Questions and support
If you have any questions regarding items on this page or to the work of the trustees, please contact Michigan Conference CFO, Angie Anger.
Legal Services
PLEASE NOTE: The Michigan Conference does not provide free legal counsel except under those circumstances pre-approved by the bishop.
Local churches needing legal services may wish to consider utilizing the specific expertise of the Michigan Conference Chancellor at local church expense.
Conference Chancellor
Andrew J. Vorbrich
Lennon, Miller, O’Connor & Bartosiewicz,
900 Comerica Building, Kalamazoo, MI 49007 269-381-8844
Resources for the local church
Documents, forms and articles designed to support local church trustees are here. This page will be regularly updated, so return to see new materials. Please read the disclaimer before downloading any materials.
IMPORTANT: Click to read the legal disclaimer for all items on this page.
THESE FORMS ARE SAMPLES. THE MICHIGAN CONFERENCE, DETROIT ANNUAL AND WEST MICHIGAN CONFERENCES OF THE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH, THEIR CHANCELLORS, EMPLOYEES, AGENTS AND INSURERS DO NOT WARRANT THAT THEY ARE APPROPRIATE TO USE IN ANY PARTICULAR CIRCUMSTANCES OR FOR THE SPECIFIC NEEDS OF A PARTICULAR CHURCH. THESE DOCUMENTS ARE NOT A SUBSTITUTE FOR GOOD PRACTICE, PROPER SUPERVISION, AND DILIGENT OVERSIGHT AND CONTROL. THERE IS NO GUARANTEE THAT THESE DOCUMENTS WILL PROTECT ANY FACILITY THAT CHOOSES TO USE THEM. BEFORE USING THESE SAMPLE DOCUMENTS OR ANY SIMILAR DOCUMENTS, YOU SHOULD CONSULT WITH YOUR OWN ATTORNEY TO MAKE CERTAIN THAT THE DOCUMENT YOU EVENTUALLY USE IS CORRECT AND CURRENT UNDER THE LAW OF YOUR PARTICULAR JURISDICTION AND THAT THE DOCUMENT MEETS WITH YOUR NEEDS FOR YOUR PARTICULAR SITUATION.
THESE DOCUMENTS DO NOT ATTEMPT TO GIVE SPECIFIC LEGAL OR TAX ADVICE, AND SHOULD NOT BE USED WITHOUT BEING MODIFIED TO FIT THE CIRCUMSTANCES INVOLVED IN EACH SITUATION. THE SERVICES OF COMPETENT LOCAL LEGAL, TAX OR FINANCIAL PLANNING ADVISORS TO DISCUSS, REVIEW AND MODIFY THE DOCUMENTS SHOULD BE OBTAINED IN ALL CASES.
PROPERTY AND REAL ESTATE
Housing or Parsonage Allowance Insert for minutes of meeting
Parsonage Policy and Guidelines
Lease Agreement
Leasing of Church Property Memo
Public Playground Safety Checklist
Resolution for Church Conf Approval for Construction Contract
Resolution for Church Conf Authorizing Property Purchase and Borrowing
Space Sharing Checklist
Trust Clause Who Owns Our Church
Warranty Deed for Acquisition of Property for Parsonage
Checklist Potential Gift of Real Estate to a Local Church
FINANCIAL
Accountable Reimbursement Policies
EMPLOYMENT
Authorization to Conduct Criminal Records Check
Lay Personnel Handbook and Employee Orientation Guide
Risk Management Memo – “Screening Volunteers and Paid Staff Workers with Children and Youth”
Volunteer Application
Wage and Overtime Laws: A Guideline for Church Employers
Pre-Employment Inquiry Guide
MISCELLANEOUS
Local Church Self-Evaluation Form
Christian Will or Trust Preamble
SEXUAL HARRASMENT/SEXUAL ABUSE
Participation Covenant Statement
Policy for Lay Personnel on Sexual and Other Forms of Harassment
Policy Statement on Misconduct of Sexual Nature
Policy on Sexual/Gender Harassment and Misconduct of a Sexual Nature
Report of Suspected Incident of Child Abuse
Risk Management Memo – “Reducing the Risk of Child Sexual Abuse in the Church”
Letter Agreement with Child Predator
What if the Abuser is One of Us
Sex Offender in Congregation Policy
CORPORATE/CORPORATION
Amending Articles of Incorporation to Limit Personal Liability of Volunteers
Record Retention Timeline
Release, Waiver & Indemnity Agreement
Conflict of Interest Policy
Local Church Personnel Policy
Guidelines and forms for church mergers
OTHER RISKS
Accident Report Form
Parent/Guardian Consent Form
Risk Management Memo – “Preparing For A Church-Sponsored Trip”
Risk Management Memo – “The Church Nursery”
HIPAA Privacy Rule and Local Churches
Van Policy for 15 Passenger Van
Lessons Learned from Recent Litigation
Last Updated on October 12, 2023