ministries / New Faith Communities

Guidelines for Chartering

Upper New York Annual Conference Guidelines for Chartering Local Churches and Recognizing Mission Congregations

The Upper New York Conference's vision is to "live the gospel of Jesus Christ, and to be God’s love with our neighbors in all places." We believe disciple-making happens at the local church level, and the Annual Conference's purpose is to equip local church lay and clergy leaders to be make disciples who transform the world.

The linked document below, "Upper New York Annual Conference Guidelines for Chartering Local Churches and Recognizing Mission Congregations," primarily concerns New Faith Communities, providing clarity on the timing and process for moving a New Faith Community to life as a Chartered Church. The guidelines below clarify the Upper New York Conference's understanding and practice around chartering each type of faith community.

The readiness for chartering at each level is determined by criteria such as consistent weekly participation in worship, committed people, timing, stewardship, and essential ministries.

Click here for the Upper New York Annual Conference's guidelines for chartering local churches and recognizing mission congregations.

To charter, ministries must read UNY’s charter guidelines and complete an application to charter form.

For more information, please contact the Rev. Abigail Browka, Director of New Faith Communities, at abigailbrowka@unyumc.org.