Click on green links in the drop-down lists below to access forms and resource links
Gateway Conference
Church Forms and Resources
-
Church Treasurers play a key role in keeping their local church updated with the most recent information regarding the handling of resources. Below you will find what we hope are helpful resources regarding Conference Tithe, Equal Participation Plan payments, payroll, etc.
August 2026 Giving Report for Church Treasurers and Pastors
2026-2027 Pastors and Church Treasurers Handbook
How is EPP (Equal Participation Plan) budgeted
EPP (Equal Participation Plan) explained
Click here for important update on new overtime rules
ECFA Top Ten Charitable Gift Reminders Checklist
ECFA 10 Essentials of Giver-Restricted Gifts
ECFA 10 Essentials of Risk Management
Pay Package Verification Instructions, Worksheet and Sample Verification Letter
Gateway Conference Handbook for Churches Receiving a new Pastor
Moving Expense Worksheet with Instructions
Click here for more Gateway forms and Resources
-
The Local Church's Mission and Vision are expressed clearly in the FMCUSA 2023 Book of Discipline, as are directives for the working out of the church in its operation and organization. To read more about the Local Church, begin at Chapter 6 ¶6000+
Please note that all churches need to have an overtime policy in place in writing. This should include approval by appropriate person or Board when overtime is submitted. All churches should also have an employee handbook (required by law in the State of Illinois). See below for an employee handbook that can be modified for your church.
Acknowledgement of Receipt of Employee Handbook
Sample Word Document Timesheet
Every employer with employees working in the State of Illinois is required to provide all employees with annual sexual harassment prevention training that complies with Section 2-109 of the Illinois Human Rights Act ("IHRA").[1] Employers may develop their own sexual harassment prevention training program that meets or exceeds the minimum standards for sexual harassment prevention training as outlined in Section 2-109(B) of the IHRA, or they may use the model sexual harassment prevention training developed by the Illinois Department of Human Rights ("IDHR").
Click on links below for Gateway Conference Anti-Harassment Training information.
Gateway Conference Anti-Harassment Power Point for annual training
Acknowledgement of Receipt of Anti-Harassment Policies
Verification of Annual Anti-Harassment Training Completion Form
All churches are required to post notice of labor laws, safety, payroll, etc. Check the links below for more information.
State of Illinois Human Rights poster
State of Illinois Labor Law Posters
State of Missouri Labor Law Posters
Click the link below for sample guideline forms to help establish policy for use of your church facility.
Church Facility Usage and Guideline Forms from FMCUSA
See 'Children's Ministries' for Mandatory Reporter Information
-
Pastoral Staff Installation Service
Board Guidelines for Pastoral Transition
Pay Package Verification Instructions, Worksheet and Sample Verification Letter
Gateway Conference Handbook for Churches Receiving a new Pastor
Moving Expense Worksheet with Instructions
For more information for pastors, go to Pastor's Resources -
Incorporation Information for the State of Illinois:
Information on not-for-profit corporations
Articles of Incorporation that can be used
(for both Illinois and Missouri)
Incorporation Information for the State of Missouri:
-
Emergency Planning Resources from Brotherhood Mutual Insurance Company:
Brotherhood Mutual Insurance Safety/Security Plan Information
Guide to Who Can Carry Concealed Weapons on Church Property
-
If you have ten or more members, are the pastor of an affiliate (or if church plant under local church, pastor of that congregation) and are ready to start the process of forming a new church, please contact us at gatewayfmcusa@gmail.com for approval. After approval has been given, a handbook is available to help with the administrative process of forming a new church.
-
October is Pastor Appreciation Month!
Ideas and links are listed below to help you celebrate your Pastor(s)!
Click here for information sheet for Pastors to fill out (will help give you information)
Click here for ideas from donorbox
Click here for 10 Gift Ideas from Lifeway
-
Gateway Appointed Pastors Scholarship (GAPS) program
Providing Educational Opportunities for Pastors and Pastors' Children
Are you passionate about supporting and furthering the education of pastors and their children? Join us in contributing to the Gateway Appointed Pastors Scholarship (GAPS) program. By giving to this worthy cause, you can help aspiring individuals pursue their educational dreams and equip them for effective ministry. Together, we can make a difference!
GAPS Benefits:
Financial Assistance: GAPS offers an annual scholarship of $1000.00 to support educational pursuits at the bachelor, master’s, or doctorate level. The scholarship funds are directly deposited to the institution of the applicant’s choice.
Direct Impact: Your donations go directly towards funding the education of deserving individuals, empowering them to become exceptional leaders in their communities and beyond.
Gateway Conference Approval: All scholarships are approved by the Gateway Conference Superintendent, ensuring transparency and accountability in the selection process. Applicants are required to provide appropriate documentation provided by the Gateway Conference.
Gateway Pastor’s Child Scholarship (GPS)
Supporting the Next Generation of Ministry Leader
The Gateway Pastor’s Child Scholarship (GPS) program focuses on providing financial assistance to pastors’ children pursuing higher education. By investing in their future, we are investing in the future of the Church as well as Free Methodist educational institutions. Join us in making a lasting impact!
GPS Benefits: Tailored Scholarships: GPS offers different scholarship amounts based on the educational institution attended:
$1000 per year for attendance at FM educational institutions
$2000 per year for attendance at Greenville University.
or contact FM Financial Services for assistance in making your donation.
FM Financial Services
8050 Spring Arbor Road
PO Box 580
Spring Arbor, MI 49283
517-750-2727
www.fmfinancial.org