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Rich’s 15 Must-Knows for Pastors

Insights to help you successfully navigate the complexities of church administration.

Bio

Your training to serve as a pastor prepared you to write sermons and guide the spiritual life of a congregation. But what about the administrative side of ministry? Attorney and CPA Richard R. Hammar knows only too well that pastors struggle with budgeting, understanding housing allowances, or running a business meeting.

In his 30-plus years of working with churches, he’s discovered 15 areas that frequently trip up new, and seasoned, pastors. Below are short reads on each topic to give you an overview and then links to in-depth articles for greater insight.

Rich’s 15 Must-Knows for Pastors: Governing Documents

Understand the importance of church constitution and bylaws.

Richard R. Hammar

Rich’s 15 Must-Knows for Pastors: Parliamentary Procedure

Learn the basics of running church meetings.

Richard R. Hammar

Rich’s 15 Must-Knows for Pastors: Church Insurance

Determine if your church has the right insurance.

Richard R. Hammar

Rich’s 15 Must-Knows for Pastors: Child Abuse Reporting

Learn what it means to be a mandatory reporter and state-by-state reporting requirements.

Richard R. Hammar

Rich’s 15 Must-Knows for Pastors: Incorporation

Learn the fundamentals of incorporating a church and how it affects church governance.

Richard R. Hammar

Rich’s 15 Must-Knows for Pastors: Clergy-Penitent Privilege

Learn what statements or conversations are considered “privileged.”

Richard R. Hammar

Rich’s 15 Must-Knows for Pastors: Accountable Reimbursement Arrangements

Review the four specific requirements for business expense reimbursements.

Richard R. Hammar

Rich’s 15 Must-Knows for Pastors: Ministerial Exception

The law doesn’t always protect pastors from employment discrimination.

Richard R. Hammar

Rich’s 15 Must-Knows for Pastors: Housing Allowances

Understand how to properly set this significant pastoral benefit.

Richard R. Hammar

Rich’s 15 Must-Knows for Pastors: Taxable Income

Correctly report tax liability with this helpful reference guide.

Richard R. Hammar

Rich’s 15 Must-Knows for Pastors: Public Accommodations Laws

Understand how discrimination laws affect which outside groups can use church facilities.

Richard R. Hammar

Rich’s 15 Must-Knows for Pastors: Excess Benefit Transactions

Learn what common practices may expose pastors (especially senior pastors) to substantial excise tax.

Richard R. Hammar

Rich’s 15 Must-Knows for Pastors: Inspecting Church Records

Know when to say “yes” to a request to view confidential information.

Richard R. Hammar

Rich’s 15 Must-Knows for Pastors: Embezzlement Prevention

Implement an effective system of internal control.

Richard R. Hammar

Webinar: Rich Hammar’s 15 Must-Knows for Pastors

On-Demand Webinar: Attorney Richard R. Hammar identifies 15 topics that frequently trip up pastors and church administrators.

Richard R. Hammar

The editorial team of Church Law & Tax is made up of Matthew Branaugh, attorney-at-law, and Rick Spruill, digital content manager.

This content is designed to provide accurate and authoritative information in regard to the subject matter covered. It is sold with the understanding that the publisher is not engaged in rendering legal, accounting, or other professional service. If legal advice or other expert assistance is required, the services of a competent professional person should be sought. "From a Declaration of Principles jointly adopted by a Committee of the American Bar Association and a Committee of Publishers and Associations." Due to the nature of the U.S. legal system, laws and regulations constantly change. The editors encourage readers to carefully search the site for all content related to the topic of interest and consult qualified local counsel to verify the status of specific statutes, laws, regulations, and precedential court holdings.