finance/finances


	Using Quickbooks Online at Your Church Posted on September 13, 2010, 8:34 pm \| 1 comment Topics: Getting Started, How-To More and more software programs are becoming available online or 'in the cloud'. Currently, there are several popular services like Google Docs or now Microsoft Office Web Apps that make working in the cloud advantageous. Recently, Intuit unveiled Quickbooks Online which allows an organization to manage their books, run reports and more online. Now those who keep track of the church's finances and books can do so in the cloud. Read more »
	Cell Tower Leases--Do's and Don'ts Posted on August 25, 2010, 10:45 am \| 1 comment Topics: Facility Here are basic suggestions for a church which is approached about leasing space for a cell tower or antenna. Read more »
	Salesforce for Church - Part II Posted on August 19, 2010, 5:45 pm \| 10 comments Topics: Communication, Getting Started, How-To, Marketing Let me explain right away: This article is not about how to use Salesforce to sell anything. Sounds kind of like those telemarketers, doesn't it? "I'm not trying to sell you anything, I'm just taking a survey." Right. Salesforce, like Google Apps, is available to non-profits for free, so I truly am not selling anything. I am writing this article to tell you about how I've set up Salesforce for our church to track membership and our offerings. This is part two of a two part series on Salesforce. To read part I, click here. Read more »
	Salesforce for Church - Part I Posted on August 10, 2010, 10:29 pm \| 3 comments Topics: Communication, Getting Started, How-To, Marketing Let me explain right away: This article is not about how to use Salesforce to sell anything. Sounds kind of like those telemarketers, doesn't it? "I'm not trying to sell you anything, I'm just taking a survey." Right. Salesforce, like Google Apps, is available to non-profits for free. I am writing this article to tell you about how I've set up Salesforce for our church to track membership and our offerings. This is part one of a two part series on Salesforce. Read more »
	Funding for Today and Tomorrow Posted on July 22, 2010, 2:18 pm Topics: Financial Management This article from the Alban Institute discusses how "members legitimately expect the congregation to serve them; at the same time, they know--or need to learn--that the mission is to transform the lives of people who have yet to cross the threshold" of faith. Read more »
	Impact of Health Care Reform Issues for Nonprofits Posted on July 19, 2010, 9:35 am Topics: Organization The federal health care reform law and other recent tax acts will have some impact on churches and ministries. Dan Busby lists some of these for your review in this blog. Read more »
	Leading the Church in Ministries of Mercy Posted on June 28, 2010, 4:25 pm Topics: Organization Should we change our staffing in larger churches so we are more intentional about mercy ministries? What have you done that works? How are you engaging members at your church in mercy ministries? Read more »
	Resources for Planning Church Construction Posted on June 16, 2010, 2:29 pm Topics: Facility If your church is planning a building or remodeling project, the CRC Loan Fund suggests some resources that you may find valuable as you begin the planning process. Read more »
	Managing Temporarily Restricted Gifts and Grants Posted on June 8, 2010, 10:38 am Topics: Financial Management Gifts that are received with donor restrictions must be applied according to the donors' wishes. This article includes accounting procedures for handling the designated funds appropriately in the church. Read more »
	Funding for Church Building Accessibility Posted on May 24, 2010, 11:44 am Topics: Accessibility For building improvements, there are three foundations of which we are aware that will give accessibility grants to churches in specific regions. Read more »
	Expense Reimbursement Plan Posted on May 5, 2010, 4:05 pm Topics: Financial Management Pastor Gray attended a conference two months ago and today you received a handwritten note from him itemizing his expenses without any receipts. What are you to do? Read more »
	Conduct a Job Evaluation Posted on April 29, 2010, 9:21 am Topics: Personnel Job evaluation is a tool used to evaluate the worth of each job in your organization. Read more »
	Reimburse Ministerial Expenses Legally Posted on April 21, 2010, 1:40 pm Topics: Financial Management Since ministers are not allowed to deduct church related business expenses from their local church employment as self-employed workers, often ministers and other church employees pay unnecessary income taxes on legitimate business expenses. Read more »
	Money Management Matters Posted on April 1, 2010, 11:33 am Topics: Financial Management "You are responsible for every dollar God provides for your ministry. No matter how many people are in your congregation, you can't overlook the need to maintain integrity with these financial resources. People don't give money because of good financial management, but they'll stop giving without it." (p. 146, Simply Strategic Stuff by Tim Stevens and Tony Morgan). Read more »
	Safeguard the Church Treasury Posted on March 31, 2010, 11:54 am Topics: Financial Management Lack of wisdom or integrity in people who handle expenses will often have an adverse affect on a church budget. Congregants may give less if they lose faith in how church leaders are spending money. The church might want to consider the following safeguards on receiving and disbursing funds. Read more »