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 2026.
All United Methodist church administrators, administrative assistants, general agency office personnel, episcopal, district and annual conference office personnel are encouraged to enroll.
Membership in National PAUMCS is required to enroll in the course (annual dues $75). For information on PAUMCS Membership click here.
The Online PAUMCS Institute offers a dynamic learning experience designed to enhance your skills in church administration. Through expert-led instruction, you'll gain practical insights into financial operations, leadership, and relationship management within the church setting.
Our curriculum, developed in collaboration with top business school faculty and denominational leaders, equips you to navigate the complexities of church administration with confidence and clarity.
Connect with peers from across the United Methodist Church and explore the broader connectional structure—from local congregations to district, conference, agency, and episcopal offices. This shared learning environment fosters mutual understanding and strengthens the ministry of all who serve.
To provide guidance and consultation to individuals providing services to the Church in the following areas: local church business administration; administrative assistance; equitable compensation; information technology; and legal guidance to annual conferences. Such guidance and consultation may, as the council deems appropriate, include: establishing relevant professional standards, training programs, continuing education, and certifications; encouraging participation in associations related to these services (for example, the Professional Administrators of the United Methodist Church Connectional Structure (PAUMCS)...) 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.
Registration for the 2026 Online Certfication Institute will open in early 2026. A link will be provided here.
For more information, please contact Tammie Ruffle at gcfaliaison@paumcs.org
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. Participants are responsible for their own lodging.
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.
Typical topics include:
• Personnel Policies and Best Practices
• Church Safety Issues
• IT Security
• Expanding our Ministry with Communications
• Legal Updates
• Project Management
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 communicate with you should there be any questions or concerns regarding the information submitted.
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.