Through the years, the Virginia Conference Cabinet has been establishing and perfecting these policies in response to various issues as they arise. This site also provides helpful tools and directives from the Center for Clergy Excellence.
You are welcome to read and copy any of these documents as they provide insight to your needs. They will be updated and additional policies provided as needed.
If you find corrections necessary, please contact the Assistant to the Bishop, or Director of the Center for Clergy Excellence for assistance.
Accountable Reimbursement Policies (pdf)
Annual Conference Election of Alternate Lay Member (pdf)
Joint Pastor-SPRC Appointment Preference Form (pdf)
Appointment Review for Pastors (Word)
Associate Pastors (pdf)
Audit Guidelines for Local Churches (pdf)
Cell Phone Towers – IRS Response (pdf)
Cell Phone Towers – Communications Response (pdf)
Cell Phone Towers – GCFA Response (pdf)
Charge Formation Standards (pdf)
Church Security
Clergy Medical Leave Procedures
Clergy Sick Leave Guidelines (pdf)
Complaint Procedures (pdf)
Credit Card Policy, Church (pdf)
Employee/Volunteer Credit Card Guidelines (pdf)
Expectations of Pastoral Leadership (pdf)
Extension Ministry Appointment (Full and Provisional Elder, Associate Member, Local Pastor) (pdf)
Extension for Deacons as Appointment Beyond the Local Church (Full and Provisional) (pdf)
Incorporation of Local Church (pdf)
Lawsuits Against Clergy (pdf)
Lay Supply Pastor and Certified Lay Minister Guidelines (pdf)
Licensed Local Pastors and Weddings (pdf)
Local Pastors and the Walk to Emmaus (pdf) – Updated: July 26, 2024
Military Chaplains Mobilization Procedures (Word)
Military Chaplains Mobilization Procedures (pdf)
Ministers of Other Christian Denomination Appointment
Moving Day – Transitions Guidelines Booklet (pdf)
Moving Day – Policy at the Time of Change of Pastor (Word)
Moving Day – Guidelines for Moving Expenses (pdf)
OE Presiding at Charge Conference, Cabinet Policy Regarding (pdf)
Online Worship Attendance Guidelines (pdf)
On Loan, Transfer from Other Methodist Denomination
On Loan, Transfer from Other UM Conference
Parsonage – Annual Review Form (pdf)
Parsonage – Checklist for Leaving Parsonage (pdf)
Parsonage – Clergy Housing Policy (pdf)
Parsonage – Annual Housing Allowance Review (fillable pdf)
Parsonage – Inventory Form (pdf)
Parsonage – Minimum Standards for the Parsonage (pdf)
Parsonage – Policy at the Time of Change of Pastors (pdf)
Parsonage – Support Committee (pdf)
Pastoral Transition Guidelines (pdf)
Pastor’s Compensation Recommendation (pdf)
Cabinet Policy on Clergy Salary Increases – Updated Oct. 2023 (pdf)
Readmission Procedures (pdf)
Retirement, Steps for Clergy to Announce (pdf)
Salaries of First Time Appointments (pdf)
Salary of Retired – Hired by Local Church (Tax Status of) (pdf)
Salary Pay Schedule (pdf)
Salary Reduction (Midyear) (pdf)
Salaries (clergy taking salary reduction in lieu of tithe) (pdf)
Sales Tax Exemption (pdf)
Sexual Ethics
Staff/Pastor Parish Relations Committee
Wedding Guidelines (Licensed Local Pastors, Provisional Deacons, and Provisional Elders – pdf)
Work Load (pdf)
What Clergy Should do when a Lawsuit is Filed (pdf)