Sheri Laninga
Welcome to a place to where we can help each other with knowledge and understanding in the area of church administration. I served as church administrator at Brookside CRC in Grand Rapids for 8 ½ years and now serve in the Ministers’ Pension Office in Grand Rapids. I’m a business graduate from Calvin and have been a member of CRC congregations all my life including Redlands, CA; Scottsdale, AZ; Sun Valley, CA; and Grand Rapids, MI. A couple years ago Chris Cok, the controller at the denomination, and I posted on the CRC website “Financial Resources from Churches and for Churches.” Now the site http://www.crcna.org/pages/finance.cfm is linked to the Church Administration Network. We hope you find these resources helpful in your work. If you don’t see what you need, we look forward to your questions for possible new additions. If you have something that you think would be of interest to others in the area of church administration, please send it my way so we may continue to assist each other as we faithfully serve our Lord through the use of our gifts in administration. God bless you in your service, Sheri Laninga
Posted in: Church Governance Structure: Is There a Better Way?
If you check out Church Finance and Administration Resources, you will find "Sample Church #2 Council Responsibilities" under Church Organization and Administration/Administration. This is from a church similar in size. Also, I know of another church about that size who is redoing two of their staffing positions to have 1) one position work with deacons and equipping them and the church for diaconal work and 2) the other position work with elders and other members in equipping them for providing care in the congregation. If you want more information on those positions, post a comment. The goal with these positions is to equip the members to serve. This church is interested in developing the gifts of its members and not just "hiring" staff to do the ministry.
Posted in: Is a Pastor's Retirement Gift Taxable?
Zondervan's Church and Nonprofit Tax Guide states that the "payment of the love offering is taxable and subject to payroll tax treatment...." There are three exceptions noted but these don't seem to fit the situation. It would be advisable for you to speak with a tax advisor to receive definitive word on this question.
Posted in: What Is the Best Way to Follow Up With Church Visitors?
We have used friendship registers at church for years and find them very valuable. A couple members take turns each week with entering attendance on the spreadsheet. In addition to guest information, we track member attendance also because we are a larger church. The elders then have information if one of the members hasn't attended in the last month.
Another church I know has a group of members come in every Monday morning and send out the guest letters after tracking attendance. Others have a team for visiting with fresh homemade cookies.
Posted in: Health Insurance
Brookside (in the US) offered health insurance to those regularly scheduled to work 30 hours per week or more. It was set up that we would cover 100% of the individual health insurance coverage. If a person wanted family coverage, we covered 65% of the cost of family coverage over individual coverage. In the US, churches that are covered through the denominational plan now have an option for an HSA plan. If a church changes to this lower cost insurance with a higher deductible, then the cost structure to the employee may also change. Did your church change to an HSA plan lately? How did you restructure? What are you doing with coverage?
Posted in: I Have a Question, Where Should I Put It?
Our church calls this ministry area "connections." The connections area is not just about welcoming but also fellowship activities. Our ushers still come under "Worship" but our Welcoming Center, Sunday coffee, Discovering Membership, the "Fun Bunch," etc. are all ministries in the area of "connections."
Posted in: I Have a Question, Where Should I Put It?
The "Fun Bunch" plans multigenerational fellowship activities throughout the year such as Dinner for Eight, Harvest Festival, Summer Picnic, Talent Night, Chili Cookoff, and whatever new thing they come up with!
Posted in: What Should Be Added to This Network?
Hi all,
How do churches equip members to assist elders in pastoral care? Do any churches have a pastoral care team that assists with sending cards, regular visits, phone calls, etc?
Posted in: What Should Be Added to This Network?
Hi Randy,
The samples include a description for treasurer and assistant treasurer. I'm working on the President, Clerk, etc.--good idea! I'll get back to you with info on preparing minutes also. Thanks for the great comments!
Posted in: What Should Be Added to This Network?
Hi all,
I responded by email but missed the post under comments. I have contacted a few churches and now have a sample from another church with a few duties listed for chairs. You will find "Sample Church #2 Council Responsibilities" under "Church Organization and Administration" and then "Administration." Hope this helps. I'll continue to look for other resources.
Posted in: What Should Be Added to This Network?
Here is a link to a site on "How to Take Meeting Minutes." If you google church meeting minutes, you will find other helpful sites. Maybe someone wants to put together a synopsis from these sites and post it here.
Posted in: Employee vs. Independent Contractor (US)
The post has been edited to add US! Thanks for Canadian info. If individuals would like to post blogs pertinent to Canada, let me know!
Posted in: Getting Started in Church Administration
Hi all,
Churches typically cancel activities (meetings, worship services) if there is a tornado watch posted for the start time of the event or one hour before. Also, church buildings should be closed to all if the power is off. The office does not close due to a tornado watch. If there is a tornado warning during office hours, the office staff are in the basement.