Shares of Ministry

Our Connection. God’s Mission. Shared Together

The United Methodist Church is a connectional church - a network of congregations, clergy, and laity bound together by a shared calling to love God and neighbor and to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.

To be connectional means we do not serve alone. Like branches of one living tree, each congregation draws strength and purpose from being rooted in the same body. Through our Shares of Ministry (formally known as apportionments), we give a portion of what God has entrusted to us so that, together, we can grow and bear fruit for the sake of Christ’s mission in the world.

This shared giving allows local churches to extend their reach far beyond their walls - to nurture disciples, support pastors, plant new ministries, respond to crises, and offer compassion and hope around the globe.

Apportionment giving transforms all involved - the giver, the congregation, and the communities we serve. It is both a practical expression of stewardship and a spiritual act of trust, gratitude and love.

Why We Give

We give because God first gave to us - and when we give together, we multiply grace.

Through our collective generosity, United Methodists:

  • Equip pastors and leaders for faithful service
  • Sustain the mission and ministry of the worldwide church
  • Strengthen ministries that fight hunger, poverty, and disease
  • Support schools and universities that educate the next generation
  • Provide disaster relief and long-term recovery after storms and crises

Every dollar given through Shares of Ministry (SoM) becomes a living witness to the love of Christ, building bridges of hope throughout our communities and across the world.

How it Works

A Share of Ministry represents your congregation’s proportional contribution to both Conference and General Church ministries. Each local church’s share is determined through an established formula that ensures all participate fairly in supporting the work we do together.

Two key areas make up our connectional budget:

1) General Connectional Ministry
Supports the worldwide mission of The United Methodist Church through funds such as:

    • World Service Fund
    • Ministerial Education Fund
    • Black College Fund
    • Africa University Fun
    • Episcopal Fund
    • General Administration Fund
    • Interdenominational Cooperation Fund
    • Northeastern Jurisdiction Fund

These funds empower the global connection - training leaders, supporting education, nurturing new ministries, and sustaining our bishops’ leadership across the denomination.

2) Conference Connectional Ministry
This portion supports the mission and ministries led by the Susquehanna Annual Conference. It funds our collective work in evangelism, discipleship, communications, clergy support, congregational vitality, and connectional administration.

In Summary
Shares of Ministry are our first mile of mission giving - the foundation for everything we do together as United Methodists. They express our belief that we do more good together than we ever could alone.

When we share in this ministry, we share in God’s grace, extending love and hope to every frontier of faith and service.

Shares of Ministry Resources
- 2026 Budget Brochure
- 2026 SoM Calculator
- 2025 SoM Calculator
- Treasurer’s Remittance Report Form
- Monthly Church Statements
- Why We Apportion

Mark Knecht
Chief Financial Officer/Conference Treasurer/Benefits Officer