Online Certification Institute
The General Council on Finance and Administration of The United Methodist Church sponsors an online certification institute. The Institute provides outstanding advanced professional training and enrichment for United Methodist administrators. A participant who completes the program and meets the General Council on Finance and Administration requirements is eligible to apply for certification as a Professional United Methodist Administrator. The next course will begin in June 2025.
Certification Scholarship Fund Application
2024 Certification Class Group Presentation Videos:
Who should attend?
All United Methodist church administrators, administrative assistants, general agency office personnel, episcopal, district and annual conference office personnel are encouraged to enroll.
Certification Eligibility
Membership in National PAUMCS is required to enroll in the course (annual dues $75). To become a member, please contact Gail Douglas-Boykins at membership@paumcs.org or for more information on becoming a national member, or go to www.paumcs.org.
How will you and your church or organization benefit?
The Online PAUMCS Institute is designed to stimulate professional growth and development of each individual. Participants are introduced to business concepts required for understanding the financial operations of the church as well as relationships with the pastor, church employees and members of the congregation. Studying such concepts with professors selected from a strong business school faculty and other experts in the denomination encourages administrators to become better informed and more effective church administrators.
The experience of learning with local church administrators and networking with others in similar office settings provides a broader understanding of the connectional United Methodist church. Church administrators learn the functions of district, conference, agency and episcopal offices, while these various office personnel learn about the many responsibilities of a local church administrator. It is a place to see how all members of the church body are in ministry together.
Why become certified?
The 2020/2024 General Conference officially adopted the following legislation:
to provide assistance to the Professional Administrators of United Methodist Connectional Structure 2020/2024 Book of Discipline, ¶ 807.19)
Certification recognizes your accomplishment of successfully completing professional training. It enhances your position as a true professional and stimulates the need for continuing education to augment your ministry in the church.
What is the cost?
Registration fee for the online Institute is $300. Registration fee scholarships for the Institute are available on a limited basis by written request. This does not include the cost of PAUMCS membership.
How long does the course take?
The course is designed to be self-paced. Each participant has 2 months to complete the course work and group project. We have seen people complete the course in 2 weeks, and others take the entire 2 months.
How do I register?
For more information, please contact Tammie Ruffle at gcfaliaison@paumcs.org
Advanced Certification
The next course will be offered in 2027.
The training begins on Tuesday evening, with fellowship and orientation. The sessions will conclude on Friday noon. Cost is $300 which includes three lunches and snacks during the course.
Individuals will build on their leadership and personal development skills, while group projects will focus on adding value to The United Methodist Church global connection and structure.
Class members must be a certified PAUMCS member in good standing.
Class size is filled on a first come first served basis.
This year’s topics include:
• Personnel Policies and Best Practices
• Church Safety Issues
• IT Security
• Expanding our Ministry with Communications
• Legal Updates
• Project Management
Continuing Education (CEU)
Do you want to earn Continuing Education Unit (CEU) credit for a workshop, retreat or event your chapter is planning? Are you, as an individual PAUMCS member, planning to attend a seminar or class for professional growth and development? Follow the guidelines below to receive CEU credit.
Submit your request for CEU approval to the Professional Training and Standards (PTS) Chairperson, Judy Gross, at least 30 days prior to the workshop, retreat, event, seminar, or class. This allows the PTS Committee time to review the information and for the Chairperson to be in contact with you should there be any questions or concerns regarding the information submitted.
- Include detailed information about the event: topic(s), dates, times and location, the actual time you will be in sessions (contact hours), an outline or schedule, speaker(s) credentials and/or qualifications. Submit event information by email. This will help to expedite the process.
- The PTS chairperson will notify you after your request has been reviewed and approved by the PTS committee.
- Send a copy of the CEU completion certificate for each certified secretary to the PTS Chairperson as soon as possible following the event.
Questions about the process may be addressed to Judy Gross, PTS Chair.
One CEU is defined as ten contact hours of participation in an organized continuing education experience under responsible sponsorship, capable direction and qualified instruction. Business Meetings, Worship Services, Devotions, breaks, meals, snacks, and fellowship/gathering times are not to be considered. Contact hours of less than 10 but not less than five, will be granted .5 CEU. (example: an eight-hour workshop/seminar would equal to .5 CEU.)
Questions? Contact truffle@gcfa.org or call (615) 369-2413.
Already certified? Click here to learn how to renew your certification.
Information on Continuing Education Credit