Long before I entertained the idea of being on staff at a large church, I was asked by our Executive Pastor to go to dinner with a candidate for our open Children’s Pastor position. I remember thinking, Why would you want me—someone who is not on...
Churches employ people to help them fulfill their mission. These valuable contributors make the church happen! Most organizations understand the importance of screening job candidates before hiring them. However, there is so much to learn when someone leaves. Many organizations use exit interviews as a forum to learn. If...
It might sound like something included in a benefits package alongside nap lounges and smoothie bars, but offering your employees unlimited PTO is not only totally doable, it could have a really positive impact on your organization and culture. So what is "Unlimited PTO"? Unlimited Paid...
Providing generous benefits for church employees is part of a strategy that is used to attract and retain key employees. Benefits vary greatly by the organization and can be as simple as health insurance for church employees to as complex as flexible work schedules or on-campus daycare. Benefit packages come...
Travel can be one of the most problematic areas for many of your self-employed ministers. The crux of the matter is defining when a drive is a commute and when it’s a deductible travel expense. This definition depends crucially on the minister’s principal place of ministry. Driving...
There are no standard amounts for housing allowance as a whole. The IRS guidelines say to use the fair market rental value of your housing and housing expenses (i.e., gas, electric, cable, etc.). There are housing allowance worksheets to help pastors figure out the...
While Internal Revenue Code is definitely not the most exciting topic, Section 107 is good to know as it does offer some benefit to ministers. This is where the minister’s housing allowance is addressed. Here it is: “In the case of a minister of the gospel,...
As a church leader, addressing an employee’s fluctuating performance or initiating conversations about termination is an undesirable part of the job. However, these conversations don't have to be uncomfortable or awkward. Difficult dialogues can be successful and fruitful when done right. Here are 4 strategies to...
Though most churches don’t often employ fully remote staff members, you likely have staff that enjoy the benefits of occasional remote work: think of the pastor meeting a congregant for lunch; the worship team that plans at a local coffee shop; the children’s director that...
If the church or religious organization reimburses or advances the employee for business expenses, but the arrangement does not satisfy the three requirements of an accountable plan, the amounts paid to the employees are considered wages subject to FICA taxes and income tax withholding, if...