No. The Conference reduced its operating budgets to reflect the loss of churches that disaffiliated, rather than increasing apportionments for remaining churches.<\/p>\n
For the 2025 Operating Budget, the budget proposed to the 2023 Annual Conference was reduced by more than $3.8 million (24.5%) to remove funding previously apportioned to churches that disaffiliated in 2022. The 2023 Annual Conference added $325,000, resulting in a net reduction of just over $3.5 million (22.5%).<\/p>\n
After additional disaffiliations in 2023, the 2026 Operating Budget proposed to the 2024 Annual Conference was further reduced by $922,609 (7.5%).<\/p>\n
From the beginning of the disaffiliation process, the Conference Council on Finance and Administration committed to proposing budgets that did not increase the overall financial obligation of North Carolina Conference United Methodist churches. While challenging, these reductions honored that commitment. In partnership with the Conference Connectional Table, the Council refocused and reprioritized ministries around anti-racism work, youth, new faith communities, and communications. Budget reductions were achieved through decreased funding for conference ministries, staff, and affiliated ministries.<\/p>\n