:
Organ: Bradley Welch, Highland Park United Methodist Church
Piano: Chris Brunt, Highland Park United Methodist Church
Piano: Mary Lightfoot, First United Methodist Church

Ordination Service: Tuesday, June 2
Worship Choir: First United Methodist Church Dallas; Dana Effler, director
Tim Effler; organist

Ken Medema will participate in all worship services.


xii

Meals: Great Food, Great Friends, Total Convenience!
This is the perfect combination for meal time at Annual Conference. This year, lunch will be offered at
First UMC Richardson both Monday and Tuesday by reservation for $10 a day.

Mondays dinner is also available by reservation for $15. Texas Star Round Up will serve barbecue in an
air-conditioned tent.

Registration includes a place for your meal reservations. Please carefully note that you also make
reservations for meals hosted by specific groups on your registration form. The schedule for special meals
is listed below.

Clergy, when you register, you may purchase a ticket for your spouse to attend the Clergy Spouse
luncheon on Tuesday. At the end of the registration process, there is a space for you to enter your
spouses name as a non-voting guest. The meal ticket for your spouse will be in your name tag when you
check in for conference.

Retired Clergy, when you register, please indicate if your spouse will be attending the retiree luncheon on
Monday. At the end of the registration process, there is a space for you to enter your spouses name as a
non-voting guest. Your meal tickets will be included in your name tag when you check in for conference.

Ordinands, commissionees, sponsors and Monday evening worship leaders should not make Monday
evening reservations.

Special Meals
MEAL TI ME LOCATI ON COST
Black Methodists for Church
Renewal
Tuesday Lunch
Episcopal Church of the
Epiphany
$20
Board of Church & Society Monday Lunch
Episcopal Church of the
Epiphany
$15
Clergy Spouses Tuesday Lunch First UMC Richardson $15
Clergy Women Sunday Dinner Spring Valley UMC $15
Deacons Tuesday Lunch First UMC Richardson $15
Evangelical Fellowship Monday Lunch
Episcopal Church of the
Epiphany
Donation at the
door
Extension Ministers
Monday
Breakfast
First UMC Richardson $10
xiii

MEAL TI ME LOCATI ON COST
Laity Sunday Dinner Hamilton Park UMC $15
Local Pastors Tuesday Lunch
Episcopal Church of the
Epiphany
$6
Perkins Alumni
Tuesday
Breakfast
First UMC Richardson $10
Retired Clergy Monday Lunch First UMC Richardson Free
Young Clergy Sunday Dinner First UMC Richardson $10






NAME BADGE COLORS
Blue Clergy members who are entitled to vote except for the election of lay delegates to the General and Jurisdictional
Conferences.
Peach Provisional clergy members, associate and affiliate clergy members and local pastors under part-time and
full-time appointment (who have completed the Five-Year Course of Study or M.Div. degree and have been
appointed by the Bishop and served for two consecutive years immediately preceding the election) who are
entitled to vote unless the subject is constitutional amendments or election of lay delegates to General and
Jurisdictional Conferences and matters of ordination, character and conference relations of clergy.
Gold Provisional clergy members, local pastors under part-time and full-time appointment (who have not
completed Course of Study or been appointed less than two years immediately preceding the election), and
elders or clergy from other denominations who are entitled to vote unless the subject is constitutional
amendments, election of clergy and lay delegates to General and Jurisdictional Conferences and matters of
ordination, character, and conference relations of clergy.
Green Lay members who are entitled to vote unless the matter pertains to the clergy, such as ordination, reception into
full membership, or election of clergy delegates.
Yellow Diaconal ministers who are entitled to vote unless the matter pertains to the clergy, such as ordination, reception
into full membership, or election of clergy delegates.
Pink Student local pastors, retired local pastors, clergy from other annual conferences, missionaries assigned by
the GBGM, and certified lay missionaries from nations other than the United States, both who are serving
within the bounds of the Annual Conference who have voice but are not allowed to vote.
White Visitors who are not permitted to speak on the floor or allowed to vote.





xiv

Acronyms
AU Africa University
BC Black College Fund
BOM Board of Ordained Ministry
CCYM Conference Council on Youth Ministries
CEF Christian Educators Fellowship
CFA Council on Finance and Administration
CPP Comprehensive Protection Plan
DCOM District Committee on Ordained Ministry
DS District Superintendent
EA East District
ELCC Ethnic Local Church Concerns
GBCS General Board of Church and Society
GBGM General Board of Global Ministries
GBHEM General Board of Higher Education and Ministry
GBOD General Board of Discipleship
GBOPHB General Board of Pension and Health Benets
GCAH General Commission on Archives and History
GCCUIC General Commission on Christian Unity and Interreligious Concerns
GCFA General Council on Finance and Administration
GCOSROW General Commission on Status and Role of Women
GCRR General Commission on Religion and Race
INM Imagine No Malaria
JYMO Jurisdictional Youth Ministries Organization
LPI Lydia Patterson Institute, El Paso
ME Metro District
MEF Ministerial Education Fund
MHBT McQueary/Henry/Boles/Troy
MPP Ministerial Pension Plan
NC North Central District
NTC North Texas Conference
NW Northwest District
NYMO National Youth Ministry Organization
PM Provisional Member (ministerial) of the Annual Conference
P-PR Pastor-Parish Relations Committee
P&Q Division of Preparations and Qualications of the Board of Ordained Ministry
SCJ South Central Jurisdiction
S-PR Staff-Parish Relations Committee
TMF Texas Methodist Foundation
TUMCA Texas United Methodist College Association
UMC The United Methodist Church
UMCom United Methodist Communications
UMCOR United Methodist Committee on Relief
UMM United Methodist Men
UMPH United Methodist Publishing House
UMR United Methodist Reporter
UMW United Methodist Women
UMYF United Methodist Youth Fellowship
VBS Vacation Bible School
VIM Volunteers in Mission
YSF Youth Service Fund

xv

1

LEGISLATIVE 1
ITEM #1 2
3
LAY/CLERGY EQUALIZATION TABLE 4
2014 EQUALIZATION OF LAY AND CLERGY MEMBERSHIP 5
6
7
LAY 8
RULE TOTAL EQUAL 9
DISTRICT CLERGY LAY IIIA(1) RULE IIIA(1) FACTOR 10
11
EAST 88 68 4 72 16 12
13
METRO 289 129 22 151 138 14
15
NORTH CENTRAL 192 118 10 128 64 16
17
NORTHWEST 81 65 6 71 10 18
____________________________________________________________________ 19
20
TOTALS 650 380 42 422 228 21
22
23
24
STANDING RULE IIIA(1) 25
26
EA ME NC NW TOTAL 27
28
Conference Lay Leader/Assoc. Lay Leader 1 1 2 29
Core Leadership Team 1 2 1 1 5 30
UMM President 0 0 31
UMW President 1 1 32
Youth Organization President 1 1 33
District Lay Leaders 1 1 1 1 4 34
Young Adults under 25 yrs. 1 1 1 1 4 35
Council on Youth Ministry 1 1 1 1 4 36
Diaconal Ministers 14 1 15 37
Agency Chairs/GBOGM Secretary 2 4 6 38
39
TOTALS 4 22 10 6 42 40
41
42
43
Membership % of Total To Be 44
2013 Elected 45
46
East 11,389 8% 18 47
Metro 61,012 42% 96 48
North Central 58,257 40% 91 49
Northwest 14,829 10% 23 50
51
TOTALS 145,487 100% 228 52
53
54
55
56
57
58
59
60

2

LEGISLATIVE 1
ITEM # 2 EQUITABLE COMPENSATION ANNUAL DETERMINATION 2
3
FROM: Center for Leadership Development (CLD) 4
5
BACKGROUND: The primary purpose of the Equitable Compensation Pastors Funds is to 6
assist local churches in moving from part-time pastoral positions to full-time pastoral positions; 7
these funds are meant to be transitional funds rather than long-term subsidies. Some 8
congregations have the potential to reach a sustained average worship attendance of adults to 9
move from a part-time to a full-time pastoral position with short-term conference assistance. The 10
time frame and benchmarks for moving from part-time to full-time should be reflected in yearly 11
increases in worship attendance, Sunday School and small group attendance, professions of faith, 12
those enrolled in annual confirmation classes, and annual increases in the number of individuals 13
and families supporting the churchs mission and ministry budget (operations) of the church. In 14
essence, growing churches can move from a part-time to full-time pastoral position in three to 15
five years. To continue receiving Equitable Compensation Funds a congregation in such a 16
transitional setting shall pay 100% of the annual apportionments. 17
18
The North Texas Conference also has a history of supporting missional settings where full-time 19
pastors have been appointed to congregations not able to pay a full-time salary. Continued 20
conversations with the pastor, congregation, District Superintendent, and Center Directors of the 21
NTC are essential to ensure these congregations continue to be effective in reaching others, 22
transforming lives, and sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ in word and deed. Annually, 23
congregations in missional settings must also manifest the fruitful increases in worship 24
attendance, small groups, professions of faith, confirmation classes, along with annual 25
stewardship training and education. To continue receiving Equitable Compensation Funds a 26
congregation in a missional setting shall pay 100% of the annual apportionments. 27
28
The Center for Leadership Development in consultation with the Bishop and the NTC Cabinet 29
takes into consideration not only the appropriate minimum level compensation for full-time 30
clergy of the conference but also the needs of the churches in determining whether they can 31
afford a full-time pastor or not. 32
33
LEGISLATION: The CLD requests that Pastors Subsidies Equitable Compensation support 34
and administrative expenses be apportioned at $85,000 for 2015. 35
36
A. Guidelines for Conference Members and Full-Time Local Pastors 37
38
1. Equitable Compensation for Conference Members be set at $45,258 for the minimum 39
equitable compensation. This compensation includes: 40
a. base salary, 41
b. utilities, which shall be provided with payments made by the local church or 42
reimbursed when paid by the pastor, 43
c. vouchered travel reimbursement, which shall be reimbursed at the IRS rate 44
with appropriate records and documentation provided to the church, 45
d. dependent health premium payments made by the local church, 46

3

e. dependent health premium supplemental payments paid by the conference at 1
the discretion of the District Superintendent, 2
f. and other conference subsidies received, but excluding any reimbursement for 3
Annual Conference expenses or grants to assist with the expenses to attend 4
expected spiritual formation or continuing education events for all of the 5
clergy members of the conference (e.g., the Clergy Retreat) for conference 6
members in full connection, associate members and provisional members of 7
the North Texas Conference serving full time for 2015. 8
9
For the eighth year the same formula is being applied per the 2006 Annual Conference 10
adopted rate at the recommendation of CF&A for changes to the District Superintendent 11
level compensation. The percent change to the travel & utilities amount is included in the 12
total. The amount of change for 2015 is an increase of 1.09% from $44,770 in 2014. 13
14
2. Adjustments for years of service: 15
16
Years of Service Equitable Compensation Amounts 17
0-5 $45,258 18
6 45,358 19
7 45,458 20
8 45,558 21
9 45,658 22
10 45,758 23
24
3. Compensation for additional churches on a charge: Each charge with more than one 25
church shall receive $200 additional for the second church and $100 each for the third 26
through the fifth additional churches. 27
28
4. Housing shall be provided in a church-owned parsonage or provided for with a 29
monthly allowance. It is expected that the minimum housing allowance that will be paid 30
by those churches or charges that do not provide a parsonage for their pastor will be 31
$12,000 per year. Requests for equitable compensation salary supplements where housing 32
allowances exceed $12,000 will not be considered. 33
34
5. Local Pastors serving full time: 35
36
Five years or less $39,965 37
Six years or more $40,065 38
Expense recommendations same as above. 39
40
6. Deacons serving under salaried appointments in a local church: 41
42
a. Are not eligible to receive Equitable Compensation support from the Annual 43
Conference. 44
b. Shall be granted the same minimum salary as an elder in full connection when their 45
primary appointment is within a local church. * ** 46

4

*(Judicial Council decision #807) 1
**(2012 Book of Discipline, Paragraphs 331.10b, 625.4) 2
3
B. The following policies are proposed to the North Texas Annual Conference for the 4
distribution of equitable compensation assistance in 2015: 5
6
1. A local church exists to serve, not to be served. All churches should be motivated to a 7
larger sense of ministry. Churches whose pastors receive salary subsidy should be open to 8
linkage with other churches in order to utilize efficiently the service of full-time 9
conference members to reduce the need for subsidy. 10
11
2. Equitable Compensation levels can best be met when appointments are open to all 12
ministerial members without regard to race or gender. We continue to urge every 13
conference member to make the subject of a fully open Conference and adequately 14
supported ministry at the local church level a matter of daily personal prayer. Only as the 15
love of Christ dwells in us can an Annual Conference be a communion of caring persons. 16
17
3. Growth in stewardship should be achieved by all below-minimum remuneration 18
churches. In making application for salary subsidy, District Superintendents are to 19
provide evidence of stewardship education and growth of the church. 20
21
4. Tenure payments are designed to honor the years of service of pastors who continue 22
for more than five years in ministry to below minimum compensation charges because of 23
the needs of the Conference. The Bishop and the Cabinet are urged to make every effort 24
to move pastors to above-minimum compensation charges within five years after they 25
begin full-time service. 26
27
5. Applications for salary subsidy from Equitable Compensation are to be made by the 28
District Superintendent on the prescribed forms. 29
30
6. The Charge Conference of any charge unable to pay the minimum salary set by the 31
Conference shall be informed by the District Superintendent of the guidelines for 32
receiving equitable compensation assistance. The Charge shall be informed of the amount 33
required to bring the compensation level up to the minimum and shall be challenged to 34
move toward the goal of full self-support at the earliest possible time. On the application 35
for salary assistance, the District Superintendent shall certify that the charge has been 36
duly notified. The amount of subsidy granted to a pastor shall be acknowledged annually 37
at the Charge Conference. 38
39
7. Equitable Compensation assistance is not available to pastors serving as associate 40
pastors or in staff positions other than pastor-in-charge. In order that such persons receive 41
an equitable wage and to be in compliance with Judicial Council decision #807, however, 42
it is expected that local churches use Conference minimum standards as minimum 43
guidelines to setting associate and staff salaries. 44
45

5

8. Pastors who decline an appointment which would reduce or eliminate compensation 1
support are ineligible for the Equitable Compensation tenure payment given for years of 2
service. 3
4
9. Equitable Compensation assistance is not available for a North Texas Conference 5
member appointed to serve in another Annual Conference, nor is it available to members 6
of other Annual Conferences serving under appointment in the North Texas Conference. 7
8
10. There shall be no lump sum payments to persons receiving Equitable Compensation 9
assistance unless such sums are too small for monthly payments to be made. 10
11
11. It shall be the responsibility of the pastor receiving Equitable Compensation subsidy 12
to inform the District Superintendent of any increase in remuneration or any changes in 13
eligibility which occur after an application for Equitable Compensation has been 14
approved. 15
16
EXCEPTIONAL REQUESTS BY THE CABINET: 17
18
All requests for exceptional support (assistance requested by the Cabinet in excess of the 25% 19
maximum standard) shall be submitted in writing to the Center Director for Leadership 20
Development and to the Center Director for Connectional Resources. The requests shall include 21
the amount of assistance requested, length of time for assistance and reason(s) for exceptional 22
request. 23
24
SUMMARY 25
26
In the North Texas Conference, Minimum Equitable Compensation Salary increases have been 27
indexed annually with the % increase given to all full time pastors under appointment. For 28
example, if the salary compensation rose 1.50 % in a given year then the request to increase the 29
Minimum Equitable Compensation rose 1.50%. At this time it is the recommendation of the 30
CLD to maintain the minimum EC calculation as it exists, providing parity with pastoral 31
compensation increases in the broader conference. 32
33
34
LEGISLATIVE 35
ITEM # 3 RESOLUTION TO DESIGNATE 36
RENTAL/HOUSINGALLOWANCES FOR RETIRED OR 37
DISABLED CLERGYPERSONS OF THE NORTH TEXAS 38
CONFERENCE 39
40
FROM: Board of Pension and Health Benefits 41
42
BACKGROUND: To be in compliance with Internal Revenue Service Revenue Ruling 75- 43
22, 1975-1,49, as it relates to clergy housing, the North Texas Conference (the Conference) 44
adopts the following resolutions relating to rental/housing allowances for active, retired, or 45
disabled clergypersons of the Conference: 46

6

LEGISLATION: WHEREAS, the religious denomination known as The United Methodist 1
Church (the Church), of which the North Texas Conference is a part, has in the past functioned 2
and continues to function through Ministers of the Gospel (within the meaning of Internal 3
Revenue Code section 107) who were or are duly ordained, commissioned or licensed ministers 4
of the Church (Clergypersons); and 5
6
WHEREAS, the practice of the Church and of this Conference was and is to provide active 7
Clergypersons with a parsonage or a rental/housing allowance as part of their gross 8
compensation; and 9
10
WHEREAS, pensions or other amounts paid to active, retired and disabled Clergypersons are 11
considered to be deferred compensation and are paid to active, retired and disabled 12
Clergypersons in consideration of previous active service; and 13
14
WHEREAS, the Internal Revenue Service has recognized the Conference (or its predecessors) 15
as the appropriate organization to designate a rental/housing allowance for Clergypersons who 16
are or were members of this Conference and are eligible to receive such deferred compensation: 17
18
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED: 19
20
THAT an amount equal to 100% of the pension or disability payments received from plans 21
authorized under The Book of Discipline of The United Methodist Church (the Discipline), 22
which includes all such payments from the General Board of Pension and Health Benefits 23
(GBOPHB), during the year 2015 by each active, retired, or disabled Clergyperson who is or 24
was a member of the Conference or its predecessors, be and hereby is designated as a 25
rental/housing allowance for each such Clergyperson; and 26
27
THAT the pension or disability payments to which this rental/housing allowance applies will be 28
any pension or disability payments from plans, annuities, or funds authorized under the 29
Discipline, including such payments from the GBOPHB and from a commercial annuity 30
company that provides an annuity arising from benefits accrued under a GBOPHB plan, annuity, 31
or fund authorized under the Discipline, that result from any service a Clergyperson rendered to 32
this Conference or that an active, a retired, or a disabled Clergyperson of this Conference 33
rendered to any local church, annual conference of the Church, general agency of the Church, 34
other institution of the Church, former denomination that is now a part of the Church, or any 35
other employer that employed the Clergyperson to perform services related to the ministry of the 36
Church, or its predecessors, and that elected to make contributions to, or accrue a benefit under, 37
such a plan, annuity, or fund for such active, retired or disabled Clergypersons pension or 38
disability as part of his or her gross compensation. 39
40
NOTE: The rental/housing allowance that may be excluded from a Clergypersons gross income 41
in any year for federal income tax purposes is limited under Internal Revenue Code section 107 42
(2) and regulations there under to the least of: (1) the amount of the rental/housing allowance 43
designated by the Clergypersons employer or other appropriate body of the Church (such as this 44
Conference in the foregoing resolutions) for such year; (2) the amount actually expended by the 45

7

Clergyperson to rent or provide a home in such year; or (3) the fair rental value of the home, 1
including furnishings and appurtenances (such as a garage), plus the cost of utilities in such year. 2
3
4
LEGISLATIVE 5
ITEM # 4 PRE-1982 SERVICE YEAR RATE FOR 2015 6
7
FROM: Board of Pension and Health Benefits 8
9
BACKGROUND: Paragraph 1506.7 of the 2012 Discipline states that the responsibility for 10
past service annuity rate for ministerial service rendered before 1982 be determined by each 11
annual conference. Legislation passed at the 2012 General Conference removed the wording 12
from Paragraph 1506.7 requiring the Past Service Rate increases be a minimum of .8% based on 13
the Conference Average Compensation (CAC). Furthermore, General Conference 2012 passed 14
legislation requiring full funding of any Past Service Rate increases by December 31 of the year 15
preceding the proposed increase. In order to provide an increase in retirement benefits that keeps 16
pace with inflation, the North Texas Conference Board of Pension and Health Benefits is 17
recommending the adoption of the percentage increase known as the Cost-of-Living 18
Adjustment (COLA) as published by the Social Security Administration as the established rate 19
for the annual increase in the Past Service Rate with a cap of 4%. The cap can be increased on 20
recommendation of the Board of Pension and Health Benefits and approval by the Annual 21
Conference 22
23
LEGISLATION: That the pre-1982 Service Year Rate for 2015 be increased by 1.5%, in 24
accordance with the COLA rate as published by the Social Security Administration in October of 25
2013, and established at $754 for approved service of clergy members in full connection, 26
probationary members, associate members and local pastors of the conference. 27
28
29
LEGISLATIVE 30
ITEM # 5 2015 BOPHB APPORTIONMENT BUDGET 31
32
FROM: Board of Pension and Health Benefits 33
34
BACKGROUND: The two previous apportionments to fund the work of the Board of 35
Pension and Health Benefits (Insurance Subsidies and Board of Pensions) were combined 36
beginning in 2009 to recognize that they are closely related and allow for transferring funds 37
between the two areas as needed. The proposed 2015 apportionment budget request reflects the 38
plans included in previous legislation setting the Pre-1982 Service Year Rate for 2015. The notes 39
following each section of the apportionment offer further explanation. 40
41
As planned, $33,226.27 from reserves was spent for pensions and $102,317.86 from reserves 42
was spent for health insurance and life insurance subsidies in 2013. We began budgeting for all 43
but the Health Insurance Supplement expenses in 2014. We will continue to use the reserves to 44
cover the Health Insurance Supplement expenses in 2015 as well. 45
46

8

At the beginning of 2014, approximately $1.45 million remained in health insurance reserves. It 1
is anticipated that the balance of the health insurance reserves will be about $1.5 million at the 2
end of 2015. The target for this fund has been between $1 - $1.5 million (approximately $1 3
million was the ending balance from the conference self-funded health insurance program upon 4
entering the denominational program Health Flex in 1995) in order to preserve the options of the 5
conference health insurance program, particularly in response to the Affordable Care Act. The 6
Board of Pension and Health Benefits is aware of some tax advantaged vehicles for health 7
insurance that will become available beginning in 2016, and will continue to monitor the 8
developments to take advantage of the most cost effective strategy for our participants going 9
forward. 10
11
LEGISLATION: 12
2013
Budget
2013
Actual 2014 Budget
2015
Budget
%
Change
Pensions:
Computer Software
Support $1,200.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00
CPP (1) $0.00 $0.00 $628,000.00 $628,000.00
CRSP Supplement (2) $0.00 $33,226.27 $25,000.00 $28,000.00
Dues $100.00 $125.00 $100.00 $150.00
Insurance-Property
and Liability $1,000.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00
Insurance-Workers
Compensation $1,100.00 $849.19 $1,200.00 $1,100.00
Past Service Funding
(1) $624,000.00 $610,253.41 $0.00 $280,000.00
Postage $1,300.00 $1,078.82 $1,200.00 $1,200.00
Printing $1,000.00 $119.79 $500.00 $500.00
Retiree Expenses $6,400.00 $6,064.84 $7,200.00 $7,200.00
Staff Expenses $500.00 $0.00 $400.00 $400.00
Supplies $50.00 $183.00 $0.00 $200.00
Telephone $50.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00
Travel-Board $0.00 $0.00 $500.00 $500.00
Travel-Staff $400.00 $417.80 $400.00 $500.00
SUB-TOTAL (3) $637,100.00 $652,318.12 $664,500.00 $947,750.00 42.6%
13
14
(1) In 2009, GBOPHB notified us we would need to begin funding this past liability due to 15
the decline of the stock market in the fall of 2008. We believed we were fully funded in 16
2008. To offset the increase in minimum contributions for this liability caused by the 17
2008 market decline, GBOPHB granted a three-year CPP Holiday which we took in 18
2011-2013. The amount which would have been budgeted in those years for CPP was 19
allocated to fund the additional minimum contribution required for the unfunded liability. 20
While the market has made substantial gains, it has not fully recovered. However, due to 21
a change in the Retiree Medical plan along with favorable market conditions, there is 22
enough money in the combined reserve fund to fully fund the past service liability for 23

9

both Retiree Medical and the Pre-82 Past Service Funding liability. The Board of Pension 1
and Health Benefits voted to pay the past service liability for the Pre-82 Past Service 2
Funding liability in the spring of 2014. Although the Pre-82 Past Service Funding 3
liability is now fully funded, General Conference 2012 passed legislation requiring all 4
increases in Past Service Rates be funded at the beginning of the year the increase is 5
slated to take effect for conferences that are underfunded. We will continue to apportion 6
this amount for the foreseeable future to maintain the funds needed to meet this 7
obligation. As noted in earlier legislation, the Board of Pension and Health Benefits is 8
recommending we establish the COLA rate as published by the Social Security 9
Administration as the standard for the annual increase for the Past Service Rate. This 10
results in an increase of approximately 1.5% for our retirees receiving Pre-82 Pensions 11
for 2015. The funding required for this increase is $280,637. The funding for this liability 12
for this year will be apportioned. 13
14
(2) The CRSP Supplement provides supplements for churches under the Denominational 15
Average Compensation, covers pastors on medical leave and provides a small amount for 16
uncollectable premiums. Nothing was budgeted for this in 2010, 2011, 2012 or 2013 due 17
to a large beginning balance to spend down. The expenditure in 2009 was $39,392, 18
$43,575 in 2010, $36,344.78 in 2011, $29,829 in 2012, and $33,226.27 for 2013. The 19
anticipated expense for 2014 is approximately $28,000. The change in the CRSP program 20
that was approved at General Conference 2012 goes into effect for 2014, resulting in a 21
lower projected expense for 2014 and 2015, therefore the amount allocated for this is set 22
at a lower rate than previous expenditures. 23
24
(3) The Sub-Total is an increase of $283,250 or approximately 42.6% from the 2014 amount 25
budgeted of $664,500, due to apportioned funding of the increase in the Pre-82 Past 26
Service Rate. 27
28

2013
Budget
2013
Actual
2014
Budget
2015
Budget
%
Change
Health Insurance:
Actuarial Services Retiree Medical $0.00 $7,943.00 $15,000.00 $15,000.00
Insurance-Medical Leave (1) $0.00 $41,965.00 $38,000.00 $45,000.00
Insurance-Life/Add Premium (2) $0.00 $28,712.86 $30,000.00 $32,000.00
Insurance-Retiree Current Year (3) $517,800.00 $582,616.40 $400,000.00 $400,000.00
Insurance-Retiree Past Service
Funding (4) $784,000.00 $753,944.58 $784,000.00 $0.00
Insurance-Retiree Med For New
Entrants(5) $213,000.00 $204,834.43 $213,000.00 $330,000.00
Health Insurance Supplement $0.00 $31,640.00 $0.00 $0.00
Postage $0.00 $1,385.20 $1,000.00 $1,400.00
Printing $0.00 $733.35 $300.00 $800.00
Supplies $0.00 $220.90 $550.00 $500.00
SUB-TOTAL (6) $1,514,800.00 $1,653,995.72 $1,481,850.00 $824,700.00 -44.3%
TOTAL (7) $2,151,900.00 $2,306,313.84 $2,146,350.00 $1,772,450.00 -17.4%

10

(1) The conference currently covers the health insurance premiums of those on disability. 1
This premium was not budgeted for apportionments for the last three years as part of a 2
plan to spend down health insurance reserves for 2011 2013. As planned, this item is 3
once again added back to the apportionments beginning in 2014 and 2015. 4
5
(2) The premium for additional term life insurance for clergy and lay in Health Flex was 6
paid from reserves for the past three years. Beginning in 2014, this premium will be 7
included in apportionments once again as we have spent down the health insurance 8
reserves funds as anticipated. 9
10
(3) The transition to Extend Health, now known as One Exchange, will lower the overall 11
costs for the retiree by half, and the conference by about $200,000. 12
13
(4) The Retiree Medical Liability funding plan updated by the 2008 Annual Conference 14
session shifted the Past Service Funding apportionment at this level from Pre-82 Pensions 15
to the Retiree Medical Liability beginning in 2009 and continuing until that liability is 16
fully funded. The Retiree Medical Liability funding plan was updated again in 2012 17
under the leadership of Jerry Pinkerton. This team submitted a request to the BOPHB that 18
the apportionment level remain the same until this outstanding liability is funded. As of 19
the end of 2013, this liability is now fully funded. 20
21
(5) The Retiree Medical Liability funding plan updated by the 2008 Annual Conference 22
session calls for this item to be frozen at $213,000 until the Pre-82 Pension Plan and the 23
Retiree Medical Liability are fully funded and the Past Service Funding apportionment is 24
eliminated. A review of the 2013 actuarial report indicates this amount should be reset at 25
$330,000 effective for 2014 and years following. The Board of Pension and Health 26
Benefits will conduct an in-depth study of this funding plan in the coming year. 27
28
(6) The Sub-Total is a decrease of $657,150 or 44.3% from 2014. 29
30
(7) The TOTAL is a decrease of $373,900 or 17.4%. 31
32
33
LEGISLATIVE 34
ITEM #6 FINANCE AND ADMINISTRATION 35
36
FROM: Council on Finance and Administration 37
38
INTRODUCTION 39
40
The North Texas Conference is to be congratulated on another excellent payout on 41
apportionments in 2013. Even with the cancellations of worship services at many churches due 42
to icy weather in December, the churches of the North Texas Conference rallied to finish strong 43
with a total 2013 payout of 95.2%. Several church leaders contacted their District 44
Superintendents to find out how they could help others reach the goal of a 100% payout this year 45
through second mile giving. It is truly a blessing to serve in partnership with so many generous 46
congregations as we all seek to honor God with our prayers, presence, gifts, service, and witness. 47

11

We celebrate that 266 out of 295 churches with apportionments paid 100%. We once again 1
recognize the NORTHWEST District for achieving 100% payment for the 22nd year in a row as 2
well as the EAST District for their 100% payout for the 19th year in a row! These pastors, lay 3
leaders and District Superintendents Marvin Guier and Vic Casad are to be commended! 4
5
The total paid for apportionments was $11,275,560 and the total paid for all benevolent causes 6
was $12,141,917. 7
8
While the Council recommends that local churches strive to designate at least 25% of their total 9
annual budgets for causes beyond their churches, it is expected that apportionments will be given 10
first claim by churches in their beyond-the-local church payments, with advance specials and 11
other benevolences viewed as second-mile giving. 12
13
The Council continues to expect 100% payout of our apportionments and urges every church to 14
take seriously the recommended ten-month payment plan in which 10% of the annual 15
apportionment amount is remitted monthly. Without doubt, making monthly payments beginning 16
in January or February is an important step in paying apportionments in full. 17
18
Paragraph 622 of the 2012 Discipline states that the Board of Pension and Health Benefits 19
apportionment, the Episcopal Fund, the District Superintendents Fund, and Equitable 20
Compensation are apportioned funds which are to be paid on the same schedule as the pastors 21
salary is paid. The Cabinet joins the Council in urging each church to adhere to this mandate 22
monthly. 23
24
All churches are also encouraged to make contributions to their District Second Mile Fund. This 25
is an important way to assist districts and the conference as a whole to achieve 100% payment of 26
our total apportionments. 27
28
The Council and the Conference Treasurer continue to update reports in order to provide the 29
information conference leaders and members expect in a more open and transparent way. The 30
Council takes seriously its fiduciary responsibility and is working with conference leaders to 31
ensure faithful and effective stewardship of conference funds. 32
33
END-OF-YEAR 2013 FINANCIAL OVERVIEW 34
35
1. The 2013 apportionment payout was 95.2%. 36
2. As planned, we spent down an additional $135,544.13 in 2013 of reserves to reduce 37
apportionments and direct bill benefits premiums to the churches. This is in addition to 38
the $413,584 of planned spending of reserves in 2010, $491,344 in 2011, and 347,333 in 39
2012. The target goal of the health insurance reserves is between $1,000,000 and 40
$1,500,000. As of the end of 2013, we still had $1,451,981.74 in our health insurance 41
reserve account. We plan to spend an additional $32,000 for Pension and Health 42
Insurance supplements in 2014. 43
3. The total unrestricted cash held by the conference treasurer at the end of 2013 was 44
$330,847.13. In addition, $4,828,822 in 2013 apportionments was received by the 45

12

January 13, 2014 closeout day. The conference treasury held $7,162,891 in designated 1
reserves at the Texas Methodist Foundation, and an additional $22,754,062 in deposits at 2
the General Board of Pension and Health Benefits, designated for the outstanding 3
liabilities of $7,396,729 for the remaining Pre-82 liability and $10,103,622 in Post 4
Retiree Medical liability. As of the end of 2013, we now hold the reserves to fully fund 5
our Past Service liabilities. 6
4. The conference transitioned from a modified cash basis accounting method to Generally 7
Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) reporting effective January 1, 2012. The most 8
significant presentation effected with this change is the inclusion of the Retiree Medical 9
Liability funding on the financial statements. There is a significant change in the actuarial 10
valuation on the Retiree Medical Liability funding due to two factors: 1) the change to 11
OneExchange reduced the overall liability by $13,039,602, and 2) favorable market 12
trends reduced this liability by an additional 5,419,467. The market trends are based on 13
industry standards set by Citigroup for actuarial computations. The total liability can 14
change significantly from year to year. 15
5. Detailed 2013 financial reports may be found in the Agency Reports of this workbook. 16
17
FURTHER INFORMATION 18
19
A. Fidelity Bond for Local Churches 20
21
Beginning in 2007, with the establishment of our Conference-Wide Property & Liability 22
Insurance Program through PACT, a $100,000 Employee Dishonesty (Crime) Bond was 23
established to cover those persons authorized to handle funds in every church in the Annual 24
Conference. Effective April 1, 2012, we placed our insurance coverage with McQueary, Henry, 25
Bowles, and Troy. We continue to provide the $100,000 Employee Dishonesty (Crime) Bond in 26
our current insurance program. 27
28
B. Electric Aggregation Program 29
30
Electric utilities in the state of Texas were deregulated effective January 1, 2002. Deregulation 31
offered the opportunity for the churches of the North Texas Conference to join together to 32
purchase electricity. With the encouragement of CF&A, a group of large churches in the 33
conference initiated an effort to secure a group contract for the purchase of electricity. All of the 34
churches of the conference have been invited to participate in this effort. The program is now in 35
its fifth aggregate contract and continues to be beneficial to the approximately 106 participating 36
churches with the benefits of achieving scale, the ability to anticipate costs in budgeting, and 37
protection against the volatility of natural gas prices and future cost increases. 38
39
An additional feature of the present contract is the inclusion of 10% renewable or green energy 40
for every church, which was secured at no additional cost to the group contract. Churches may 41
choose to increase the percentage of renewable energy for an additional cost. As reported in a 42
December 22, 2007 feature article in the Dallas Morning News: In an apparently unprecedented 43
move for a large religious group, United Methodist churches of North Texas have joined forces 44
to buy green electricity generated by windmills in the western part of the state. Staff writer 45

13

Sam Hodges went on to say, Environmentalists say theyre unaware of another conference, 1
diocese, synod or any other body of churches that has used its economic clout to spur 2
nonpolluting electricity production. This is a significant step as we try to live out our concern 3
for the environment. 4
5
Effective January 1, 2013, we have entered into a new two year electrical aggregate contract for 6
a negotiated rate of .054 per kWh through July 2015, followed by an additional 48 months at 7
.0509 per kWh. 8
9
C. Conference-Wide Property & Liability Insurance Program 10
11
In response to requests for help from several local churches and after a great deal of study and 12
discussion over many years, the 2006 Annual Conference session voted to establish a 13
conference-wide property and liability insurance program through the group captive established 14
by GCFA known as UM PACT. State regulations governing group captives required each annual 15
conference to provide a capital contribution to the captive. 16
17
In April of 2011, GCFA created United Methodist Insurance (UMI) as a single parent captive 18
with the intent of providing greater insurance coverage opportunities and savings. By the end of 19
the second quarter of 2012, UMI assumed all of the assets and liabilities of the UM PACT 20
program and retain its risks and coverage. Although the North Texas Conference is no longer 21
participating in the UMI program, we do continue to have an asset of approximately $200,000 22
held with UMI from our capital contribution. We expect this contribution to eventually be 23
returned to our conference. 24
25
In 2011, the unusually high loss experience over the preceding five years led to a premium 26
increase of 23% over the previous year along with an increase in deductibles from a flat $1,000 27
across the board to a wind and hail damage deductible of 2% per building with a cap of $50,000 28
per building per occurrence on our October 1, 2011 insurance renewal with UMI. Under the 29
direction of the Bishop, the Core Leadership Team, and the Council on Finance and 30
Administration (CFA), an Insurance Advisory Team (IAT) was created to negotiate this program 31
on behalf of the churches of the North Texas Conference. The IAT was a six member task force 32
composed of experienced property and liability insurance professionals who were not current 33
broker/agents, directors, or otherwise beneficiaries of any sort of insurance carrier so that they 34
might act on behalf of the churches of the North Texas Conference without any conflict of 35
interest. Over the course of the next several months, the IAT entered into negotiations with UMI 36
over our existing insurance programs. In addition, they secured the services of a local 37
commercial broker, MHBT, in order to obtain a competitive bid on our lines of coverage. 38
39
In 2011, the IAT presented to CFA their recommendation that we move all lines of property and 40
liability insurance coverage to MHBT. CFA voted unanimously to accept the recommendation of 41
the IAT and to ask that this short term task force be an ongoing committee tasked with the work 42
of review and continued negotiation of our insurance needs, reporting directly to CFA. 43
44
Fortunately for our churches, the Property and Liability insurance was moved to a new carrier on 45
April 1, 2012. On April 3, 2012 the Dallas area experienced the eighth most expensive storm in 46

14

the last forty years of Texas weather history. And on June 16
th
, the Dallas area was again hit with 1
what proved to be the fifth most expensive insurance loss for Texas. Both of these storms ranked 2
above the Bastrop Wildfires in terms of total losses for the insurance industry. Had we remained 3
under our previous carriers, our churches would have experienced deductibles of approximately 4
$1,405,611 on the hail claims alone based on the 2% of building value deductible. Instead, our 5
churches paid a total of $74,260 in 2012 deductibles on these same losses under our new 6
insurance policy. We are facing a very hard market for property insurance lines due to the recent 7
storms, particularly in Dallas and Wichita Counties. The Insurance Advisory Committee is 8
working very hard to provide our churches with coverage that protects their ministry dollars. 9
10
Our loss experience in 2013 improved significantly, resulting in a smaller than expected increase 11
in premiums for the 2014-2015 year. Although we have already experienced significant storms in 12
2014 and related hail losses, we hope the restructuring of the insurance program that allows the 13
conference to cover more of the first dollar losses will allow us to see lower trends in property 14
insurance in the coming years. 15
16
Because of continuing concern over the vulnerability of our churches in todays litigious society 17
and realizing that all of the other churches are at risk when some are without adequate coverage 18
or limits, the Council is convinced that a mandatory conference wide program is the best way to 19
protect all North Texas Conference churches in case of property losses or issues leading to 20
liability claims. The Council desires to do everything possible to keep our churches out of harms 21
way and to enhance our protection of ministry and mission. 22
23
D. Pre-1982 Pension Liability 24
25
The 2012 Discipline requires the submission of an annual comprehensive funding plan for all of 26
our benefit liabilities including our pre-1982 pension liability. (See Board of Pension and Health 27
Benefits Conference Report items for the presentation of our Comprehensive Funding Plan as it 28
was approved by the both the Conference and General Boards of Pension and Health Benefits.) 29
30
E. Retiree Medical Liability 31
32
A plan to address the conferences Retiree Medical Liability was adopted by the 2002 Annual 33
Conference session and updated by the 2006 and 2008 Annual Conference sessions. A study 34
group, under the leadership of Jerry Pinkerton, revisited our progress towards funding this 35
liability in the fall of 2012. The Conference moved to OneExchange in 2013 as our connector to 36
Retiree Supplemental Insurance coverage, resulting in a significant decrease in costs to both the 37
retiree and the conference. See the Board of Pension and Health Benefits report and legislation 38
for more information. 39
40
F. Salary, Benefits and Expenses for District Superintendents 41
As stated in the conferences Standing Rules, the salary of a district superintendent shall be 42
adjusted annually by the average percentage change in the base compensation of all full-time 43
pastors appointed to serve local churches or appointments for which the conference is 44
responsible. This policy was started in 2008, and called for a periodic review to confirm the 45
increases maintain a salary level that falls at or about 90% of the declension of salary packages 46

15

of full-time elders. The Council on Finance and Administration reviewed the policy and the 1
declension status in the spring of 2014 and determined that the current formula is maintaining the 2
status set by the Annual Conference in 2008. 3
4
Therefore, the amount of change called for in accordance with the policy for 2014 is a 1.09% 5
increase, which brings the salary to $110,724. Parsonages or a Housing Allowance are provided 6
by the districts. Utilities are reimbursed by voucher. Travel and other business expenses are 7
reimbursed through an Accountable Reimbursement plan. 8
9
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR LEGISLATIVE ACTION 10
11
I. AUDITOR FOR THE CONFERENCE TREASURY 12
13
The Council recommends Ratliff Associates as the auditing firm for the Conference Treasury for 14
the 2014 audit. 15
16
II. 2014 APPORTIONMENT BUDGET RECOMMENDATION 17
18
BACKGROUND: 19
Since 2009, CFA has worked diligently to reduce the total apportionment budget, accomplishing 20
a net reduction of 8.1% over the last seven years. We had decreases each year, with an 21
essentially flat increase in apportionments of 0.3% for 2012 and a slight decrease in 2013 of 22
0.6% and an increase of 1.5% for 2014. For 2015, CFA is recommending another 1.5% increase 23
in apportionments to a total of $12,199,544. The overall reduction in apportionment dollars over 24
the last six years translates to an additional $1.07 million per year in ministry dollars available 25
for the work of our local churches. 26
27
28
29
Aside from General Conference and Jurisdictional Conference apportionments, the Episcopal 30
Area fund and the District Superintendents Fund, the 2014 recommended apportionment budget 31
is built around the four centers: (1) the Center for Leadership Development, (2) the Center for 32
New Church Development and Congregational Transformation, (3) the Center for Missional 33
Outreach, and (4) the Center for Connectional Resources. While the Center for Connectional 34
Resources is submitting a reduced budget, the Centers for New Church Starts, Leadership 35

16

Development, and Missional Outreach are requesting increases for a net percentage increase of 1
1.5% for the total budget. 2
3
The Center for Connectional Resources is pleased to announce a reduction in its request of 4
$326,109, for an 8.7% decrease from the previous year. This reduction is a result of the full 5
funding of the Pre-82 liability as well as the Retiree Medical past service liabilities. We achieved 6
full funding of these ahead of schedule due to strong market trends as well as a change in the 7
Retiree Medical program. A steep market decline, like the one we experienced in 2008 could 8
result in a return of apportionment dollars designated for this, of course, but at this time, the 9
Conference Board of Pension and Health Benefits is recommending a reduction in these 10
apportionments to the local church. 11
12
The Center for New Church Starts is requesting a 26.5% increase for a total dollar amount of 13
$256,022. The Jump Start monies provided by the Annual Conference will be depleted fully by 14
the end of 2014. The cash remaining in the Centers operating reserves provide a small buffer for 15
the 2015 budget, but in order to continue to start new churches and expand the work of the 16
Healthy Church Initiative to assist existing congregations in revitalization work, the remaining 17
funds needed are being shifted to the apportionment budget. 18
19
The 9.5% increase in the request from the Center for Leadership Development results in a dollar 20
total increase of $130,295. The increases requested are primarily a result of the initiatives 21
proposed for Clergy Effectiveness and Advancing Womens Leadership. The details of these 22
initiatives can be found in the 2014 NTC Conference Reports section of this workbook. In 23
addition, the Center for Leadership Development has launched a new Wesley Foundation at the 24
University of Texas at Dallas. Information about this ministry can be found in the Center for 25
Leadership Developments Campus Ministry report. 26
27
The Center for Missional Outreach is requesting an additional $63,089 in funding for the 28
administrative support of the Zip Code connection. This translates to a 10.3% increase over the 29
previous years budget. 30
31
The District Administration Fund budgets come from the District Conferences. Although they 32
are included in the total apportionment budget recommendation, they are not considered by 33
CF&A. At the time of the printing of this budget, these line items had not yet been approved. 34
They are subject to change in accordance with the decisions of the District Conferences held 35
May 18, 2014. 36
37
The staff budgets are aligned with their respective centers and in the case of Communications 38
with the Episcopal Area. According to NTC Standing Rule II.A.10, the District Superintendent 39
level salaries are calculated with a 1.09% increase. Other staff salaries are an increase of 2.5%. 40
41
We began spending down the health insurance reserves three years ago to ease a one year sizable 42
increase in health insurance premiums. We budgeted and spent $491,344 of reserves in 2011 and 43
$347,333 in 2012 and 135,544 in 2013. We have budgeted an additional $32,000 to be spent in 44
2014 and will continue to tap $32,000 of reserves in 2015. As of the beginning of 2014, we still 45
had $1,484,546 remaining in the health insurance reserve fund. The health insurance rates are 46

17

now being billed at the full rate charged by the General Board of Pension and Health Benefits as 1
the increases in rates were much smaller in the last two years and remained flat for 2015. 2
3
The following other non-apportioned income related to the apportioned items is also anticipated: 4
$50,000 from health insurance premiums for staff, and $10,000 from GCFA for the Episcopal 5
Residence. Additional other non-apportioned but related income may be received during the 6
year. 7
8
2015 Apportionment Budget Recommendation 9
Description 2013 Budget 2013 Actual 2014 Budget 2015 Budget
%
Change
GENERAL CONFERENCE (1)
World Service 1,801,746.00 1,639,010.13 1,767,764.00 1,772,081.00
MEF - Global 463,926.00 432,970.42 455,175.00 456,281.25
MEF - N. TX. Conf. 154,642.00 173,508.98 151,725.00 152,093.75
Black College Fund 246,729.00 232,405.52 242,076.00 242,687.00
Africa University Fund 55,214.00 53,090.25 54,172.00 54,304.00
Interdenominational Coop 48,353.00 46,393.79 47,441.00 47,602.00
General Administration Fund 217,413.00 202,840.61 213,335.00 213,900.00
Episcopal Fund 522,126.00 503,014.80 516,183.00 531,486.00
Sub-Total 3,510,149.00 3,283,234.50 3,447,871.00 3,470,435.00 0.7%
JURISDICTIONAL CONFERENCE (2)
Lydia Patterson Institute 73,244.00 67,232.07 73,244.00 73,244.00
Mt. Sequoyah Assembly 17,515.00 16,840.93 17,515.00 17,515.00
Jurisdiction Administration Fund 34,304.00 32,985.39 34,304.00 34,304.00
SMU Campus Ministries (3) 9,023.00 6,767.00 6,767.00 2,282.00
Sub-Total 134,086.00 123,825.39 131,830.00 127,345.00 -3.4%
TOTAL 3,644,235.00 3,407,059.89 3,579,701.00 3,597,780.00 0.5%
CENTER FOR NEW CHURCH STARTS
Administration 12,900.00 12,350.94 10,000.00 15,000.00
Staff 312,542.00 290,992.85 320,356.00 329,967.00
Training 51,000.00 10,063.11 51,000.00 51,000.00
New Church Coaching/Consulting 31,000.00 13,533.62 31,000.00 31,000.00
Mission Insight 8,500.00 0.00 8,500.00 8,856.00
Healthy Church Initiative 68,000.00 23,899.65 80,000.00 88,000.00
New Church Starts 949,838.00 735,076.22 860,810.00 698,275.00
Release of Reserves (596,680.00) (146,522.30) (395,590.00) 0.00
TOTAL 837,100.00 939,394.09 966,076.00 1,222,098.00 26.5%

CENTER FOR LEADERSHIP
DEVELOPMENT
Administration 13,979.00 17,653.76 14,450.00 15,000.00
Staff 339,612.00 333,245.80 342,386.00 366,757.00
Board of Ministry (Professional
Ministries) 36,700.00 34,279.29 43,220.00 41,920.00
Board of Laity 9,100.00 6,838.75 8,686.00 9,454.43
Faith & Leadership Formation 64,650.00 74,244.99 81,500.00 134,237.00
Texas Methodist Colleges 100,000.00 95,097.70 100,000.00 100,000.00

18

Effective & Fruitful Leaders Program 35,800.00 23,942.60 42,000.00 50,000.00
Conflict Management 12,500.00 5,698.86 13,635.00 7,300.00
Campus Ministries 457,859.00 411,180.55 460,277.00 515,281.00
Equitable Compensation 90,000.00 66,676.91 50,000.00 85,000.00
Intentional Interim Pastors 40,000.00 44,341.57 35,000.00 45,000.00
Transitional Care for Clergy 5,000.00 0.00 40,000.00 100,500.00
Emerging Leadership Programs 10,000.00 3,652.11 7,500.00 8,500.00
Leadership Dev Standing Committee 5,000.00 1,231.07 10,000.00 10,000.00
Bridgeport Camp Program 118,500.00 118,500.00 125,050.00 125,050.00
Release of Reserves (110,000.00)
TOTAL 1,338,700.00 1,236,583.96 1,373,704.00 1,503,999.43 9.5%
CENTER FOR MISSIONAL OUTREACH
Advisory Team 50,000.00 47,011.63 38,000.00 110,000.00
Staff 321,595.00 287,258.18 346,792.00 357,131.00
Christian Unity & Interreligious
Concerns 10,500.00 4,000.00 6,000.00 2,500.00
Church & Society 10,500.00 8,757.79 10,000.00 8,500.00
Ethnic Local Church Concerns 150,500.00 140,710.96 154,500.00 142,500.00
Global Ministries 79,500.00 57,732.37 57,500.00 55,250.00
TOTAL 622,595.00 545,470.93 612,792.00 675,881.00 10.3%
CENTER FOR CONNECTIONAL
RESOURCES
Administration 134,300.00 139,097.04 149,515.00 149,300.00
Staff 587,444.00 548,925.34 590,832.00 612,838.00
Administrative Agencies 40,500.00 44,536.78 42,500.00 47,900.00
Annual Conference 76,900.00 74,807.48 109,770.00 109,770.00
Ministry Center Operations 144,750.00 129,892.65 141,000.00 151,600.00
Ministry Center Debt Service 260,000.00 247,520.00 260,000.00 260,000.00
Board of Pension & Health Benefits 637,100.00 667,139.75 664,500.00 947,750.00
Health Insurance Subsidies 1,514,800.00 1,653,995.72 1,481,850.00 824,700.00
Moving Fund 117,000.00 148,618.43 117,000.00 117,000.00
Camp & Retreat Center Operations 190,000.00 185,240.00 200,000.00 210,000.00
TOTAL 3,702,794.00 3,839,773.19 3,756,967.00 3,430,858.00 -8.7%
EPISCOPAL OFFICE
Area Office 65,650.00 68,356.71 69,472.00 75,000.00
Episcopal Residence 32,000.00 31,842.26 32,000.00 32,000.00
TOTAL 97,650.00 100,198.97 101,472.00 107,000.00 5.4%
COMMUNICATIONS
Administration 210,150.00 215,129.97 224,850.00 224,850.00
Staff 202,296.00 196,734.07 200,690.00 204,497.00
TOTAL 412,446.00 411,864.04 425,540.00 429,347.00 0.9%

DISTRICT SUPERINTENDENTS
Administration 70,000.00 69,611.61 70,000.00 80,000.00
Staff (4) 477,051.00 473,005.79 473,728.00 481,796.00
TOTAL 547,051.00 542,617.40 543,728.00 561,796.00 3.3%

19

DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION FUND (5)
East District 159,016.00 139,087.51 165,846.00 167,649.00
Metro District 165,881.00 146,454.60 165,859.00 175,454.00
North Central District 164,660.00 152,042.77 177,800.00 177,845.00
Northwest District 149,837.00 117,720.69 149,837.00 149,837.00
TOTAL 639,394.00 555,305.57 659,342.00 670,785.00 1.7%
Total Budgeted Apportionment
Expenses 11,841,965.00 11,578,268.04 12,019,322.00 12,199,544.43 1.5%
1
Notes: 2
1. These are final numbers for General Conference Apportionments approved by 3
Legislation enacted at the 2012 General Conference. 4
2. The Jurisdictional apportionments are final numbers approved by the Jurisdictional 5
Conference at the July 2012 meeting. 6
3. Financial responsibility for the SMU Wesley Foundation will shift to the North Texas 7
Conference over a period of 4 years beginning in 2014. The South Central Jurisdiction 8
budgeted $85,000 for SMU in previous years. This budget will be absorbed into the 9
Center for Leadership Development budget over the next four years under its Campus 10
Ministries. 11
4. The amount of change in the DS level salary called for in the Standing Rules is 1.09%. 12
5. The District Administration Fund budgets come from the District Conference. Although 13
they are included in the total apportionment budget recommendation, they are not 14
considered by CF&A. 15
16
GUIDELINES FOR APPORTIONMENTS FOR LOCAL CHURCHES 17
18
A. Formula for Two-Part Decimal: 19
20
1/3 membership and 2/3 finance 21
22
B. Procedure for Computation of Decimal for Each Church: 23
The membership part is computed by dividing the total 2013 church membership of the Annual 24
Conference (less discontinued churches and fellowships = 144,612) into the 2013 membership of 25
each church. This becomes the church's membership decimal. 26
27
The finance part is computed by adding the amounts of the operating expenses reported paid by 28
each church in columns 48, 49, 51 53, and 55 - 57 of the 2013 Statistician's Report. (No funds 29
reported in other statistical columns are included in this computation.) This total is then divided 30
by the Conference total of these same columns (less discontinued churches and fellowships = 31
$83,843,140). This becomes the local church's finance decimal. 32
The finance decimal is doubled. The membership decimal is added to the doubled finance 33
decimal. This total is divided by three to become the apportionment decimal. 34
35
36
37

20

C. Procedure for Computation of Apportionments for Each Church: 1
2
The apportionment decimal for each church is multiplied by the Conference total of each 3
apportionment to determine the amount that each church is asked to pay toward the 4
apportionment. 5
6
D. Margin for Correction: 7
8
To assure that 100% of the amount of each apportionment will be distributed to the churches, no 9
more than one quarter of one percent may be added to each apportionment when needed. 10
11
12
LEGISLATIVE 13
ITEM # 7 CLOSING OF THE WHITE ROCK UMC EAST DISTRICT 14
15
FROM: North Texas Conference Board of Trustees 16
17
BACKGROUND: The White Rock UMC (Celeste Charge), Hunt County, closed October 1, 2013. 18
Because there were only a small number of members attending the congregation decided it was time to 19
close. 20
21
LEGISLATION: The North Texas Conference Board of Trustees has taken custodial responsibility 22
of the property. The church property is very small and sets adjacent to the White Rock Community 23
Center. The community organization has incorporated as a 501c3, not-for-profit. When the incorporation 24
is final a conveyance of the property will be finalized to the community organization. 25
26
27
LEGISLATIVE 28
ITEM # 8 MERGER OF JOSEPHINE UMC AND COPEVILLE UMC - 29
NORTH CENTRAL DISTRICT 30
31
FROM: North Texas Conference Board of Trustees 32
33
BACKGROUND: Because only a small number of members remain at the Josephine UMC 34
and the Copeville UMC the remaining congregants agreed that their best option is to merge into 35
one congregation. 36
37
LEGISLATION: The North Texas Conference Board of Trustees recommends that the 38
Josephine UMC property, located in Josephine, Texas, be sold and the proceeds from the sale be 39
pledged to the new merged congregation now worshiping at the Copeville UMC site. 40
41
42
LEGISLATIVE 43
ITEM # 9 MERGER OF ST. JAMES UMC WITH HAVEN CHAPEL UMC 44
NORTHWEST DISTRICT 45
46
FROM: North Texas Conference Board of Trustees 47
48

21

BACKGROUND: Because only a small number of members remain at the St. James UMC, 1
the remaining congregants agreed that they cannot continue to operate as a separate church. 2
Members of the church concluded that now is the time to close the church and merge with the 3
Haven Chapel UMC. 4
LEGISLATION: The North Texas Conference Board of Trustees recommends that the St. 5
James UMC property, including the parsonage, located in Sherman, Texas, be sold and the 6
proceeds from the sale be pledged to the new merged congregation of Haven Chapel UMC, 7
Denison, Texas. 8
9
10
LEGISLATIVE 11
ITEM # 10 RESOLUTION TO PROVIDE LEGAL REPRESENTATION 12
STATEMENTS IN ACCORDANCE WITH BOD 2517 AND TO 13
DESIGNATE THE NORTH TEXAS ANNUAL CONFERENCE 14
BOARD OF TRUSTEES AS THE BODY FOR THE OVERSIGHT 15
OF THESE STATEMENTS 16
17
FROM: North Texas Annual Conference Board of Trustees 18
BACKGROUND: The 2012 General Conference voted to add 2517 to our Book of 19
Discipline (BOD) requiring, among other things, the creation and maintenance of relationship 20
statements with all related health and welfare ministries located within the geographical bounds 21
of the annual conference. The rationale for this legislation dates back to the legacy of the Pacific 22
Homes matter from the early 1980s involving bankrupt retirement homes that generated multiple 23
lawsuits against several United Methodist entities. One lawsuit, against The United Methodist 24
Church, sought over $600 million in damages. The retirement homes (inaccurately) advertised 25
themselves as being an agency of The United Methodist Church, leading to attempts to hold 26
Church entities liable for the homes failings. An adverse appellate court decision led to the 27
payment of a $21 million settlement. 28
LEGISLATION: 29
Clarifies the definition of a related health and welfare organization; 30
Designates the annual conference board of trustees as the body for overseeing 31
relationship statements, unless another entity within the conference has been specified; 32
Requires the annual conference chancellor to be involved in the process; 33
Ensures the relationship statement include legal language insulating the annual 34
conference from liability, as appropriate; 35
Sets a minimum review period of four years; 36
Controls the use of the denominations name and symbol; 37
Permits the annual conference to encourage or require UMA membership and/or 38
accreditation appropriate to faith-based organizations; 39
Provides a method for the annual conference to report any unrelated health and welfare 40
organizations; and 41
Requires copies of relationship statements to be provided to GCFA. 42

22

WHEREAS, the trustees, in consultation with the chancellor, have identified six agencies that 1
lie within the boundaries of the North Texas Conference that fit the definition of a related health 2
and welfare organization"; and 3
WHEREAS, the trustees, in consultation with the chancellor, have created legal representation 4
statements for these six agencies in compliance with the legal language established by 2517; 5
and 6
WHEREAS, the six legal representation statements as drafted and approved by the trustees in 7
their entirety are attached to this resolution and incorporated herein as Exhibits A through F: 8
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED: 9
THAT in accordance with 2517 of the BOD, the North Texas Annual Conference Board of 10
Trustees be designated as the body responsible for oversight of these relationship statements; and 11
THAT the attached six legal representation statements (Exhibits A-F) be established as the 12
original statements to be reviewed at a minimum of every four years by the North Texas 13
Conference Board of Trustees; and 14
THAT the copies of these statements, complete with designated signatures, be printed in the 15
2014 journal and provided to GCFA. 16
17
18
EXHIBIT A COVENANT STATEMENT OF RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN 19
THE NORTH TEXAS ANNUAL CONFERENCE OF THE UNITED 20
METHODIST CHURCH AND C.C. YOUNG MEMORIAL HOME 21
22
FROM: North Texas Conference Board of Trustees 23
24
Introduction 25
26
C.C. Young Memorial Home (hereinafter "C.C. Young") with its Corporate Headquarters 27
located in Dallas, Texas, and within the boundaries of The North Texas Annual Conference of 28
the United Methodist Church (hereinafter "Annual Conference") was chartered on March 17, 29
1922 as a nursing or retirement home to minister to aged women living in poverty. C.C. Young is 30
a faith-based community of care, dedicated to enhancing the quality of life of older persons. C.C. 31
Young now accepts elderly male and female residents and works to intensify and broaden 32
services so that each individual may flourish in body, mind, and spirit. 33
34
Purpose of Covenant Statement 35
36
The Annual Conference and C.C. Young celebrate a long-standing and valuable relationship. 37
The parties share the Wesleyan values of respect, compassion, diversity, generosity, partnership, 38
and service. The parties view this covenant statement as setting forth elements of an enduring 39
partnership which is important to each. C.C. Young is committed to this covenant in order to 40
enhance the quality of life and holistic growth of older persons, in keeping with our United 41
Methodist tradition. The Annual Conference is committed to the covenant as an opportunity to 42

23

make a difference in the lives of older adults by bringing to C.C. Young core United Methodist 1
values as set forth in the Book of Discipline of The United Methodist Church. 2
3
Communication 4
5
The primary communication link between the parties will be the Chair of the Board of Directors 6
of C.C. Young and the Bishop of the Annual Conference. C.C. Young will meet with the Annual 7
Conference Board of Trustees on an annual basis to discuss programs and plans. This annual 8
communication meeting may be accomplished by the parties' mutual participation in the Annual 9
Conference meeting which is held in June of each year. Information shall be consistently shared 10
so that both partners remain responsible and committed to each other's interests. 11
12
The leadership of C.C. Young, in their capacity as representatives of C. C. Young, will continue 13
to be welcomed as non-voting participants of the Annual Conference or its successor 14
organization. C.C. Young will maintain active membership in The United Methodist Association 15
of Health and Welfare Ministries. 16
17
Board Representation 18
19
The Annual Conference and C.C. Young are independent entities, governed and financed 20
separately and without fiscal or legal responsibility to one another. However, because of the deep 21
connection with The United Methodist Church, C.C. Young has a strong commitment to having 22
a significant number of United Methodist, including North Texas Annual Conference, clergy and 23
lay representation on its Board of Trustees. 24
25
Financial Considerations 26
27
The Annual Conference and C.C. Young are financially and legally independent organizations, 28
both operating under the laws of the State of Texas. As such, there is no expectation that either 29
will make financial contributions to the other, or that they will be responsible for each other's 30
liabilities. However, C.C. Young, on behalf of its ministries to older persons, may request 31
financial support from the Annual Conference as a health and welfare ministry. Furthermore, 32
financial independence does not preclude the partners from working together on projects of 33
mutual interest, nor does it prevent the partners from contributing to the charitable programs of 34
the other. C.C. Young will not pursue a church-by-church financial campaign without written 35
permission from the Council on Finance and Administration of the Annual Conference. 36
37
Structural Links 38
39
The Annual Conference and C.C. Young are both Texas tax-exempt nonprofit corporations. C.C. 40
Young is governed by its Board of Trustees; its assets and property are held in the name of C.C. 41
Young Memorial Home or in the names of wholly owned subsidiaries of C.C. Young. In the 42
event of dissolution of C.C. Young, all of its property (except that within the boundaries of The 43
North Texas Annual Conference) shall, after making provisions of applicable financial codes, be 44
paid over and transferred to the Annual Conference. In the event that neither the Annual 45
Conference nor any successor to the Annual Conference is in existence at the time, the Board of 46

24

Trustees of C.C. Young shall, after making provision for the discharge of all liabilities and 1
obligations, dispose of the assets to organizations organized and operating exclusively for 2
charitable, educational, religious, or scientific purposes in such manner as described in the C.C. 3
Young amended and restated Articles of Incorporation. 4
5
Use of United Methodist Insignia 6
7
The Center acknowledges that before it can use the official United Methodist insignia or the term 8
United Methodist in its name, mission statement, publications, or promotional or marketing 9
material that it must first obtain approval of the General Council of Finance and Administration. 10
11
Relationship Review 12
13
The Annual Conference affirms its commitment to older adults through this relationship with 14
C.C. Young, and C.C. Young affirms its commitment to operate as an extension ministry of The 15
United Methodist Church. 16
17
The statement of covenant relationship will be reviewed every quadrennium by C.C. Young with 18
the Board of Trustees of the North Texas Annual Conference as part of the ongoing 19
communication and cooperation between the Annual Conference and C.C. Young. Any change 20
in this statement requires the approval of the Annual Conference through its Board of Trustees 21
and the approval of C.C. Young through its Board of Trustees. The covenant relationship shall 22
continue until either party, upon a year's notification, indicates the desire to terminate the 23
relationship. 24
25
C.C. YOUNG MEMORIAL HOME THE NORTH TEXAS ANNUAL CONFERENCE 26
a nonprofit corporation OF THE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 27
a nonprofit corporation 28
29
30
______________________________ ___________________________________ 31
Chair, Board of Trustees Chair, Board of Trustees 32
Date: _________________________ Date: ______________________________ 33
34
Approved: 35
36
37
EXHIBIT B COVENANT STATEMENT OF RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN 38
THE NORTH TEXAS ANNUAL CONFERENCE OF THE UNITED 39
METHODIST CHURCH AND DALLAS BETHLEHEM CENTER 40
41
Introduction 42
43
Dallas Bethlehem Center (hereinafter "Center") located in Dallas, Texas, and within the 44
boundaries of the North Texas Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church, was initially 45
founded on June 16, 1969. The Center ministers to the South Dallas community by providing 46

25

social services such as the provision of food, job placement, vocational classes, mentoring, child 1
care, and counseling, and life-training and life-sustaining services. The Center is a faith-based 2
community of care, dedicated to enhancing the quality of life and advancement opportunities of 3
those in poverty. 4
5
Purpose of Covenant Statement 6
7
The North Texas Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church (hereinafter "Annual 8
Conference") and the Center celebrate a long-standing and valuable relationship. The parties 9
share the Wesleyan values of respect, compassion, diversity, generosity, partnership, and service. 10
The parties view this covenant statement as setting forth elements of an enduring partnership 11
which is important to each. The Center is committed to this covenant in order to enhance the 12
quality of life of those in poverty, in keeping with our United Methodist tradition. The 13
Conference is committed to the covenant as an opportunity to make a difference in the lives of 14
people by bringing to the Center core United Methodist values as set forth in the Book of 15
Discipline of The United Methodist Church. 16
17
Communication 18
19
The primary communication link between the parties will be the Chair of the Board of Directors 20
of the Center and the Bishop of the Annual Conference. The Center will meet with the Annual 21
Conference Board of Trustees on an annual basis to discuss programs and plans. This annual 22
communication meeting may be accomplished by the parties' mutual participation in the Annual 23
Conference meeting which is held in June of each year. Information shall be consistently shared 24
so that both partners remain responsible and committed to each other's interests. 25
26
The leadership of the Center, in their capacity as leaders of the Center, will continue to be 27
welcomed as non-voting participants of the Annual Conference or its successor organization. 28
The Center is encouraged to maintain active membership in The United Methodist Association 29
of Health and Welfare Ministries. 30
31
Board Representation 32
33
The Annual Conference and the Center are independent entities, governed and financed 34
separately and without fiscal or legal responsibility to one another. However, because of the deep 35
connection with The United Methodist Church, the Center has a strong commitment to having a 36
significant number of United Methodist, including North Texas Annual Conference, clergy and 37
lay representation on its Board of Trustees. 38
39
Financial Considerations 40
41
The Annual Conference and the Center are financially and legally independent organizations, 42
both operating under the laws of the State of Texas. As such, there is no expectation that either 43
will make financial contributions to the other, or that they will be responsible for each other's 44
liabilities. However, the Center, on behalf of its ministries to its surrounding community, may 45
request financial support from the Annual Conference as a health and welfare ministry. 46

26

Furthermore, financial independence does not preclude the partners from working together on 1
projects of mutual interest, nor does it prevent the partners from contributing to the charitable 2
programs of the other. The Center will not pursue a church-by-church financial campaign 3
without written permission from the Council on Finance and Administration of the Annual 4
Conference. 5
6
Structural Links 7
8
The Annual Conference and the Center are both Texas tax-exempt nonprofit corporations. The 9
Center is governed by its Board of Trustees; its assets and property are held in the name of 10
Dallas Bethlehem Center or in the names of wholly owned subsidiaries of the Center. In the 11
event of dissolution of the Center, all of its property (except that within the boundaries of The 12
North Texas Annual Conference) shall, after making provisions of applicable financial codes, be 13
paid over and transferred to the Annual Conference. In the event that neither the Annual 14
Conference nor any successor to the Annual Conference is in existence at the time, the Board of 15
Trustees of the Center shall, after making provision for the discharge of all liabilities and 16
obligations, dispose of the assets to organizations organized and operating exclusively for 17
charitable, educational, religious, or scientific purposes in such manner as described in the 18
Center amended and restated Articles of Incorporation. 19
20
Use of United Methodist Insignia 21
22
The Center acknowledges that before it can use the official United Methodist insignia or the term 23
United Methodist in its name, mission statement, publications, or promotional or marketing 24
material that it must first obtain approval of the General Council of Finance and Administration. 25
26
Relationship Review 27
28
The Annual Conference affirms its commitment to the South Dallas community through this 29
relationship with the Center, and the Center affirms its commitment to be operated as an 30
extension ministry of The United Methodist Church. 31
32
The statement of covenant relationship will be reviewed every quadrennium by the Center with 33
the Board of Trustees of the North Texas Annual Conference as part of the ongoing 34
communication and cooperation between the Annual Conference and the Center. Any change in 35
this statement requires the approval of the Annual Conference through its Board of Trustees and 36
the approval of the Center through its Board of Trustees. The covenant relationship shall 37
continue until either party, upon a year's notification, indicates the desire to terminate the 38
relationship. 39
40
DALLAS BETHLEHEM CENTER THE NORTH TEXAS ANNUAL CONFERENCE 41
a nonprofit corporation OF THE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 42
a nonprofit corporation 43
44
45
______________________________ ___________________________________ 46

27

Chair, Board of Trustees Chair, Board of Trustees 1
Date: _________________________ Date: ______________________________ 2
3
Approved: 4
5
6
EXHIBIT C COVENANT STATEMENT OF RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN 7
THE NORTH TEXAS ANNUAL CONFERENCE OF THE UNITED 8
METHODIST CHURCH AND GOLDEN CROSS 9
10
Introduction 11
12
Golden Cross is a faith-based program of Methodist Health System. Golden Cross and The North 13
Texas Conference of the United Methodist Church celebrate a long-standing and valuable 14
relationship. It is a relationship based on the shared values of respect, compassion, diversity, 15
spirituality, generosity, partnership, and service. 16
17
The relationship is mutually beneficial, with each organization drawing strength from the other. 18
The presence of the church helps ensure that Golden Cross remains dedicated to the provision of 19
quality health care for the people of North Texas, regardless of the ability to pay. Golden Cross 20
enables The North Texas Conference to fulfill its mission to the ministry of healing. 21
22
As the business of health care becomes ever more competitive, the risk is high that compassion, 23
concern, and generosity will give way to accounting, technology, and selective care delivery. 24
This covenant relationship will not only be impactful in the market place, it will serve as a moral 25
and ethical foundation of the highest standards. 26
27
Background 28
29
As a division of Methodist Health System, Golden Cross is a unique mission and ministry. It was 30
started in 1921 by a men's Sunday School class at the First United Methodist Church of Dallas, 31
Texas. This group of citizens and community leaders saw the need in Dallas to provide 32
healthcare for those who could not afford it. These men saw the potential for outreach and the 33
growth of their vision if each member of each Methodist congregation would give one dollar per 34
year to Golden Cross. 35
36
Purpose of Covenant Statement 37
38
The North Texas Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church (hereinafter "Annual 39
Conference") and Golden Cross view this covenant statement as setting forth elements of an 40
enduring, dynamic partnership that is fundamentally important to both. Golden Cross is 41
committed to this covenant in order to remain steadfast in its identity as a program-based 42
ministry that provides healthcare delivery to those who are indigent, uninsured, and underserved. 43
The Annual Conference is committed to this covenant as a critical opportunity to make a 44
difference in health care delivery to those patients served by Golden Cross by bringing to Golden 45

28

Cross core United Methodist values set forth in The Book of Discipline of the United Methodist 1
Church and The Book of Resolutions. 2
3
Communication 4
5
In any relationship, clear and regular communication is essential. The primary communication 6
linkage will be between the Chair of the Board of Directors of the Golden Cross and the Bishop 7
of the Annual Conference. Information shall be constantly shared with each other so that both 8
partners feel responsible and committed to each other's interests. In addition to the ongoing 9
communication as stated above, representatives of the boards of trustees of the two organizations 10
shall meet at least annually to discuss items of concern about the covenant and mission. This 11
annual communication meeting may be accomplished by the parties' mutual participation in the 12
Annual Conference meeting which is held in June of each year. 13
14
In cooperation with the Annual Conference office and publications, Golden Cross will 15
communicate with the broad membership of the Annual Conference for purposes of awareness, 16
accountability, marketing, and mission development. The Annual Conference recognizes that by 17
emphasizing this relationship and promoting Golden Cross within the Methodist Health System, 18
the Annual Conference can expect to generate a flow of communications from United 19
Methodists about Golden Cross. The parties view this as important information that will provide 20
insights not otherwise available. 21
22
The leadership of Golden Cross, in their capacity as representatives of Golden Cross, will 23
continue to be welcomed as non-voting participants of the Annual Conference or its successor 24
organization. Golden Cross is encouraged to maintain active membership in The United 25
Methodist Association of Health and Welfare Ministries. 26
27
Board Representation 28
29
The Annual Conference and Golden Cross are independent entities, governed and financed 30
separately and without fiscal or legal responsibility to one another. However, because of the deep 31
connection with The United Methodist Church, Golden Cross has a strong commitment to having 32
a significant number of United Methodist, including North Texas Annual Conference, clergy and 33
lay representation on its Board of Trustees. 34
35
Financial Considerations 36
37
The Annual Conference and Golden Cross are financially and legally independent organizations, 38
both operating under the laws of the State of Texas. As such, there is no expectation that either 39
will make financial contributions to the other, or that they will be responsible for each other's 40
liabilities. This financial independence does not preclude the partners from working together on 41
projects of mutual interest. 42
43
44
45
46

29

Structural Links 1
2
The Annual Conference and Golden Cross are both Texas tax-exempt nonprofit corporations. 3
Golden Cross is governed by its Board of Directors. It has no assets or property. 4
5
Use of United Methodist Insignia 6
7
The Center acknowledges that before it can use the official United Methodist insignia or the term 8
United Methodist in its name, mission statement, publications, or promotional or marketing 9
material that it must first obtain approval of the General Council of Finance and Administration. 10
11
Relationship Review 12
13
The Annual Conference affirms its commitment to the ministries of Golden Cross, and Golden 14
Cross its commitment to be operated as a ministry of The United Methodist Church in the 15
Methodist Health System. 16
17
The statement of covenant relationship will be reviewed at a minimum of every quadrennium by 18
Golden Cross with the Board of Trustees of the North Texas Annual Conference as part of the 19
ongoing communication and cooperation between the Annual Conference and Golden Cross. 20
Any change in this statement requires the approval of the Annual Conference through its Board 21
of Trustees and the approval of Golden Cross through its Board of Trustees. The covenant 22
relationship shall continue until either party, upon a years notification, indicates the desire to 23
terminate the relationship. 24
25
GOLDEN CROSS THE NORTH TEXAS ANNUAL CONFERENCE 26
a ministry of Methodist Health System OF THE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 27
nonprofit corporation a nonprofit corporation 28
29
______________________________ ___________________________________ 30
Chair, Board of Trustees Chair, Board of Trustees 31
Date: _________________________ Date: ______________________________ 32
33
Approved: 34
35
36
EXHIBIT D COVENANT STATEMENT OF RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN 37
THE NORTH TEXAS ANNUAL CONFERENCE OF THE UNITED 38
METHODIST CHURCH AND METHODIST HOSPITALS OF 39
DALLAS 40
Introduction 41
Methodist Hospitals of Dallas, located in Dallas, Texas, and within the boundaries of the North 42
Texas Annual conference of the United Methodist Church, was initially founded as a non-profit 43
entity on April 18, 1935. The corporation was formed for the benevolent and charitable purpose 44

30

of building, owning and operating facilities to provide care to the sick and the injured, as well as 1
the education of people who provide this care. 2
3
Purpose of Covenant Statement 4
5
The North Texas Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church (hereinafter "Annual 6
Conference") and Methodist Hospitals of Dallas view this covenant statement as setting forth 7
elements of an enduring, dynamic partnership that is fundamentally important to both. Methodist 8
Hospitals of Dallas is committed to this covenant in order to remain steadfast in its mission to 9
provide care to those who are sick or injured, and to render charity services through available 10
avenues such as the Golden Cross Program. The Annual Conference is committed to this 11
covenant to partner with Methodist Hospitals of Dallas through financial and spiritual support for 12
the various Methodist Medical Care facilities throughout the geographical bounds of the North 13
Texas Annual Conference. 14
15
Communication 16
17
In any relationship, clear and regular communication is essential. The primary communication 18
linkage will be between the Chair of the Board of Directors of the Methodist Hospitals of Dallas 19
and the Bishop of the Annual Conference. Information shall be constantly shared with each other 20
so that both partners feel responsible and committed to teach other's interests. In addition to the 21
ongoing communication as stated above, representatives of the boards of trustees of the two 22
organizations shall meet at least annually to discuss items of concern about the covenant and 23
mission. This annual communication meeting may be accomplished by the parties' mutual 24
participation in the Annual Conference meeting which is held in June of each year. 25
26
In cooperation with the Annual Conference office and publications, Methodist Hospitals of 27
Dallas will communicate with the broad membership of the Annual Conference for purposes of 28
awareness, accountability, marketing, and mission development. The Annual Conference 29
recognizes that by emphasizing this relationship and promoting the Methodist Hospitals of 30
Dallas, the Annual Conference can expect to generate a flow of communications from United 31
Methodists about the Methodist Hospitals of Dallas. The parties view this as important 32
information that will provide insights not otherwise available. 33
34
The leadership of Methodist Hospitals of Dallas, in their capacity as representatives of Methodist 35
Hospitals of Dallas, will continue to be welcomed as non-voting participants of the Annual 36
Conference or its successor organization. The North Texas Conference encourages Methodist 37
Hospitals of Dallas to be an active member in The United Methodist Association of Health and 38
Welfare Ministries. 39
40
Board Representation 41
42
The Annual Conference and Methodist Hospitals of Dallas are independent entities, governed 43
and financed separately and without fiscal or legal responsibility to one another. However, 44
because of the deep connection with The United Methodist Church, Methodist Hospitals of 45

31

Dallas has a strong commitment to having a significant number of United Methodist, including 1
North Texas Annual Conference, clergy and lay representation on its Board of Trustees. 2
3
Financial Considerations 4
5
The Annual Conference and Methodist Hospitals of Dallas are financially and legally 6
independent organizations, both operating under the laws of the State of Texas. As such, there is 7
no expectation that either will make financial contributions to the other, or that they will be 8
responsible for each other's liabilities. This financial independence does not preclude the partners 9
from working together on projects of mutual interest. 10
11
Structural Links 12
13
The Annual Conference and Methodist Hospitals of Dallas are both Texas tax-exempt nonprofit 14
corporations. Methodist Hospitals of Dallas is governed by its Board of Directors. 15
16
Use of United Methodist Insignia 17
18
The Center acknowledges that before it can use the official United Methodist insignia or the term 19
United Methodist in its name, mission statement, publications, or promotional or marketing 20
material that it must first obtain approval of the General Council of Finance and Administration. 21
22
Relationship Review 23
24
The Annual Conference affirms its commitment to the health and welfare ministries of the 25
Methodist Hospitals of Dallas, and Methodist Hospitals of Dallas its commitment to be operated 26
as a ministry of The United Methodist Church. 27
28
The statement of covenant relationship will be reviewed at a minimum of every four years by 29
Methodist Hospitals of Dallas with the Board of Trustees of the North Texas Annual Conference 30
as part of the ongoing communication and cooperation between the Annual Conference and the 31
Methodist Hospitals of Dallas. Any change in this statement requires the approval of the Annual 32
Conference through its Board of Trustees and the approval of Methodist Hospitals of Dallas 33
through its Board of Trustees. The covenant relationship shall continue until either party, upon a 34
years notification, indicates the desire to terminate the relationship. 35
36
METHODIST HOSPITALS OF DALLAS THE NORTH TEXAS ANNUAL CONFERENCE 37
A nonprofit corporation OF THE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 38
a nonprofit corporation 39
40
______________________________ ___________________________________ 41
Chair, Board of Trustees Chair, Board of Trustees 42
Date: _________________________ Date: ______________________________ 43
Approved: 44

32

EXHIBIT E COVENANT STATEMENT OF RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE 1
NORTH TEXAS ANNUAL CONFERENCE OF THE UNITED 2
METHODIST CHURCH AND WESLEY-RANKIN COMMUNITY 3
CENTER, INC. 4
5
Introduction 6
7
Wesley-Rankin Community Center (hereinafter "Wesley-Rankin") located in Dallas, Texas, and 8
within the boundaries of the North Texas Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church, 9
was initially founded in 1904. The Wesley-Rankin ministers to the West Dallas community by 10
providing social services such as after-school care for children, food, clothes, mentoring, and 11
other like forms of care. Wesley-Rankin is a faith-based community of care, dedicated to 12
enhancing the quality of life and advancement opportunities of those in poverty. 13
14
Purpose of Covenant Statement 15
16
The North Texas Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church (hereinafter "Annual 17
Conference") and Wesley-Rankin celebrate a long-standing and valuable relationship. The 18
parties share the Wesleyan values of respect, compassion, diversity, generosity, partnership, and 19
service. The parties view this covenant statement as setting forth elements of an enduring 20
partnership which is important to each. Wesley-Rankin is committed to this covenant in order to 21
enhance the quality of life of those in poverty, in keeping with our United Methodist tradition. 22
The Conference is committed to the covenant as an opportunity to make a difference in the lives 23
of people by bringing to Wesley-Rankin core United Methodist values as set forth in the Book of 24
Discipline of The United Methodist Church. 25
26
Communication 27
28
The primary communication link between the parties will be the Chair of the Board of Directors 29
of Wesley-Rankin and the Bishop of the Annual Conference. Wesley-Rankin will meet with the 30
Annual Conference Board of Trustees on an annual basis to discuss programs and plans. This 31
annual communication meeting may be accomplished by the parties' mutual participation in the 32
Annual Conference meeting which is held in June of each year. Information shall be consistently 33
shared so that both partners remain responsible and committed to each other's interests. 34
35
The leadership of Wesley-Rankin, in their capacity as leaders of Wesley-Rankin, will continue to 36
be welcomed as non-voting participants of the Annual Conference or its successor organization. 37
Wesley-Rankin is encouraged to maintain active membership in The United Methodist 38
Association of Health and Welfare Ministries. 39
40
Board Representation 41
42
The Annual Conference and Wesley-Rankin are independent entities, governed and financed 43
separately and without fiscal or legal responsibility to one another. However, because of the deep 44
connection with The United Methodist Church, Wesley-Rankin has a strong commitment to 45

33

having a significant number of United Methodist, including North Texas Annual Conference, 1
clergy and lay representation on its Board of Trustees. 2
3
Financial Considerations 4
5
The Annual Conference and Wesley-Rankin are financially and legally independent 6
organizations, both operating under the laws of the State of Texas. As such, there is no 7
expectation that either will make financial contributions to the other, or that they will be 8
responsible for each other's liabilities. However, Wesley-Rankin, on behalf of its ministries to its 9
surrounding community, may request financial support from the Annual Conference as a health 10
and welfare ministry. Furthermore, financial independence does not preclude the partners from 11
working together on projects of mutual interest, nor does it prevent the partners from 12
contributing to the charitable programs of the other. Wesley-Rankin will not pursue a church-by- 13
church financial campaign without written permission from the Council on Finance and 14
Administration of the Annual Conference. 15
16
Structural Links 17
18
The Annual Conference and Wesley-Rankin are both Texas tax-exempt nonprofit corporations. 19
Wesley-Rankin is governed by its Board of Trustees; its assets and property are held in the name 20
of Wesley-Rankin Community Center or in the names of wholly owned subsidiaries of the 21
Center. In the event of dissolution of Wesley-Rankin, all of its property (except that within the 22
boundaries of The North Texas Annual Conference) shall, after making provisions of applicable 23
financial codes, be paid over and transferred to the Annual Conference. In the event that neither 24
the Annual Conference nor any successor to the Annual Conference is in existence at the time, 25
the Board of Trustees of Wesley-Rankin shall, after making provision for the discharge of all 26
liabilities and obligations, dispose of the assets to organizations organized and operating 27
exclusively for charitable, educational, religious, or scientific purposes in such manner as 28
described in the Wesley-Rankin charter as amended and restated Articles of Incorporation. 29
30
Use of United Methodist Insignia 31
32
Wesley-Rankin acknowledges that before it can use the official United Methodist insignia or the 33
term United Methodist in its name, mission statement, publications, or promotional or 34
marketing material that it must first obtain approval of the General Council of Finance and 35
Administration. 36
37
Relationship Review 38
39
The Annual Conference affirms its commitment to the West Dallas community through this 40
relationship with Wesley-Rankin, and Wesley-Rankin affirms its commitment to be operated as 41
an extension ministry of The United Methodist Church. 42
43
The statement of covenant relationship will be reviewed every quadrennium by Wesley-Rankin 44
with the Board of Trustees of the North Texas Annual Conference as part of the ongoing 45
communication and cooperation between the Annual Conference and the Center. Any change in 46

34

this statement requires the approval of the Annual Conference through its Board of Trustees and 1
the approval of Wesley-Rankin through its Board of Trustees. The covenant relationship shall 2
continue until either party, upon a year's notification, indicates the desire to terminate the 3
relationship. 4
5
WESLEY-RANKIN COMMUNITY THE NORTH TEXAS ANNUAL CONFERENCE 6
CENTER OF THE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 7
a nonprofit corporation a nonprofit corporation 8
9
10
11
______________________________ ___________________________________ 12
Chair, Board of Trustees Chair, Board of Trustees 13
Date: _________________________ Date: ______________________________ 14
15
Approved: 16
17
18
EXHIBIT F COVENANT STATEMENT OF RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN 19
THE NORTH TEXAS ANNUAL CONFERENCE OF THE UNITED 20
METHODIST CHURCH AND WESLEY VILLAGE RETIREMENT 21
COMMUNITY 22
23
Introduction 24
Wesley Village Retirement Community has been providing Independent and Assisted Living 25
opportunities for seniors since 1987. 26
27
Purpose of Covenant Statement 28
29
The North Texas Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church (hereinafter "Annual 30
Conference") and Wesley Village Retirement Community (hereinafter called Wesley Village) 31
view this covenant statement as setting forth elements of an enduring, dynamic partnership that 32
is fundamentally important to both. Wesley Village is committed to this covenant in order to 33
remain steadfast in its mission to provide quality and affordable housing for seniors. The Annual 34
Conference is committed to this covenant to partner with Wesley Village through financial and 35
spiritual support for seniors in need of housing. 36
37
Communication 38
39
In any relationship, clear and regular communication is essential. The primary communication 40
linkage will be between the Chair of the Board of Directors of the Wesley Village and the 41
Bishop of the Annual Conference. Information shall be constantly shared with each other so that 42
both partners feel responsible and committed to teach other's interests. In addition to the ongoing 43
communication as stated above, representatives of the boards of trustees of the two organizations 44
shall meet at least annually to discuss items of concern about the covenant and mission. This 45

35

annual communication meeting may be accomplished by the parties' mutual participation in the 1
Annual Conference meeting which is held in June of each year. 2
3
In cooperation with the Annual Conference office and publications, Wesley Village will 4
communicate with the broad membership of the Annual Conference for purposes of awareness, 5
accountability, marketing, and mission development. The Annual Conference recognizes that by 6
emphasizing this relationship and promoting Wesley Village, the Annual Conference can expect 7
to generate a flow of communications from United Methodists about Wesley Village. The parties 8
view this as important information that will provide insights not otherwise available. 9
10
The leadership of Wesley Village, in their capacity as representatives of Wesley Village, will 11
continue to be welcomed as non-voting participants of the Annual Conference or its successor 12
organization. The Annual Conference encourages Wesley Village to be an active member in The 13
United Methodist Association of Health and Welfare Ministries. 14
15
Board Representation 16
17
The Annual Conference and Wesley Village are independent entities, governed and financed 18
separately and without fiscal or legal responsibility to one another. However, because of the deep 19
connection with The United Methodist Church, Wesley Village has a strong commitment to 20
having a significant number of United Methodist, including North Texas Annual Conference, 21
clergy and lay representation on its Board of Trustees. 22
23
Financial Considerations 24
25
The Annual Conference and Wesley Village are financially and legally independent 26
organizations, both operating under the laws of the State of Texas. As such, there is no 27
expectation that either will make financial contributions to the other, or that they will be 28
responsible for each other's liabilities. This financial independence does not preclude the partners 29
from working together on projects of mutual interest. 30
31
Structural Links 32
33
The Annual Conference and Wesley Village are both Texas tax-exempt nonprofit corporations. 34
Wesley Village is governed by its Board of Directors. 35
36
Use of United Methodist Insignia 37
38
The Center acknowledges that before it can use the official United Methodist insignia or the term 39
United Methodist in its name, mission statement, publications, or promotional or marketing 40
material that it must first obtain approval of the General Council of Finance and Administration. 41
42
Relationship Review 43
44
The Annual Conference affirms its commitment to the ministries of Wesley Village, and Wesley 45
Village its commitment to be operated as a ministry of The United Methodist Church. 46

36

The statement of covenant relationship will be reviewed at a minimum of every quadrennium by 1
Wesley Village with the Board of Trustees of the North Texas Annual Conference as part of the 2
ongoing communication and cooperation between the Annual Conference and Wesley Village. 3
Any change in this statement requires the approval of the Annual Conference through its Board 4
of Trustees and the approval of Wesley Village through its board of Trustees. The covenant 5
relationship shall continue until either party, upon a years notification, indicates the desire to 6
terminate the relationship. 7
8
WESLEY VILLAGE RETIREMENT THE NORTH TEXAS ANNUAL CONFERENCE 9
COMMUNITY OF THE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 10
A nonprofit corporation A nonprofit corporation 11
12
______________________________ ___________________________________ 13
Chair, Board of Trustees Chair, Board of Trustees 14
Date: _________________________ Date: ______________________________ 15
Approved: 16
17

37


38

2014 NTC CONFERENCE REPORTS

BISHOPS INITIATIVE:
CLERGY EFFECTIVENESS

The clergy effectiveness initiative began its work in August 2013 at the direction of Bishop
Michael McKee. The group was composed of a diverse group of laity and clergy from the North
Texas Conference, several members of the Board of Ordained Ministry, one District
Superintendent and the Director of the Center for Leadership Development. The lay members
brought valuable perspectives from a variety of professional fields.

The Initiative was charged with identifying characteristics of effective pastoral leadership,
studying current evaluation tools and making recommendations for the future. The Initiative
consulted numerous resources in carrying out its work, including past evaluative tools, GBHEM
research on pastoral effectiveness, other annual conferences and secular resources.

The identified objective of the Clergy Effectiveness Initiative is to provide a summative tool in
the context of a formative process. The Initiative identified and focused on three areas of need:

1. Summative Tool A tool to sum up clergy effectiveness
Year End Review Form
Areas of Strength
Areas of Growth leading to the formative process
Utilized by the Cabinet

2. Formative Process A process for clergy to continually form and grow in
effectiveness.
Marks of Fruitfulness
Utilized by the S/PPRC and available to the Cabinet
S/PPRC helps pastor in formative process
S/PPRC meets with clergy at least quarterly using Marks of Fruitfulness
Set goals & objectives each year and celebrates successes

3. Staff/Pastor Parish Relations Training provide training, support and resources for
local churches to partner with their pastors in reaching effectiveness
Utilize gifts of laity
Raise expectation for S/PPRC leadership
Offer more frequent S/PPRC training
Provide good quality on-line training




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Pastoral Effectiveness Defined
The initiative affirmed the continued utilization of the assessment tool the Marks of
Fruitfulness. This is an assessment tool currently used for helping pastors build capacity for
LIVING discipleship fruitfulness, LEADING congregational fruitfulness and DEVELOPING
missional fruitfulness. The Marks of Fruitfulness defines a common understanding of
effectiveness for the North Texas Conference. Pastoral effectiveness is a combination of
competencies and skills as defined below.
Living Discipleship Fruitfulness
Spiritual Health
Emotional & Mental Health
Professional Health: Seeks opportunities for learning & growing
Fiscal Health
Physical Health
Relational Health

Leading Congregational Fruitfulness
Pastoral Care
Preaching
Teaching
Leading Worship
Management of Self and Others
Adaptive Decision-Maker
Connectional Leader
Relational Leader
Equipping Leader
Innovative Leader

Developing Missional Fruitfulness
Mission-Field Awareness and Action
Strategic Developer
Collaborative Connector
Transforming Visionary
Social Witness
Culturally Competent

The Clergy Effectiveness Initiative will make a full report and recommendations to the Annual
Conference.

Sincerely,
Jan Davis and David Tyson, Chairs, Clergy Effectiveness Initiative

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BISHOPS INITIATIVE:
ADVANCING WOMENS LEADERSHIP

The central theme of Jesus teaching is love for God and neighbor. He embodied this message in
his life, and charged women as well as men to use their talents significantly to lead others into
the fullness of Gods love.
In light of the example of our Lord, the Womens Initiative Task Force was appointed in the Fall
of 2013 by Bishop Michael McKee and charged with the following:
First, to examine the present situation regarding the promotion and support of female clergy in
the North Texas Conference;
And, second, accordingly, to make recommendations based on those findings which will help
correct inequities that exist regarding the promotion of female clergy, to thus empower the entire
Church in bringing into reality the fullness of the Reign of God, as charged by Jesus.
In effect, we as a Conference are tasked with effecting change in our Churchs system, as well as
bringing about a more profound witness to the prevailing culture at large about what a positive,
Gospel-affirming effect women in ministry can and do have. In doing so, we envision the end
result of our collective efforts as having a profound IMPACT not only on the Church, making it
stronger and better, but also on the culture at large where the affirmation of women is concerned.
Thus, while there is a clear practical charge in our efforts, the predominant need, and thereby the
urgency, goes to the clear theological purpose of the Church itself, which is to transform the
world through the faithful and inclusive witness of Christian discipleship. When all of Gods
children are not allowed to fully live out the calling that God alone has placed upon their lives
and hearts, we as Church fail in our efforts to honor the Gospel, and both we and the culture in
which we live are poorer and weaker because of it.
When half of our number are limited in their ability to lead as pastors based entirely on
misperceptions, misinformation and misinterpretation of Scripture because of gender, we as
Church fail in our commitment to Christ himself.
It is our hope and prayer that what we have discovered regarding womens leadership in the
North Texas Conference may be enhanced on the positive side, and corrected on the negative
side, so that full realization of the calling to discipleship for ALL Gods children male, female,
clergy, lay, young, old, and of every race -- may come to pass, starting at this time, and in this
place.
Here is what we know:
1. Women were approved for ordination to pastoral ministry in full connection in the
United Methodist Church in 1956. In the ensuing 58 long and tenuous years, women
now account for over 40 percent of full-time appointed clergy in the North Texas
Conference.
2. Of those appointments, on the average, our statistics reflect the same as the secular
world regarding equal pay: women clergy in the NTC earn 77 cents to every dollar
earned by male clergy counterparts.

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3. We know that while women are increasingly represented leading churches whose
worship attendance is at 450 or below, at present there is only one woman pastoring a
church with between 450 and 900 in worship attendance in the Conference. (This
statistic has not changed since 1994, when the first woman was appointed to pastor a
church that large; currently, there are nine men appointed in the same position.)
4. There are NO women as Senior Pastors in churches with over 900 in worship
attendance, compared to 14 men in that position.
5. We know anecdotally that while the experience of Anglo clergywomen has been one
of limited progress, the experience of our clergy sisters of color has not been the
same.
6. While there has been no way to formulate attrition rates for women clergy in the
NTC, national statistics for the UMC can help understand that pressing issue.
According to the Anna Howard Shaw Center at Boston University, women have a ten
percent higher chance of leaving ministry than men, and currently list the following
three reasons (which have not changed since the Shaw Center first began studies of
female clergy retention in the mid-1990s):
*Lack of support for women from the hierarchical system of the UMC;
*Rejection by congregations and parishioners, based on gender;
*Conflict of family care vs. pastoral responsibilities.

We must as a Conference ask ourselves, ultimately, three questions regarding this issue, all
related to equity, fairness, and the inclusiveness of the Gospel:
*What do we expect at the primary level of the local church to correct biblical
misinterpretations regarding the abilities and calling of women in pastoral leadership, thus
supporting our United Methodist theological understanding of the inclusiveness of the Gospel?
*What can we do as a Conference to identify, train and support women in their calling to
the pastorate?
*What is the best way to communicate these expectations to one another, and by our
witness, to the culture at large?
There is a card before you which we have devised to help in the areas of education, integration
and communication. There is a copy for everyone at Annual Conference, and through the Center
for Leadership Development, we are making additional copies available to local churches. As
well, we plan to have a link to be able to download this through the NTC website.
The expectations for the local church include:
*Ensuring gender diversity is lived out and taught through all educational and
discipleship efforts, and that gender inclusive witness, starting with language, is taught and
modeled. In doing so, we will prepare our members to articulate our United Methodist identity in
the world and undo some of the misperceptions that exist because we have not done so
effectively thus far.
Our recommendations to the Bishop, Cabinet, and through their leadership to the North Texas
Conference at large include:

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*Formulation of directed training for local church lay leadership, especially Staff-Parish
Relations Committees, in their role to help us achieve this biblical vision;
*Ensuring gender diversity continues in all areas of Conference leadership;
*Developing formal training for women facing potentially difficult appointments,
followed by formal mentoring throughout their pastorates;
*Working directly with the Board of Ministry and Clergy Effectiveness Task Force to
ensure NTC has the most dynamic, diverse and powerful leaders it can possibly have;
*Most importantly, developing a structure for implementation, funding and
accountability for these recommendations.
In addition, given that education and communication is so crucial to all of these efforts, we
recommend the development of a specific plan on the local level for all NTC churches, and
Conference-wide, to share the stories of women in leadership that will empower both our sons
and daughters to fully embrace diverse leadership. This recommendation is particularly acute in
all areas of social media.
We charge that sooner rather than later, this must be a settled issue in the Conference, no matter
the cultural circumstance at the local level. We as United Methodists have the ability, both in our
connection to one another, and in our clear theological identity which affirms and supports the
calling of women, to lead this cultural and systemic change.
We MUST DO THIS so that our young male clergy no longer have to lament, appropriately,
Why are we still talking about this? We thought this was a done deal.
We MUST DO THIS so that our young female clergy no longer have to lament, appropriately,
What is the future for me in the United Methodist Church? Is there one? Or must I go elsewhere
to live out my calling to Christ?
We believe that God imagines and expects full utilization of gifts and graces for every
person. Our vision is that this part of the Kingdom will come -- and soon. Moreover, we know
that we are accountable as individuals, as clergy, and as Church, if it does not.
Together, we look forward to a not-too-distant future where our Task Force Vision Statement IS
the reality:
Dynamic, diverse, powerful leadership ignites unstoppable growth for the transformation of the
world!
Respectfully submitted on this the 2
nd
of June, 2014 by:
Shaunna Black, Rev. Dr. Stan Copeland, Whitney Dowd, Rev. Matt Gaston, Rev. Lisa
Greenwood, Rev. Dr. Joan LaBarr, Liz Lancaster, Rev. Dr. Ouida Lee, Dr. Tom Talbert, Rev.
Rebecca Walker, Rev. Rodney Whitfield, Rev. Marti Soper, NTC Leadership Center Director,
Rev. Dr. Anna Hosemann-Butler, Chair


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Year of Social Media Outreach
COMMUNICATIONS

The Communications Department of the North Texas Annual Conference experienced a very
productive and exciting year; especially in the area of social media. We continued to
simultaneously build strategies for reaching inside and outside of the North Texas Annual
Conference by using numerous platforms such as social media, video, newspaper, and radio. We
reconstructed our messages understanding that in our current world, many persons receive their
information on their phones as well as their personal computers. Therefore we placed
intentionality on digital media.
We partnered with Speakeasy, a social media firm, in order to use digital ministry to build our
churches and deepen our faith. Through our social media platforms of Facebook, Twitter,
Google, Instagram and Pinterest we invited and encouraged the NTC members to spread their
faith online. Speakeasy provided content to our platforms and led two projects- the Easter
Pinterest Project and the Christmas Conversations.
There were three coordinated advertising campaigns that leveraged the
strength of the Annual Conference and North Texas media to reach the mission field. In
cooperation with Radio Disney, The Dallas Morning News, The Denton Record Chronicle and
The Sulphur Springs News Telegram, those three campaigns were, Come Worship With Us This
Easter, Family Fun 2014 and Have A Christmas Conversation.
Bishop Michael McKee increased his use of videos to remain in contact with the NTC. Through
seasonal and topical videos, Bishop McKees impact was felt all over North Texas. One of the
best received videos was his Charge Conference video. It was appreciated by lay and clergy, and
due to popular demand was translated into additional languages.
Bishop McKee is very attune to social media. He tweets on a regular basis and has numerous
followers. The Bishop also maintains his Facebook page and communicates with members of the
NTC here.
The Annual Conference website, northtexasumc.org, continues to be the central news gathering
site for many persons. The site contains updated photos of all clergy and churches as well as the
electronic version of the Conference newspaper. A revolving screen gives visitors current
information of events. The website hosted the three advertising campaigns; Easter, Christmas
and Summer Family Fun.
The CONNECTION newspaper sprang to life in June 2013 after the unexpected end of the
national United Methodist Reporter. The conference newspaper had been the North Texas
Reporter, a Conference biweekly edition of the United Methodist Reporter, with 4 pages of NTC
news in the front section, for many years. The last issue of the North Texas Reporter was
published at the time of our Annual Conference 2013.
Issue No. 1 of the new CONNECTION was published in June of 2013. Our conference
newspaper is now an 8 12 page, full color monthly publication printed on heavier, whiter
paper. The CONNECTION includes more news and information in an upgraded format. Each
issue of the CONNECTION includes feature stories and profiles of those involved in innovative

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ministries and missions around the Conference, the Bishops Message, insight from Lay Leaders,
reports and announcements from the four Districts and the four Conference Centers.
Strong relationships were built with local church communicators in two events that created a
network, facilitated discussion and exposed them to new communications trends. Classes were
provided to teach skills such as How to attract new members via social media and Developing
a comprehensive social media plan for your church. A Facebook page was developed to connect
the local church communicators on an ongoing basis.
Looking ahead, a video production facility in the Ministry Center called, the Green Room will
be available soon to help local churches use video to get their message out to the mission field.
The room includes camera, lights and screens.
The Communications Team is composed of Wil Murphy- Advertising and Video, Patrick Steil-
Webmaster, Linda Johnson- Associate Editor of The NTC Connection, Wendy Campbell-
Newspaper Subscription Manager and Rosalinda Luna- Administrative Assistant.
Dr. Sheron C. Patterson- Communications Director


CORE LEADERSHIP TEAM
The Core Leadership Team (CLT) had three inspiring and information packed meetings this year
as they heard about the work being done by the Conference through the Centers, various task
forces and initiative groups. The CLT members engaged in healthy discussion, dreamed big
dreams and shared strategizes for producing fruit in priorities being set by the Conference.
These reports from the various Centers including the task forces can be found in the body of this
conference workbook.

At the January meeting, the Core Leadership Team spent a considerable amount of time
reviewing and discussing the Financial Advisory Consulting Team (FACT) report and primary
recommendations. The strengths and challenges before the Annual Conference from the report
were shared by the Bishop while the CLT group asked questions and provided feedback. The
FACT report plus additional information is available on the North Texas Conference web site.

The Core Leadership Team is convened by Bishop Mike McKee and includes:
Conference Lay Leader Linda Parks
Lay member elected by each district Alfred White-North Central, Lisa Tichenor-Metro, Clay
Johnson-East, and Anne Aaron-Northwest
Three at-large members appointed by the Bishop Valarie Englert, Ruth Robinson, Andy Lewis
One District Superintendent Cammy Gaston
Center Directors Jodi Smith, Marti Soper, Jim Ozier, Larry George
Also attending: Sheron Patterson, Director of Conference Communications

Enthusiasm and excitement continued to build through the year as the CLT members began
sharing and coming together as a listening and visioning body for the Annual Conference.



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CENTER FOR LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT

Rev. Marti Soper-Center Director and Rev. Aleze Fulbright-Associate Center Director
The Center for Leadership Development (CLD) exists to assist clergy and laity in building
capacity to respond to Gods call of Living Discipleship Fruitfulness, Leading Congregational
Fruitfulness and Developing Missional Fruitfulness to live out our mission to make disciples of
Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.
Leading from the Center is the CLDs moniker because leadership is derived from our center;
whatever or whomever is placed at the center of our heart, mind, soul, and body will inform the
way we lead. We affirm that Christ Jesus is the Center for developing principled Christian
leaders. From its inception the CLD has formed teams comprised of laity and clergy to dialogue,
vision, and implement disciple-making ministries to transform individuals, local churches, and
communities. These collaborative teams (platforms); Faith Formation, CART (Congregational
Assessment, Response and Transformation), Intentional Interim Ministry,
Mentoring/Coaching/Lifelong Learning, and Covenant Partnerships advance the cause of Christ
through leadership development.
CLD Advisory Committee guides the work of the CLD Staff giving direct feedback, visioning,
planning, and working on procedures and protocols. Members of the CLD Advisory Committee
include: Rev. Mary Beth Hardesty-Crouch, Navolia Bryant, Jana Jones, Rev. David Lessner,
David Farish, Rev. Edgar Bazan, Dale Cherry, Rev. Lisa Greenwood, Rev. Carol Sparks, and the
CLD Staff.
The highlights below do not encompass the fullness of the Centers work, but provide a glimpse
of this years work. For more information about the Center for Leadership Development, visit the
website and join the mailing list (www.ntcleadingfromthecenter.org) or join the Facebook Page
(NTC Center for Leadership Development).
MinistrySafe: MinistrySafe Abuse and Prevention Systems provide Sexual Abuse Awareness
Training to reduce the risk of sexual abuse in congregations. MinistrySafe was presented through
legislation and adopted by a vote at the 2012 Annual Conference, which made MinistrySafe the
North Texas Conferences official resource, and that all congregations would be compliant by
January 1, 2013. The Center for Leadership Development meticulously communicated
MinistrySafe throughout the Conference via various communication means and partnered with
MinistrySafe to create five training sessions strategically placed throughout the Conference to
ensure people were aware, equipped, and empowered to begin the process of implementation and
communication in their local settings. To date, over 165 congregations have over 8,500
volunteers and staff members MinistrySafe trained and compliant. For more information about
MinistrySafe: (http://www.ntcleadingfromthecenter.org/ministry-safe)
Conference Children, Youth and Young Adult Ministry: Childrens Ministers from across the
Conference planned and led Camp Bible for 3rd-5th graders to journey through the Bible during
an overnight stay at Bridgeport Camp, held each September. The NTC partnered with FUMC
Plano to host the Bishops Rally for 5th-7th graders and Confirmands with over 600 participants

46

this year! Bishops Rally creates a unique opportunity to bridge the gap from Children to Youth
Ministry and have an encounter with our Bishop designed specifically for 5th-7th graders. This
event will happen again on 2/15/15 at FUMC Plano.
The Youth Ministry of North Texas continues to be led by our Conference Council on Youth
Ministry. In addition, we partner with Custer Road UMC to host a FREE Volunteer training in
Children and Youth Ministry in August. The NTC is partnering with Highland Park UMC to host
an ALL Conference ALL Youth event October 26, 2014 also featuring a Youth15 (National
Youth Gathering) Tour Stop.
Young Adults in North Texas continue to meet weekly for fellowship and the friendly
competition of Intramurals led and hosted by FUMC Richardson. Young Adult Ministries
worked together on several occasion this year in local mission projects, trips and faith
development experiences.
As the Center for Leadership expanded the role of Conference Children, Youth and Young Adult
ministry to full-time in February, we are exploring several possibilities for events and trainings
to equip our staff and lay people to better serve in each of these areas. To find more information
on all these efforts go to www.ntcyouth.org or email kelly@ntcumc.org.
Conference Council on Youth Ministry (CCYM): This past year, CCYM has taken upon
themselves to explore and experiment with reforming District Youth Councils and events. Our
Metro District has an active District Council on Youth Ministries and all four Districts held
events and service projects this year. Two Midwinter Retreats were led by CCYM members at
Bridgeport Camp with over 400 participants combined. CCYM chose the theme of Dont Say
No-way, Just say YAHWEH challenging youth to claim their faith and be equipped to tell their
faith story. Through family groups, dynamic preaching, campfires, group activities and inspiring
music, participants were led into closer relationship with God and talking about God. Through
Snack Shacks and sunglass sales at MidWinters and District events, funds were raised to support
Daraja (Refugee assistance in Dallas) and the Global Youth Service Fund. We continued to
uphold previous Youth Annual Conference legislation to only sell fair-trade chocolate for YSF
fundraising.
During this past year, NTC and Prosper UMC member, Maddie Chumley continued her role as
the SCJ youth representative to the Division on Ministry with Young People and co-chair;
seating her as the youngest member on the General Board of Discipleship. Maddie also serves as
the legislative coordinator and one of the chairpersons for the Global Young Peoples
Convocation and Legislative Assembly (GYPC_LA) this quadrennium. The NTC will have 3
delegates to GYPC-LA in addition to Maddie this summer. Kelly Carpenter is leading the South
Central Jurisdiction Delegation to GYPC-LA.
CCYM members are attending Annual Conference both as delegates and observers, many
choosing to take exams they were otherwise exempt from or other penalties for being absent
from school. Four North Texas Conference youth will attend the Texas Youth Academy this
summer for 2 weeks of study, worship, community and service.

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The vision for the future of CCYM is to foster young and diverse leaders for the future of our
church. CCYM Members and Officers will use several new Discipleship accountability and
Leadership training tools this year in order to be more effective young leaders, expand their
vision of possibilities for Conference level youth ministry and engage in evaluation and
visioning of their purpose, function and potential. CCYM will continue to ask how and initiate
change so that each of its members, meetings and events are making disciples for the
transformation of the world.
2014-2015 Children, Youth, Young Adult Dates and Events
FREE Adult Children and Youth Worker Volunteer Training- Custer Road UMC - August 16
2014

Camp Bible (3
rd
5
th
grade students) - Bridgeport Camp - September 27-28, 2014

ONE Leadership Event (Middle and High School Youth) - Highland Park UMC- October 25,
2014

MidWinter Retreats (Middle and High School Youth) 2015 Bridgeport Camp- January 23-25
and February 6-8

Bishop's Rally (5
th
- 7
th
grade students) - FUMC Plano- February 15, 2015

Childrens Ministry Training- TBD- April 2015

Children, Youth, Youth Leaders, and Young Adults are encouraged to connect with others in the
Conference. Please visit www.ntcyouth.org for additional information.

Children, Youth and SEEK Camping at Bridgeport: Children, Youth and SEEK Camps
experienced another great year in 2013. All Childrens, Junior High and Senior High Camps had
a unified theme and curriculum for the fourth year, which creates a better camping experience
and more efficient planning on the parts of the Camp Directors.
Below are the overall 2013 highlights from Children, Youth and SEEK Camps:
Total Campers participating: 1,238
Childrens Camp Sessions had 744 campers
Senior High Camps had 203 campers
Junior High Camps had 291 campers
SEEK Camps stayed steady with enrollment
Project Transformation camp also stayed steady with a full camp.
For more information about the great opportunities at Bridgeport Camp and Conference Center,
please contact Executive Director Beau Taft at info@bridgeportcamp.com or visit
www.bridgeportcamp.com .
Campus Ministry: The work of Campus Ministry is celebrated within the Conference as they
strive to develop younger, more diverse, principled Christian leaders and disciples of Jesus

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Christ who transform the world. In 2012, the Annual Conference adopted the Comprehensive
Plan for Campus Ministry, which envisions over the next quadrennium the Conference, Campus
Ministries, and Congregations will work in partnership to emphasize the shared investment in the
lives of students on university campuses, and the impact that can affect the future of the United
Methodist Church. This plan outlines faithful accountability and stewardship, tangible
development goals, and strategic growth plans as we strive to Live, Lead, and Develop
Fruitfulness on campuses and in the lives of young adults throughout the North Texas
Conference. For additional information regarding the Comprehensive Plan for Campus Ministry,
please visit: http://www.ntcleadingfromthecenter.org/campus-ministry
Denton Wesley (UNT/TWU) The mission of the Denton Wesley Foundation is to have a loving
and liberating community that believes in the power of love and service through Christ to
transform the world. This is lived out through inviting, discipling, and empowering college
students to grow as Christian leaders. Denton Wesley has partnered with the Tarrant Area Food
Bank to open a College Food Pantry. The Shiloh Grocery Assistance Program is open every
other Friday, with the hopes of expanding to offer more items. This program addresses the
growing need of providing sustainable meal options for college students that are low to no-
income and often find themselves without adequate housing options. To learn more about the
Denton Wesley, please visit: www.dentonwesley.org
Texas A&M Commerce GROWING DEEPER in Christ... REACHING FARTHER to serve
the world... CONNECTING TOGETHER as sisters and brothers...outlines the CORE ministry
and discipleship of the students who are caught up in Gods grace through the Wesleyan. The
Wesleyan Core is a group of students at the heart of the Wesleyan, living out our calling in God
and following in the footsteps of Jesus Christ through the people and ministries of the Wesleyan.
Wesleyan Campus Ministry seeks to join together to Grow Deeper in Christ through Retreats,
Worship and Bible Study; Reach Farther to serve the world through Local Outreach, Mission
Trips, and Acts of Kindness; and Connect Together as sisters and brothers with Free Lunches,
Coffee House, and a Sabbath Meal. For more information about the Wesleyan, please visit:
www.commercewesley.org
Midwestern State University- MSU Wesley Foundation has had a new energy and excitement on
the campus of Midwestern State University under the leadership of Sarah Medley. The Wesley is
now Finding the Passion which has provided opportunities to build relationships with students
through the Free Lunch Thursdays and disciple them to become principled Christian leaders
through weekly Bible Study. There has been a recommitment within the Wichita Falls area to
support the Wesley, and this is evident every Thursday when over 100-120 students enjoy the
nourishment of good food, and the expression of Gods grace. For more information about the
MSU Wesley, please email Sarah Medley at: sdmedley@live.com
Paris Junior College Wesley Campus Ministry is demonstrating the service of Christ through
the act of providing hot lunches to the students on the campus of Paris Junior College. The
students come to the center with their joys and concerns and with their need for a welcoming,
safe place to explore their hunger for a non-threatening invitation to Christian growth. The
ministry continues to serve at the Paris Downtown Food Pantry by stocking shelves as a means
of giving back to the community and experiencing the joy of developing a servants heart. There

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is great excitement around the social gathering called Java Jive on Wednesday afternoons. This
is an informal fellowship and conversation time with students about their lives and the
difficulties of working, attending school, and for some, raising families. These conversations are
an attempt to bring biblical applications and share hope to students facing their everyday
problems.
Southern Methodist University Wesley Foundation The SMU Wesley Foundation is definitely
providing plenty of opportunities for students to grow deeper in their faith. This includes weekly
worship, multiple Bible studies and small group opportunities, retreats, personal mentoring and
one to one discipleship as well as a systematic program for our student leaders to grow in
spiritual formation. The SMU Wesley is developing principled Christian leaders by student
leaders meeting regularly to plan events for worship, discipleship, prayer, community, and
outreach for the ministry. They are constantly seeking to think and pray outside of the box for
how to better serve the mission field called Southern Methodist University and beyond. The
students actively pray to ask God for vision of the campus ministry and then take risks to set
goals that accomplish that vision. For more information about SMU Wesley Foundation, please
visit: www.smuwesley.com
Wesley Foundation at University of Texas at Dallas The Wesley@UTD started in the Fall of
2013 and has great opportunities for fruitfulness on the campus of UTD. The campus has a
growing and diverse student population with various religious affiliations. By developing a
United Methodist campus ministry on this campus, it will enhance the opportunity for students to
experience faith from the Wesleyan tradition. In partnership with Arapaho UMC, Patrick
Hoffman, Intern Pastor at Arapaho UMC, began meeting with a small group of UTD students to
begin the process of forming the campus ministry. He states this is an opportunity to talk about
grace to those who are Hindu, Atheist, or those who grew up in the church that have questions.
Arden Wells, one of the student leaders, believes the mission of the UTD-Wesley will be to
provide progressive biblical theology, inclusivity, community, and missions. Additionally, the
CLD has identified Brittany Burrows as the Campus Ministry Connector to work in collaboration
with Arapaho UMC to continue building fellowship, discipleship, and mission. She is excited
and envisions the UTD-Wesley to be a place for students to grow in their understanding of
vocation, for each student to discern their unique call to ministry, and an opportunity to live out
their calls by serving the campus ministry. To learn more about the Wesley at UTD, please visit:
www.utdwesley.org.
Congregational Assessment, Resource and Transformation (CART) Teams is a resource for
District Superintendents, clergy and congregations of the NTC in the midst of crisis or conflict.
Congregational Assessment, Response and Transformation (CART) Teams are equipped to assist
District Superintendents, clergy and congregations move through the difficult work of grief,
anger, mistrust, loss and change.
Throughout the year, the CART Teams were deployed to engage congregations that were in
crisis or conflict to assist in healing, reconciliation and transformation. We are grateful to the
leadership of Rev. Liz Greenwell in the work of the crisis CART teams and Lisa Hancock in the
leadership of the Conflict CART teams. In March, Lisa led 30 participants from 18 churches in a
training called Healthy Leadership in an Anxious World How to Lead in the Midst of

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Conflict. In February, Liz led the Crisis CART members, all of whom are clergy or mental
health professionals, in training to enhance their skills in resourcing congregations in the midst
of crisis.
Intentional Interim Ministry (IIM) calls for a particular spirit and skill set to care for the needs
of congregations during times of transition and in the absence of an appointed pastor. Interim
ministers are experienced clergypersons, committed to Wesleyan theology and the UMC, who
have proven effective in their service to Christ and the church. Intentional Interim Ministers
adapt well to a congregations context and particular needs, are highly relational, and provide
pastoral leadership and management for a season of ministry. IIMs are vetted by the Bishop and
NTC Cabinet, trained and certified through an accreditation process, and may be deployed across
conference boundaries. IIMs serve many contexts which include: Sabbatical, Renewal or Study
Leave; District Superintendent Transitions; Conflict Management; Disability, Terminal Illness or
Death of a Pastor; Clergy Misconduct; Transformation and/or Cultural Context.
This past year six Intentional Interim Ministry placements were appointed by the Bishop and
Cabinet. There are currently twenty-six certified Intentional Interim Ministers who are trained
for deployment in the North Texas Conference.
For more information on IIM training or deployment, contact your District Superintendent or the
Center for Leadership Development of the NTC.
Mentoring, Coaching, Consulting and Life-Long Learning is needed to provide both laity and
clergy to engage in continuing education for ministry, professional development, and spiritual
formation and growth in order to lead the church in fulfilling the mission of making disciples for
Jesus Christ.
Clergy Fruitfulness Initiative (CFI): The Clergy Fruitfulness Initiative undergirds the life-long
journey of developing clergy leadership and their spiritual growth. Starting with those in their 5
th

year following ordination (full connection membership) and every 5 years proceeding,
clergypersons will join with their classmates in a time of reflection and renewal, resourcing and
realignment, and recognition and celebration. Since its launch in 2011, over 80 clergypersons in
the 5-30 years of service range have participated in the CFI process of reflection, resourcing and
recognizing.
Marks of Fruitfulness: An online assessment system to increase awareness and performance
through evaluation. The Marks of Fruitfulness is an online assessment program that allows
clergy, the SPRC/PPRC, and the District Superintendent, to offer formative feedback to nurture,
support and help assist the leadership development of clergy from ordination through retirement.
The CLD will provide learning resources over a three-year cycle, focusing one year each on
Living, Leading and Developing.
Aging to Saging Empowering the Ministry of Older Adults: The Center for Leadership
Development approved a grant in the amount of $6000 provided by the Sam Taylor Trust, a joint
fund shared by the General Board of Discipleship and the General Board of Higher Education
and Ministry. This grant was used to implement 3 workshops which trained 48 participants in a

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spiritual growth and leadership program designed to empower the spiritual growth of older
adults developed by Rabbi Zalman Schacter-Shalomi in his book, From Age-ing to Sage-ing: A
Profound New Vision for Growing Older. We are grateful for the leadership of Rev. Eston
Williams in this endeavor.
Committee on the Status and Role of Women (COSROW): The NTC COSROW will focus on
major priorities of issues related to women a) to gather, interpret and transmit information on the
status and role of all women at the conference, district and local church level, b) work in tandem
with the United Methodist Women to champion full inclusion of women in decision-making
structures, c) develop processes to inform and sensitize leadership within the conference at all
levels on issues that affect women, d) to review sexual harassment policies and procedures, by
working in consultation with the NTC Congregational Assessment Response and Transformation
Crisis Team(s).
Race and Religion: The NTC Committee on Religion and Race will function with passion, in the
areas of training, resource development, evaluation, consultation, and strategic planning in the
areas of diversity, cultural competency, racial justice, reconciliation and equity, and
communicating/advocacy for change.
Whats Next? The Center for Leadership Development will continue to build on the
foundational concepts of Living, Leading, and Developing Fruitfulness throughout the North
Texas Conference for both laity and clergy with the intention of developing principled Christian
leaders for the Church and the world. Plans and conversations are ongoing regarding how the
CLD can assist the work of the Healthy Church Initiative by providing leadership resources for
prescriptions suggested by the HCI consultation teams. Work is underway to launch a pilot
program in the Fall of 2014 for churches that are developing a Discipleship Pathway.
In addition, the CLD is exploring the best way to teach and promote faith-rooted community
organizing as a tool for community transformation and leadership development. A pilot program
in this area is being formulated for the conference year 2014-2015.
Lastly, the Financial Advisory and Consulting Team (FACT) Report identified nine
dilemmas for the North Texas Conference that inhibits its progress towards making disciples for
Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. The CLD will provide leadership in resolving
the following dilemma and implementing the recommendation:
FACT Dilemma - Inability to Articulate What It Means to Be a United Methodist in the
North Texas Conference. There is a need for churches to separate themselves from the crowd
of many different church communities and articulate and embrace their distinctiveness as United
Methodists within this North Texas setting.
FACT Recommendation #1: Establish and maintain a permanent group to develop
comprehensive training and educational strategies and standards for pastors and laity concerning
United Methodisms unique beliefs and connectional ethos.


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BOARD OF ORDAINED MINISTRY

The mission of the United Methodist Church is to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the
transformation of the world. The purpose of the North Texas Conference Board of Ordained
Ministry is to recruit, credential, approve and nurture leaders for professional ministry to achieve
the mission of the church. We strive to build lifelong effectiveness in leaders for North Texas.
Clergy effectiveness is developed over a lifetime through living our discipleship, growing in
leadership of our congregations and developing missional effectiveness.

Living
Leading
Developing

The Board of Ordained Ministry is charged by The Book of Discipline with carrying out many
critical tasks and, through its various teams and committees, our members fulfill their
responsibilities in an outstanding manner. These committees include the Executive Committee,
the Committee on Local Pastors Education, the Committee on Certification, the Committee on
Clergy Effectiveness, the Committee on Recruitment, the Committee on Transfer Review, the
Committee on Conference Relations, the Committee on Chaplains and Related Ministries, and
the Committee on Provisional Membership. The entire Board of Ordained Ministry functions as
the committee for Preparation & Qualifications examining candidates for commissioning and
ordination.

The following summarize the Board of Ordained Ministrys priorities this year:

Recruitment. We strive to create a culture of call in our conference and effectively reach those
God is nudging into licensed or ordained pastoral ministry. We are particularly focusing on
reaching young and diverse candidates for the mission field of North Texas. This activity begins
in the local church and we encourage laity and clergy to create a culture of call in your
congregation.

Credentialing. One of our top priorities is to work with the four District Committees on Ministry
and continue to refine our process for entering ministry so that it is as clear and easy to navigate
as possible. The process to become a certified candidate helps persons discern how God is
calling them. A candidacy retreat introduces inquiring candidates to the process of entering
ministry. They begin the process with trained group mentors and develop relationships with other
called individuals along the way.

Pathways to Ministry Software. The Pathways to Ministry software is now being fully utilized
by the Board for preparation and qualification interviews both for commissioning and ordination.
This year local pastors, certified candidates, and district committees will be added to the site.
Pathways to Ministry enables candidates for ministry, mentors and board members to track
progress through a simplified process that is completely accessible online.

Lifelong clergy effectiveness. The work of the Board of Ordained Ministry encompasses
lifelong clergy effectiveness. We are working collaboratively with the Bishop, the cabinet, the

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clergy effectiveness policy task force, our laity and the Center for Leadership Development to
provide resources and tools for clergy formation.

The North Texas Conference Board of Ordained Ministry is extremely grateful for the
leadership, support and help that Duane VanGiesen and Janet Thompson provide. Their expertise
and hard work greatly enhance our work and effectiveness.

Respectfully submitted,
Jan Davis
Chair


CENTER FOR NEW CHURCH DEVELOPMENT AND
CONGREGATIONAL TRANSFORMATION

Impact
It has been and continues to be a year of impact for The Center for New Church Development
and Congregational Transformation! What we are about is making an impact in the Conference
and in our community by creatively working to increase the number of Vital Congregations
within the North Texas Conference. Our priorities remain the same 1) starting new faith
communities, and 2) transforming existing congregations.

TRANSFORMING EXISTING CONGREGATIONS
The Healthy Church Initiative is already making an incredible impact within the Conference,
and is proving to be the best process available to create more vital congregations. HCI
encompasses two areas of focus: the Larger Church Initiative and the Small Church Initiative.

Now used by 29 annual conferences (and all the Texas conferences), the HCI is based on training
our own clergy and laity to mutually coach and mentor congregations. This approach involves
laity in all levels of leadership and participation, and it has a component designed especially for
small membership churches.

The HCI is led by the Rev. Gloria Fowler. On a given month, over 300 clergy and laity from 36
churches, meeting in more than 10 different locations, study best-practice literature on
strengthening the local church. These churches are large and small; rural, urban and suburban.

Participation is completely optional. If a congregation begins the journey, it can proceed to
whatever level it feels it needs. If it goes all the way to the Weekend Consultation and follow-
up coaching, the entire process takes about 3 years.

Seminars and workshops, however, are often an important part of becoming a vital
congregation. We also held well-received workshops: (and we plan more)

54

How to Reach New People is the popular Jim Griffith seminar which teaches existing churches
how to become Mission-Field centered to reach new people. This workshop provides hands-on,
practical steps to reach the community in which your church is located.

Following The Founder: Becoming a Successful 2
nd
Pastor is specifically for pastors who may
want to become a part of our pool of trained clergy ready to follow a new churchs founder. We
know that starting as many new churches as we are starting, that we must be ready for when
those churches have their first pastoral transition.

Breaking Barriers To Church Growth is a workshop to help churches create a culture of
growth. Participants receive take-aways which can be immediately implemented in their local
church, and which help change the culture of the church to become more intentionally out-reach
centered.

Lay Missioner Planting Network is a training for Hispanic laity, to start new faith communities
as bi-vocational pastors and lay leaders. The trainings were offered in two locations (Oak Cliff
and Christ Foundry) and over 50 Hispanic laity have been trained.
SBC21 stands for Strengthening the Black Church for the 21st Century. Right now, two of our
African American churches are participating, and one of our pastors is a trained SBC coach. We
intend to take this conference-wide in the coming years.
Turn Around Tours is one of the creative ways weve highlighted learning from each other
and experiencing first- hand the impact our churches are making in their respective communities.
We resurrected the old progressive dinner of years gone by, and turned it into an inspirational
learning tool. Participants travel by bus to three congregations.each highlighting a success
story in widely divergent settings. At each stop we enjoy appetizer, or lunch or dessert. And
in each location we tour the facility and hear from the pastor, staff, and key laity on practical
steps they took to turn around.
Tours are being organized all around the Conference. These arent seminars or workshops or
listening to experts.but intentionally learning from each other and leveraging the great talent
here in North Texas.
NEW CHURCH STARTS
The impact of starting New Places for New People is now being felt throughout the
Conference! We have continued to plant new churches and faith communities. Currently, we
have 19 new church starts now averaging over 2400 in worship each Sunday! However, our
objective is not to just get more people into our churches; it is to get our churches into our
mission field! To that end, we are excited that 3 new congregations (2 Hispanic and 1 Anglo)
were planted by our existing churches in 2013.
Each of the new church pastors are trained through the New Church Leadership Institute, and
assessed by our Conference Assessment Team before they are appointed by the Bishop. They
also attend New Church Boot Camp and each one is assigned a personal trained coach to give
the new start and the pastor the best possible advantage to succeed.


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Our new churches are (listed by year they were planted):

2008 The Woods - Grand Prairie (Vital Merger) Planter: Jill Jackson-Sears
Oak Cliff UMC Oak Cliff (formerly Connexion) Planter: Edgar Bazan
The Village DeSoto (Daughter of St Luke Community) Planter: Derek Jacobs

2009 Falls Chapel Wichita Falls (Restart with new name) Planter: Louis Pearce
FUMC Krum Krum (Restart and relocation) Planter: Christy Thomas
New Beginnings Grand Prairie Planter: Perry Crenshaw (closed)

2010 Crossway Aubrey (Daughter church of Grace Avenue) Planter: Chris Yost
St. Andrew Frisco Frisco (Extension campus of St. Andrew) Planter: Edlen Cowley
Munger Place Dallas (Extension campus of Highland Park) Planter: Andrew Forrest
Nuevo Dia Dallas (A New Day Community) Leader Shellie Ross
FaithBridgeRockwall Planter: Frank Rahm (closed)

2011 Living Life Church Allen (Daughter church of FUMC Allen) Planter: Abe Smith
Korean North Central The Colony (Daughter of Korean Central) Planter: Nakhoon
Cho
Melissa UMC Melissa (Daughter church of FUMC McKinney) Planter: Alan Hitt
The Journey- Wylie/Sachse (Daughter of FUMC Rowlett) Planter: Chris Everson;
suspended

2012 Connections Paris (Extension Campus 1
st
Paris) Planter: Kathy French
Oasis Fellowship (Daughter church of Grace UMC, Dallas) Planter: Mary Miriti
Union Coffee Shop ministry (Anchored by UPUMC) Planter: Planter: Mike Baughman

2013Christ Church, Princeton (daughter of Christ Church Plano) Planter: Clay Horton
Prosper Extension Campus (daughter of Prosper UMC) Planter: Kevin McClain
Grand Prairie Hispanic (Church Within-a-Church, Grand Prairie 1
st
) Planter: Leonardo
Haro

2014Lewisville Hispanic, (church within a church at 1
st
Lewisville) Planter: Carlos Avalos;
Cockrell Hill Hispanic (church within a church at Cockrell Hill) Planter: Pablo Gurdiola;
The Journey (Restart, daughter church of Pleasant Valley) Planter: Chris Everson


BRIDGEPORT CAMP & CONFERENCE CENTER
2013 was a year of vision and planning at Bridgeport Camp and Conference Center (BCCC). We
created an Advisory Board to help with our plan for moving BCCC forward as we seek ways to
address our capacity issues in both our cabins and meeting spaces, as well as to help create ideas
for how to better utilize the facilities we do have.
2013 was an equally eventful year for reservations at our facility. We set a new record this year
for our non-summer events with 72 events held from January to June before camps start, then
starting again in August until the end of the year. Conference groups made up the majority of

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events, but we had great turnout from groups outside our conference as well. Some of these
groups include university retreats, family reunions, local school events, weddings, and sports
banquets.
The Conference Summer Camps were almost at capacity, with 4 camps being completely full.
We also had 2 full weeks of SEEK (Summer Events for Exceptional Kampers) Camps, and a full
week of Project Transformation Camp in August. This gave us another great summer attendance
of over 1600 campers and over 500 volunteer leaders that helped make this another incredible
year of camping ministries.
As we look to the future and the improvements that need to be made here at BCCC, there are
several things on the horizon. With our camps being so close to full almost every week and
crowded facilities at multiple non-Summer events, we need to be diligent about creating more
spaces for our children, youth, and adults to stay, eat, convene, and worship. We covet your
prayers and continued support as we continue to move forward to better serve all our guests.


THE PROTHRO CENTER AT LAKE TEXOMA
2013 marked another fantastic year for The Prothro Center! As we continue to see familiar faces,
we have developed new ways to find the space for new groups, weddings, families, couples, and
even individuals.
With the remodel of our small family cabins, The Prothro Center now provides superb spots for
individual families to get away for the week/weekend and enjoy comfort, lake, togetherness, and
a safe environment. We've created a huge stir with our new beach area, hike and bike trails, and
creativity to bring guests closer to Lake Texoma.
North Texas Conference programs, such as the annual S.E.E.K. Camps, Rural Ministry, Clergy
Spouse Retreat, NTC Licensing School, Clergy Women Retreat, NTC District Committee, NTC
UMW, NTC Anti-Racism, and The Board of Ordination, continue to utilize our services. We
also accommodated the annual JCH Lions Camp, Royal Family Kid Camp, staff retreats, quilting
workshops, womens/mens retreats, family reunions, college functions, along with many other
events.
I'm so proud of this staff and everything that this place has become. The pictures that you see are
beautiful, but can never do it full justice. I invite you to come take a look and see what all the
buzz is about.
Cliff Dyer, Executive Director
The Prothro Center at Lake Texoma
903-786-2141 www.prothrocenter.org





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REPORT OF CONFERENCE STATISTICIAN

The statistical report for 2013 reveals an increase in spending, but decreases in every other area
of measurement.

First, we rejoice and give thanks for the 3,110 persons who came to know Christ and joined our
churches by profession of faith last year. Unfortunately, this is a 6% decrease in professions of
faith in 2013 over last years results.


The number of new members received by our churches decreased to 7795 in 2013, a decrease of
367 persons or 4% from 2012.





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The total conference membership at the close of 2013 was 145,487 a decrease of 3,404 persons
or 2.3% from 2012 and the eighth year in a row of decline. A number of churches once again
removed members from their rolls through charge conference action. In addition, a new line was
added to the statistical tables in 2009 allowing churches to correct total membership numbers
without naming specific persons for charge conference action. Since our apportionments are
based on membership as well as total finances, a number of churches appear to have taken
advantage of this particular tool to correct their membership rolls. For 2013, 5,602 members
were removed through charge conference action compared to the removal of 4,686 in 2012. In
2013, an additional 1,181 members were removed through simple correction. In 2012, 707
members were removed by correction.


For 2013 the churches of the conference had a decrease of 2,114 persons or 3.5% decrease in
average worship attendance compared to 2012.



59

The average Sunday School attendance decreased to 26,266, a decrease of 1325 persons or 4.8%.
We continue to hope that participation in other small groups for learning accounts for some of
the difference.



We only started tracking small group attendance in statistics four years ago. Many congregations
promote small group attendance in addition to Sunday School if not in lieu of Sunday School.
Participation in small groups was trending up over the first five years tracking period, although
there was a decrease between 2012 and 2013. For the six year period, churches reported
attendance of 82,665 in small groups in 2009 and 84,341 in 2013. This is an increase of 1,676
individuals participating in bible study and fellowship!





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The grand total paid to all causes increased by 2% to $152,763,888. We continue to be thankful
for the faithful generosity of United Methodists in North Texas!












61

BOARD OF PENSION AND HEALTH BENEFITS

2015 COMPREHENSIVE FUNDING PLAN

The 2012 Book of Discipline 1506.6 requires that each annual conference develop, adopt and
implement a formal comprehensive funding plan for funding all of its benefit obligations. The
funding plan shall be submitted annually to the General Board of Pension and Health benefits for
review and be approved annually by the annual conference, following the receipt and inclusion
of a favorable written opinion from the General Board of Pension and Health Benefits
(GBOPHB). This summary document is only a portion of the information contained in the actual
signed funding plan. As such, it might not contain all the information required for a
comprehensive view of the benefit obligations of the conference. You may request the full
contents of the 2015 comprehensive benefit funding plan from your conference benefit office.

Following is the summary of the Comprehensive Benefit Funding Plan (CBFP) that received a
favorable written opinion from GBOPHB for the 2015 conference benefit obligations:

Clergy Retirement Security Program (CRSP) Defined Benefit (DB) and Defined Benefit
Contribution (DC)
Plan Overview: The Clergy Retirement Security Program (CRSP) is an Internal Revenue Code
section 403(b) retirement program providing lifetime income and account flexibility designed for
those who serve as clergy of The United Methodist Church. The plan is designed to provide
participants with one portion of their overall retirement portfolio. CRSP replaced the Ministerial
Pension Plan (MPP) effective January 1, 2007, which replaced the Pre-82 for service rendered
prior to January 1, 1982.
CRSP consists of both a defined benefit (DB) plan, which provides a monthly benefit at
retirement based upon years of credited service to the Church, and a defined contribution (DC)
plan, which provides a retirement account balance established and funded by annual conferences.
The Clergy Retirement Security Program (CRSP-DB) annuities total liability as of January 1,
2013 is $923.7 million, while total plan assets are $978.5 million resulting in a current plan
funded ratio of 106%. The North Texas Conference portion of the liability is 1.38% and the 2015
contribution is $1,567,801. The conference anticipates that the amount will be funded by: Direct
Billing. Additionally, General Conference 2012 approved a change to CRSP that provides each
annual conference the discretion to determine whether to cover three-quarter and/or half-time
clergy. The North Texas Annual Conference has elected to cover clergy serving 50%+ under
CRSP effective January 1, 2014.
Effective January 1, 2014 CRSP-DC plan was reduced from a 3% to a 2% of plan compensation
non-matching contribution. Clergy will have the opportunity to earn up to an additional 1%
CRSP DC contribution by contributing at least 1% of their plan compensation to UMPIP,
therefore if a participant contributes at least 1% of plan compensation to UMPIP, the individual
will receive a contribution of 3%, which is unchanged from 2013 and prior. The 2013 CRSP-DC
contribution was $659,700 and was funded by: Direct Bill of the Local Churches. It is

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anticipated that increases for future years will average 2.50%, due to the expected average
pastoral compensation increases based on last 20 years.
Ministerial Pension Plan (MPP)
Plan Overview: The Ministerial Pension Plan (MPP) provides clergy with a pension for their
years of ministry with The United Methodist Church from 1982 through 2006. MPP is an
Internal Revenue Code section 403(b) retirement plan. Effective January 1, 2014, exactly 65% of
the account balance must be annuitized when it is to be distributed. The remainder may be rolled
over to UMPIP, another qualified plan or IRA, or paid in a lump sum.
The Ministerial Pension Plan (MPP) annuities total liability as of January 1, 2013 is $2.7 billion,
while total plan assets are $3.0 billion resulting in a current plan funded ratio of 109% and no
required contribution for 2015. The North Texas Conferences portion of the total liability is
.97%. Future MPP annuitants have a total account balance of $4.4 billion and the North Texas
Conferences portion of that balance is $60.17 million or 1.37% of the total.
Pre-1982 Plan
Plan Overview: Supplement One to the Clergy Retirement Security Program (CRSP), also
known as the Pre-82 Plan, provides clergy with a pension for their years of ministry with The
United Methodist Church prior to 1982. The Pre-82 Plan was replaced by MPP effective January
1, 1982. When participants enter a Retired relationship with your Conference, and does not
terminate, the minimum benefit payable to them is based on two factors: 1) years of Service with
pension credit and 2) Conference pension rate. Years of Service with pension credit are approved
by each Conference on the recommendation of the Conference Board of Pension in accordance
with plan provisions and The Book of Discipline. The pension rate, also called the past service
rate PSR, is the dollar amount chosen by the Conference as the amount payable for each
approved year of Service with pension credit. Typically, the pension rate changes from year to
year. The number of years of Service with pension credit is multiplied by the PSR, and the
product is the minimum annual benefit payable to those eligible for Pre-82 Plan benefits. In
certain situations the benefit received from the Pre-82 plan, may vary based on the applicability
of what is referred to as Defined Benefit Service Money (DBSM), which is the defined
contribution feature of the Pre-1982 Plan. At the time that a participant retires, the DBSM
account is converted to a life based benefit. At that point the participants benefit is the greater of
the PSR benefit or DBSM benefit. As the conference increases the PSR, the participants benefit
is recalculated; however the DBSM based benefit does not change.
The 2015 Past Service Rate (PSR) recommended to the North Texas Annual Conference will be
$754.00 representing a 1.48% increase from the 2014 rate. The conference expects future
increases to be approximately 2.50%, which is based on the average COLA rate as published in
Public Law 106-554 which is stated at 2.5%.
The contingent annuitant percentage is recommended to remain at the 70% level.

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Based on the final actuarial valuations from the General Board of Pension and Health Benefits as
of January 1, 2013 for 2015, the portion of the Pre-82 liability attributable to the North Texas
Conference and funded status is, as of 1/1/2013, as follows:
Funding Plan Liability $25,563,027
Assets in the Plan $20,430,124
Funded status $(5,132,903) represented by a 80% funded ratio
Funded Status as of 12/31/2014 $(4,884,387)

The funded ratio is recalculated each year based on economic and demographic changes. These
changes create the possibility that Pre-82 contributions may be required at a future date (even
after 2021).

In addition to the assets in the Plan it is anticipated that amount will be funded through the
following funding sources:

Non plan assets designated for retiring Pre-82 obligations $6,670,832
Present value of incoming new money $2,296,671

Defined benefit plan liabilities (Pre-82, MPP and CRSP-DB) continue until the last benefit is
paid to participants and their surviving spouses irrespective of the funding level of the plan. That
is, even if the assets in the plan are larger than the liabilities in the plan, the conference still has a
liability (obligation) with the plan.
Active Health Benefit Program
Plan Overview: The North Texas Conference offers an Insurance program to the active
participants.
During the 2013 year, the total cost of the program was $5,904,818 and was funded by Direct
Bill. The projected average increase for future years is expected to be 5%, due to expected
Health Cost Increases.
Post-Retirement Medical Benefit Program (PRM)
Plan Overview: The North Texas Conference post-retiree medical plan currently offered is a
OneExchange plan with an HRA.
The current annual cost is anticipated to be $213,000 with the funding sources to be
apportionments. On a longer term basis the North Texas Conference intends to continue funding
through apportionments at $213,000 per year for new entrants.
Based on the most recent PRM valuation dated 12/31/2013, following is the funded position of
the post-retiree medical benefits:
Accumulated Post Retirement Obligation (APBO) or net conference cost $10,103,622

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Expected Post Retirement Obligation (EPBO) or net conference cost $12,583,832
Service Cost (SC) or net conference cost $323,987
Assets designated for PRM $0
These values are based on 4.65% long term discount rate, 7.00% long-term expected return, and
a current increase trend of 7.50% decreasing to 5.00% by 2019.
Comprehensive Protection Plan (CPP)

Plan Overview: The Comprehensive Protection Plan (CPP) provides death, long-term disability
and other welfare benefits for eligible clergy of The United Methodist Church and their families
and is an Internal Revenue Code 414(e) "church plan" funded by plan sponsor insurance
premiums. Generally, you are eligible to participate in CPP if your conference or salary-paying
unit sponsors the plan and you satisfy the eligibility requirements which include full-time
episcopal appointment and plan compensation equal to or greater than 60% of the
Denominational Average Compensation or the Conference Average Compensation whichever is
less. The North Texas Annual Conference has elected to make CPP-eligible clergy, who are
appointed at least full time, have mandatory participation, while those on full-time medical leave,
family, and sabbatical leave or are attending school have optional participation under special
arrangements at their own expense.
Currently (for 2013) the North Texas Conference has a required contribution to the
Comprehensive Protection Plan of $610,254, which is anticipated to be funded by
Apportionments. The anticipated average increase in future years is expected to be 2.50% per
year due to expected increases in COLA.
United Methodist Personal Investment Plan (UMPIP) for Lay and Clergy
Plan Overview: The United Methodist Personal Investment Plan (UMPIP) is an Internal
Revenue Code section 403(b) defined contribution retirement savings plan for clergy and lay
employees of The United Methodist Church and affiliated organizations. Participants may make
before-tax and/or after-tax contributions through payroll deductions. Participant contributions,
contributions your plan sponsor may make on the participants behalf and investment earnings
comprise the individuals retirement account balance.
Conference office lay employees working an average of 20 hours per week or more are eligible
for a pension contribution of 6% of salary. Lay employees are encouraged to contribute personal
funds toward their retirement through payroll deductions to the UMPIP. The estimated
contribution for the North Texas Conference is anticipated to be $46,882 and funded through
apportionments.
Other Conference Defined Contribution Type Obligations
Plan Overview: The North Texas Conference currently offers an Endowment for Emergency
Fund for Retiree Medical Expenses plan made available to retired clergy with demonstrated

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need. The distribution for 2013 was $2,000 with the funding sources to be: 1.56 million
endowment at GBOPHB.
Plan Overview: The North Texas Conference currently offers Life Insurance made available to
clergy and lay employees participating in the Conference Health Insurance program. The
contribution for 2013 was $28,713 with the funding sources to be through apportionments. The
anticipated average increase in future years is expected to be 2.5% per year due to expected cost
increases.
Conclusion:
The 2015 Comprehensive Benefit Funding Plan and the above outlined Summary document
incorporates to the best of our understanding , the North Texas Conferences obligations and
funding requirements of the benefits provided to the Clergy and Laity of the North Texas
Conference.
HEALTH BENEFITS POLICIES
June 2014

INTRODUCTION

The North Texas Conference provides a conference health insurance program designed to
provide its eligible employees (defined herein) with a comprehensive plan for major medical
insurance. The program is administered through a group plan overseen by the conference Board
of Pension and Health Benefits. The North Texas Annual Conference participates in HealthFlex,
the health benefits program of the General Board of Pension and Health Benefits (GBOPHB) of
The United Methodist Church for our active participants and OneExchange for retired
participants.

All full-time clergy appointed to local churches within the conference or as District
Superintendents or to the conference staff (ordained elders, deacons in full connection, deacons
on track to become elders, commissioned persons on track to become elders or deacons, full-time
local pastors, members of other conferences or denominations appointed according to Paragraphs
346.1 or 346.2) are required to be enrolled in the conference health insurance plan and their
respective church or salary-paying unit is responsible for the premium for the appointee.
Coverage for spouses and dependents is optional, and the premium for an appointee's spouse and
dependents is the responsibility of the appointee.

ELIGIBILITY

The following are eligible for coverage under the program and in accordance with the adoption
agreement between the North Texas Conference and GBOPHB:

1. Ordained elders and deacons and commissioned persons on track to become elders or deacons
(including those with full conference membership, provisional membership and associate
membership), and local pastors appointed full-time to local churches within the conference and
their eligible dependents.

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2. Clergy serving as district superintendents and conference staff.

3. Clergy from other United Methodist annual conferences and ordained ministers from other
denominations employed full-time and under episcopal appointment to a local church or charge
of the North Texas Annual Conference under the provisions of Paragraphs 346.1 or 346.2 of the
2012 Book of Discipline.

4. Clergy appointed beyond the local church within the connectional structure to a General
Agency, to other than a unit of a conference or other than a General Agency, an ecumenical
agency and extension ministry endorsed by the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry
under the provisions of Paragraph 344.1a(2), 344.1a(3), 344.1a(4) and 344.1b, only if they are
listed specifically in the annual GBOPHB adoption agreement.

5. Clergy appointed to Leave of Absence or Sabbatical (eligible for one year only).

6. Lay persons who are full-time (at least 30 hours per week) employees of the annual
conference and their eligible dependents.

7. Full-time (at least 30 hours per week) lay employees and their eligible dependents of local
churches or connectional agencies in the North Texas Annual Conference which offer the
conference group insurance program to all of their full-time lay employees, if the church has a
sub-adoption agreement with the GBOPHB and meets the 75% participation rule.

8. Retired clergy members of the conference immediately eligible to receive pension from the
GBOPHB at the beginning of the month following the month in which the retired relation takes
place, and who had a minimum of five (5) continuous and consecutive years of active
participation in the North Texas Annual Conference group health program at the time of
retirement, and their respective dependents. Retired Clergy can retain future rights to conference
funding if at the time of retirement coverage was declined because the clergy had other employer
sponsored group health insurance.

9. Disabled clergy members (appointed under 357 2012 Book of Discipline) of the conference
(who were enrolled in HealthFlex at the time of their disability) immediately eligible to receive
disability benefits from the GBOPHB at the beginning of the month following the month in
which the disability leave with disability benefits takes place, as granted by the Division of
Conference Relations, and their respective dependents.

10. Retired lay employees of the conference or a local church within the conference at the
beginning of the month following the month in which the retired relation takes place, and who
had a minimum of five (5) consecutive years of active participation in the North Texas Annual
Conference group health plan at the time of retirement, and their respective dependents, if the
church selects that category in the sub-adoption agreement with GBOPHB.

11. Disabled lay employees of the conference or a local church within the conference (who were
enrolled in HealthFlex at the time of their disability) at the beginning of the month following the
month in which the disability leave takes place as granted by the GBOPHB, and their respective
dependents.


67

12. Surviving dependents of a deceased active participant as long as the participant and
dependent were covered participants at the time of death.

13. Surviving dependents of a deceased retired participant as long as the participant and
dependent were covered participants at the time of death. If the surviving dependent declined
coverage at the time of the participant's retirement due to having other employer sponsored
group health insurance, that dependent retains future rights to funding as long as the other
employer sponsored group health remains in effect.

14. Eligible children include any child under the age of 26, including all natural, legally adopted
and step-children for whom the participant has court ordered legal guardianship.

15. A divorced spouse of an active participant is eligible provided the participant is responsible
by legal decree for the majority of financial support of the former spouse or specifically
responsible for the medical or other health care expenses of the former spouse.

16. Continuation health benefits are available for a period of one year for any participant who
becomes ineligible providing they have been on the plan for at least three months and they are
not eligible for coverage under another group health plan or Medicare. The plan is the same and
the premium, due one month in advance, is billed directly to the participant. Notification of
ineligibility must occur within 30 days and application for continuation benefits must occur
within 60 days of becoming ineligible and the continuation benefits begin the day after the
participant became ineligible.

Eligible persons must complete a HealthFlex enrollment form and return it to the conference
Center for Connectional Resources within 30 days of their date of hire, date of newly acquired
eligibility or family status change. Family status changes which allow late enrollment are: birth,
death, marriage, divorce, or loss of other coverage. There is also an open enrollment period every
year in November for coverage to begin in January of the following year.

MEDICAL BENEFITS PROGRAM FOR ACTIVE PARTICIPANTS

A Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) plan and a Consumer Driven Health Plan (CDHP) are
available for active participants and their dependents. These plans are currently administered by
Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Illinois. Prescription drugs are covered for active participants through
Catamaran and the prescription plan is a percentage plan with co-pay amounts for three tiers of
drugs. A mail order program is also available to obtain 90-day supplies of maintenance drugs at a
lesser cost and is required for all maintenance prescriptions.

Mental health and chemical dependency benefits are provided through United Behavioral Health
(UBH) under both PPO and CDHP plans. A participant must call UBH at 1-800-788-5614 before
receiving inpatient or outpatient treatment either in-network or out-of-network. There is also a
Pastoral Consultation Hotline for clergy available for both active and retired clergy at no charge.
The number is 800-842-2869.

Vision benefits are available through Vision Service Plan (VSP). A basic vision examination is
provided and discounts for eyeglasses and contact lenses are available.

68

Term life insurance is provided through Hartford Life and Accident Insurance Company as a part
of the health benefit. The amount of insurance is as follows: $5,000 for lay employees; $10,000
for all full-time appointed clergy to age 72 or those covered by the HealthFlex active plan until
age 65 . This benefit is for both life insurance and accidental death, dismemberment and loss of
sight. Dependent insurance is provided in the following amounts for covered dependents: $2,000
for spouses; $1,000 for children ages 6 months to 25; $100 for children ages 14 days to 6
months.

Medical Reimbursement Accounts (MRA) and Dependent Care Accounts (DCA) are also
available to active participants. A participant may select annual MRA/DCA amounts between
$300 and $2,500 to be deducted by the salary paying unit on a monthly basis as a salary
reduction. This money may be used for medical expenses which are not covered by the plan such
as deductibles, co-pays, dental, vision and other qualified costs. The DCA may be used to pay for
qualified child or parent daycare expenses (maximum annual amount is $5,000). Forms to be
used to submit claims are available at www.gbophb.org or in the conference Center for
Connectional Resources.


CONFERENCE FUNDING POLICIES FOR ACTIVE HEALTH BENEFITS

1. The entire premium for full-time clergy appointed to local churches within the conference or
as district superintendents or to the conference staff (ordained elders, deacons in full connection,
deacons on track to become elders, commissioned persons on track to become elders or deacons,
full-time local pastors, members of other conferences or denominations appointed according to
Paragraphs 346.1 or 346.2) is to be paid by the local church or salary paying unit.

2. The premium for the appointee's spouse and dependents is the responsibility of the appointee.
An optional agreement may be made between the church or salary paying unit and the appointee
for the church or salary paying unit to pay the family premium.

3. The Conference will pay the premium for lay employees of the annual conference. The
premium for dependents is the responsibility of the employee.

4. Responsibility for the premium for eligible lay employees of local churches or institutions
within the connectional structure will be determined by the employer and the employee.

5. The Conference pays the active premium for disabled clergy members of the conference who
were appointed to a local church or as district superintendent or to the conference staff and were
enrolled in HealthFlex at the time of disability. Approval by the Division of Conference
Relations and eligibility to receive disability benefits from the General Board of Pension and
Health Benefits is also required. Payment begins the month following the month in which the
disability leave with disability benefits takes place. The premium for dependents is the
responsibility of the clergyperson.

If the disability with benefits was approved prior to December 31, 2013, the conference will pay
the active premium until the disabled participant chooses retired status at which time enrollment
in a OneExchange Medicare Plan (if the participant is age 65 or older) will be required and

69

funding will be based on years of service attained at time of retirement. For those taking retired
status at age 62 or 30 years of service, the funding for the active health premiums will be based
on the scale in the 2012 Journal and 2013 Medicare Supplement premium of $5,040 not to
exceed $2,520 per year. At age 65 and Medicare eligibility, funding will be provided at the
current years OneExchange Funding Scale.

For disability with benefits approved on or after January 1, 2014, the conference will pay the
active premium until the disabled participant reaches age 65 at which time enrollment in an
OneExchange Medicare Plan will be required and funding will be based on years of service
attained at that time. Retired status is not required but enrollment in a Medicare plan is and
cessation of active health insurance premiums paid by the conference will occur.

OneExchange is available only to those with Medicare Part A and B benefits. Therefore, to
qualify for OneExchange and conference funding, a retired clergy person who opted out of
Social Security must either purchase Medicare Parts A and B at their own expense or have access
to Medicare through their spouse.

6. Subsidies are available on a sliding scale for those churches whose pastor's Total
Compensation is below the Denominational Average Compensation (DAC) for the appointee's
premium and those pastors whose compensation is below the DAC for their dependents. A
written application must be submitted to and approved by the appropriate District
Superintendent. Only those appointed full-time as "pastor-in-charge" are eligible for this
supplement. The guidelines for application are as follows:

Guidelines for 2014 Health Insurance Supplement Applications

1. Local churches must submit to their district superintendent a written application signed by the
Pastor (Staff) - Parish Relations Committee chairperson and the Administrative Council/Board
chairperson for appointee supplements.
2. Pastors must submit to their district superintendent a written application for dependent
supplements.
3. The pastors Total Compensation for Insurance Supplement Eligibility (line IX from the 2014
Ministerial Compensation Report turned in at Charge Conference) must be below $65,186 (the
2014 Denominational Average Compensation).
4. If the need exists in the judgment of the district superintendent and funds are available,
appointee supplements may be awarded to churches on the following scale (annual amount
shown - paid monthly):

Pastors Total % Church Amount of
Compensation DAC Pays Supplement

$65,186 and above 100% $9,612 $ 0
$65,185 - 61,927 95% 9,131 481
$61,926 - 58,667 90% 8,651 961
$58,666 - 55,408 85% 8,170 1,442

70

$55,407 - 52,149 80% 7,690 1,922
$52,148 - 48,890 75% 7,209 2,403
$48,889 - 45,630 70% 6,728 2,884
$45,629 - 42,371 65% 6,248 3,364
$42,370 - 39,112 60% 5,767 3,845
$39,111 and below 5,767 3,845

5. If the need exists in the judgment of the district superintendent and the funds are available,
dependent supplements may be awarded to pastors on the following scale (annual amount shown
- paid monthly):

One Two or More
Pastors Total % Dependent Dependents
Compensation DAC Pastor Amount of Pastor Amount of
Pays Supplement Pays Supplement

$65,186 and above 100% $8,652 $ 0 $13,440 $ 0
$65,185 - 61,927 95% 8,219 433 12,768 672
$61,926 - 58,667 90% 7,787 865 12,096 1,344
$58,666 - 55,408 85% 7,354 1,298 11,424 2,016
$55,407 - 52,149 80% 6,922 1,730 10,752 2,688
$52,148 - 48,890 75% 6,489 2,163 10,080 3,360
$48,889 - 45,630 70% 6,056 2,596 9,408 4,032
$45,629 - 42,371 65% 5,624 3,028 8,736 4,704
$42,370 - 39,112 60% 5,191 3,461 8,064 5,376
$39,111and below 5,191 3,461 8,064 5,376

6. If the pastors Total Compensation for Health Insurance Supplement Eligibility is above
$65,186 but extraordinary circumstances exist in the judgment of the district superintendent, an
appointee supplement may be awarded to the church and/or a dependent supplement may be
awarded to the pastor at the lowest level on the scales above if funds are available. Likewise,
superintendents are not obligated to award any supplements even though an applicant may be
eligible, if they determine that no need exists.
7. District superintendents are asked to distribute these Guidelines and the supplement
application forms to churches and pastors who may be eligible as soon as possible. Additional
application forms will be available in the District and Conference Offices.
8. District Superintendents are asked to fax or mail the approved Health Insurance Supplement
Application Forms to the Center for Connectional Resources by December 1 of each year. No
supplements will be processed until the approved Application Forms are received in the Center
for Connectional Resources. Forms received after the deadline will be processed for the
following months billing and they will not be done retroactively.
9. All supplements cease when a pastoral change occurs. New applications are to be submitted to
the Center for Connectional Resources by the 1
st
day of the month following the move. A
supplement may be processed one month retroactively only in the event of a mid-year move.


71

MEDICAL BENEFITS PROGRAM FOR RETIRED PARTICIPANTS

Beginning on January 1, 2014, the North Texas Annual Conference provides a consultation
service through OneExchange to help Medicare-eligible retired participants, spouses and
surviving spouses find and enroll in a Medicare supplement plan best suited to individual needs.
You must have Medicare Parts A and B to be eligible for coverage through OneExchange. For
those enrolling in the insurance supplement plan through OneExchange, the annual conference
will help offset the cost of the individual Medicare supplemental plan and eligible health care
costs by funding a Health Reimbursement Account (HRA).

Clergy in the retired relationship with the annual conference who continue to work full time at a
local church or eligible agency remain in the active plan. Retired clergy who opted out of Social
Security and their dependents and spouses continue in the active plan if they continue working
full time at a local church or eligible agency.

A dependent spouse may be eligible for conference retiree benefits even if not a covered
dependent at the time of the participant's retirement. If the spouse is covered by another
employer sponsored group health insurance plan, he/she may decline conference coverage
while still maintaining future rights to coverage. The retiring participant may also decline
conference coverage at the time of his/her retirement while maintaining future rights to coverage
if he/she can be covered under a spouse's employer sponsored group health insurance plan.
Future coverage rights can be exercised at any open enrollment opportunity or within thirty days
of losing the other employer sponsored group health coverage as long as the other coverage was
maintained up to the day the conference coverage is to begin.

The divorced spouse of a retiree may retain coverage or future rights to coverage as described
above if it is declared in the divorce decree that the participant is responsible for health coverage
or is responsible for a majority of the financial support of the divorced spouse. Future rights to
coverage will end when the specified period in the legal decree has expired or upon the death of
the participant (providing the decree provides for termination of the participant's responsibility at
that time).

A new spouse or dependent acquired by a retiree after retirement is not an eligible dependent
with the exception of a dependent child gained through court ordered legal guardianship.

TOLLING PROVISION: If the retiring participant or eligible dependent has other employer
sponsored group health coverage at the time of retirement (through a subsequent employer or
spouses employer) he/she may decline HealthFlex coverage and retain the ability to enroll for
such coverage at a future date (so long as continuous coverage through such other employer
sponsored group health coverage is maintained). The eligible person can exercise this enrollment
option within 31 calendar days of losing other employer sponsored group health coverage.

After retirement, if a retiree, dependent or surviving spouse terminates conference
coverage, they will no longer retain any future rights to coverage.






72

CONFERENCE FUNDING POLICIES FOR RETIREE HEALTH BENEFITS

Beginning on January 1, 2014 the North Texas Annual Conference through the Retiree Health
Insurance Current Year Benefits apportionment helps fund a Health Reimbursement Account
(HRA) to be used for health insurance premiums and/or eligible medical expenses in retirement
for eligible retired clergy participants, spouses and surviving spouses. Prior to retirement at age
65, an eligible clergyperson would be given information to contact OneExchange, the agency
selected by the General Board of Pension and Health Benefits to guide retirees through the
process of choosing the most suitable plan to supplement Medicare.

For those eligible clergypersons enrolled in the conference health insurance plan who retire after
January 1, 2003, their eligible spouses, and eligible surviving spouses, the conference will fund a
Health Reimbursement Account with 30-100% of $1,260 for those retiring at age 65 (or full
retirement age) based on their years of ministerial service (which qualify for retirement credit) in
The United Methodist Church in which they were appointed to a local church or within the
connectional structure as defined in the 2012 Discipline Paragraphs 344.1(a)(1) and (2), or
partial years of like service for less than full-time appointments, as follows:

ONEEXCHANGE FUNDING SCALE
Effective 1-1-2014

Years of Service (full time equivalent) % $1,260 $ Amount

0 - 4 0 0
5 30 % 378
6 32 % 403
7 34 % 428
8 36 % 454
9 38 % 479
10 40 % 504
11 44 % 554
12 48 % 605
13 52 % 655
14 56 % 706
15 60 % 756
16 64 % 806
17 68 % 857
18 72 % 907
19 76 % 958
20 80 % 1,008
21 84 % 1,058
22 88 % 1,109
23 92 % 1,159
24 96 % 1,210
25 or more 100 % 1,260

For those eligible clergypersons enrolled in the conference health insurance plan who retired
before January 1, 2003, their eligible spouses, and eligible surviving spouses, the North Texas
Conference will fund 100% of $1,260.

73

ELIGIBILITY FOR ONEEXCHANGE AND CONFERENCE FUNDING FOR RETIREES

1. RETIREES, SPOUSES, SURVIVING SPOUSES
Retired full-time clergy appointed to: 1) a local church within the North Texas Conference, 2)
District Superintendents or 3) Conference staff (including ordained elders, associate members,
deacons in full connection, provisional elders and deacons, full-time local pastors, members of
other annual conferences or denominations appointed under 346.1 and 346.2) who have a
minimum of five (5) continuous and consecutive years of active participation in the North
Texas Annual Conference group health plan at the time of retirement. Conference funding via
an HRA will only be available to retired clergy and non-clergy spouses while they are
covered by a plan through OneExchange or the active conference health plan. Under certain
circumstances, the five (5) year condition may be waived upon written recommendation from the
Bishop and the Cabinet with approval from the North Texas Conference Board of Pension and
Health Benefits.

Spouses of clergy at time of retirement are eligible for OneExchange (or the active plan in the
case of those under age 65) and funding based on the years of service level of the retired clergy.
Retirees and Spouses who decline conference health insurance at the time of retirement due to
other employer sponsored group coverage (in which they have maintained continuous coverage)
may be eligible for OneExchange and funding when the employer coverage ceases. (Medicare
and Medicare Supplemental Plans are not considered employer sponsored group plans.)

The divorced spouse of a retiree may retain coverage or future rights to coverage in the
appropriate conference health insurance plan if it is declared in the divorce decree that the
participant is responsible for health coverage or is responsible for a majority of the financial
support of the divorced spouse. Future rights to coverage will end when the specified period in
the legal decree has expired or upon the death of the participant (providing the decree provides
for termination of the participant's responsibility at that time). Conference funding is not
available for divorced spouses.

A new spouse or dependent acquired by a retiree after retirement is not an eligible dependent
with the exception of a dependent child gained through court ordered legal guardianship.

Dependent children of a retiree are eligible for the appropriate conference health insurance plan
but are not eligible for conference funding.

After retirement, if a retiree, dependent or surviving spouse terminates conference
coverage, they will no longer retain any future rights to coverage.

2. CLERGY COUPLES IN RETIREMENT
The first party of a clergy couple to retire will receive funding corresponding to their own years
of service level at the time of their retirement. Upon retirement of the second party of the clergy
couple, both will receive funding related to the highest years of service level.

Full-time appointed clergy spouses of a retired clergy are not eligible for supplemental funding
as their active health premium is paid in full by the local church to which they are appointed.
In the event of a clergy couple divorce following retirement, each clergy person would receive
the amount of funding based on their own years of service.

74

3. PRE-65 RETIREES/SPOUSES/SURVIVING SPOUSES
For clergy retiring on or prior to 12/31/2013 who are at least 62 years of age (but not yet 65) or
have 30 years of service, their eligible spouses, and eligible surviving spouses who are required
to remain in the active health plan, the conference will base funding for active health premiums
on the scale in the 2012 Journal and 2013 Medicare Supplement premium of $5,040 not to
exceed $2,520 per year per person. At age 65 and Medicare eligibility funding will be provided
at the current years OneExchange Funding Scale. Anyone retiring on or after January 1, 2014
will receive funding through appropriately reduced conference health insurance premiums based
on the OneExchange Funding Scale in effect on the date of retirement.

4. TWENTY YEAR RULE RETIREES (358.2 2012 Discipline)
Those retiring under the twenty year rule (i.e., are not 62 and have at least 20 years but not 30
years of service) are eligible to remain on the conference active insurance plan. These
participants must pay the entire active premium until they reach 65 (Medicare eligible). At age
65, the retiree may obtain the services of OneExchange and the conference will fund an HRA at
the years of service level accrued at the time of retirement.

5. RETIREES APPOINTED FULL TIME TO A LOCAL CHURCH
For retirees who continue to serve local churches full time in the North Texas Conference and
remain in the active health plan the conference will fund through appropriately reduced
conference health insurance premiums based on the OneExchange Scale in effect on the date of
retirement.

6. CLERGY WHO OPTED OUT OF SOCIAL SECURITY
OneExchange is available only to those with Medicare Part A and B benefits. Therefore, to
qualify for OneExchange and conference funding, a retired clergy person who opted out of
Social Security must either purchase Medicare Parts A and B at their own expense or have access
to Medicare through their spouse.

7. INVOLUNTARY RETIREMENT (358.3 2012 Discipline)
For those under involuntary retirement who have remained in the conference active health plan,
funding will become available at age 65 (Medicare eligible) when entering OneExchange. The
level of funding will correspond to the years of service attained at the effective date of
retirement.

8. DISABILITY (357 2012 Discipline)
If the disability with benefits was approved prior to December 31, 2013, the conference will pay
the active premium until the disabled participant chooses retired status at which time enrollment
in an OneExchange Medicare Plan (if the participant is age 65 or older) will be required and
funding will be based on years of service attained at time of retirement. For those taking retired
status at age 62 or 30 years of service, the funding for the active health premiums will be based
on the scale in the 2012 Journal and 2013 Medicare Supplement premium of $5,040 not to
exceed $2,520 per year. At age 65 and Medicare eligibility, funding will be provided at the
current years OneExchange Funding Scale.

For disability with benefits approved on or after January 1, 2014, the conference will pay the
active premium until the disabled participant reaches age 65 at which time enrollment in an
OneExchange Medicare Plan will be required and funding will be based on years of service

75

attained at that time. Retired status is not required but enrollment in a Medicare plan is and
cessation of active health insurance premiums paid by the conference will occur.
OneExchange is available only to those with Medicare Part A and B benefits. Therefore, to
qualify for OneExchange and conference funding, a retired clergy person who opted out of
Social Security must either purchase Medicare Parts A and B at their own expense or have access
to Medicare through their spouse.

9. RETIRED FULL-TIME LOCAL PASTORS (320.5 2012 Discipline)
Retired full-time local pastors who meet OneExchange eligibility described in 1. above will
receive HRA funding according to their years of service at time of retirement.

10. Surviving spouses of deceased retired clergy are eligible for coverage as long as the
participant was a covered participant at the time of death. The health plans available to surviving
spouses are the same as those available to retiree participants and conference funding of the
HRA is the same as for the retiree.

11. The health plans available to retired Diaconal Ministers are the same as for retired clergy and
the conference funding of the HRA is the same as for retired clergy.

12. The health plans available for retired lay employees of the annual conference are the same as
for retired clergy. Conference funding of the HRA for the retired lay employee of the annual
conference with 10 or more years of service (not including spouse or dependents) is based on the
same scale of service as that for retired clergy beginning at the 10 years of service level.

13. Retired lay employees of a local church or qualified agency within the conference are eligible
to participate in any of the health insurance plans available to retired clergy, if the church or
agency has a sub-adoption agreement with the GBOPHB. The premiums are the same as for the
retired clergy, but the responsibility for payment remains entirely with the retired lay participant.

ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES

Enrollment material can be obtained from the conference Center for Connectional Resources.
Enrollment forms must be completed, signed and returned to that office within 30 days of the
employee's date of hire or family status change. If the 30-day time period is not met, an election
of "No Coverage" is assigned (although the salary paying unit is still responsible for
payment of the appointee's premium in the case of mandatory categories of participants)
and the employee would be eligible for coverage at the next open enrollment opportunity. Upon
receipt of enrollment forms, the General Board of Pension and Health Benefits will inform the
insurance provider and the participant should receive election material and appropriate insurance
cards within a reasonable period of time.

The monthly health insurance billing is mailed to the appropriate local church, agency, or
individual on the 1st of each month and the payment is due in the conference office by the 20th
of that month. Premiums not received by the next billing period are considered "past due"and so
marked on the next month's bill. Termination procedures begin for any accounts more than 60
days in arrears. District Superintendents are informed each month of those churches with past
due balances.


76

Participants will receive annual election materials each fall prior to the Open Enrollment period
from the General Board of Pension and Health Benefits with instructions for changing or
maintaining health coverage for the next calendar year. GBOPHB will also provide claim forms,
MRA and DCA forms at the beginning of each calendar year. Additional forms may be obtained
at www.gbophb.org or from the conference Center for Connectional Resources.

Denial of benefits policies and appeals procedures are those of the HealthFlex insurance carrier
and GBOPHB.

HEALTH BENEFITS POLICY STATEMENT
FOR INDIVIDUALS COVERED THROUGH 20-YEAR RULE RETIREMENT,
EXTENSION MINISTRY APPOINTMENTS, CONTINUATION INSURANCE,
AND RETIREES AND SURVIVING SPOUSES PAYING PREMIUMS
DIRECTLY TO THE NORTH TEXAS CONFERENCE

The North Texas Conference makes health insurance available to clergy who have retired under
the 20-year rule and to some clergy who are appointed to extension ministry positions. (Special
arrangements for health coverage can be made in some cases for those appointed under 344.1b,
and 344.1d.) The premiums must be paid by the individual one month in advance and are due
on the 20
th
of every month. Accounts are past due if not received by the 20
th
and if two payments
are due on the 20
th
of any month, a letter will be sent to the individual with notification of
insurance cancellation. In addition, an attempt will be made to schedule a meeting with the
participant and a member of the conference staff to explain the termination of coverage. Any
account that is two payments past due will be terminated if payment has not been received in the
conference office by the end of the month. The termination date will be retroactive to the first of
the month of unpaid premium. (For example: The premium for February is billed on January 1
and is due by January 20. The premium for March is billed on February 1 and is due by February
20. If neither February nor March premium is paid by February 20, the insurance will be
terminated retroactive to February 1.)

The North Texas Conference offers continuation health insurance to participants who have been
terminated or have lost eligibility if they have been covered for at least three consecutive months
prior to loss of eligibility. The continuation coverage can extend up to one year following the
loss of coverage date. The first months premium is due with the application for coverage and
future premiums are due one month in advance on the 20
th
of every month. Accounts are past
due if not received by the 20
th
and if two payments are due on the 20
th
of any month, a letter will
be sent to the individual with notification of insurance cancellation. In addition, an attempt will
be made to schedule a meeting with the participant and a member of the conference staff to
explain the termination of coverage. Any account that is two payments past due will be
terminated if payment has not been received in the conference office by the end of the month.
The termination date will be retroactive to the first of the month of unpaid premium.

If anyone in the above categories has extenuating circumstances which prevent them from
making timely payments, a hearing may be scheduled with the conference Board of Pension and
Health Benefits to appeal the scheduled termination and request a payment plan.

This Health Benefits policy statement will be effective July 1, 2014.


77

COUNCIL ON FINANCE AND ADMINISTRATION
CONFERENCE TREASURER'S REPORT (UNAUDITED)

REMITTANCES

2012 2013
RECEIPTS RECEIPTS


TARGETED CAUSES
Second Mile Apportionment Fund 50,382.87 27,872.48

GENERAL ADVANCE SPECIALS

UMCOR
UMCOR Undesignated Gifts 32,966.03 37,033.35
UMCOR Relief Supplies 188.20 894.12
Heifer International 5,595.00 6,035.00
Domestic Disaster Response 175,624.64 379,190.46
Inernational Disaster Response 4,994.71 90,018.05
World Hunger & Poverty 4,015.00 6,288.00
Global Aids Fund 2,950.50 0
Nothing But Nets 18,207.42 2,802.00
Zoe Ministry-Rwanda 6,900.00 3,126.95
Haiti Advance Project 21,864.24 15,688.00

Total UMCOR 273,205.74 541,075.93

World Missions
Regional Africa 9,645.00 6,489.59
Cameroon 4,364.90 3,853.33
Congo 2,000.00 1,670.00
Kenya 19,042.72 10,665.00
Liberia 1,680.00 0
China 3,000.00 0
Southeast Asia 100.00 0
Czech Republic 2,000.00 3,000.00
Russia 3,174.26 20.55
Spain 2,500.00 2,500.00
Latin America and the Caribbean 10,095.90 7,579.00
Brazil 5,000.00 1,000.00
Middle East 3,300.00 2,500.00
Panama 6,567.00 4,536.61

Total World Missions 72,469.78 43,814.08

TOTAL GENERAL ADVANCE SPECIALS 345,675.52 584,890.01

YOUTH SERVICE FUND 1,687.60 1,180.71









78

COUNCIL ON FINANCE AND ADMINISTRATION
CONFERENCE TREASURER'S REPORT (UNAUDITED)

REMITTANCES

2012 2013
RECEIPTS RECEIPTS
GENERAL CONFERENCE OFFERINGS

One Great Hour of Sharing 15,045.38 24,140.35
World Communion 6,597.76 6,262.64
UM Student Day 4,065.46 1,998.23
Human Relations Day 2,449.82 1,913.81
Peace With Justice 4,345.12 3,025.03
Native American Ministries 2,854.61 2,463.19

TOTAL GENERAL CONFERENCE OFFERINGS 35,358.15 39,803.25

ANNUAL CONFERENCE OFFERINGS

Golden Cross 10,832.73 11,295.61
Providence Place San Antonio 18,534.28 21,480.31
Methodist Home Waco 49,571.43 59,552.80

TOTAL ANNUAL CONFERENCE OFFERINGS 78,938.44 92,328.72

JURISDICTIONAL FAIR SHARE GOAL

Lydia Patterson Endowment 727.30 1,166.16
Lydia Patterson Special/Scholarship 5,753.20 1,000.00

TOTAL JURISDICTIONAL FAIR SHARE GOAL 6,480.50 2,166.16

CONFERENCE ADVANCE SPECIALS

Bethlehem Center 6,457.00 8,196.00
C. C. Young Home 4,816.00 6,396.75
Methodism Breadbasket 1,416.00 1,000.00
One Mans Treasure Clothes Closet 2,500.00 2,500.00
Bridgeport Camp & Retreat Center
Project Transformation 12,317.32 6,666.00
Wesley Rankin Community Center 8,916.52 15,411.50
NTX Food Bank 332.90
Seek Camp-Children 100.00
Seek Camp 250.00
Wesley Village Retirement Home 300.00 716.16

TOTAL CONFERENCE ADVANCE SPECIALS 37,072.84 41,219.31

OTHER BENEVOLENCES 194,671.08 76,895.39

TOTAL NON-APPORTIONED FUNDS 750,267.00 866,356.03

TOTAL APPORTIONED FUNDS 11,536,576.11 11,275,560.48

TOTAL ALL CAUSES $12,286,843.11 12,141,916.51

79

Beginning Receipts Disbursements Net Ending
Balance Year to Date Year to Date Balance
Apportioned Programs Administered at Other Levels
General Conference 3,109,725.52 3,109,725.52 0.00 0.00
Jurisdictional Conference 123,825.39 123,825.39 0.00 0.00
Total 3,233,550.91 3,233,550.91 0.00 0.00
Apportioned Conference Program
Ministerial Education Fund-NTC 203,821.65 166,846.02 196,628.46 (29,782.44) 174,039.21
Center for New Church Dev and Cong Trans 374,392.97 1,183,393.32 1,185,964.96 (2,571.64) 371,821.33
Center for Leadership Development 106,439.13 1,374,280.51 1,399,349.25 (25,068.74) 81,370.39
Center for Missional Outreach 235,330.95 596,937.47 545,470.93 51,466.54 286,797.49
Center for Connectional Resources 489,380.61 1,550,970.08 1,362,412.90 188,557.18 677,937.79
Board of Pension & Health Benefits (905.46) 612,676.14 667,139.75 (54,463.61) (55,369.07)
Retiree Health Insurance 1,653,995.72 1,653,995.72 0.00 0.00
Episcopal Office - Area Admin 14,375.27 65,209.03 64,513.32 695.71 15,070.98
Episcopal Office-GCFA 11,250.08 78,727.43 77,454.24 1,273.19 12,523.27
Communications 77,477.63 407,700.99 411,864.04 (4,163.05) 73,314.58
District Superintendents Fund 115,066.82 552,206.37 550,978.40 1,227.97 116,294.79
District Administration Fund 377,787.17 658,448.93 643,195.87 15,253.06 393,040.23
Total 2,004,416.82 8,901,392.01 8,758,967.84 142,424.17 2,146,840.99
Non-Apportioned Conference Cash Funds
Conference Reserves 810,666.47 201,580.03 193,246.39 8,333.64 819,000.11
General Advance Gifts and Missions 543,323.31 543,323.31 0.00 0.00
Bridgeport Camp-Non Apportioned (70,905.26) 940,316.33 959,777.20 (19,460.87) (90,366.13)
Communication/Robertson Awards 1,729.01 17.78 0.00 17.78 1,746.79
District Administration Fund 2,146,634.31 93,535.87 188,842.10 (95,306.23) 2,051,328.08
Episcopal Residence Equity 166,821.11 92,018.35 94,547.86 (2,529.51) 164,291.60
Episcopal Fund 125,186.45 64,304.05 74,951.86 (10,647.81) 114,538.64
Health Insurance 1,558,415.71 6,053,552.57 6,159,986.54 (106,433.97) 1,451,981.74
Jumpstart-Leadership Development 237,165.03 2,438.05 2,438.05 239,603.08
Leadership Dev Pass Through 110,974.82 102,879.70 75,807.36 27,072.34 138,047.16
Legal Fund 14,352.71 14,352.71
Missional Outreach 204,167.39 321,643.91 320,412.88 1,231.03 205,398.42
New Church Starts 565,520.78 240.64 146,522.30 (146,281.66) 419,239.12
Pension 2,847,500.74 2,139,547.71 2,007,691.40 131,856.31 2,979,357.05
Property Insurance 255,465.28 5,779,358.94 4,733,606.41 1,045,752.53 1,301,217.81
Prothro Camp 36,080.79 36,080.79 36,080.79
Retiree Medical (12,056,071.97) 22,610,112.09 320,830.26 22,289,281.83 10,233,209.86
Catastropic Umbrella Trust 276,198.46 276,198.46
Perkins Fund 1,403,196.76 292,545.18 136,228.98 156,316.20 1,559,512.96
Nannie Findlay Bean Trust 64,067.93 64,067.93
Total (1,338,914.27) 39,273,495.30 15,955,774.85 23,317,720.45 21,978,806.18
Non-Apportioned Property Reserves
Camping and Retreat 2,521,840.22 596,311.01 748,168.65 (151,857.64) 2,369,982.58
Creating Congregation Land Fund 1,634,614.00 1,634,614.00
PACT Ownership 188,589.34 260,510.66 260,510.66 449,100.00
Trustees 651,074.44 27,391.77 216,972.11 (189,580.34) 461,494.10
4,996,118.00 884,213.44 965,140.76 (80,927.32) 4,915,190.68
Totals 5,661,620.55 52,292,651.66 28,913,434.36 23,379,217.30 29,040,837.85
North Texas Annual Conference of The United Methodist Church
Statement of Fund Balances
December 31, 2013




80

North Texas Annual Conference of The United Methodist Church
Statement of Financial Activities (Unaudited)
December 31, 2013
Unrestricted
Undesignated
Temporarily
Restricted
Permanently
Restricted Total
Operating Activities:
Revenues & Support
Apportioned Programs Administered at Other Levels
General Conference
World Service 1,639,010.13 1,639,010.13
Ministerial Education - GCFA 432,970.42 432,970.42
Black College Fund 232,405.52 232,405.52
Africa University Fund 53,090.25 53,090.25
Interdenominational Coop Fund 46,393.79 46,393.79
General Administration Fund 202,840.61 202,840.61
Episcopal Fund 503,014.80 503,014.80
Jurisdictional Conference
Lydia Patterson Institute 67,232.07 67,232.07
Mount Sequoyah Assembly 16,840.93 16,840.93
Jurisdictional Admin Fund 32,985.39 32,985.39
SMU Campus Ministry 6,767.00 6,767.00
Apportioned Conference Program
Ministerial Education Fund-NTC 165,073.48 165,073.48
Center for New Church Dev and Cong Trans 1,027,193.69 1,027,193.69
Center for Leadership Development 1,353,401.45 1,353,401.45
Center for Missional Outreach 594,019.20 594,019.20
Center for Connectional Resources 1,546,934.13 1,546,934.13
Board of Pension & Health Benefits 612,676.14 612,676.14
Health Insurance Subsidies 1,456,728.59 1,456,728.59
Episcopal Office - Area Admin 64,708.65 64,708.65
Communications 406,954.99 406,954.99
District Superintendents Fund 542,747.08 542,747.08
District Administration Fund 654,449.57 654,449.57
Non-Apportioned Conference Benevolences
General Advance Gifts and Missions 622,303.37 622,303.37
Conference Benevolences 193,246.39 193,246.39
Bridgeport Camp-Non Apportioned 940,316.33 940,316.33
Prothro Camp-Non Apportioned 593,117.81 593,117.81
Health Insurance Income 6,864,551.33 6,864,551.33
Pension Income 52,149.33 52,149.33
Property Insurance Income 5,779,358.94 5,779,358.94
Episcopal Office-GCFA 78,600.00 78,600.00
Episcopal Residence Fund 59,001.14 59,001.14
Trustees 22,888.62 22,888.62
Other Income 432,016.05 432,016.05
Interest and Dividends 58,808.46 58,808.46
Total Revenue & Support 27,354,795.65 27,354,795.65
Net Assets Released from Restrictions 146,522.30 146,522.30
27,501,317.95 27,501,317.95



81


North Texas Annual Conference of The United Methodist Church
Statement of Financial Activities (Unaudited)
December 31, 2013

Unrestricted
Undesignated
Temporarily
Restricted
Permanently
Restricted Total
Apportioned Programs Administered at Other Levels
General Conference
World Service 1,639,010.13 1,639,010.13
Ministerial Education - GCFA 432,970.42 432,970.42
Black College Fund 232,405.52 232,405.52
Africa University Fund 53,090.25 53,090.25
Interdenominational Coop Fund 46,393.79 46,393.79
General Administration Fund 202,840.61 202,840.61
Episcopal Fund 503,014.80 503,014.80
Jurisdictional Conference
Lydia Patterson Institute 67,232.07 67,232.07
Mount Sequoyah Assembly 16,840.93 16,840.93
Jurisdictional Admin Fund 32,985.39 32,985.39
SMU Campus Ministry 6,767.00 6,767.00
Apportioned Conference Program
Ministerial Education Fund-NTC 196,628.46 196,628.46
Center for New Church Dev and Cong Trans 1,184,091.96 1,184,091.96
Center for Leadership Development 904,638.83 904,638.83
Campus Ministries Fund 411,180.55 411,180.55
Center for Missional Outreach 545,470.93 545,470.93
Center for Connectional Resources 1,362,412.90 1,362,412.90
Board of Pension & Health Benefits 667,139.75 667,139.75
Health Insurance Subsidies 1,653,995.72 1,653,995.72
Episcopal Office- Area Admin 64,513.32 64,513.32
Communication Office 411,864.04 411,864.04
District Superintendent Fund 542,617.40 542,617.40
District Administration Fund 641,082.07 641,082.07
Non-Apportioned Conference Benevolences
General Advance Gifts and Missions 622,303.37 622,303.37
Conference Benevolences 193,246.39 193,246.39
Bridgeport Camp-Non Apportioned 959,777.20 959,777.20
Prothro Camp-Non Apportioned 602,247.73 602,247.73
Health Insurance Expenses 5,962,719.41 5,962,719.41
Pension Expenses 697,441.50 697,441.50
Property Insurance 4,733,606.41 4,733,606.41
Episcopal Office-GCFA 77,454.24 77,454.24
Episcopal Residence 67,349.84 67,349.84
Trustees 72,268.46 72,268.46
Other Expenses 552,568.47 552,568.47
Depreciation 287,624.86 287,624.86
Total Expenses 26,647,794.72 26,647,794.72
Unrestricted Designated Net Assets
Net Assets released from Restrictions 146,522.30 146,522.30
Decrease in Nets Assets from Operating Activities 707,000.93 707,000.93

82



North Texas Annual Conference of The United Methodist Church
Statement of Financial Activities (Unaudited)
December 31, 2013


Unrestricted
Undesignated
Temporarily
Restricted
Permanently
Restricted Total
Non-Operating Activities
Non-Operating Income
Realized Gain on Investment Pension 24,840.23 24,840.23
Unrealized Gain/Loss on Investments Pension 100,422.49 100,422.49
Unrealized Gain/Loss on Investments Retiree
Medical 2,871,433.82 2,871,433.82
Realized Gain on Perkins Fund 307,619.14 307,619.14
Total Non-Operating Income 2,996,696.54 307,619.14 3,304,315.68
Non-Operating Expenses
Loss on Investments 7,619.41 7,619.41
Perkins Grant 81,325.00 81,325.00
Unrealized Loss on Perkins Fund 69,977.94 69,977.94
Total Non-Operating Expenses 7,619.41 151,302.94 158,922.35
Increase in Net Assets from Non-operating Activities 2,989,077.13 156,316.20 3,145,393.33
Total Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets 3,696,078.06 156,316.20 3,852,394.26
Adjustments on Capital 19,526,823.04 19,526,823.04
Net Assets at Beginning of the Year 2,283,543.40 1,910,812.46 1,467,264.69 5,661,620.55
Net Assets at December 31, 2013 5,979,621.46 1,910,812.46 1,623,580.89 29,040,837.85




























83

North Texas Annual Conference of The United Methodist Church
Statement of Financial Position (Unaudited)
December 31, 2013
Unrestricted
Undesignated
Unrestricted
Designated
Temporarily
Restricted
Permanently
Restricted Total
Assets:
Current Assets:
Cash (2,147,924.34) 2,478,771.65 330,847.31
Accounts Receivable 4,828,822.22 4,828,822.22
Investments 30,165,453.75 276,198.46 30,441,652.21
Prepaid Expenses 662,380.60 662,380.60
Other Assets 460,958.00 1,623,580.89 2,084,538.89
Total Current Assets 3,804,236.48 32,644,225.40 276,198.46 1,623,580.89 38,348,241.23
Property and Equipment:
Land Held For Resale 12,500.00 1,634,614.00 1,647,114.00
Property Held for Resale 272,776.00 272,776.00
Automobiles 69,316.27 69,316.27
Furniture and Fixtures 569,146.08 569,146.08
Buildings 7,068,162.43 7,068,162.43
Capital Improvements 430,779.85 430,779.85
Parsonages 526,428.97 526,428.97
Land 747,951.34 747,951.34
Less: (Accumulated Depreciation) (2,949,516.09) (2,949,516.09)
Net Property and Equipment 6,747,544.85 0.00 1,634,614.00 0.00 8,382,158.85
Total Assets 10,551,781.33 32,644,225.40 1,910,812.46 1,623,580.89 46,730,400.08
Liabilities and Net Assets:
Current Liabilities:
Accounts Payable 4,164,657.92 0.00 4,164,657.92
Accrued Postretirement Benefits,
Short Term 0.00 323,987.00 323,987.00
Total Current Liabilities 4,164,657.92 323,987.00 0.00 0.00 4,488,644.92
Non-Current Liabilities:
Notes Payable 3,421,282.31 3,421,282.31
Accrued Postretirement Benefit, Long
Term 0.00 9,779,635.00 9,779,635.00
Total Non-Current Liabilities 3,421,282.31 9,779,635.00 0.00 0.00 13,200,917.31
Total Liabilities 7,585,940.23 10,103,622.00 0.00 0.00 17,689,562.23
Net Assets:
Unrestricted Undesignated:
Conference Reserves 819,000.11 819,000.11
Center for New Church Dev and Cong
Trans 371,821.33 371,821.33
Center for Leadership Development 81,370.39 81,370.39
Center for Missional Outreach 286,797.49 286,797.49



84



North Texas Annual Conference of The United Methodist Church
Statement of Financial Position (Unaudited)
December 31, 2013


Unrestricted
Undesignated
Unrestricted
Designated
Temporarily
Restricted
Permanently
Restricted Total

Center for Connectional Resources 677,937.79 677,937.79
Episcopal Office - Area 15,070.98 15,070.98
Episcopal Office-GCFA 12,523.27 12,523.27
Communications 73,314.58 73,314.58
District Superintendents Fund 116,294.79 116,294.79
District Administration Fund 393,040.23 393,040.23
Pension (55,369.07) (55,369.07)
Ministerial Education Fund 174,039.21 174,039.21
Unrestricted Designated:
Bridgeport Reserves (90,366.13) (90,366.13)
Camping Reserves (P) 2,369,982.58 2,369,982.58
Communication/Robertson Awards 1,746.79 1,746.79
District Reserves 2,051,328.08 2,051,328.08
Episcopal Residence Equity 164,291.60 164,291.60
Episcopal Fund 114,538.64 114,538.64
Health Insurance Reserves 1,451,981.74 1,451,981.74
Jumpstart - Leadership Development 239,603.08 239,603.08
Leadership Dev Pass Through 138,047.16 138,047.16
Legal Fund 14,352.71 14,352.71
Missional Outreach 205,398.42 205,398.42
New Church Starts 419,239.12 419,239.12
Pension Reserves 2,979,357.05 2,979,357.05
Property Insurance and Gap Reserves 1,301,217.81 1,301,217.81
Property Ownership Reserves 449,100.00 449,100.00
Prothro Reserves 36,080.79 36,080.79
Retiree Medical 10,233,209.86 10,233,209.86
Trustees 461,494.10 461,494.10
Temporarily Restricted:
Catastrophic Umbrella Trust 276,198.46 276,198.46
Creating Congregations Land Fund (P) 1,634,614.00 1,634,614.00
Permanently Restricted:
Perkins Fund 1,559,512.96 1,559,512.96
Nannie Findlay Bean Trust 64,067.93 64,067.93
Total Net Assets 2,965,841.10 22,540,603.40 1,910,812.46 1,623,580.89 29,040,837.85
Total Liabilities and Net Assets 10,551,781.33 32,644,225.40 1,910,812.46 1,623,580.89 46,730,400.08


85

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 2013
1. Nature of Organization

Organization and Nature of Activities

The North Texas Annual Conference of The United Methodist Church (the Conference) is the
administrative headquarters of the North Texas United Methodist regional districts. The
Conference represents approximately 297 member churches and fellowships. The Conference
provides various services for its member churches including administration of health benefits
and retirement plans available to member clergy and Conference lay employees and collection
of funds for remittance to various regional, national and global benevolences.

The principal source of revenue and support for the Conference is apportionments received from
the member churches represented by the Conference.

The accompanying financial statements include the assets, liabilities, net assets, and financial
activities of all institutions and organizations providing services at the Conference level of
administration and for which the Council on Finance and Administration has oversight
responsibility.

2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

In fulfilling its responsibility for the preparation of the Conferences financial statements and
disclosures, management selects accounting principles generally accepted in the United States
of America and adopts methods for their application. The application of accounting principles
requires the estimating, matching and timing of revenue and costs in the determination of
support and expenditures. It is also necessary for management to determine, measure and
allocate and make certain assumptions regarding resources and obligations within the financial
process according to those principles. Below is a summary of certain significant accounting
policies selected by management.

Basis of Presentation

The Conferences financial statements have been prepared using the accrual method of
accounting and conform to accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of
America (GAAP). Net assets and revenues, expenses, gains and losses are classified based on
the existence or absence of donor-imposed restrictions. Accordingly, net assets and changes
therein are classified and reported as follows:

Unrestricted net assets: Net assets that are not subject to donor-imposed stipulations.

Temporarily restricted net assets: Net assets subject to donor-imposed stipulations that will
be met either by actions of the Conference and/or passage of time.




86

2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (continued)
Permanently restricted net assets: Net assets subject to donor-imposed stipulations that must be
maintained permanently. Generally, the donors of these assets permit the use of all or part of the
income earned on related investments for general or specific purposes.

Donor restricted contributions whose restrictions are met in the same reporting period are
reported as temporarily restricted support and as net assets released from restrictions.

Use of Estimates

The process of preparing financial statements in conformity with accounting principles
generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and
assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the financial
statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. The
methods used in making accounting estimates are believed by management to be reasonable and
have been consistently applied. Actual results may differ from estimated amounts.

Accounts Receivable

As a significant dollar amount of member church apportionments are received close to year-end,
member churches are provided a cut-off date subsequent to year-end in order for churches to
fulfill their annual apportionments. The amount of apportionments received between year-end
and the cut-off date are recognized as accounts receivable in the accompanying statement of
financial position. Due to the nature of these receivables, no allowance for doubtful accounts
is deemed necessary.

Buildings, Improvements and Equipment

Buildings, improvements and equipment are recorded at cost, if purchased or at estimated
market value at the date of receipt if acquired by gift. Assets over $5,000 are capitalized.
Depreciation is computed using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the
assets. The cost of maintenance and repairs is charged to expense as incurred.

Concentration of Credit Risk

During the year and at December 31, 2013 the Conference had funds which exceeded the FDIC
insured limit on deposit with a commercial bank. In an effort to minimize risk the
Conference maintains its accounts with a large regional bank.

Financial Instruments

A financial instrument is cash or other evidence of ownership or conveyance of rights to receive
cash or other financial instruments from another party. The Conferences financial
instruments include cash and investments. As of December 31, 2012, the financial instruments
were stated at their fair value.


87

3. Investments

The Conference has an agreement with the Texas Methodist Foundation (TMF) in which TMF
acts as agent and investment manager of the Conferences investments. These investments are
either directly invested or pooled by the Foundation into larger investment funds. TMF adheres
to the Statement of Investment Guidelines adopted by the General Council of Finance and
Administration of the United Methodist Church.

The Conference also maintains investments with the General Board of Pensions and Health
Benefits (GBOPHB) which are invested by the GBOPHB in pooled investment funds.
GBOPHB investments are comprised of approved investment instruments in accordance with
the funds objectives.

The Conferences investment securities are exposed to various risks such as interest rate,
market, and credit risks. Due to the level of risk associated with certain investment securities, it
is at least reasonably possible that changes in the values of investment securities will occur in
the near term and that such changes could materially affect the amounts reported in the
statements of financial position.

The Conferences investments are financial assets that are measured and reported on a fair value
basis. The Conference measures and discloses fair value measurements in accordance with
the authoritative accounting literature. Fair value is the price that would be received to sell an
asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the
measurement date.

The authoritative accounting literature establishes a framework for measuring fair value. That
framework provides a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques
used to measure fair value. The hierarchy gives highest priority to unadjusted quote prices in
active markets for identical assets or liabilities (level 1 measurements) and the lowest priority to
unobservable inputs (level 3 measurements).

The three levels of the fair value hierarchy under authoritative accounting literature are
described as follows:

Level 1 Inputs to the valuation methodology are unadjusted quoted prices for identical
assets or liabilities in active markets that the Conference has the ability to access.

Level 2 Inputs to the valuation methodology include:
Quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets;
Quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in inactive markets;
Inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability;
Inputs that are derived principally from, or corroborated by, observable market data by
correlation or other means.
If the asset or liability has a specified (contractual term), the level 2 input must be
observable for substantially the full term of the asset or liability.

Level 3 Inputs to the valuation methodology are unobservable and significant to the
fair value measurement.

88

The assets or liabilitys fair value measurement level within the fair value hierarchy is
based on the lowest level of any input that is significant to the fair value measurement.
Valuation techniques used need to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the
use of unobservable inputs.

Following is a description of the valuation methodologies used for assets measured at fair
value.

Level 2 investments include assets held with the GBOPHB that are pooled
into larger investment funds of the GBOPHB and are valued based on their pro-rata share of
the total investment funds and are redeemable at the net asset value per share as of the
measurement date without restriction.
Level 3 investments include certificates of deposit, short term and long term
investment funds that are maintained by the TMF and are valued using significant
unobservable inputs or valuation techniques.

The preceding methods described may produce fair value calculations that may not be
indicative of net realizable value or reflective of future fair values. Furthermore, although the
Conference believes its valuation methods are appropriate and consistent with other market
participants, the use of different methodologies or assumptions to determine the fair value of
certain financial instruments could result in a different value measurement at the reporting
date.

The following table sets forth, by level within the fair value hierarchy, the Conferences
investments at fair value at December 31, 2013.










4. Accounts Receivable Flow Through and Accounts Payable Flow Through

During the year, church treasurers pay designated amounts to the Conference to fund various
Conference programs and other programs administered at different levels of the church.
Amounts due to programs administered by other levels of the church are treated as a flow-in of
funds, and in turn as a flow-out of funds. When these amounts are received, they are disbursed
by the Conference to the various organizations.

In January 2014, the Conference collected $4,828,822 from the churches within the North
Texas Conference. This support was collected by the local churches in the previous year and
was accrued by the North Texas Conference as part of the 2013 apportionment and other
remittances from local churches.

Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total
TMF short term investments - - 1,514,114 1,514,114
TMF certificates of deposit - - 196,601 196,601
GBOPHB deposit account - 2,461,256 - 2,461,256
GBOPHB retiree health - 20,189,052 - 20,189,052
GBOPHB superannuate fund - 103,755 - 103,755
TMF long term investments - - 5,452,176 5,452,176
Total - 22,754,063 7,162,891 29,916,954


89

Amounts disbursed in January 2014, which relate to expenditures of the previous calendar
years, have been accrued to match with the accrued collections discussed above. The total
accrued expenditures were $4,164,658 as of December 31, 2013.

5. Building, Improvements and Equipment

Buildings, improvements and equipment acquired by the Conference are recorded at cost
when purchased and fair value when donated. Depreciation is computed based on expected
useful lives, and is calculated using the straight-line method. Property and equipment consisted
of the following at December 31, 2013:
















Additionally, the conference has land and buildings valued at $1,647,114 and $272,776,
respectively, that are held for resale at December 31, 2013.

6. Multiemployer Pension Plans

The Conference is a participating employer in five separate trustee-managed multiemployer
defined benefit pension plans which are described in further detail below.

The risks of participating in these multiemployer defined benefit pension plans are different
from single-employer plans because: (a) assets contributed to the multiemployer plan by one
employer may be used to provide benefits to employees of other participating employers, (b) if
a participating employer stops contributing to the plan, the unfunded obligations of the plan
may be required to be borne by the remaining participating employers, and (c) if the
Conference chooses to stop participating in one of its multiemployer plans, it may be
required to pay a withdrawal liability to the plan. The Conference has no plans to withdraw
from its multiemployer pension plans.

Because employers that contribute to multi-employer plans are responsible only to make the
contributions called for and they do not have a directly identified or separate interest in
Description
Useful
Life Cost
Land N/A

747,951
Auto 5

69,316
Furniture and Fixtures 5

569,146
Buildings, Parsonages and Capital
Improvements 30

8,025,371
Total

9,411,784
Less: Accumulated Depreciation

(2,949,516)
Net Building, Improvements and Equipment 6,462,268


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investment gains or losses or administrative costs, nor does the employer have a directly
identified or separate obligation for benefit payments, separate assets and liabilities for their
portion of the plan are not recognized, and the contributions are recognized as expense in the
period they are paid.

Pre-1982 Plan:

The Conference participates in the Pre-1982 Plan (Pre-82) which is a multi-employer defined
benefit pension plan administered by the General Board of Pension and Health Benefits
(GBOPHB). The fund covers prior to 1982 for substantially all clergy. For service subsequent
to 1981, clergy members of the Conference are eligible to participate in the multi-employer
retirement plans offered by The United Methodist Church as described below.
The Board of Pensions of the Conference acts as trustee responsible for deposits with the
GBOPHB. All assets of the plan are available to pay all benefits of the plan, regardless of
the conference from which the contributions came or under which benefits were accrued.
However, each conference controls certain benefit provisions of the plan and may choose to
fund this plan using different funding methodologies. In the past, the Conference has chosen
to fund the plan using the full actuarial allocation and is underfunded. Therefore,
contributions required to be made to this plan totaled $610,253 for 2013. An actuarial report is
available from the GBOPHB that shows the funding requirements and funded status of all the
conferences for the Pre-82. In 2013, Pre-82 assets are expected to be overfunded by
approximately $127,309,095.

Ministerial Pension Plan

U.S. bishops, Conference members and local pastors under Episcopal appointment are eligible
for pension coverage under the Ministerial Pension Plan (MPP). The MPP is a multi-employer
defined contribution plan which required the Conference to contribute 12% of each participants
compensation, subject to a limit on total compensation. This plan was frozen effective
December 31, 2006; however, the Conference is required to make payments to the plan as
needed.

No payment was required in 2013, and no payment will be required for 2014 although future
payments to the plan are possible. This plan was replaced by the CRSP described below.

Comprehensive Protection Plan

In addition to the Pre-82 Plan, certain ministerial employees are provided disability and death
benefits as well as certain minimum benefits related to pension coverage through participation in
the Comprehensive Protection Plan (CPP). The CPP is a multi-employer welfare plan
administered by the GBOPHB. There were no contributions to the plan for the year ended
December 31, 2013. The GBOPHB has allowed conferences to defer CPP payments from
2011-2013 in order to fund the Pre-82 Plan.





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United Methodist Personal Investment Plan

Effective January 1, 2006, the Cumulative Pension and Benefit Fund and the Personal
Investment Plan were merged to form the United Methodist Personal Investment Plan
(UMPIP). Conference clergy members, lay employees, and local church personnel are eligible
to participate in this multi-employer defined contribution plan administered by the GBOPHB
which currently allows an employer contribution of up to 12%. The Conference contributes 6%
of all eligible lay participants compensation. Total contributions to the plan for the year
ended December 31, 2013 were $46,882. These amounts are included in program
disbursements in the statements of activities.

Clergy Retirement Security Program

Effective January 1, 2007, the Conference established the CRSP, which is a multi-employer
defined benefit plan and a multi-employer defined contribution plan administered by the
GBOPHB. Clergy members and local pastors under Episcopal appointment to a conference,
church, charge, district or conference-controlled entity or unit are eligible to participate. For the
defined benefit plan, the contribution is based on a formula using the denominational average
compensation and the years of credited service beginning January 1, 2007. For the defined
contribution plan, contributions are 3% of each eligible participants compensation.

Total contributions to the CRSP for the year ended December 31, 2013 were as follows:

Defined contribution plan, funded from the Conference $ 659,691
Defined benefit plan, funded from the Conference 2,041,388
Total contributions $ 2,701,079

The Conference expects the annual contributions for all of the plans above to be approximately
$3.6 million a year beginning in 2014. The Conference was making annual contributions of
about 4 million per year up through the end of 2013. The decrease is due to the petition
approved at General Conference 2012 that incorporates characteristics of both a defined benefit
and defined contribution plan. The total costs for the above benefit plans are generally billed to
the churches of the Conference; however, any shortfalls are obligations of the Conference.

7. Post Retirement Benefit Plan

The Conference sponsors a defined benefit postretirement health care plan for ministerial
employees of is member churches and employees of the Conference. The plan is contributory,
whereby the retiree contributions can be adjusted for increases in the cost of health care. The
plan is unfunded. Actuarial reports are currently obtained every year.

The annual measurement date is December 31. The following table presents the Plans
funded status. At December 31, 2013, there were no plan assets for postretirement healthcare
benefits.



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Obligations and Funded Status

Accumulated postretirement benefit obligation (APBO) $ 10.103,622
At December 31, 2013
Fair value of plan assets at December 31, 2012 $ (10,103,622)

The following table presents the amounts recognized as assets and liabilities in the
financial statements at December 31.

Amounts Recognized in the Financial Statements

Amounts recognized in the statement of financial positions consist of:

Noncurrent assets $ -
Current liabilities 323,987
Noncurrent liabilities 9,779,635
10,103,622
Amounts recognized in the statement of activities consist of::
Net periodic benefit cost $ 1,538,395

Assumptions

The following weighted average assumptions were used in accounting for the plan as of
December 31:

Weighted-average assumptions used
to determine benefit obligations at
December 31, 2013
Discount rate 4.65%

As of December 31, 2013 the Conference has approximately $20,189,052 designated by
the Board to be used for payment of future net periodic postretirement benefit costs. Any
changes in the plan or revisions to assumptions that affect the amount of expected future
benefits may have a significant effect on the amount of the reported obligation and future annual
expense.

8. Federal Income Tax

The Conference is an organization exempt from federal income tax under Section 501(c)(3) of
the Internal Revenue Code and has not been classified as a private foundation by the Internal
Revenue Service. While the Conference is generally exempt from income tax, it is subject to
tax on unrelated trade or business income and on excess lobbying expenses. For the year ended
December 31, 2013 the Conference did not have tax for unrelated trade or business income nor
excess lobbying expenses. Generally, the three prior tax years remain subject to examination by
the federal and state authorities.



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9. Note Payable

Notes payable as of December 31, 2013 are as follows:

Lender
Texas Methodist Foundation
$91,137 note payable bears interest at a variable rate,
currently one and a forty percent (1.40%) per annum; amortized over
30 years.
2013



$ 74,921

Texas Methodist Foundation
$450,000 note payable bears interest at a variable rate, currently
five percent (5.00%) per annum; amortized
over 30 years. 348,273

Texas Methodist Foundation
$450,000 note payable bears interest at a variable rate, currently
three and a seventy five percent (3.75%) per annum;
amortized over 30 years. 419,268

Texas Methodist Foundation
$230,000 note payable bears interest at a variable rate,
currently one and a thirty percent (1.3%) per annum;
amortized over 17 years 58,357

Texas Methodist Foundation
$320,000 note payable bears interest at a variable rate, currently
four and a twenty five percent (4.25%) per annum;
amortized over 30 years 137,718

Texas Methodist Foundation
$4,100,000 note payable secured by real estate purchased for construction
of a new conference center and improvements; bears interest at a variable
rate, currently one and an eighty percent (1.80%) over 20 years. 3,014,651

$ 4,053,188


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2014 NTC CONNECTIONAL REPORTS
AFRICA UNIVERSITY
The North Texas Conferences very generous investment in the Africa University Fund
apportionment is a God-send that brings miracles to life on our campus every day. We are deeply
grateful to you for being consistently supportive of the Africa University Fund (AUF).
In 2013, local congregations in the North Texas Conference invested 96% of their asking in the
AUF, falling short of 100% by $2,124.
The university communitystudents, faculty, staff and trustees, thank you and celebrate your
ongoing investment in changing lives for the better.
Leadership and Service: In August, three 2013 graduates were commissioned as young adult
missionaries by the General Board of Global Ministries, pushing the total number of Africa
University alumni serving internationally as mission interns to seven in just two years. Thank
you for helping to shape Africa University as a ministry through which young people discern
their call and gifts, and become equipped for impactful service.
The church has a tremendous role to play in the transformation of the world, said Jacques
Kazemb, an AU graduate and mission intern who worked in outreach to at-risk children and
youth in Brazil. Through a project like the Shade and Fresh Water Project in Brazil, the
Methodist Church is contributing to a positive change in many childrens lives.
Kazemb has returned to his home country, the Democratic Republic of Congo, with a plan to
start a similar initiative for marginalized children and youth.
In Mozambique, where recent political violence has laid waste to homes, displaced thousands
and claimed many lives, two Africa University graduates are in the forefront of caring for the
victims and healing the rifts behind the conflict. Rev. Joao Sambo coordinates humanitarian
relief in the Mozambique Conference and Rev. Anastacio Chembeze is mediating talks between
the parties to the conflict to help them to resolve their differences peacefully.
Student Enrollment: Sustained by the generosity of local congregations throughout the
connection, Africa Universitys enrollment grew to 1480 full-time students from 25 African
countries in 2013. Females now account for 53% of the student body.
Scholarships and Financial Aid: Sacrificial giving by individuals and churches enabled Africa
University to distribute more than $1.8 million in scholarships and financial aid to its students.
The university launched the Girl Child Scholarship Fund in order to assist more African women
in accessing higher education.
Resource Generation: Through new initiatives that include a $50 million Campaign for
Endowment and outreach to increase financial contributions from its alumni and others in
Africa, the institution is working towards greater sustainability.
Disciple-Making: More than 450 students were awarded degree certificates in June 2013. There
are close to 5,000 Africa University graduates currently at work in communities across sub-

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Saharan Africa and beyond. Every day, these graduates manifest the promise and power of the
Gospel to bring light and hope to a troubled world. They are health workers, teachers, pastors,
agriculturalists, peace-makers, business professionals and morewhose contributions are the
substance of a future with hope.
Africa University is relying on you, as members of the North Texas Conference, to maintain
your commitment to this visionary effort. We are counting on your generosity and prayers.
Please set a 100% investment in the AUF as your goal for 2014.
Encourage your local church to go that second mile and become an annual scholarship
donor.
Consider leading an effort to have your district set up an endowed scholarship which can
support one student a year in perpetuity.
Take advantage of our new Dream Insurance program, which allows individuals to
donate all or a portion of the proceeds of an affordable Term Life Insurance plan to
Africa University.
Remember to include Africa University in your will.
Please pray without ceasing for the ongoing success of this important effort to equip
disciples to contribute to a rich, impactful and vibrant future for their nations and for our
global church.
Thank you and God bless you.
Submitted by:
Mr. James H. Salley
Associate Vice Chancellor for Institutional Advancement
Africa University Development Office
P O Box 340007
Nashville, TN 37203-0007
Tel: (615) 340-7438
Fax: (615) 340-7290
Email: audevoffice@gbhem.org
www.support-africauniversity.org

Together, we are changing Africa: Learning here. Living here. Leading here.
Serving God. All the time. Everywhere.


LYDIA PATTERSON INSTITUTE

Lydia Patterson Institute opened its doors for the first time to the school year 1913-14, making
2013-14, the 100
th
session. We celebrate the time passed, and with it we celebrate the thousands
of young men and women that have walked our halls. We celebrate the hundreds of young men
who began their journey in ministry here and have dedicated their lives to the church. We
celebrate the teachers, nurses, engineers, doctors and lawyers and many other professionals

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whose seeds were planted here. Most importantly, we celebrate Mrs. Lydia Patterson.
Unfortunately, Mrs. Patterson lived a rather short life. In that life, she accepted her calling to
ministry with the children of South El Paso, and her legacy lives on. Her love and inspiration for
the welfare of those in need has lived for 100 years. This is made evident today in the number of
teachers, staff members, and administrators who have dedicated their lives to changing those of
the students. The incredible dedication of the staff is manifested in their years of service; 12 over
10 years; 5 over 20 years; 6 over 30 years; and Miss Cristina Woo who has served for 42 years.
Mrs. Patterson did not know at the time, but her calling made for the calling of thousands of
others who followed. She placed the first stone and, in the last one hundred years, a temple was
built. In this temple, thousands have worshiped, thousands have been educated, and thousands
have made a better life.
Today, the Student Lay Ministry Program is placing interns throughout the country. Some are in
seminary and others are already leading churches. Ninety-seven percent of graduates are going to
college. The 2013 graduating class received $1.6 million in scholarships from United Methodist
colleges and universities alone. Every student, past and present, begins to change his or her life
the moment they step inside the walls of this temple.
The spiritual temple at Lydia Patterson remains intact, but the physical buildings have become
worn and tired. In preparation for the next 100 years, a capital campaign for renovation and a
strategic plan for the latest state of the art technology in the classroom, labs, media and research
and spiritual development centers is in place. The new chapel will provide the place where all the
students, faculty and staff can worship together, and as a multi-purpose facility, will be shared
with our community.
The cities of El Paso and Juarez have joined us in this venture, and have committed to a large
portion of this capital campaign. The board of trustees, faculty, and staff has pledged 100%, and
the students and alumni are equally dedicated to the success of this campaign.
Lastly, we celebrate those who have made and continue to make this ministry, our friends and
supporters. They are the foundation of our work. They are our leaders, mentors and inspiration.
We have seen their commitment once more as we prepare for the next 100 years. We wish to
thank those who have already stepped up and joined us by giving or pledging to the capital
campaign. With the love of God, the love and prayers of those in ministry with us, and in
memory of Mrs. Lydia Patterson, we will reach our goal and be prepared to carry her legacy for
another 100 years.
Socorro Brito de Anda, President


METHODIST CHILDRENS HOME
Greetings from Methodist Childrens Home (MCH) and the children, youth and families we
serve from the North Texas Annual Conference. The historic partnership between MCH and
United Methodist churches in Texas and New Mexico has offered hope to thousands of children,
youth and families from the hard places in life.

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I am honored to report to you that MCH continues to be in compliance with and, in many cases,
to be exceeding the best practice standards established by two national accrediting organizations.
MCH works hard to accomplish goals produced by our strategic plan. I invite each member of
the annual conference to visit our website at www.methodistchildrenshome.org to view our
strategic plan or call MCH at (800) 853-1272 to have a copy mailed for your review. The
priorities and goals of our strategic plan enable our ministry to explore ways to increase our
impact on children and families across Texas and New Mexico.
Guided by our core values of Christian Principles, Relationships, Responsibility, Growth,
Service and Hope, MCH is committed to providing the services, programs and talented
individuals needed to positively impact the lives of children and youth in our care. This is
happening every day through residential programs on our historic Waco campus and Boys
Ranch, as well as through 12 MCH Family Outreach offices, including Dallas and a partnership
with Oak Cliff UMC in the North Texas Annual Conference.
The reasons children and youth arrive in our care are unique to each individual. They range from
extreme trauma or a sudden change in the family structure to school issues or poor choices in a
difficult and ever-changing world. Our collaboration with Texas Christian Universitys Institute
of Child Development to incorporate Trust-Based Relational Intervention (TBRI) in our work
places MCH on the cutting edge of child care as we learn new ways to serve children who have
experienced trauma. These proven and tested techniques and methods of interacting with
children are impacting families in positive ways. Our vision is to take what we learn with TBRI
and begin making it available to pastors, youth ministers and concerned family members in the
local church. The lessons we are learning, coupled with spiritual development opportunities for
all children in our care, makes MCH a unique ministry of the United Methodist Church.
In addition to the accomplishments listed above, your support also empowered MCH to:
Graduate 25 high school seniors in 2013. Thanks to our many friends, we were able
to allocate more than $500,000 for MCH alumni to pursue a college or advanced
degree, certificate at a trade school or job-related training that will help them improve
their families and communities. This year we had more than 40 seniors on track for
graduation at the time this report was submitted to the Conference.
Increase the impact in the Dallas area through the work of our Family Outreach
program. Staff in our outreach locations provide MCH foster care, in-home services
such as Partnership in Parenting Grandparents as Parents Program, and a new
program called Family Solutions. Our website has a full listing of our 12 outreach
offices and how to contact them for assistance or answers to community and church
needs.
Receive a national award for innovative education through our on-campus University
of Texas charter school and state recognition for the quality of activities offered to
youth through our recreation program.
Recognize the great work of 70 staff members with employee service awards. All
honorees had at least three years of service, and 12 employees celebrated 15 or more
years with our ministry, including two 30-year honorees.

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Participate in several mission trips and community service projects. These projects
provided opportunities for MCH youth to show Christs love by sharing their time
and talents to help meet needs across Texas.
Our achievements in the past, and those yet to come, are directly related to the men and women
who give their time, talents and resources to bless our children. We are grateful to Mr. Scott
Wallace of Dallas, who recently completed his service on the Board of Directors, and to the
following individuals from the North Texas Annual Conference who currently serve on the MCH
Board of Directors:
Mrs. Amy Barley, Celina
Rev. Marie Mitchell, Duncanville
These individuals, along with our other Board members, MCH Commissioners and benefactors,
enable our ministry to achieve its mission. On behalf of Methodist Childrens Home, thank you
for sharing our story in your churches and communities. If you would like to schedule a speaker,
arrange a tour or request resources to help promote an offering, contact our development office
by e-mail at development@mchforhope.org, by phone at (254) 750-1213 or (800) 853-1272, or
by mail at 1111 Herring Avenue, Waco, Texas 76708. I also encourage you to visit our website
at www.methodistchildrenshome.org to download stories; identify resources to help educate your
congregation on our ministry; view a transparent listing of our financial resources and services
delivered; find out how you can refer a child for placement; or learn more about a call to serve
our ministry as a homeparent or foster parent.
As we enter our 124
th
year of ministry, MCH knows our service to children and families is
possible because of Gods amazing grace and our generous benefactors. Thank you for your trust
and support of our ministry. May God continue to bless you and Methodist Childrens Home.
Tim Brown
President/CEO


MOUNT SEQUOYAH CENTER
150 N Skyline Drive, Fayetteville, Arkansas 72701
479.443.4531 OFFICE | 800.760.8126 TOLL FREE
www.mountsequoyah.org

The Mountain ministry is alive and growing! The renewal of our beloved Mountain is well
underway and the results are amazing! In 2013 we welcomed almost 20,000 guests from every
walk of life to our United Methodist Mountain and provided the radical Christian Hospitality we
are known for. We ministered to young and old, believers and non-believers alike, in an
environment where the presence of the Holy Spirit is so real it is almost tangible.

Our outreach ministry grew in the summer of 2013 when we launched the only Christian swim
team in Northwest Arkansas. We are the Mount Sequoyah Marlins and our T-shirts (donated by
Rev. Pearce of Wichita Falls, TX) declare our mantra, be strong and courageous Joshua 1:9.
Last year our Marlins learned about being good stewards of the resources God provides us as

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they swam their way to the regional championship under the coaching of Anita Parisi (former
All-American swimmer for Rice University). As their season ended they planted a tree on the
Mountain as a reminder that we steward all that God gives us with love and adoration for Him.

In addition to our swim team, Mount Sequoyah Center partnered with Central United Methodist
Church to host the Mountains first ever Kanakuk Day Kamp. Over 100 children attended the
week-long Christian day camp and we were able to provide more than 25 scholarships for under-
represented children to attend the camp as well. The camp was an amazing success and we are
scheduled to host two weeks of day camp this year.

The Mountain has always ministered to United Methodists across the jurisdiction and in 2013 we
launched our At The Cross program series with a Senior Adult Fall Retreat in October.
Participants from seven different conferences came together for fun and fellowship with daily
devotionals, music and entertainment, and a couple of excursions featuring a train ride through
the beautiful Boston mountain range and a trip to the premier American Art Museum, Crystal
Bridges.

As the occupancy on the Mountain grows, so grows our ability to support United Methodist
Missions and events with discounted lodging and meeting facilities. In 2013, Mount Sequoyah
Center extended $30,000 in discounts to United Methodist groups who came to the Mountain for
educational events, group retreats, and personal retreats. As we grow we will continue to support
our missions with our goal being to one day operate in a way that allows us to provide grants to
United Methodist Missions across the jurisdiction.

We want to thank all the United Methodists, Jurisdictional Conferences, and Foundations who
are so generously supporting our efforts to remodel the Center. Your contributions have allowed
us to remodel the New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Oaks cottages, as well as the Sunset house and
the Bailey Center. In 2014 we will remodel the Louisiana, Fayetteville, and Missouri cottages
and we hope to also prepare Galloway House to provide a contemplative setting for pastors who
need to rest and relax. Thank you again for your prayers and support and we look forward to
seeing you on the Mountain soon.

Kindest Regards,
Abby G. Foster, CEO


PERKINS SCHOOL OF THEOLOGY
SOUTHERN METHODIST UNIVERSITY

Perkins celebrates our vital connections with the North Texas Annual Conference in many
significant ways.
Eighty-three students affiliated with the North Texas Conference are enrolled at Perkins,
including four Ph.D., six D.Min., four C.M.M., one M.S.M., 17 M.T.S., four non-degree
and 47 M.Div. students.

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A total of 18 Perkins students have been placed as interns within the North Texas
Conference this year.
Students from the North Texas Conference who qualified for Perkins Annual Conference
Endowment (PACE) grants this academic year received $1,500 each in need-based aid.
Perkins celebrates the distinguished accomplishments and service of many alumni/ae in
the Texas Conference, including SMU Trustee and Dallas Area Bishop Michael McKee
(M.Th.78).

Perkins enjoyed a record spring 2014 enrollment of 24 new students, in addition to 81 new
students who enrolled in fall 2013. Among all Perkins students, approximately two-thirds are
United Methodist and more than one-third are ethnic minority students. Our gender balance
between male and female students in Masters degree programs remains almost exactly 50%.
The Doctor of Ministry program continues to grow with students from southern Asia taking
classes in Singapore and Dallas. Our Ph.D. program includes two Latino Ph.D. students
supported through a grant from the Luce Foundation to Perkins Center for the Study of
Latino/Christianity and Religions.
Rev. Jeannie Trevio-Teddlie was honored for faithful service as director of the Mexican
American Program and UM Regional Course of Study School from 2002 until her retirement in
2013. Dr. Philip Wingeier-Rayo, currently professor of Religion at Pfeiffer University in North
Carolina, has been named new director of the Mexican American and Hispanic-Latino/a Church
Ministries Program, effective June 1, 2014. Dr. Wingeier-Rayo also will be nominated to serve
as director of the regional Course of Study School, and will hold the title Professor of Christian
Mission and Intercultural Studies.
Perkins was excited to welcome two new faculty members in fall 2013: Tamara Lewis (Ph.D.,
Vanderbilt, 2014), instructor, History of Christianity; and Natalia Marandiuc (Ph.D., Yale,
2013), assistant professor of Christian Theology.
Perkins recently received two significant grants from the Lilly Endowment. A $500,000 grant
will support our newly established Center for Preaching Excellence, with Alyce McKenzie, Le
Van Professor of Preaching and Worship, serving as director. A second grant of $249,981 will
support research to study the indebtedness of theological students and help improve the
economic well-being of future ministers.
Perkins is blessed with gifted faculty and staff members, inspiring students, beautiful facilities,
and vibrant ministries. We thank our many colleagues, friends, and alumni/ae across the
connection for continuing generous support, including referrals of prospective students.
Perkins particularly appreciates our relationship with the North Texas Conference. We ask for
your continued prayers and support as we continue our vital mission of preparing women and
men for faithful leadership in Christian ministry.
Grace and Peace,
William B. Lawrence
Dean and Professor of American Church History

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PROVIDENCE PLACE
(Formerly Methodist Mission Home)
San Antonio, Texas

We thank you, the North Texas Annual Conference, for your partnership in the ministry of
Providence Place. We are a home full of love that provides support and guidance to young
women dealing with unexpected pregnancies, couples considering adoption, and young adults
with disabilities seeking to gain their own personal level of independence. We are also home to
an innovative family of nonprofits on one campus, sharing resources and expertise a vibrant
community where people who have lived on the fringes and felt excluded are warmly welcomed.
Partnership truly means serving our neighbors together as we are changing lives and reshaping
futures for Jesus Christ. We sincerely value your partnership.

One by one, thousands have been welcomed faithfully at Providence Place. For over 119 years
we have sheltered and empowered Gods children, from the vulnerable and confused pregnant
teen who wants a loving home for her unborn child, to the youth with disabilities seeking to learn
how to make their own home in the world. With your help, our work has given Gods Children a
Faith, a Family, a Future.

Quick Facts
Founded: 1895, San Antonio

Campus Headquarters: 6487 Whitby, San Antonio, TX 78240
Website: www.provplace.org

2014 FY Budget: $4.1 million

Providence Place Ministry
Today, the mission of Providence Place is to provide a community where Gods children
transition to build their faith, family, and bright futures. We offer hope to individuals facing
challenging circumstances, so they may lead enriched, rewarding and satisfying lives. Through
professional guidance and compassionate support, teens and young women facing unplanned
pregnancies and families considering adoption make mutually beneficial decisions. Through
transitional education, including life skills and vocational training, young adults with disabilities
develop confidence and competence to reach their personal level of independent living.
Providence Place fulfills its mission through the following programs:

Action Adoption has placed more than 6,000 children into loving homes through
domestic, older child, and international adoptions. We provide counseling for birth
parents and adoptive families throughout the adoption process. Our maternity services
include campus housing for pregnant teens and young women considering adoption. Post-
adoption counseling is available for birth parents, adoptive families, and adoptive
children. Providence Place provides adoption education to teach teens and the
professionals who work with at-risk youth about the alternatives to parenting adoption
and voluntary foster care.

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The Center for Higher Independence (CHI) is for students ages 18 and older with
multiple disabilities for whom college is not always the next step. Established in 1974,
CHI was founded as a transitional education center for people who were deaf and hard of
hearing. Today, our services have expanded to accommodate diverse disabilities,
including high functioning MR, autism, Aspergers, cerebral palsy, and learning
disorders. CHI has assisted hundreds of young adults with disabilities in learning the
vocational and life skills to achieve their personal best.
Ectopia (a word comprised from Ectropy which denotes energy & order and Utopia, a
perfect community) is a self-supporting collaboration of nonprofit agencies on the
Providence Place campus with a core mission of helping women and children, as well as
adults with disabilities. We are collaborating with compatible nonprofits to share
resources putting our buildings and campus to new use, and generating efficiencies and
new ideas.
How WE Can Help YOU Serve Your Neighbors?
Adoption counseling for birth parents
Counseling for adoptive families considering domestic, international or older child
adoptions
Post Adoption Services Search/Reunion, Medical Information
Guidance in developing a Walk With Jesus (an Emmaus-like experience for adults with
special needs)
Transition planning for families and youth with special needs ages 16 and older
Training on adoption for teens and professionals who work with at-risk youth
How YOU Can Help PROVIDENCE PLACE Serve Our Neighbors
Providence Place does not receive apportionments. Support our Annual Church Offering
in your church by designating one Sunday to help promote our ministry. We provide
brochures and envelopes at your request.
Make a gift without writing a check by logging on to www.Provplace.org and giving
online, or send a gift via text or email by texting or emailing to provplace@mogiv.com
and just enter the dollar amount you would like to give on the subject line.
Remember you can also include Providence Place in your Will or Charitable Estate Plan.
Contact Development Office @ 210-696-2410 for more information.
Volunteer at our campus. Enlist your church or community group for an outreach
volunteer event with Providence Place. To obtain more details contact our Development
Coordinator @ 210-696-2410.

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Visit us on Facebook and Twitter www.facebook.com/provplaceofficial and
www.twitter.com/provplace and like us to help us spread the good news.
Pray that we may continue Giving Gods Children a Faith, a Family a Future.
Please accept our sincere appreciation to Bishop Michael McKee and the members of the North
Texas Annual Conference for your continued generosity toward our ministry. Providence Place
Board of Directors from the North Texas Annual Conference: Rev. Richard Edwards, Rev. Tom Hudspeth,
Rev. Bill Avera, Joan LaBarr, Louise Taylor.



SAINT PAUL SCHOOL OF THEOLOGY
www.spst.edu

Saint Paul School of Theology is a seminary of the United Methodist Church that educates
leaders to make disciples for Jesus Christ, renew the Church, and transform the world. We are
one institution with two campuses, in Oklahoma City and the Greater Kansas City area.

During the 2013-2014 academic year, 201 students from 23 annual conferences and 4 countries
were enrolled in degree programs at Saint Paul School of Theology on both campuses. The
Course of Study School at Saint Paul served 216 students the Overland Park, Kansas,
Springfield, Missouri, and Oklahoma City, Oklahoma locations.

Twenty masters degree students and twenty-three doctoral students graduated from the Kansas
City campus in May 2013. Six master of divinity students graduated at the 3
rd
Commencement
Convocation in Oklahoma in August 2013. Laity from the Seminary Lite program in Oklahoma
also received certificates.

Saint Paul at Oklahoma City University (OCU) began its 6th year in September. Dr. Amy Oden
came to the Oklahoma City campus as Professor of Early Church History and Spirituality. The
Association of Theological Schools authorized the campus to offer all courses leading to the
Master of Divinity, Master of Arts in Christian Ministry, Master of Arts (Theological Studies),
and Doctor of Ministry Degrees. They also lifted the residency requirement to complete one-
third of the courses on the Kansas City campus. This is a major step in the development of Saint
Paul at OCU as the campus increases offerings that will prepare people for ministry in today's
world. The success of Saint Paul in Oklahoma City has been a collaborative effort, strengthened
by the support of the Oklahoma Conference of The United Methodist Church and United
Methodist-related Oklahoma City University.

The seminary sold its Truman Road campus in Kansas City, Missouri to Guadalupe Centers, Inc.
Guadalupe Centers, Inc. is the longest continuously operating organization serving Latinos in the
United States. Its mission is to improve the quality of life for individuals in the Latino
communities of Greater Kansas City. They provide early childhood, secondary, preparatory and
adult educational programs; facilitate access to health and social services for all ages; promote
and provide Latino cultural enrichment events; and sponsor social activities that engage diverse
communities.
Oklahoma City University
2501 N Blackwelder
OKC, OK 73106

Kansas City Campus
5123 East Truman Road
Kansas City, MO 64127

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Students and faculty began classes on the Greater Kansas City (GKC) campus located in the East
Wing of United Methodist Church of the Resurrection, Leawood, Kansas, in September. Classes
continue to be video-linked with the Oklahoma City campus. The seminarys main staff and
faculty offices are located in the Fox Hill Office area under a mile away from the classroom
location.

Saint Paul will launch three new masters' curricula in the fall of 2014. For the MDiv students, the
new curriculum marks a return to a more praxis-based, integrated curriculum. The curriculum is
grounded in spiritual formation with numerous practicums that focus on particular practices of
ministry and faculty-led small groups to integrate seminary studies with vocational formation.
Students will reflect upon their work during two intentional assessments mid-way through the
degree and near the end of their studies.

The degree programs will require fewer hours which will mean less debt for Saint Paul
graduates. The MDiv will require 79 credit hours for the degree rather than the 90 credit hours
now required. The Masters of Arts in Christian Ministry and Masters of Arts (Theological
Studies) will also be completed in fewer hours--54 credit hours for the MACM vs. 60 now and
49 for the MA(TS) vs. 60 now.

The trustees, faculty, staff, and students of Saint Paul thank you for your interest, prayers and
support.


SOUTHERN METHODIST UNIVERSITY

SMU is commemorating a major historic milestone as the University celebrates the centennial of
its founding in 1911 by the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, and its opening in 1915.
Highlights of recent and current developments follow:

SMUs total fall 2013 enrollment was 10,929, including 6,357 undergraduates and 4,572
graduate students. The average SAT score for first-year students rose from 1144 in 1999
to 1302 in fall 2013. Enrollment continues to increase in ethnic, socio-economic and
geographic diversity. Ethnic minority students made up 25 percent of total enrollment
and 27.5 percent of undergraduate enrollment in fall 2013. Approximately 50 percent of
students came from outside of Texas. A record international enrollment of 1,445 students
represented 97 foreign countries, with the largest numbers coming from China, India and
Saudi Arabia.

SMU consistently ranks in the top one-fourth of the best national universities in U.S.
News & World Report rankings. In the 2014 report, SMU ranks 60th among 281 national
universities.

The Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching classifies SMU as a high
research activity university. During 2012-13, SMU received $19.9 million in external
funding for research and sponsored projects throughout the U.S. and worldwide. Current

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research subjects include natural hazards, water quality, cyber security and treatments for
cancer, neurodegenerative diseases and diabetes.

Because of the early success of SMU Unbridled: The Second Century Campaign, the
campaign goal was raised from $750 million to $1 billion. To date, SMU has received
more than $844 million in gifts and pledges for scholarships, academic programs,
endowed faculty positions and campus improvements and facilities.

Campaign gifts are helping to fund renovations of existing facilities and new construction
on the campus. Moody Coliseum reopened in December 2013 after extensive renovation
and expansion. A new data center and a tennis complex with indoor and outdoor courts
will be completed in 2014.

SMUs new Residential Commons complex, scheduled to open in fall 2014, consists of
five new residence halls, a dining facility and parking garage. The complex will enable
SMU to implement a residency requirement for sophomores along with first-year
students. The new halls will include classrooms and accommodations for live-in faculty.
Six other SMU residence halls are being modified as Residential Commons.

The year 2013 was designated as the Year of the Library, marking the 100
th
anniversary
of the beginning of SMUs library collections, which recently passed the four-million-
volume mark. Major renovations are planned for Fondren Library Center and Bridwell
Library of Perkins School of Theology.

The George W. Bush Presidential Center, consisting of Library, Museum and
independent Institute, was dedicated at SMU in April 2013, with all five living U.S.
presidents participating. The event drew more than 10,000 invited guests, including
several former heads of state and other dignitaries. Since the Centers opening, the
number of visitors to the Museum has exceeded expectations, with more than 200,000
thus far. In partnership with the Bush Library and Museum, SMUs DeGolyer Library
exhibited George Washingtons personal copy of the Acts of Congress in July. Under
sponsorship of the Bush Institute, symposia have been conducted on subjects that
promote economic growth, education reform, global health and human freedom. With an
initial focus on women in the Middle East and Africa, the Institutes Womens Initiative
sponsored leadership training for groups of Egyptian women. Dr. Eric Bing, a renowned
expert on global health issues, is the first to hold concurrent appointments as a new SMU
faculty member and senior fellow of the Bush Institute.

SMU treasures its Methodist heritage, and we ask for your continued prayers and support.

R. Gerald Turner, President
Southern Methodist University







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SOUTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY
TEXAS' FIRST INSTITUTION OF HIGHER LEARNING

When I accepted the offer to become president of Southwestern University in February 2013,
I knew it was a special place. But what I have found since I began work here last July has far
exceeded my expectations.

In our faculty, I have found a creative, forward-thinking group of individuals who have
enormous dedication to our students and who are very open to new ideas for teaching and
learning.

In our staff, I have found a very talented group of individuals who play a valuable role in
providing exceptional student support service and life-changing experiences for our students.

In our students, I have found a diverse group of young people who are engaged in the
classroom, on the playing field, in the arts and in the community.

And in our alumni, I have found individuals of all ages who continue to value the education
they received at Southwestern as well as the relationships they formed when they were here.

I also have been overwhelmed by the support the Georgetown community has shown for
Southwestern, and I am delighted to be working with a Board of Trustees that is committed
to making Southwestern one of the country's premier liberal arts colleges.

The presidential transition was only one of many important events for Southwestern
University in 2013. A long-planned trip to Italy over Spring Break 2013 turned into a once-
in-a-lifetime experience for members of the SU Chorale as the group arrived in Rome right
after the selection of a new pope. The Chorale was the first choir to sing mass in St. Peter's
Basilica after the election of Pope Francis I.

Thanks in large part to the work of my predecessor, Jake B. Schrum (who is now president
of Emory and Henry College in Virginia), the University concluded its $150 million
Thinking Ahead campaign two years ahead of schedule. Funds raised through the campaign
have dramatically changed Southwestern- both academically and physically.

In June, Southwestern learned that the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools
Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) had reaffirmed its accreditation for another ten years,
culminating a reaccreditation process that took several years and literally hundreds of pages of
documentation.

In August, Southwestern welcomed a record number of students, with overall enrollment
hitting 1,536. Much of this was due in part to the addition of football, which attracted nearly
100 new students.




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Faculty Appointments
We also welcomed four new tenure-track faculty members for the 2013-14 academic year:
Katherine Grooms, assistant professor of economics; Patrick Van Hom, assistant professor of
economics; Michael Gesinski; assistant professor of chemistry; and Jessica Hower, assistant
professor of history.

Two faculty members were named to endowed chairs in 2013: Dirk Early, professor of
economics and associate dean of the Brown College of Arts and Sciences, was named to the
Hugh Roy and Lillie Cullen Chair in Economics; and Emily Niemeyer, professor of
chemistry, was named to the Herbert and Kate Dishman Chair in Science.

My longtime friend and fellow math professor Suzanne Buchele left Southwestern at the end
of 2013 to return to Ghana as a missionary after having previously been there on a Fulbright
Award in 2006-2008. Her missionary work will involve teaching one course a semester at
Ashesi University and serving as the university's associate provost. He r husband will return
to his work with a Methodist church in Ghana and serve the spiritual needs of the Ashesi
community.

Academics
2013 brought the roll out of two exciting new academic programs at Southwestern.

In January 2013, we formally launched our HHMI-Southwestern Inquiry Initiative, which is
being funded with a four-year, $1.3 million grant from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute.
The purpose of this initiative is to make the University's science and math classes more
engaging and enriching for students through a technique known as inquiry-based learning, or
student-centered learning. We were honored that one of our faculty members who has been
leading this initiative was featured in the Chronicle of Higher Education in September 2013.

HHMI funding also allowed us to expand our summer science research program for students.
In the summer of 2013, 31 students or recent graduates conducted research on campus
through a new student-faculty collaborative research program called SCOPE.

In August 2013, we began offering classes in our first three "Paideia clusters." Paideia
clusters are groups of classes in various disciplines that are connected with a common theme.
Beginning in the fall of 2014, all new students at Southwestern will be required to take three
courses from a Paideia cluster of their choice to meet some of their general education
requirements.The first three Paideia clusters focus on gender, global public health, and the
Mediterranean region. Six additional Paideia clusters are being developed for fall 2014.

In February 2014 we announced that Sherry Adrian, associate professor of education and
holder of Dishman Endowed Professorship for Special Education, will serve as director of
our Paideia program for the next three years. Professor Adrian has been involved with this
program since the beginning.

In 2013, Southwestern announced a new minor in race and ethnicity studies, which
incorporates classes from 14 disciplines.

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In 2013, Southwestern received a $700,000 grant from The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation
that will be used to help its students and faculty members exploit digital technologies and
explore new approaches to learning and teaching. In response to student requests, our library
is now available to students 24-hours-a-day when classes are in session.

Accolades
Southwestern received numerous accolades in 2013. Most noteworthy of these was the fact
that we were ranked #1 in Texas and #7 in the country for Best Career/Job Placement
Services in the 2014 edition of The Best 378 Colleges, which is published by The Princeton
Review. Southwestern also was included in Kiplinger's 2014 list of the 100 top values in
liberal arts colleges and was included in the 2014 Guide to Military Friendly Schools.

Southwestern was one of only 113 schools in the country that were named to the President's
Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll with Distinction for 2013. And Washington
Monthly, which rates schools based on their contribution to the public good, ranked
Southwestern 43rd among liberal arts colleges in 2013.

We were also proud that The United Way of Williamson County selected Southwestern as
its Volunteer Partner of the Year for 2013.

Faculty Achievements
Southwestern University faculty members also earned a variety of honors in 2013. For
example:

Seven Southwestern faculty members published books in 2013: Michael Cooper,
professor of music, published the Historical Dictionary of Romantic Music; Alison Kafer,
associate professor of feminist studies, published a book titled Feminist, Queer, Crip; Ed
Kain, professor of sociology, co-authored a book titled Applying for a Faculty Position in a
Teaching-Oriented Institution; Thorn McClendon, professor of history, co-authored a book
titled The South Africa Reader: History, Culture, Politics; Sandi Nenga, associate professor
of sociology, co-authored Sociological Studies of Children and Youth: Youth Engagement:
The Civic-Political Lives of Children and Youth, Vol. 16; Michael Saenger, associate
professor of English, published a book titled Shakespeare and the French Borders of English;
and Eric Selbin, professor of political science and University Scholar, had his book titled
Revolution, Rebellion, Resistance- The Power of Story published in Arabic.

Emily Niemeyer, professor of chemistry, was one of six women who were named
Outstanding Texas Women in STEM by Girlstart, an organization that offers after-school
programming to encourage girls in grades 4-8 to pursue careers in science, technology,
engineering and math (STEM).

Former President Jake B. Schrum received the 2013 Frank L. Ashmore Award for
Service to CASE and the Advancement Profession given by the Council for Advancement
and Support of Education (CASE).

Retired chemistry professor Robert Soulen was named a Fellow of the American

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Chemical Society.

Kiyoshi Tamagawa, professor of music, received the 2013 Award for Outstanding
Collegiate Teaching Achievement from the Texas Music Teachers Association.

In November 2013, eight Southwestern faculty members received awards from the
Sam Taylor Fellowship Fund, which provides monetary awards for the continuing education
and development of full-time faculty members of United Methodist colleges and universities
in Texas.

Ben Pierce, a professor of biology and holder of the Lillian Nelson Pratt Chair in
Biology, was selected to receive the 2013-2014 Exemplary Teaching Award from the Board
of Higher Education and Ministry of the United Methodist Church.

Five faculty members were selected to be Southwestern's first Community- Engaged
Learning Fellows. The Community Engaged Learning Fellows Program is designed to help
faculty members learn how to incorporate community-engaged learning into their classrooms
and provides a $1,400 faculty development award that faculty members can use for
professional development, course development, and research. Faculty members who were
selected as 2013-2014 Fellows were: Sherry Adrian, associate professor of education;
Barbara Anthony, assistant professor of mathematics; Kathleen Juhl, professor of theatre;
Joshua Long, assistant professor of environmental studies; and Maria Todd, associate
professor of biology. In fall 2013, 12 courses at Southwestern had a component that
involved community-engaged learning.

Student Achievements
Southwestern students also earned a variety of honors and awards in 2013. For example:

2013 graduates Colin Berr and Priscilla Hernandez received $8,000 scholarships
through the Sumners Scholarship Program to participate in programs in Washington, D.C., in
summer 2013. Berr attended an Institute on Economics and International Affairs, and
Hernandez participated in an Institute on Philanthropy and Voluntary Service.
Southwestern students Ann Bransford, Lauren Gieseke, Lucero Pina, and Jay
Scheinman were selected to receive Hatton W. Sumners Scholarships beginning in the fall of
2013. The scholarships are for $5,000 per semester and are awarded to students based on
their academic history, extracurricular activities, and leadership experience.
Susana Contreras and Nathan Tuttle were chosen to participate in the American
Sociological Association's 2013 Honors Program. The program selects "exceptional
sociology students from throughout the country and the world" to participate in the American
Sociological Association's annual meeting. A third Southwestern student, Megan Robinson,
was also selected to participate in the program after winning second place in the 2013
competition for best undergraduate paper sponsored by Alpha Kappa Delta, the international
honorary association in sociology.
Sarah Dorer and Samantha Sada received a Student Research Award from Psi Chi,
the national psychology honor society, for a paper they presented at the Southwestern
Psychological Association conference held in April 2013.

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Three Southwestern students- Antonio Lopez, Jessica Parada, and Alan Ramos-
received the highly competitive Benjamin Gilman International Scholarships from the U.S.
Department of State to study abroad in the summer of 2013.
2013 graduate Alejandra Benitez received a fellowship to spend the 2013-2014
academic year teaching in France.
Sophomore Adrienne Dodd was awarded a Critical Language Scholarship from the
U.S. Department of State to spend the summer of 2013 studying at Xiamen University in
Xiamen, China.
Senior Paige Duggins was selected to receive the 2014 Academic Internship Student
Achievement Award from the Cooperative Education and Internship Association (CEIA).
Duggins is the fourth Southwestern student to receive this national award in the past eight
years. No other school has had more than two students receive this award.
Senior education major Katie Elder was one of three students selected statewide to
receive a scholarship from the Texas Association of School Personnel Administrators
(TASPA) for the 2013-2014 school year. The scholarship honors the best teacher candidates
in the state. Southwestern teacher education students have been awarded TASPA scholarships
for the past 14 years, consistently besting students from other programs in the state.
Senior physics major Vicente Estrada-Carpenter won the award for best
undergraduate poster at the 2013 Fall Meeting of the Texas Section of the American Physical
Society.
2013 graduate Kira McEntire tied for first place in the undergraduate competition for
best oral presentation at the I 16th Annual Meeting of the Texas Academy of Science.
Jessica Olson, a senior with a double major in environmental studies and feminist
studies, was selected to be a youth delegate to the United Nations Framework Convention on
Climate Change for the second year in a row. Olson also received a national award from the
Sierra Club in September 2013.
First-year student Sabrina Rangel was selected to participate in the prestigious
Kemper Scholars Program, which prepares students at liberal arts colleges for leadership
positions, especially in the fields of administration and business.
2013 graduate Katherine Tanner received a Rotary Global Grant to begin her
graduate studies at Royal Holloway, which is part of the University of London.

Athletics
2013 was a historic year at Southwestern in terms of athletics. The Pirates fielded a football
team for the first time in 63 years. Although the team ended the season without a win,
several players earned individual accolades.

Other accolades earned by Southwestern athletes and coaches in 2013 included the
following:

Kinesiology major Katelyn Bartell was recognized by the Texas Chapter of the
American College of Sports Medicine as its 2013 Undergraduate Scholar, the highest honor
for undergraduates in the chapter.
Chelsea Leeder was the only player in the Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference
(SCAC) to earn a spot on the D3hoops.com All-Region First Team for the South Region.

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2013 graduate Rachel Thibodeau was selected to receive a prestigious NCAA
Postgraduate Scholarship. Thibodeau was the only student-athlete in the SCAC to receive the
scholarship in 2013.
Senior psychology major Lindsay Jakszta was named to the National Soccer
Coaches Association of America Women's All-Scholar Region Team.
The men's golf team was selected to participate in the NCAA Division III
championship for the first time in its history. The women's golf team also played in the NCAA
tournament, and golf coach Dan Ruyle was named the SCAC women's Coach of the Year
for the fourth time since 2007.
The men's swimming coaching staff, led by head coach Jon Duncan, was named the
2013 SCAC Men's Staff of the Year during the SCAC Championships.
The softball team won the SCAC championship and coach Angela Froboese was
named SCAC Coach of the Year for fourth time in five years. Softball players Christina
Crandall, Abigail O'Connor, Karen Ramirez and Caroline Young were named All-America
Scholar Athletes by the National Fastpitch Coaches Association.
Daniel Tuttle earned the most individual points at the SCAC Track and Field
Championship and was named the SCAC Men's Track and Field Athlete of the Year.
Seniors Matthew Nickell, Daniel Poole, and Steven Resnik and were named to the
NCAA Division III Men's All-West Region Soccer Team.
Sixty-nine students from Southwestern made the SCAC's Student-Athlete Academic
Honor Roll for the fall 2013 semester, placing Southwestern second behind only Trinity
University.

Campus Construction Projects
In 2013, Southwestern completed construction of a new field house, practice fields, and track
for our athletics teams. We also completed a new baseball locker room.

This spring, we plan to begin construction on Phase I of our new science center, which will
be available for the 2015-2016 academic year.

Speakers and Symposia
Southwestern brought a wide range of speakers to campus in 2013. World-renown
primatologist Jane Goodall delivered our 2013 Shilling Lecture, and novelist T. C. Boyle
delivered our 2013 Writer's Voice lecture. In February 2014, Southwestern is hosting some of
the country's leading experts on health care for its 36th annual Brown Symposium. NPR host
Scott Simon will be delivering our 2014 Shilling Lecture in conjunction with our presidential
inauguration March 25.

In Conclusion
I would like to take this opportunity to personally invite you to attend my inauguration and
the Shilling Lecture on March 25. Details of the inauguration's activities for the week can be
found at www.southwestern.edu/inauguration.

Respectfully submitted,
Dr. Edward Burger
President and Professor

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TEXAS METHODIST FOUNDATION

Once again, the Texas Methodist Foundation ended 2013, our 75
th
year of existence, as a
stronger organization than we began the year. This trajectory has repeated itself annually for
many years and is a pattern we intend to continue. The gains of 2013 are based, in part, on the
following highlights:

Financial:
Our undesignated endowment grew during the year by approximately $3 million, ending
the year with an endowment of $27.5 million. The relationship between our loan portfolio
and our endowment has never been healthier and, in fact, exceeds guidelines established by
our board. Additionally, this endowment growth diversifies and enhances our operating
income stream by generating additional revenue for operations.
Not included in the amount above, endowment dedicated to our Leadership Ministry now
totals an additional $4.5 million.
Our loan quality remains very high and liquidity is considered adequate.

Staffing:
Both our depth and breadth of leadership and staff effectiveness expanded greatly during
the year. Throughout 2013, Curtis Vick was deeply involved in leading the implementation
of our strategic direction, with Candy Gross now supervising the operations area.
Additionally, the 2013 hiring of Bob Dupuy as General Counsel and head of our Charitable
Services ministry, and the hiring of Justin Gould to lead our fundraising efforts for the
Leadership Ministry were major steps for us.
During 2013, the position of Area Representative continued to be developed as a major
component of our strategic direction. This staff includes Don Psencik in the Texas
Conference, John Thornburg in North Texas, Dick Young in Northwest Texas, Eric
McKinney in Central Texas, and Melvin Amerson with statewide responsibilities. A search
for new Southwest Texas representation is currently being conducted. These area
representatives have three primary responsibilities: 1) to serve as a primary relationship for
TMF with congregations in the assigned area; 2) to determine how TMF can help develop
cultures of purpose and generosity within those congregations; and 3) to connect
congregations with needed resources offered either by TMF or others. A significant 2013
development is our receipt of a $1 million grant from the Lilly Endowment to assist us in
this work.

Grants ministry
During 2013, our staff and board grants committee underwent an intentional process of
reviewing and revising our grants program to reflect a new direction for that ministry consistent
with our strategic direction.

Envisioning our future
In addition to continuing to refine and implement our strategic direction, we have begun
analyzing our brand in the marketplace, developed a new tagline, and formalized an initiative for
envisioning and accomplishing our goals for the next five years.

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The significance of these highlights and our growth, both in financial gains and in growth in
human and intellectual capital, however, lies, ultimately, in the lives changed in local
congregations across the state where our services helped enable ministry. The measure of success
for our services investments, loans, stewardship ministry, leadership ministry, and charitable
services, including gift planning, church endowments, and grants is in how effective they are at
helping individuals and congregations fulfill Gods purposes, as together we work to make
Christs love visible in the world.
Tom Locke, President

TEXAS UNITED METHODIST COLLEGE ASSOCIATION

The Texas United Methodist College Association embodies Jesus admonition to love God with
our mind and Charles Wesleys entreaty let us unite the pair as oft disjoined, knowledge and
vital piety.

From the founding of Kingswood School by John Wesley, it has been unthinkable for Methodists
to fail to be a college-related church with multiple church-related colleges. And, as John
Wesley scholarshipped the students at Kingswood School, so do we, in the present age,
provide scholarships to United Methodist students in the state of Texas to attend one of our
United Methodist schools. When we invest in Christian higher education, we provide a
win/win/win for our students, the church and our universities.

TUMCA ended one of its better fiscal years on January 31, 2014. The contributions of local
congregations increased over last year by 5%, which permitted an increased distribution to each
of the four TUMCA schools. With respect to all Annual Conferences in Texas, four of the five
experienced increases and one remained about the same.
In the fall of 2013 newspaper articles were prepared for each of the Annual Conference
newsletters. In addition to publicizing the work of TUMCA, each conference newsletter article
contained the names of TUMCA scholarship recipients, the university where they are enrolled,
and their local congregation.

Also in the fall of 2013, as is our pattern, letters were sent to every congregation of each
TUMCA scholarship recipient informing the congregation that one of their own had received a
TUMCA scholarship and asking each pastor to make it possible for their TUMCA scholar to
bring a three minute thank you witness to the congregation. Students also received similar
letters, including talking points. The thank you initiative is dependent upon scholarship award
names provided to the TUMCA office by each of our four schools.

The pastors of our TUMCA scholars are asked to report to the TUMCA office following a
student witness. A typical response is reflected in a letter from a pastor: The congregation was
very happy for Allie and grateful to TUMCA for supporting her. They were glad to know their
apportionment funds were helping her. We gave a copy of your newsletter article to everyone in
attendance.


114

The TUMCA office also receives letters and notes from our scholarship recipients. One wrote, I
wanted to let you know how appreciative I am for the TUMCA scholarship. I will be the first in
my family to graduate from college. Another student wrote, The TUMCA scholarship has
allowed me to attend this great school where I have grown intellectually and spiritually. I am
involved in several campus clubs, chapel, honor society, work at a job and am on track to
graduate with highest honors! After graduation I hope to pursue a career in a non-profit to help
those who need it most in our world. Again, thank you for this wonderful gift. I will pay it
forward.

Not to be outdone, a parents letter expressed gratitude, noting that his son has maintained a 4.0
grade point, which the congregation applauded.

The TUMCA office has received letters from our scholarship recipients enrolled in each of our
four schools. Their gratitude is overwhelming and many of their stories are quite compelling.

Listed below are the TUMCA scholarship recipients from the North Texas Conference.
Dan E. Solomon, President
Texas United Methodist College Association

North Texas TUMCA Scholars 2013-14

Name University Home Church
Alexandra Hawkins McMurry University Antelope UMCLoving
John Rentfro McMurry University Lovers Lane UMCDallas
Jeremy White McMurry University St. Luke Community UMCDallas
Stephen Holloway Southwestern University St. Stephen UMCMesquite
Hye Won Kim Southern Methodist University Wesley Korean UMCCarrollton
Kelly Mathison Southern Methodist University Custer Road UMCPlano
Justin Paek Southern Methodist University First Korean UMCRichardson
Jordan Spencer Southern Methodist University Suncreek UMCAllen
Dianne Hary Texas Wesleyan University Custer Road UMCPlano


TEXAS WESLEYAN UNIVERSITY

Texas Wesleyan University has seen rapid, positive transformation in the last year. From campus
improvements, to a multimillion-dollar renovation project, to the Universitys smartest incoming
class Texas Wesleyan is moving forward as a leader in critical thinking and education.
Major Highlights:

For the fourth consecutive year, Texas Wesleyan University ranks in the No. 1 tier of
regional universities in the west by U.S. News & World Report.

In November, Texas Wesleyan broke ground on the Rosedale Renaissance. The
Renaissance is a $6.5 million project designed to leverage more than $32 million in
private and public funding for the benefit of the Polytechnic neighborhood and Texas

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Wesleyan. There are four key components to the revitalization, including streetscape
improvements, a new campus entryway, business accelerator center and The United
Methodist Church Central Texas Conference Service Center, which will also be home to
the bishops offices.

Texas Wesleyan is undergoing a campus update. More than 30 projects are underway that
include new sidewalks, landscaping and parking. These projects complement the
Rosedale Renaissance project.

For the second consecutive year, the Universitys marketing and communications team
garnered national recognition for integrated marketing projects that build on the
Universitys Smaller. Smarter. message. Texas Wesleyan won four Collegiate
Advertising Award medals, including two golds.

The Welch Foundation approved a grant to Texas Wesleyan Universitys chemistry
faculty in the amount of $30,000 from June 1, 2014 to May 31, 2015 for chemistry
research. The grant gives students an opportunity to study chemistry outside of the
structured way.
In November, The Ben Hogan Foundation and Texas Wesleyan University partnered to
form the Ben Hogan Foundation Mentor Scholarship, which will be awarded annually to
a candidate from The First Tee of Fort Worth to cover the full cost of tuition, fees and
books.

To learn more about Texas Wesleyan, visit txwes.edu or follow us on Facebook at
facebook.com/TexasWesleyan.


WESLEY-RANKIN COMMUNITY CENTER
Wesley-Rankin Community Center, a United Methodist Mission Agency, is actively walking a
journey of transformation together with the community of West Dallas. Transformation through
education drives all programming as a way of providing tools and skills for individuals to
become active and effective agents of change in their community, their schools, their homes, and
their own lives.
Take a look at how the community is responding and the real impact that is taking place:
The new Wesley-Rankin Community School has been established through a unique
partnership with Lumin Education (formerly East Dallas Community Schools) to provide
West Dallas children with early childhood education for more than 300 children from
birth through third grade. An estimated 2,500 children currently have no access to early
childhood programs and arrive at Kindergarten not ready to learn due to thousands of
less words in their vocabulary, no understanding of basic math concepts, and a physical
lack of core strength to support sitting at a desk. Third grade academic success is the
strongest predictor of high school graduation. Currently, less than 50% of West Dallas
children will graduate. The Wesley-Rankin Community School will work to reflect the

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current Lumin statistics which track a 95% graduation rate for students who complete the
program through third grade.

A Capital Campaign will launch in order to develop a campus to accommodate the
significant growth in current programming, as well as the new school enrollment.
Buildings and campus grounds do not support current program needs, nor updated
standards for safety and ease of use. Wesley-Rankin will depend on generous donors and
partners to build a new campus to meet the needs of a changing community.

Afterschool Programs have grown from 12 to 46 to 125 children over the last three
years. Activities include science experiments on-site with The Perot Museum of Nature
and Science, Reasoning Mind computer-based math curriculum, The Dallas Opera
childrens workshops, and many other enrichment experiences. Tracking of academic
progress indicates one of the reasons children in distressed communities fail to thrive is a
lack of enrichment activities that work to connect concepts with a childs world. Wesley-
Rankin supports homework completion along with enrichment activities and personal
tutoring that combine to impact grades and academic success. Grades are tracked for each
child to see progress in math, science, and reading.

B3X Summer Camp has grown in the past 3 years from 75 to 155 to 210 campers in
2013. B3X (Beakers, Base Ten, and the Beat) focuses on science, math, and music & arts
enrichment activities. Success is measured in first time ever learning experiences as
reported by campers. In 2011, the top first time ever experience was seeing an airplane
up close. In 2012, the most reported first time ever experience was building and
launching a rocket. In 2013, the top experiences included playing a violin, playing in a
180 person drum circle, and creating a glass mosaic. Each year, Trietsch UMC hosts the
campers daily for one week, providing music and drama activities, creating long-term
relationships that transform lives.

The Academy adult education program provides six-week learning modules for parents
on topics of healthy cooking, financial literacy, community leadership, crime and drug
prevention, parenting, and a variety of topics determined by the community as important
topics of study. Certificates are presented at the close of each session. Recognizing that
adults impact the home and model education for their children, The Academy works with
a Community Leadership Team to determine learning module topics and to interface with
local schools to promote parent engagement. The Leadership Team works with local
school leaders to positively impact academic environments and parent engagement.

The Senior Program is Wesley-Rankins longest running program providing daily
fellowship, nutrition, and educational programs for senior citizens. A family environment
with caring friends, monthly birthday parties, field trips, and special events support the
basic physical and emotional health of senior in our community. Volunteers and staff
work to provide hot meals to 50-100 seniors per day, totaling nearly 1,000 meals per
month.


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The annual agency budget is just more than $700,000 supported by local churches, individuals,
foundations, and corporations. The staff of seven full-time and two part-time professionals works
with volunteers to provide services. In 2013, 628 volunteers provided more than 5,000 volunteer
hours to support this mission. Wesley-Rankin is blessed to be among strategic ministries serving
the under-served in our conference.

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Locations and Directions

1. First UMC, Richardson 503 N. Central Expressway 972-235-8385
From US 75 North Central Expressway, exit at Arapaho Road, west to Service
Road, south to Church.


2. Spring Valley UMC, Dallas 7700 Spring Valley, Dallas 972-233-7671
From US 75 North Central Expressway, exit Spring Valley and west to
Church.


3. Hamilton Park UMC, Dallas 11881 Schroeder Road, Dallas 972-235-4633
From US 75 North Central Expressway, exit eastbound on Forest Lane (south
of LBJ Freeway), north on Schroeder Road one block to Church.



North Texas Annual Conference


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2014 NORTH TEXAS CONFERENCE JOURNAL
ORDER FORM
The conference Journal is produced on a CD with an easy to use search engine. A copy will be
mailed at no charge to each clergy member. The CD for elected lay members of annual
conference will be available at their respective churches in early September.

Although you may print all or part of the Journal from the CD, if you wish to have a full bound
copy of the 2014 North Texas Conference Journal, it will be available for purchase @ $30 each
to those who pre-order and pre-pay for their copies.

If you do not need a printed copy of the entire Journal but would like a bound copy of the
directory pages, a Conference Personnel Directory (consisting of the clergy directory, the lay
member directory, the appointment pages, and the roster of conference agencies) will also be
available for purchase @ $5 each to those who pre-order and pre-pay for their copies.

Please use the form below to indicate how many books you wish to purchase and calculate the
total cost of your order. Payment must accompany the order.


_______ # of printed 2014 North Texas Conference Journals @ $30 each

_______ # of printed Personnel Directories @ $5 each


_______ Total cost of order


Name: _____________________________________________________________________

Shipping Address: ____________________________________________________________

City: ____________________________ State: ____________ Zip: _________

Phone: _____________________________

HOW TO PAY:
Please make your check payable to North Texas Conference and write 2014 Journal in the
memo line. Turn in to the Information Desk at First United Methodist Church, Richardson,
during Annual Conference or mail to: North Texas Conference Journal Order, P.O. Box 866128,
Plano, TX 75086-6128 by June 16, 2014.

Online ordering will be available at www.northtexasumc.org through June 16.

If you have questions, please contact Shirley Miller at miller@ntcumc.org or 972-526-5000.

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