Church Finance Workshop
January 20-21, 2012
Location: Jetter School of Business
Cost: $60 for Friday and Saturday; $55 for Saturday only; $20 for Friday only



The registration deadline is January 13, 2012. Please call 1-888-470-0050 for more information.

Schedule of Events:

Friday Evening:
6:30-7:00 p.m.      Registration
7:00-7:45 p.m.      Welcome, Worship Time and Introductions
7:45-9:00 p.m.      Uncle Sam Wants You (Gerry Washington)

The IRS is looking closely at religious organizations as a source of funds. Is your church doing what it can to avoid adverse scrutiny? We'll provide information on a few things you should review to ensure you are squeaky clean.

Saturday Elective Seminars:

Registration
8:00-8:30 a.m.

Seminar 1
8:30-9:50 a.m.

Important Tax Changes Effective in 2012 (Jim Dalton)
Tentative- Offered if information is available by event date
Every year Congress enacts a number of tax law changes that impact ministries and churches. Court discussions and IRS rulings also provide clarification on a number of important tax issues annually. Jim Dalton will lead us through the most important changes as outlined in the Church & Clergy Tax Guide, 2012 Edition.

Church Reporting Requirements (Karol Scholz)
This is a complete overview of reporting requirements necessary to comply with federal/state/local laws including payroll processing, differences in ministerial and non-ministerial employees, and compliance issues.  This is recommended for new treasurers and those with questions about reporting.

Surviving the Annual Audit (Mark Lail)
Good accounting records and good stewardship go hand in hand. As trustees of our portion of the Kingdom, the annual audit is a necessary evaluation tool that holds us accountable to the proper stewardship of God's resources. This seminar focuses on the implementation of a complete and practical internal audit and touches on the benefits of external audits.

Human Resources, a Few Things You Can Do to Prevent Costly Staff Issues (Gerry Washington)
Good accounting records and good stewardship go hand in hand. As trustees of our portion of the Kingdom, the annual audit is a necessary evaluation tool that holds us accountable to the proper stewardship of God's resources. This seminar focuses on the implementation of a complete and practical internal audit and touches on the benefits of external audits. 

9:50- 10:10 a.m.  Break         

Seminar 2
10:10-11:30 a.m.

Charitable Contributions (Jim Dalton)
The church has a responsibility to report and/or receipt contributions of cash, goods or property.  Proper handling of contributions can prevent problems for both the donor and the recipient organization.  Case scenarios of designated contributions are included for a complete understanding of the charitable process.

I'm the Treasurer - Now What?  (Karol Scholz)
Caring for God's money is a ministry! This seminar includes practical information about fund accounting such as: setting up a chart of accounts, recording designated funds, separation of duties and reporting quality information to the church board.

Ministerial Compensation- Professional Expenses (David Johnston)
Do you ever feel like you are paying too much tax - who doesn't. One of the reasons you may actually be paying too much tax is that you are not taking full advantage of the expense reimbursements that are available. In this seminar you will learn how to change that, and which items are or are not legitimate expenses. Pastors, finance committee chairs and treasurers will benefit from this information.

Can Electronic Giving Help Fund the Ministry (Gerry Washington)
How electronic giving works and its important features. Additionally, tips on introducing On-Line Giving to the church family and using it to fund special projects.  

11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Lunch in the MVNU Dining Commons

Seminar 3
12:30-1:50 p.m.

Questions and Answers with the CPA (Jim Dalton)
Having served as the treasurer at Grove City Nazarene for 13 years and having over 20 years teaching experience as Professor of Accounting, Jim Dalton, BBA Department Chairman for Graduate and Professional Studies at MVNU will answer your questions about church finances.  Discussion will be interactive and beneficial for all participants.

Church Reporting Requirements (Karol Scholz)
This is a complete overview of reporting requirements necessary to comply with federal/state/local laws including payroll processing, differences in ministerial and non-ministerial employees, and compliance issues.  This is recommended for new treasurers and those with questions about reporting.

Heads Up in a Down Economy (Mark Lail)
These are uncertain times economically for both individuals and churches. In this workshop, Dr. Mark Lail will give you the tools to navigate the unpredictable economic currents and lead your church through difficult times to fulfill the Church's mission: to make Christlike disciples in the nations.

Ready to Retire (David Johnston)
The years march toward and past us far faster than we can even believe. Retirement, or at least the prospect for retirement draws ever closer. The best time to start making preparations is now - regardless of your age.  We will explore the three contributors to your retirement security: Social Security, Church Pension/403b, your own personal preparations.
 

1:50-2:10 p.m.  Break

Seminar 4
2:10-3:30 p.m.

Charitable Contributions (Jim Dalton)
The church has a responsibility to report and/or receipt contributions of cash, goods or property.  Proper handling of contributions can prevent problems for both the donor and the recipient organization.  Case scenarios of designated contributions are included for a complete understanding of the charitable process.

Building a Church Budget  (Karol Scholz)
Budget is not a bad word.  Find out - why do we need it, where does it come from, and how is it used?

Ministerial Compensation- Benefits, Housing and Salary (David Johnston)
Self-employment taxes, health reimbursements accounts, housing allowance, parsonages, retirement and salary, when properly structured will benefit the church as well as net the most for the Pastor.  Pastors, finance committee chairs and treasurers will benefit from this information.

From Zero to Steward in Seven Difficult Steps (Mark Lail)
Every church has them: committed givers. They are invaluable ministry partners and their influence is felt- and welcomed- throughout your entire church family. But do you have enough of them? And what happens when they are gone? How can you create a church culture that nurtures and develops generosity and tithing?  In this session we'll focus on stewarding God's most beloved resource: his people. When Christians become passionate, they become passionate givers.