Lost Tithe Records - The Must Know Plan to Recovery
It happens every year. Churches of all sizes and backgrounds lose their tithe and offering records. The most common way this happens is through a church computer hard drive crash. No matter how many times we hear that consistently backing up records is the best practice, how many actually do it? There are many free online…
Read Full Article | CommentsA Tale of Two Pastors, Part Five-Avoiding the Legal Pitfall Known as Terms of Consent
Every pastor wants to have the dream church-an atmosphere where love, acceptance and conviction dwell in abundance. Pastors Smith and Jones were no exception. Pastor Jones fostered that atmosphere by allowing extra time during praise and worship for the Spirit of the Lord to move on the hearts of the people, while Pastor Smith made sure…
Read Full Article | CommentsThe Perfect Church Set Up, Part 2
In part 1 of this series, I wrote that over 1,000 churches per month face litigation. With that trend currently rising, we must be diligent to heed the warning that Jesus gave His disciples in the first Christian outreach in history. Jesus warned His disciples that they were being sent like sheep among wolves and that they needed to be "wise…
Read Full Article | CommentsThe Perfect Church Set Up, Part 1
Imagine, a guest speaker comes to your church and preaches a message so moving, so compelling that almost the entire congregation responds to the altar call. In clusters, they crowd the front; some weeping, others with raised hands and others on their knees. You are seeing real transformation occur in the lives of people as the guest lays…
Read Full Article | CommentsThe IRS May Say That You Are On Salary At the Church, Even If You Believe You Are Not
Because of the nature of our tax system, while most churches are focusing on outreach and other ministry functions of the church, many pastors and church treasurers fail to think about on taxes. Unfortunately, they miss the mark and often times under report the pastor's income.This happens because there are many pastors that are not on salary…
Read Full Article | CommentsAre You Worthy of 5 Talents?
Every Year Thousands of Churches Lose Assets Unnecessarily! Starting a ministry is one thing, but managing a ministry is a completely different matter! It is my experience that many ministries have a much more difficult time managing their ministries than they do starting them. Don't you know that the call to preach is also the call to stewardship…
Read Full Article | CommentsMinister Income Mistakes That Blow Me Away
I never ceased to be blown away at the number of things that ministers do incorrectly when it comes to properly reporting income on their tax returns. As a fellow minister, I understand why that happens. The tax laws that regulate churches and ministers are very complex and filled with pitfalls. In today’s ever-changing, legal…
Read Full Article | CommentsNot Just Tithes and Offerings But Also Ecclesiastical Entrepreneurism
Over three years ago, I engaged in a six-month study of the economy that God established for Israel and how the priesthood would prosper. In the book of Numbers, chapter 18, shortly after setting aside Levi and his sons as the leaders of the priesthood, God gave them duties and by the very performance of those duties they received their provision…
Read Full Article | CommentsNo Minutes? Then No Board Meeting!
Does Your Ministry Keep Minutes? I recently had a conversation with an administrator who had just joined the staff of his church. He mentioned that in the three months he had been there, he had found no trace of any board meeting records for the last decade. He asked what could happen if he could not find any minutes. My reply was…
Read Full Article | CommentsA Fresh Perspective On Starting a Church
It was Sunday afternoon and the service had long since come to a close. Sixty people came to the service that morning. For pastor Tom, it should have been a moment to celebrate. However, there he was sitting at the foot of the altar with tears streaming down his face. He could not shake the feeling. He felt lonely and afraid. …
Read Full Article | CommentsTwo Clauses in Your Bylaws That Can Save You and Your Ministry
When Pastor Dan started a church in Florida, his only dream and vision was winning the lost and preaching to the masses. He never imagined being falsely accused of embezzlement or accused of privately benefiting from the church's funds. But that is exactly what happened. A lady in the church was convinced that he was improperly using church funds…
Read Full Article | CommentsHow to Conduct a Board Meeting
It is probable that the most frustrating thing a church secretary has to do is take board meeting minutes. In my conversations with many "minute takers," the most common question I get is, "What should I write down?" Is not that one of your primary concerns? What if you miss something? What does the law require? Should…
Read Full Article | CommentsNew Rules Could Close Doors to Foreign Missions on Some!
One common thread among churches is the desire to spread the Gospel throughout the entire world. In fact, a vast majority of missionaries stationed across the world are sent from America. Having assisted nearly 15,000 churches, and having read the purpose and mission statements of many thousands of them, I see the overwhelming vision to reach…
Read Full Article | CommentsCatchers, Pushers and Litigators at the Altar
There are few moments as exciting in the life of any church or ministry as when God touches and changes a life by His presence and power. These are things that we live for in our gatherings and much of that life transformation happens around the "altar". It is a place and time where much of the hands-on ministry takes place. CPR at the Altar? When I…
Read Full Article | CommentsThe Church's Legal Duty To Protect Worshippers
Have you ever thought about your church's responsibility to protect worshippers from injury? Chances are you probably have not thought about it with much detail. What I mean is have you ever pondered the possibilities of physical injuries that can happen at church during praise and worship, alter calls or greeting time? What…
Read Full Article | CommentsThe Race is Long; Avoid Burnout
It had only been a year and a half from the day I started my church and already, I was feeling burned out. I thought it would be bigger and better established. I took it for granted that the congregation would be more dedicated and involved in outreach efforts. All of my energy was quickly dying and I did not know how to get it back. …
Read Full Article | CommentsRecording Your Own Crimes? Churches do it Every Week
Many pastors spend hours and hours crafting everything that goes into their sermons. They think of their points, stories and verses. But one thing few pastors think about...is that they may be recording their crimes. Have you ever thought about the actual content in your recorded worship services and sermons? What exactly is in your archive…
Read Full Article | CommentsPastor and Wife Arrested; No One Had their Blind Side
Several years ago, a sixteen-year-old girl went to her pastors-Pastors Dan and Laura-and confessed that her father had been molesting her. After the pastoral husband and wife team counseled the young girl to best of their ability, they next confronted the father, who confessed to them that he had indeed molested his daughter. The repentant…
Read Full Article | CommentsThe Legal Ramifications of Same-Sex Marriage on the Church
Same-sex marriage is a divisive topic in America. I believe that it is a struggle for the mindset of American culture. In the near future, an ultimate showdown for the Church will occur because the passage of legislation that makes same-sex marriage a constitutionally protected right will place a very serious burden on faith based organizations…
Read Full Article | CommentsThe Church and Same-Sex Attraction Vol. 1
In churches all across America, the number of pastors dealing with people bound by same-sex attraction has grown exponentially. Many of the pastors I have spoken with have confessed they feel ill equipped to handle with it. How do you confront the behavior in a way that clearly speaks a message of love and grace? This phenomenon is…
Read Full Article | CommentsGuarding the Pulpit!
The pulpit is a place set apart Have you thought about your pulpit lately? If you are a pastor, the answer is very likely "yes." I am certain that you guard your pulpit. You are diligent that it is never used for anything contradictory to Kingdom business. I have spoken to thousands of ministers over the years and the vast majority…
Read Full Article | CommentsMalpractice Lawsuits Against Pastors
Counseling has always been an important part of ministry Counseling has always been an important part of Pastor Ned's ministry, so much so that he has made it a point to spend 10 to 12 hours per week practicing many forms of counseling. From premarital counseling and couple's counseling to just plain pastoral counseling, Pastor Ned has done it…
Read Full Article | CommentsFined for Seeking Christian Roommate
The effects of using church bulletin boards A single 31-year-old Michigan woman, named Tricia, needed a roommate to share her home. One day she posted an ad on her church bulletin board stating that she was looking for a "Christian Roommate." Several weeks later, she found herself being investigated by the State of Michigan Department of Civil Rights…
Read Full Article | CommentsAn Important Question About Your Church Website
The world wide web is where most people begin shopping In conversation with my realtor one day, he mentioned that over 75% of people now do their initial real estate shopping online. In the same way, a vast majority of individuals who are seeking for a church begin their search online. The question is no longer, "Does your church have a…
Read Full Article | CommentsWhen a Pastor is Accused of Sexual Misconduct
The devastation of sexual misconduct accusations One of the most devastating things a church can suffer is the pastor facing accusations of sexual misconduct. Whether he/she is guilty or not, the accusations alone are devastating since our DNA has been programmed with the need for undisturbed relationships based on trust; therefore, accusations…
Read Full Article | CommentsPart 2--Why Many Pastors Quit The Ministry on July 5th
In my previous article, I wrote about the emotions and feelings that many pastors and leaders struggle with during the summer months. Pastoral suffering reaches its peak in the month of July when vacations and time away render many seats empty on Sunday mornings. When THAT suffering joins forces with the 4th of July falling on a Sunday, an even…
Read Full Article | CommentsCan Your Church Insurance Company Sue One of Your Members?
Compliance with the law does not mean compliance with your insurance policy Edward started his Saturday just like he did every Saturday: he went to the church to get ready for his participation in the church Kid's for Christ outreach. But, this Saturday was different. It was his turn to do a run in the church van to pick up some of the children. …
Read Full Article | CommentsCalled by God to Start a Church in Port St. Lucie, Florida . . . Now What?
How does one start? When Pastor Alvin heard from the Lord to start a church, he responded with a strong yes, but he wondered how it would be possible if both he and his wife had full time jobs. Where would the time come in order to launch the church? Where would they start? An even bigger question was, "How would they start?" After…
Read Full Article | CommentsWhat Soccer Taught Me About the Business Side of Church
Getting your church in order may feel like learning something new. After all, you were called to be a minister not a bookkeeper. That may be true but part of being a minister is being an open letter (books). Your life (which consists of your church's books) needs to be beyond reproach. How can you preach a message of godliness…
Read Full Article | CommentsA Tale of Two Pastors, Part Four--Served With Papers.
This story is a continuation of part three...three months later Pastor Jones* had always done his best to be a good steward of the ministry entrusted to him, and though his efforts were imperfect, they were wholehearted and had resulted in ministry growth. The church was now at 325 members, and to Pastor Jones' relief, he had not heard anything more…
Read Full Article | CommentsA Tale of Two Pastors, Part Three--Church Government
The Following is a Story Based on True Events! In the middle of a hot summer day, Pastor Jones had a strange conversation with one of the members of his church. Isabel, the secretary of the board of directors, and the one in charge of all corporate documents, shared that in her opinion his current bylaws were not properly ratified. Though…
Read Full Article | CommentsBecome Ordained Before the Year Ends!
Do not let the Christmas season distract you from time sensitive tax issues! This time of year, pastors and leaders get caught up in the wonderful Christmas season and enjoy weeks of celebrations, plays and time with family. I personally love Christmas and make every effort to create precious memories with my wife and children. I love to…
Read Full Article | CommentsSpecial Tax Requirements for California Churches and Ministries!
The state of California has been increasing its tax compliance efforts in an attempt to raise tax revenues. Because of these increased efforts by the state, we urge churches in California to become educated about the specific tax rules and registrations that are unique to California. Below is a quick list. Franchise Tax: Every church or…
Read Full Article | CommentsCan Our Church Own a Business?
I recently received an email from one of our readers asking if their church could own a business. Someone wanted to donate a business to the church, but the reader didn't know if the church was even allowed to own and operate a business that would bring the church income. In short, the answer is yes. The church is allowed to own a business…
Read Full Article | CommentsYour Church and the Internet
What's the Big Deal with Internet Use in My Church? Technology has revolutionized the way churches connect with the community. In fact, I often wonder how we ever did church without using the Internet. My wife and I began our church when the Internet was in its infancy, and no one knew exactly where it would lead. Today, we use church…
Read Full Article | CommentsLegislation that Makes it Mandatory for You Purchase Health Insurance
Yesterday, the House of Representatives agreed on a 1,000 page plan that completely overrides health care as we know it. The new Bill will force every American to buy health insurance. If insurance is not purchased, Americans will have to pay fines worth 2.5% of their income. Additionally, employers will be forced to provide health…
Read Full Article | CommentsThe Least of These; A Thorn in My Flesh
The Need for Benevolence! In the late 1990's I was pastor over a small church in South Florida. We were located in a small agricultural town; population 5,000. Most members of the church were of Mexican descent and many of them came from broken homes and had poor educations. Despite the adversity, our church did well. We had grown from 25 members…
Read Full Article | CommentsProtect the Pastor's Spouse!
What if something happens to the pastor? Not long ago, I had a conversation with a pastor on salary at a church. He explained how he had recently begun thinking about his wife who has been serving faithfully at the church with him for over 20 years, but without any salary. What began as a passing thought grew into a real concern: if something ever…
Read Full Article | CommentsChurch Loses Property Over Bake Sales!
Beth-El, an African-American church in the Chicago neighborhood of Englewood, purchased some property on 63rd Street in 1976. The church rehabilitated the property and established itself there. During the years that the church quietly enjoyed its existence on the property, the community improved and the church continued to grow. However, the county…
Read Full Article | CommentsA Board Meeting Without Any Board Members Present
State laws concerning board meetings require that certain criteria be met in order for a board meeting to become legally valid. At a minimum, the board members need to receive "proper notice." Every state has a provision regarding proper notice. By definition, proper notice is the number of days prior to a board meeting wherein each board member receives…
Read Full Article | CommentsHousing Allowance Rules Most Pastors Do Not Know About!
Did you know that the 2002 Housing Allowance Clarification Act requires that every year you calculate three different scenarios to see which one will be used on your W-2? Most churches have not been following this new rule and may under an audit cause the pastor to owe back taxes. Here is how it plays out. The clarification act requires…
Read Full Article | CommentsEcclesiastical Authority and Accountability!
With increasing measure the IRS has made attempts to limit the authority of the pastor in the church. In 2006, regulation kicked in to require that the majority of the board be made up of mostly unrelated individuals. Later in that same year, regulation made it a requirement that a pastor on salary at the church not be able to vote on or set the salaries…
Read Full Article | CommentsEmbezzlement While Counting Tithes and Offerings!
Counting the church tithes and offerings is where most embezzlement of church occurs. Establishing a procedure of checks and balances is the only way to prevent it from happening. Regrettably, most pastors, though they think about it, never take the necessary measures to implement a procedure prevents this crime from happening. A church in Raleigh,…
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