the free methodist church in canada
Notes about Registration
SPECIAL PROVISIONS
Retired Ministers
Retired pastors can participate as full voting members of General Conference. The registration fee is waived, and travel reimbursement follows as above. Again you are responsible for hotel and meal costs not included in the registration fee.
Church Plants
Active Church Plants formed after General Conference 2021 – do not need to pay the registration fee. But are responsible for their travel and accommodation costs. Meal costs for guests are $250/per person.
Active Church Plants formed before General Conference 2021 – may apply to Church Planting Department for registration/accommodation subsidy for bi-vocational Church Planters and “Observing Guests.”
Meals
The registration cost per pastor or delegate is $400 – this is the early bird rate. After March 1, 2024, the rate per person will rise to $450. Please note that this registration covers Friday and Saturday’s Continental Breakfasts, Buffet Lunches, Evening Dessert Socials and all the Coffee/Tea you can drink!
Please note: You are on your own for dinner on Thursday, Friday and Saturday. But we are working on coupons/deals from surrounding restaurants to help with these costs.
Spouses and Guests to Conference – Meal Participation
Spouses/Guests included in the registration will receive a name tag and can participate in the meal plan (Friday and Saturday continental Breakfasts, Buffet Lunches, Evening Dessert Socials and all the Coffee/Tea you can drink for $250/per person)
Full Conference Meals – $250/per person
Spouse/Guest Meals 1 day – $125/per person
Travel Reimbursement
All pastors/delegates who pay the registration fee will be reimbursed for travel expenses. Reimbursement will be based on the least expensive travel alternative (economy airfare, train, bus and/or mileage) from your location. Please arrange carpools where possible. Mileage will be reimbursed at the rate of $0.25 per kilometre,
Please note: If you are travelling by air, once you have registered and paid, please contact Ellie Mackie of Direct Travel (email: [email protected], office number: 905-847-0473, or toll free number: 1-800-465-4437) to book your flight. Direct Travel will bill the FMCIC directly.
Hotel
General Conference 2024 will be held at the Toronto Marriott Airport Hotel. We have negotiated a discounted rate of $165/per night. We encourage you to book as soon as possible. As a pastor or delegate, this cost is the responsibility of your local church.
Please Note: If you are attending the Pre-Conference, we have arranged the same discounted rate for Wednesday, April 24, 2024 as well.
Attendance at General Conference
All Ordained Ministers are members of conference with a voice and a vote, and therefore expected to attend General Conference.
Commissioned Ministers and Ministerial Candidates who are appointed as Lead Pastor at a local church are also expected to attend General Conference. They are honourary members of conference, with a voice but no vote.
Commissioned Ministers and Ministerial Candidates appointed as Associate or Assistant Pastors are invited and strongly encouraged to attend General Conference.
If you are expected to attend, but unable to do so, please email Bishop Cliff Fletcher’s Office requesting permission to be excused from General Conference.
Each local church is expected to send at least one lay delegate to General Conference, as per The Manual of The Free Methodist Church in Canada, Chapter 3, Par 320 (see below).
QUESTIONS?
If you have any questions or need clarification, please contact Lisa Howden.
