Churches can be sued just like any other organization. Being sued is one of the greatest nightmares that your church can face. The potential liability can put your church at risk. There are mistakes that you should avoid because they can make a bad situation worse. You should hire an attorney immediately after you find […]
Category: Church
Mistakes Churches Make When Hiring
Hiring decisions are crucial for your church. Not only are church employees responsible for your congregants’ experience, but they are also making vital decisions on behalf of the church. If your church makes a mistake, it could cost money in terms of potential liability and wasted resources. Here are mistakes that churches make when hiring […]
What Are Important Factors to Consider When Fundraising for My Church?
Your church cannot afford to lose its tax-exempt status under any circumstances. It could affect your ability to raise donations. When your church fundraises, several considerations come into play. You must have an agenda and policies ahead of time so there are no mistakes. Otherwise, donors would be unable to take a tax deduction for […]
How Can I Ensure I Build a Strong Board of Directors?
Oversight is critical for any nonprofit organization, and churches are no different. While church employees carry out their responsibilities and provide spiritual guidance for the congregants, each church needs a qualified board to set the direction and make significant decisions. Selecting people for the board and outlining their responsibilities requires great foresight. A strong, pragmatic, […]
Why Is Liability Protection Important for Churches?
Churches can be sued just like any other legal entity. It may take one large claim against the church to drain all the assets and potentially force your institution into bankruptcy. Many things can go wrong that could injure a worshipper and give rise to a lawsuit. Churches can protect themselves through liability insurance covering […]
Drafting Effective Church Bylaws: A Guide for Nonprofit Leaders
Churches must incorporate as non-profit organizations under the laws of their states. Any incorporated entity, even a non-profit, must have a number of governing documents. One of the key requirements is that a church has bylaws that specify how it will be run. Not only must churches pay close attention when drafting their bylaws, but […]
The Basics of Church Formation: Incorporating a Church and Obtaining Tax-Exempt Status
Churches receive special tax treatment from the IRS and the Commonwealth of Virginia. Not only are they exempt from income tax, but they also get numerous other tax breaks. Before churches can receive this favorable treatment, they must be properly incorporated and meet a number of IRS tests. There are two primary things that you […]
How to Protect the Legal Assets of My Church
Church leaders in Virginia need to be aware of the legal protections available to them and their organizations. By taking proactive steps to protect your church’s assets, you can safeguard your congregation’s livelihood in the event of a legal dispute. This article will discuss some key measures that you can take to protect your church’s […]
What Should Churches Do to Avoid Discriminatory Hiring Practices?
Churches are places of worship where people come together to find spiritual guidance, pass along religious traditions to younger generations and find comfort with a higher power. At the same time, churches are still organizations that employ a staff of individuals, from the church’s minister and youth pastors to music directors, and administrative and maintenance […]
What Are Reasons Churches Should Outsource Their Bookkeeping?
Churches exist for the sole purpose of practicing religion. To operate successfully, every church has a mission, and although churches vary in denomination, every church sets a goal as to how to grow the congregation and do right by its members and attendees. Churches need funds for service and outreach, among other charitable and operational […]