The River Conference of the Free Methodist Church
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Pastor + Church Leader Resources

Articles of Incorporation

Filing articles of incorporation is legally required for any churches to be classified as a nonprofit entity. Complete this fillable document to provide your Articles to The River Conference, FMCUSA, and other financial institutions. Keep this document in a safe place that you can easily access when needed.

Bylaws

Bylaws are the overall guiding principles for operating your church. We have provided a template that can be filled out with your information. The document is for a non-profit corporation and is what you will need to provide to The River Conference, FMCUSA, and other financial institutions. Keep this document in a safe place that you can easily access when needed.
 

Incorporation & Banking Process

Step-by-step guide for churches to work through the legal and banking processes associated with incorporation and being a 501(c)3 organization.
 

Pastoral Transitions

One of the most stressful seasons in the life a local church is the transition of a lead Pastor. Congregants often compare the loss of an effective lead pastor to the loss of family member, confidante, or close friend.  Those who are transitioning or anticipate transitioning, please review our Transition Plan.

Sexual Harassment Policies & Training

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en español
kwa kiswahili

Ethical Covenant

English
en español
kwa kiswahili

Legal & Administrative Resources at FMCUSA

The Free Methodist Church USA has a Church Legal and Administrative Resources Library on its website. If you are in need of more information related to children and youth ministries, employment, volunteers, policies and procedures, liability, or property, there are many downloadable resources available here.

Financial Resources

Find important River Conference forms related to church finances and accounting.

Local Church Profile

From time to time, the Superintendents will request that you complete a TRC Church Profile  to help them better understand your church and the context in which it operates.
 

Welcome Packet

Whether you are new to The River Conference, or just need an update on our policies, programs, and expectations, download our welcome packet. This contains a lot of valuable information that every pastor should know.

Camps

The River Conference owns and operates Emmanuel Pines, a year-round camp in Prescott AZ.  Deer Flat Church, our church in Caldwell ID owns and operates Camp Cascade in Donnelly ID.  The links below can take you to those respective camps.

Pulpit Supply

Add your name to the database of pastors available to fill River Conference pulpits.

Leadership Development Trainings

Training opportunities for pastors and church leaders.

The Center for Pastoral Formation

Find out more about ordination and coursework through FMCUSA’s Center for Pastoral Formation