Fed Rolls Out New Form I-9, Sunsets Key COVID-19 Deferment The new Form I-9 is for churches, too, and remote examination is an option. Richard R. Hammar
The Top 10 Articles on Church Law & Tax in 2021 HR topics of greatest interest; plus the 5 top viewed webinars. The Editors
Recommended Reading Key Employee Issues Unique to Churches—and How to Navigate Them How the ministerial exception, job descriptions, internships, and employee handbooks can make your ministry sink or swim. The Editors
Part 3 of 6 Internships: Blessings or Blind Spots? Here’s how churches can avoid tripping up on important legal, tax, and risk management issues with interns. Frank Sommerville
Part 4 of 6 The Importance of a Legally Sound Employee Handbook A handbook not only protects the church and its staff—it also helps create a healthy relationship between employer and employee. Frank Sommerville
Part 1 of 6 Applying the Ministerial Exception to Church Employees Understanding this key legal doctrine, how it works, and when it matters—or doesn’t—for specific positions. Frank Sommerville
Part 2 of 6 Developing Strong Job Descriptions for Employees and Volunteers Well-crafted job descriptions are critical to each church’s mission and proper functioning. Frank Sommerville
Read the Latest Update Key Loan Forgiveness Program Change May Help Church Workers with Student Debt Education department expands eligibility after 2017 Trinity Lutheran decision—but acceptance is still no certainty. Matthew Branaugh
Q&A: Are Group Health Sharing Plan Costs Eligible for FSA Reimbursement? Current guidance suggests no—unless it is part of a fully developed and compliant self-insured health plan. Elaine L. Sommerville
Are We Keeping It Confidential? Nine question checklist to ensure financial and personal confidentiality. The Editors
Q&A: Should Policies and Procedures Be Separate Documents? A church business manager shares best practices learned through the process. Mark Simmons
Q&A: What Do We Need to Know About Outsourcing Financial Tasks? Keep these factors mind: cost, security, and savings. David Fletcher
How Can Churches Treat Their Staffs Well? An experienced executive pastor offers insights on compensation, job descriptions, and more. Interview with David Fletcher by Bob Smietana
4 Ways to Make an Agenda Work for You Consider which approach may work best for your meetings. Sarah E. Merkle
The Changing Face of the Executive Pastor Role A longtime XP discusses what is changing for a position once limited to large churches. Interview with David Fletcher by Matthew Branaugh
What You Need to Know About Negotiating a Raise How both employees and their supervisors should approach the conversation. Christen Gall
Five Tips for Finance Professionals Joining a Church Staff Experts emphasize the unique rules and dynamics churches face. Bobby Ross Jr.
5 Digital Tools for Managing Church Volunteers Some handy electronic resources with the potential to revolutionize your volunteer management. Alexandria Kuo
Effective IT on a Church Budget How to get the most bang for your buck when buying and maintaining computers and other technology. Interview by Bobby Ross Jr.