Nominations Form – Susquehanna Conference UMC

Nominations

Growing the Body of Christ

Christ makes the whole body fit together perfectly.
As each part does its own special work, it helps the other parts grow,
so that the whole body is healthy and growing and full of love. (Ephesians 4:16, NLT)

God may be inviting you - or someone you know - to offer your gifts in ways that strengthen the ministries of our Conference. The Susquehanna Conference welcomes applications and nominations as we work to cultivate strong, faithful, and diverse leadership rooted in the love of Christ.

Across our Annual Conference, there are opportunities for both clergy and laity to serve. Administrative Agencies steward the structures and resources that support our churches, while Program Agencies cultivate ministries that equip congregations for vibrant discipleship.

If you’re eager to serve but unsure of your gifts, we encourage you to take a spiritual gifts assessment - and invite a friend (not a family member or pastor) to complete one on your behalf, based on how they see you.

We also invite you to share this form with others in your congregation or community who may feel called to serve. Completing the form simply expresses interest and does not obligate anyone to serve. When travel or overnight stays are involved, personal business expenses may be reimbursed.

ADMINISTRATIVE AGENCIES LEADERSHIP (Full List & Descriptions)

COUNCIL ON FINANCE AND ADMINISTRATION
Develops and oversees the fiscal and administrative policies, procedures, and management services for the Annual Conference. Provides a hearing for all budget requests
Meetings: 4-6x per year (including one overnight)
STUDENT AID FUND BOARD OF MANAGERS
Supports the proclamation of the Christian faith by assisting those preparing for pastoral ministry in meeting the financial cost of higher education. The Board manages endowment funds for pastoral education and establishes policies for awarding scholarships and loans to Elders and Deacons in preparation for ministry.
Meetings: 2 full Board Meetings (March/April & October); 3 committee meetings in July
BOARD OF PENSIONS AND HEALTH BENEFITS
Provides care and support for clergy, their families, and lay employees, including pension, health, and other benefit programs. The Board explores and recommends health insurance coverage, benefits education, and retirement seminars, and oversees areas related to pensions and health insurance.
Meetings: 2 full Board meetings (Jan & Aug); additional meetings as needed
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Serves as the Board of Directors for the Susquehanna Annual Conference Corporation. Oversees district and staff parsonages, abandoned properties, property insurance, safety issues, and budgets for maintenance, capital improvements, and investments.
Meetings: 4 main meetings per year, with additional meetings as needed.
COMMISSION ON ARCHIVES AND HISTORY
Maintains the Conference Archives and works with local churches and groups to preserve historical sites and materials authorized by the Conference.
Meetings: 2x per year (Feb/Mar & Sept/Oct)
COMMISSION ON EQUITABLE COMPENSATION
Supports full-time clergy and those serving less-than-full-time appointments by recommending standards for pastoral support, administering funds, providing counsel, and implementing arrearage policies.
Meetings: 2x per year (January and June)
COMMITTEE ON EPISCOPACY
Supports the Episcopal leader and family, assess leadership needs, and provides opportunities to welcome and say farewell to the Bishop.
Meetings: 3-4x per year
BISHOP’S COMMITTEE ON CHRISTIAN UNITY & INTERRELIGIOUS RELATIONSHIPS
Encourages connection and cooperation among churches and explores new ways to foster unity.
Meetings: 4x per year
THE UNITED METHODIST FOUNDATION OF PENNSYLVANIA
Supports churches and related agencies through investments, stewardship education, planned giving, and leadership training.
Meetings: 2 full board meetings (summer & fall) and 1 annual in-person in Bedford (lodging and meals provided)

PROGRAM AGENCIES LEADERSHIP (Full List & Descriptions)

EQUIPPING VITAL CONGREGATIONS & GROWING SPIRITUAL TRANSFORMATIONAL LEADERS TEAM
Equips spiritual and transformational leaders and supports congregations in developing vital, community-connected ministries. The team partners with Camp & Retreat Ministries, Young People’s Ministries, Lay Servant Ministries, and local churches to provide training, coaching, resources, and grant support that strengthen discipleship, leadership development, and congregational vitality across the Conference.
Meetings: Quarterly and additionally as needed
CAMP & RETREAT MINISTRY BOARD
Ensures the long-term financial health, vision, and strategic direction of the Conference’s Camp & Retreat Ministry sites. The Board provides policy leadership, assists the Director, and oversees initiatives that strengthen hospitality, inclusion, and environmental stewardship. Members serve four-year terms, renewable once.Meetings: Quarterly (with additional as needed)
YOUNG PEOPLES MINISTRY COUNCIL
Brings together youth and adults to develop young leaders who engage, educate, and empower others to follow Jesus. The Council builds leadership skills, supports discipleship initiatives, and leads programs across the Conference in areas such as missions, trainings, and connectional engagement,Meetings: 4x per year (2 in person, 2 via Zoom)
EQUIPPING VITAL CONGREGATIONS TEAM
Supports new faith initiatives, revitalization efforts, and ministries that help congregations connect with their communities. The team partners with the DCM to provide coaching, training, and grant support in areas such as discipleship systems, evangelism, leadership development, and strategic planning.Meetings: As needed on grant cycles or at DCM’s request
BOARD OF GLOBAL MINISTRIES
Helps congregations engage in mission, outreach, justice, and service, fostering discipling relationships locally and globally. The Board also fulfills the functions of the Conference Board of Church and Society and works through multiple committees aligned with its mission.
Meetings: Meets in Jan/Feb, Mar, May, Sept, and Dec (additional as needed)
DISASTER RESPONSE TEAM AND COORDINATORS
Offers practical relief and spiritual care in the wake of crises. This team equips volunteers, coordinates responses, and helps communities rebuild with dignity and resilience.Meetings: To Be Determined
VIM GRANT COMMITTEE
Equips individuals and teams to serve locally, nationally, and globally through hands-on ministry. This committee stewards VIM grants - supporting mission teams, projects, and partnerships with the resources they need to serve faithfully and effectively
Meetings: To Be Determined
COMMISSION ON THE BELOVED COMMUNITY
Works to foster God’s vision of the Beloved Community by supporting inclusive relationships, dismantling racism, and promoting healing, justice, and dignity for all. The Commission partners with congregations and leaders to strengthen cross-racial/cross-cultural ministries and resource communities in living the way of love.Meetings: 6x per year
DISABILITIES MINISTRY TASK FORCE / COMMITTEE ON INCLUSIVENESS
Raises awareness of disability inclusion, shares resources, and supports churches in becoming more accessible. The Task Force partners with the UMC Disability Ministries Committee to provide guidance, promote grants, and develop worship and educational materials for congregations.
Meetings: Kept to a minimum; 2 updates offered yearly through email
COMMISSION ON NATIVE AMERICAN MINISTRIES
Strengthens ministry with and by Native peoples across our Conference by listening, advocating, educating, and building relationships which help churches grow in awareness, partnership, and understanding. The committee provides resources for local churches and works toward justice, equity, and deeper connection in Christ’s love.
Meetings: To Be Determined
COMMISSION ON CHILD ADVOCACY
Supports LGBTQ+ laity, clergy, and candidates for ministry, fostering a culture of inclusion and affirmation across the Conference. This new commission works to amplify LGBTQ+ voices, equip congregations for inclusive ministry, and advocate for fairness and equity in Conference matters.
Meetings: To Be Determined

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Nominations
- Spiritual Gifts Inventory

Theresa Heiser
Conference Nominations Chair