Conference Resources

Policy Manual

The Harvest Conference Policy Manual was updated, revised, and Approved as of 6-12-2021.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

ORGANIZATION…………………………………………........4
Organizational Map.………………………………...........4
Annual Conference ..…………………………….….........5
Board of Administration (BOA).…………………........5
General Conference Level ……...…………………......5
Regional Level ………………….…….……………….........6
Conference Finance Task Force .…………………...6
Ministerial Education & Guidance Board (MEG)…..7
Ministerial Appointments Committee (MAC) ….…...7
Nominating Committee …………………………………….7
Electronic Voting ……………....………….………………..8

ADMINISTRATION ………………….…………………………8
Financial Policies ……….……………………………………8
Fair Share …………………………….……………………....9
Pass-through Deduction Policy ………………………….9
Church Credit/Debit Cards/
Reimbursement/Expenditures …………......………..12
(PRA)Mileage & Other Church
Purchases by the Pastor .......................................13
Risk Management, Insurance, &
Liability for Local Churches ................………….…..13
Use of Social Media for Pastors & ChurcheS.……...13
Prevention of Sexual Abuse in the Local Church....13
Child Sexual Abuse Prevention ………………...……..13
Sexual Harassment ………………….…………………….15
Anti-Harassment, Bullying, and Complaint ….…….16
Insurance ……………………………………….…………….18
Litigation ……………………………………..……………….18
Church Property Changes Buying, Selling, Loans, Leasehold Improvements, etc. .....……………………..18
Purchase/Lease/Remodel ………….…………………….18
Application to Sell Property ………….………………….19
Abandoned Property ……………………………………….19

PERSONNEL / HUMAN RESOURCES …………………...20
Minimum Pastoral Support Package …….……………20
FM Pension Program …………………………………….…20
Maternity & Medical/ Mental Wellness Leave …..….22
Maternity …………………………………………………..….22
Medical & Mental Wellness ………………………………22
Benefits During Leave …………………………………….23
Return to Work ……………………………………………..24
Personal & Family Counseling ………………………….24
Counseling at Request of Pastor ……………………….24
Counseling at Request of Conference ………………..24
Procedure for Financial Assistance …………………...24
Pastoral Workweek & Vacation Guidelines …………25
Workweek & Connectional Responsibilities ………..25
Availability …………………………………………….……..25
Vacation Guidelines ………………………………………..25
Pulpit Supplies ………………………………………………26
Continuing Education & Self-Improvements …...…26
Paid & Non-Paid Staff Hiring, Resignation,
& Termination .............................……………………..27
Hiring ……………………………………………………..……27
Termination ……………………………………………..……28
Due Process for Termination for Issues other
than Moral Failure .......................……………………..29
Resignation …………………………………………………...30

Downloads of the Manual:

Organization Policy

Administration Policy

Personnel/Human Resources policy

Complete Policy Manual

Annual Delegate Review

of Pastors

Important Note: Please share the results of your review directly with your pastor(s). The Superintendent is available to meet with your pastor for additional follow-up conversations. However, the office believes that the boards should first meet with the pastors to discuss any issues raised in the review. This approach provides the pastors with an opportunity to address the matters directly with their board.

You may download and print the 2025 form with instructions below:

2025 Clergy Effectiveness Review