Ensure that your church’s bank deposits are safe…no matter which bank you use! By Mike Batts, CPA Remote work is still a strong force after the COVID-19 pandemic, with many businesses allowing their employees to work remotely. Remote work’s lingering reality has significantly reduced the demand for commercial office and business space. The resulting increase […]
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By Rev. James Cook, CFP®, RICP® Becoming a homeowner is an important financial goal for many people and is viewed as a significant “step up the financial ladder.” But if you have never purchased a home before, the decisions and process can seem daunting. In this article, we will give a general overview of […]
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By RaeAnn Slaybaugh They say change is hard — but sometimes, it’s worth it. Such is the case at Immanuel Baptist Church, where leaders are discovering the benefits of outsourcing their accounting services: better oversight, increased efficiency, more transparency/accessibility, and cost savings. It was even instrumental in recovering nearly $200,000 in “lost” online gifts […]
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Churches desiring to employ an audit with respect to their financial operations may opt for various approaches depending on their size, scope, and complexity. By Mike Batts, CPA Audits are conducted by parties who are either external or internal to the church. Smaller churches use internal accountability processes typically performed by members of the churches’ […]
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Does my church really need them? From Thrivent Church Financing We talk to church leaders every day. Our team understands your concerns about meeting your ministry’s needs today and tomorrow. We’re going to set out to convince you that saving for a “rainy day” is being a good steward — and generous and wise […]
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By Colin Nass, CFP®, AEP®, RICP® You have been saving for retirement and your account has been growing steadily. Maybe your employer provides an annual matching contribution that has been a great incentive to build up your 403(b) or 401(k) retirement account — and with favorable interest rates and investments, it has turned into a […]
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Third-party ministry accounting, payroll services can be a Godsend for church leaders who are overwhelmed, uncertain — or both By RaeAnn Slaybaugh Change is hard — but does it need to be? Surprisingly, if we’re talking about outsourcing your church’s financial systems and processes, the answer is no. At least, that’s what these three […]
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Consider these in-the-trenches, professional perspectives Church Executive: With interest rates as they are, is it still a good time to consider refinancing? Charity Kuehn: Every situation is a little different. There will be times when you’ll be forced to refinance during a higher-interest-rate environment because your loan comes due. If so, there are lots […]
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By Chris Lewis Over the last year, a dramatic shift in interest rates has served to stall a large portion of refinancing efforts. The difference in the rate a church is currently paying, and the existing market rates, is substantial in many cases. This is creating an appropriate pause in ministry refinancing because the […]
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A major building project is something typical pastors undertake only once or twice in their careers, if ever. Many potential pitfalls loom without the right guidance, and far too many pastors are essentially “flying blind” when they start out. It can even lead them to burnout … and leaving their churches behind. To this end, […]
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