Recently, Jeff Pospisil, executive director of Finance and Administrative Services for the Dakotas Conference, posted on his personal Facebook page, “The Dakotas UMC was able to pay General Church apportionments in full. This is only the third time we’ve done so during my tenure.”

One of the unique and defining factors of the Dakotas Conference is that we are connectional. One way we show this connection is through apportioned giving.

"Our United Methodist connection is a powerful witness to the world of God's love," says Rev. Bob Ruedebusch, who serves as the dean of the Dakotas Conference Cabinet and Southwest District Superintendent.  "Through the power of our connections and our collective gifts of generous resources, we bring the love of Jesus to many."

Apportioned giving is a term that describes how the money you give to your church each week is divided and distributed throughout the Church. Through you and your support of apportioned giving, we can participate in the Church's ministry and mission both locally and around the world.

Apportionments are fuel for ministry. They enable us to meet the needs of many people through collaborative ministry. As the United Methodist Church faces tensions from the COVID pandemic and possible separation, sustaining a culture of generosity is tenuous.

Here are some of the reasons the Dakotas Conference was able to pay General Church apportionments in full during these difficult times.

• There was increased giving throughout 2021. The amount received from churches for apportionments was up 6.68% from 2020. A number of churches that were withholding apportionments have since reversed course.
• The Dakotas Conference Board of Pensions provided support.  In 2021, the Board of Pensions gave large rebates to our churches. They also gave a rebate to the Dakotas Conference to offset their pension and health expenses for the year.
• The Dakotas Conference applied for and received a second Paycheck Protection Program (PPP)Loan.
• The staff and leadership of the Conference did some penny pinching. As Dakotans, we are naturally frugal. Combine this with COVID still slowing down gatherings and travel, and only 83% of the budget was spent for 2021.“These are troubling times that challenge the spirit of generosity,” says Rev. Bob Ruedebusch, dean of the Dakotas Conference Cabinet. “The Dakotas Conference is grateful for the generous giving of all of the churches throughout North and South Dakota.”
   

When you give to your local church, your giving is divided into many pieces and travels to many different places. It generally goes to support two significant areas: your church and the ministries of the Dakotas Conference. Local churches are being equipped through apportionments by:

• Providing Breakthrough Ministry Grants to start or enhance 26 new ministries.
• Welcoming nine new clergy to serve local churches.
• Hosting 21 webinars and virtual events that ignite new ministry models including REACH, digital campus training, congregational care, Financial Foundations, BOTH/AND series and follow-up with Jason Moore, and “A Very Dakotas Christmas” worship service.
• Equipping churches with stories of vitality in ministry including video Lenten series, Bishop Laurie’s video messages and blogs, breakthrough video stories about Higher Ground, Kairos, and the Nonprofit Church Leadership Program, Monday @ Dakotas weekly e-newsletter, and This Week @ Dakotas weekly e-announcements.

“Apportioned giving is not just about the local church. It provides a means for collaborative witness and ministry across the Dakotas and into the world," said Ruedebusch.

Here are some ways apportionments fuel collaborative ministries in the Dakotas:

• Launching new worshipping communities, five digital ministries that have just begun during the pandemic.
• Fostering a culture of call with 3 Elisha interns and 14 participants in licensing.
• Supporting the total wellness of 198 pastors serving local congregations, during these trying times, through mentoring and coaching, training, and spiritual support.
• Sustaining our five signature Dakotas Conference mission ministries—Bakken Oil Rush Ministry in Watford City, Bakken Out in Faith Ministry in Williston, Solar Oven Partners, Spirit Lake Ministry, and Tree of Life Ministry.
• Maintaining our three camp and retreat centers—Lake Poinsett, Storm Mountain, and Wesley Acres, as they suspended the camping season during the pandemic.

By paying General Church apportionments the Dakotas Conference is contributing to seven apportioned funds that support the global mission of the church. The seven funds are:

• The Africa University Fund was established by the General Conference in 1972 to support education efforts on the continent of Africa with global reach because of the work of graduates and instructors. 
• The Black College Fund supports 11 historically black colleges and universities developing leaders for the church and community.  
• The Episcopal Fund supports active and retired bishops in their episcopal leadership for the denomination.  
• The General Administration Fund supports administrative and collaborative processes throughout the denomination. 
• The Interdenominational Cooperation Fund aids the Church in being in ecumenical relationship with other faiths.
• The Ministerial Education Fund prepares principled Christian leaders for work throughout the connection of United Methodists. 
• The World Service Fund supports the great diversity of Christian mission throughout the denomination. 

Connectional giving is making a difference in the Dakotas Conference. The 2021Missional Report, framed around the 2021 Annual Conference theme “Jesus Waymaker,” highlighted all the way God is at work across the Dakotas Conference. View the complete report here.

Resources:
Explanation about apportionments handout.
Video about Connectional Giving
Apportionment and Billing Dakotas Conference website

View a recent blog post by Jeff Pospisil about apportioned giving
Contact: Jeff Pospisil via e-mail, or phone 605-990-7786