A conflict of interest in a church setting is any situation where a person’s personal interests could improperly influence—or appear to influence—their decisions on behalf of the church. Churches rely heavily on trust, stewardship, and integrity, so even the...
Why Onboarding Matters When someone accepts the call to serve on a church board, they step into a role that is both sacred and strategic. It is sacred because board members are entrusted with the spiritual mission of the congregation; it is strategic because they are...
You’ve just been asked to serve on the church board. It is a humbling but exciting prospect. The position offers a chance to serve alongside ministry leaders, advance the kingdom of God and fulfills a sense of purpose in your life. The church board fulfills an...
When you assess the health of your ministry, do you just consider attendance and giving trends, or salvations and water baptisms? I’d like to encourage you to assess the strength of your financial operations and practices, as well. Here are five keys that will reduce...
Q: I’ve been elected to serve on the church board. What documents should I be familiar with to help me serve effectively? A: There are several key documents that affect the governance and administration of the church. Some of these documents will define your...
Election Day is nearing. Every year, the American people help decide who will represent this country in the White House, in Congress, and in our state and local governments. Certainly, the officials we elect each year will impact areas that are important to you, not...
The headlines are becoming more frequent—revelations that another ministry has been devastated by embezzlement or financial abuse perpetrated by a ministry leader or trusted staff member. According to studies performed by the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners,...
It’s almost a daily occurrence: there are news reports about a storm or wildfire that destroys homes, businesses, and churches. Other news stories report on vandalism or thefts in houses of worship. And unfortunately, reports of an armed individual harming...
Q: Besides campaigning for a specific candidate, what other activities can jeopardize a church’s tax exempt status? A: The IRS lists five activities that will jeopardize a church’s tax-exempt status in their Tax Guide for Churches & Religious Organizations. Only...