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
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
Recommended Reading Key Employee Issues Unique to Churches—and How to Navigate Them Several employee issues that are unique to churches can have a material effect on whether a ministry succeeds or fails. The Editors
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 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
Minimum Wage and Overtime Pay Requirements May Apply to More Church Employees A look at how the recent withdrawal of the Independent Contractor Rule by the Biden administration affects churches. Richard R. Hammar
Q&A: Can Church Employees Receive Tax-Free Assistance for COVID-Related Hardships? Section 139 of the Internal Revenue Code allows you to offer nontaxable financial help for expenses directly related to the coronavirus. Frank Sommerville
Recommended Reading How to Prevent Sexual Harassment in Your Church New research confirms it does happen in ministry and the trend isn't changing. The Editors
How Churches Can Apply for the Paycheck Protection Program What leaders should know—including a change extending the application deadline to August 8, 2020. Ted Batson
An Overview of the CARES Act for Churches Key highlights from the government’s $2.2 trillion stimulus plan responding to COVID-19. Richard R. Hammar
What We Know: Tax Payments and Filings for Churches and Individuals How the coronavirus is affecting the current tax season—and beyond. The Editors
How to Prepare W-2s for Church Employees, Including Ministers How a church reports taxable income and withheld income taxes for employees and ministers on the Form W-2. Richard R. Hammar
Is Your Church Paying Fair Salaries? Attracting and keeping quality employees while practicing good stewardship. Matt Steen
How to Investigate a Sexual Harassment Allegation Seven steps to take when an allegation arises—and when outside help may prove wisest. William R. Thetford Jr. and H. Robert Showers
Seven Steps for Creating an Effective Sexual Harassment Policy A strong sexual harassment policy policy not only can provide protection for all involved, but also can serve as a deterrent. William R. Thetford Jr. and H. Robert Showers
4 Ways to Make an Agenda Work for You Consider which approach may work best for your meetings. Sarah E. Merkle
Retirement Savings and the Rule of 72s What pastors and church staff can learn about the power of compounding. Richard R. Hammar
What You Need to Know About Negotiating a Raise How both employees and their supervisors should approach the conversation. Christen Gall
Are Your Church IT Policies Too Restrictive? Promote collaboration across church staff with these key reminders. Caitlin Edwards