Operating without an annual budget In fairness, there are very few churches that do not have some form of budget. The key words in this caption are “operating without”. The main point here is that even though most churches do have some type of budget written on paper, far too many operate as if they […]
Avoidance means to succeed in keeping away from something dangerous or undesirable. Conversely, the opposite of avoid is to confront. In church administration, the only way to avoid dangerous situations is to proactively confront, or face down, certain ideas, attitudes and practices within the church. In doing so, an administrator’s life as a church leader […]
That’s right! Even though churches normally do not have to file a tax return (most nonprofits have to file an informational return annually – IRS form 990), there is certain information that you must collect and provide to the IRS. And I’m not talking about payroll tax information – 941 and W-2 forms. If you […]
I have a friend who has reminded me to be thankful for annoying things such as the red light I am stopped at, because I am privileged enough to live in a country that has roads, and orderly ones at that. This same attitude can be applied to taxes—thankfulness for them and for the ability […]
Both, a statement and a question! Knowing what the organization owes as well as having confidence you have a complete and accurate picture really takes little to no effort. Start with a review of the debt amortization schedule. This schedule should require all note obligations and commitments including mortgage, loans, and leases. Review the schedule […]
At that announcement the line begins to form. Cash disbursements are easily the most manipulated, error prone process of any organization. Without proper controls and oversight in place, and in practice, money doesn’t have to grow legs and walk – it gets handed out. Maintaining an internal audit process of this area is essential and […]
I am a “youngster” when it comes to accounting, and especially accounting for churches and non-profits. One thing that has caught me off guard about the inner world of some non-profits (some churches!) is their excessive desire for funds and financial position. Most churches seem to get it right; some do not. In my subconscious […]
“Jehoiada the priest took a chest and bored a hole in its lid…” (2 Kings 12:9) Frustrated by the lack of action, Joash takes matters into his own hands. At the king’s command a chest was made and a hole bored in its lid. The chest was then placed by the altar and […]
“Joash did what was right in the eyes of the LORD all the years Jehoiada the priest instructed him.” (2 Kings 12:2) Joash “came to power” at the ripe old age of seven. His life can be divided into two stark contrasting periods: The time when Jehoiada was high priest. – Joash was instrumental in […]
(About Church Business) It is extremely difficult but I try not to bring my work home with me. However, my thoughts often drift to finding ways to help churches while not in the workplace. For example, occasionally during my personal Bible study time I will see examples of good, as well as bad, financial […]