View Full Version : Church Management
rbennett
09-24-2011, 11:10 AM
I believe God requires us to be good stewards of what belongs to him… the church… the building, the money…
Recently I attended a seminar on church management and there were some points brought out about how churches are handling the business side of the church. IRS does not consider ignorance as an excuse…
I am a new pastor wanting to avoid the very appearance of sin…
I don’t want to bring an unnecessary approach on the church because I did not do my homework and make sure the IRS has all the proper paper work.
Or thought that will be alright, because “everybody does it” . Everybody doing it don’t make it right…
Questions:
Is anybody concerned about making sure the business side of the church is in order?
Is the book keeping in house or do you use an accountant?
Do you feel you could survive an audit from the IRS? (Before answering look up some case studies on the internet)
Is it “do the best we know” or “this is how I was told” attitude and hope for the best?
Sherri
09-24-2011, 06:28 PM
I believe God requires us to be good stewards of what belongs to him… the church… the building, the money…
Recently I attended a seminar on church management and there were some points brought out about how churches are handling the business side of the church. IRS does not consider ignorance as an excuse…
I am a new pastor wanting to avoid the very appearance of sin…
I don’t want to bring an unnecessary approach on the church because I did not do my homework and make sure the IRS has all the proper paper work.
Or thought that will be alright, because “everybody does it” . Everybody doing it don’t make it right…
Questions:
Is anybody concerned about making sure the business side of the church is in order?
Is the book keeping in house or do you use an accountant?
Do you feel you could survive an audit from the IRS? (Before answering look up some case studies on the internet)
Is it “do the best we know” or “this is how I was told” attitude and hope for the best?
We've always tried our hardest to be above board and accountable. However, IF you attended a seminar by Michael Chitwood, just know that he makes money by scaring the pants off of you and getting you to buy all his materials. Most of the stuff that he talks about doesn't even apply to most churches.
Recently I attended a seminar on church management and there were some points brought out about how churches are handling the business side of the church.
I attended a seminar put on by Bro. Delano Sherley, an OP CPA who specializes in Church finances. I believe that he is anointed by God to help the Church to get and keep its financial house in order.
I am a new pastor wanting to avoid the very appearance of sin…
We are able to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ but are often unprepared for the business side. This pertains to being of "honest report" that is mentioned several time in the New Testament. Whether a new pastor or an established pastor, big church or little church, establishing good and uniform business practices will go a long way toward removing the temptation that accompanies money. Proper checks and balances will give folks a calm assurance about the handling of money and will not get in the way of preaching the Gospel.
Everybody doing it don’t make it right…
Nor does "that's the way we've always done it". The laws change and incidents happen. This is the side of the Church that must change. Money handling is serious business. The Gospel doesn't change, but the business environment certainly does.
Questions:
Is anybody concerned about making sure the business side of the church is in order?
Absolutely. A couple of churches (one small, two large) in my area have had their financial scandals played out in the newspaper. We must be diligent stewards are the earthly blessing and resources of the church.
Luke 16:11 If therefore ye have not been faithful in the unrighteous mammon, who will commit to your trust the true riches?
Is the book keeping in house or do you use an accountant?
We use Quick Books. Church finances are not overly complex...once you know and understand what you're doing. You may want an accountant who specializes in Church Financials, or, at the very least, one who understands non-profit organization, to help you get started. This will cost you a little bit of money; it is money well spent.
Do you feel you could survive an audit from the IRS? (Before answering look up some case studies on the internet)
Your best protection is being legal and ethical. Establishing good and uniform business practices that conform to the law of the land (federal, state, and municipal) will offer you your greatest protection.
Luke 20:25 And he said unto them, Render therefore unto Caesar the things which be Caesar's, and unto God the things which be God's.
For the most part, Caesar still respects the Church.
Is it “do the best we know” or “this is how I was told” attitude and hope for the best?
Learn the laws (at the federal, state, and municipal levels) as they pertain to your past, present, and future activities. Don't play games with the government. Be honest. God can bless and protect the man who is righteous and honest and whose integrity is in tact.
However...
Where the laws overstep and inhibit the preaching of the Gospel of Jesus Christ or declaring His Word, listen to God rather than men and wholly follow Him.
rbennett
09-25-2011, 05:42 AM
We've always tried our hardest to be above board and accountable. However, IF you attended a seminar by Michael Chitwood, just know that he makes money by scaring the pants off of you and getting you to buy all his materials. Most of the stuff that he talks about doesn't even apply to most churches.
You are correct... It was a seminar by Michael Chitwood...And no, I did not buy any of his materials. Spending that much without any counsel is not being a good steward.
Proverbs 11:14
14 Where no counsel is, the people fall: but in the multitude of counsellors there is safety.
I am not so much scared as I am concerned. God knows my heart, that my motives are ethical, but the only thing the IRS knows is what they see on paper.
I thought the class was interesting and informative. But I am curious as to what areas the seminar covered that do not apply to most churches.
Any recommendation of some one who could help us would be appreciated.
__________________________________________________ _____
Hrea:
"You may want an accountant who specializes in Church Financials, or, at the very least, one who understands non-profit organization, to help you get started. This will cost you a little bit of money; it is money well spent."
I agree... Can you give me a contact for Bro. Delano Sherley.
Make It A Good Day....
seguidordejesus
09-25-2011, 09:12 AM
Don't take 100% of the tithes - you'll be surprised how much your salary goes up if you don't :D
I am not so much scared as I am concerned. God knows my heart, that my motives are ethical, but the only thing the IRS knows is what they see on paper.
The IRS likes straightforward, honest dealings. They're really not into playing the "gotcha game", but they do want you to play by the rules. If you declare yourself to be a non-profit, christian church, then they want you to behave as a non-profit, christian church. They may seem big and scary, but our Lord is so much greater than they are.
Can you give me a contact for Bro. Delano Sherley.
Here a website that lists some of his company's services: Delano Sherley & Associates (http://hstrial-delanosherleyand.homestead.com/firm.html)
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