The Conference
The Church Compliance & Ministry Empowerment Conference began in 2006 in response to client demand. For years, pastors and other ministers pleaded with us to put together a teaching session where they could come and learn the essentials for operating their church or ministry according to best practices. The result is an intensive, all-day event that empowers pastors and other ministry leaders to protect their churches and ministries, maximize ministerial income, minimize taxes...AND avoid problems with the IRS.
This conference is especially critical for pastors, board members, trustees, administrators, advisors, bookkeepers, treasurers...anyone with responsibility for the business of the ministry.
As a participant in the Church Compliance & Ministry Empowerment Conference, you will get:A full day of intensive, empowering information. This is essential information that you simply cannot do without. The problem is that you are unlikely to hear this anywhere else. Why? Well, the answer is pretty stark: For the most part, the legal and accounting professions have completely overlooked the needs of the church and ministry community. It's not a profit center for them. As a result, most pastors and churches don't have the knowledge they need to take full advantage of the benefits available to them. And even more worrisome is that most churches unknowingly violate IRS code on a regular basis...something that in this day of ever-increasing IRS scrutiny is very dangerous indeed.
A 300-page conference manual for take-home reference. When we say "conference manual", we're talking textbook. The conference manual is your take-home resource for more in-depth discussion of the topics covered, bonus information concerning important topics we cannot take time to cover in the session, as well as exhibits, templates, blank forms...tons of stuff...that will make your utilization of the information learned a lot easier. Our conference manual is worth the price of the conference many times over!
A great lunch...on us! That's right...we don't just feed your brain and spirit, we give you a nice meal to boot.
The opportunity to meet and network with other church leaders in your area. Attendees have told us time and again how much they appreciate the chance to get to know other churches and ministries in their area. We often see attendees still mingling and trading business cards more than an hour after the conference ends.
Consider These
Facts...
The Good:That current tax law allows churches to set up life-time, tax-free income for pastors when they retire?
That because of favorable tax laws, a $50,000 ministerial income could be the equivalent of $80,000?
That a Community Development Corporation (CDC) could be the best way to raise all the funds you'll ever need for outreach?
The Bad:That if your church or ministry pays out reimbursements without adopting a Section 62 reimbursement plan, those that receive the reimbursement have to pay income taxes on it?
That paying a guest speaker an honorarium without W9 information makes the church liable for a 28% penalty?
That cash donations may no longer be deductible to the donor?
The Ugly:That failure to issue 1099s to paid musicians or other service providers can result in fines as high as $10,000?
That paying a guest minister cash from the offering is considered a criminal offense?
That pastoral salary packages adopted without a written compensation contract could result in a 200% IRS penalty?
During the conference, we will cover many topics that are absolutely critical to operating your church or ministry in a way that simultaneously benefits the church and pastor while protecting all involved from the ever increasing scrutiny by the government, such as:
How to Maximize the Unique Financial Benefits Available to Ministers
Very few ministers in the US take full advantage of the benefits their unique tax status affords them. The sad fact is, most ministers pay FAR more in taxes than legally required. Well, that doesn't have to be you! With the information you will learn at this conference, you can take home more money, pay less taxes and secure the financial future of your family. During this session, you'll learn:Why the ministerial housing allowance - properly applied - is the single greatest tax shelter available to anyone...and it's only available to ministers! We have identified 18 items that need to be calculated with your housing allowance and we will teach you how to use them correctly. You might even eliminate your income taxes altogether!
How you can take advantage of the unique opportunity for clergy to opt-out of paying Social Security taxes...without jeopardizing your Social Security benefits at retirement. Sounds too good to be true? Only because you don't know how it works. It's IRS code (Section 1402(e)), specifically for ministers! We'll show you.
How you likely qualified for the Earned Income Credit last year, but were told by your CPA that you made too much money. He was misinformed. This is one of the least understood issues for tax accountants. Be prepared this year.
That the money you are spending on medical expenses could be a tax-free benefit from your church under Code Section 105b...but only if it's done correctly. You'll learn how.
How churches can legally provide for the long-term care of the pastors' spouse in the event of the pastor's death.
Plus, you'll learn all about the Deferred Housing Allowance. No, it's not the same as above - but it is just as valuable to your financial security...maybe more! It's a better retirement vehicle than any 401k, 403b, IRA...you name it...AND, it's tax free! Like many of the topics we'll discuss, this one is available only to ministers - and your financial advisor has probably never heard of it. Now, you will!
The Compliance Requirements That You Cannot Afford to Get Wrong
Does this sound like your church...? You've got a great congregation, willing volunteers, God is blessing your church, and, as far as you know, you are doing everything you are supposed to be doing...at least, you hope so. Truth is, you don't really think about the legal side of things all that much. As long as the bills are paid and there are no major issues, then life is good. Oh, if only it were that simple! We'll get you out of your complacency and teach you the things you must get right today. This segment will teach you:How your bylaws can be written to protect the pastor from being unfairly voted out and still satisfy IRS requirements. This is a biggie. Pastors have to be accountable, but they don't have to be helpless. Your God-ordained role as pastor can be preserved and still satisfy the IRS. You'll learn how.
Why licensed and ordained ministers who are fully able to marry and bury may not be considered ministers for tax purposes by the IRS. Failure to understand what is legally required could cost you big in lost tax savings...even substantial penalties and interest if you claimed ministerial status improperly. Frighteningly, most ministers are at risk - AND, the IRS is ramping up its enforcement! Don't be blindsided...We'll teach you how to get this right.
The new rules concerning cash contributions and why they will not be tax deductible to your donors - unless, you follow a very specific set of procedures. The vast majority of churches in America do not even know about the new laws, but that will not stop the IRS from enforcing them. Many churches and their donors are in for a big surprise. Protect your givers - it's easy and we'll show you how.
Why the lack of properly recorded board and business meeting proceedings is leaving your church extremely vulnerable to lawsuits, IRS audits...even massive penalties - and in the worst cases, revocation of tax-exempt status. This is not just someone else's problem...it's happening all around and you must get serious about it. Fortunately, it's not difficult, just misunderstood. After this session, you'll know what to do.
The Secrets to Avoiding the IRS Danger Zone
What you don't know CAN hurt you! Contrary to what some are saying, the IRS is not seeking to persecute churches...BUT, they are seriously cracking down on the laws governing all nonprofit, tax-exempt organizations - including churches. The IRS Code contains 265 areas that pertain to churches...265! Some are trivial, while others could cost you big if you don't follow the law. Given that the IRS has as a goal to examine 1 out of 3 churches in America within the next 5 years, you must know how to protect yourself. You'll learn:How to avoid the 10 most common IRS pitfalls. These are the areas you are most likely to get wrong...AND, that have the most potential to wreck your day.
The potentially devastating consequences for violating code Section 7611, and how it could cost your church corporately, your trustees individually...even your church members! Sounds scary? It is. But you don't have to be at risk. We'll make sure you know what to change to be safe.
The fact that most churches violate code Section 4958 while being certain they are doing things right. Odds are, you're one of them. Ignorance of the law will not suffice. God is graceful; the IRS is not! The good news is, it's all fixable and you'll learn how.
Why Starting a CDC Could be the Best Move Your Church Makes This Year
Chances are, you've been hearing a lot about CDCs, or Community Development Corporations. These entities are great tools for serving your community and giving you potential access to grants typically off-limits to churches. You'll walk away knowing:Exactly what a CDC is and why it may make sense for your church to start one. Most people completely misunderstand the whole CDC issue. Get informed!
How government agencies and grant makers view CDCs and why yours must be set up correctly. Don't worry...we'll tell you how.
How to properly position the partnership between your church and CDC. Getting this one wrong will likely render your CDC pointless.
Why your CDC's name could make or break you with grant makers. You've heard the old question, "What's in a name?". Trust us, everything! As soon as you hear this, you will understand.
AND MUCH, MUCH MORE!
SATISFACTION GUARANTEED!
We're so confident that you will walk away from this conference inspired, empowered and emboldened that will be gladly refund your registration fee if you are not. We'll even let you keep your conference manual if you purchased one. You can't lose!
Check out our testimonials. There's a reason we've never had to issue a refund!
Here's What Your Peers Have Been Saying
"Excellent and informative...This will definitely empower us in our ministry."
Sharlene Stevenson
Redemption Ministries
"There was so much I didn't know prior to this conference. Thank you for sharing your knowledge at such a low cost and for changing the way we will manage our church. God bless you!"
Pastor Michael Aponte
Iglesia Pentecostal Luz En El Camino
"A wonderful help! All churches, new and old, need this conference."
Doris Davis
United Saints Assembly
"This conference was incredibly practical and life giving. You gave me the tools so that I could effectively work the ministry."
Heather Drake
First Love Church
"This conference provides a wealth of information to anyone serious about ministry and the business of the church. What a blessing to the body of Christ."
Rev. Maurice Allen, Sr.
A Better Way Global Church
"The information shared was very informative!"
Krystal Reatherstone
Greater New Kingdom Church
"Our church was planted a year ago. I am about to go full-time in ministry and we are preparing to incorporate as a church. This information was just what I needed and (was) just in time. I have an MBA and 13 years of business experience, but it would have taken me a long time to find all the answers that you have given me in one day."
Pastor Todd Stevens
Friendship Community Church
"StartCHURCH™ has helped us to get everything set up right the way God wants it to be. Thank you!"
Pastor Sammy & Sallie Brown
Faith Soul Outreach Ministries
"Excellent material! Whether you're just getting started or you've been in ministry for many years, you need this vital information to maintain excellence."
Rev. Sam DeLemos
Victory Fellowship Church
"This was a wonderful conference. Please keep doing what God has given you to do. So many people really need this teaching."
Tanya Stevenson
Just Him Ministries
"This (conference) provided a wealth of needed information. My only regret is not knowing about this sooner. I will definitely spread the word about this conference!"
Rev. Freddie Frazier
Disciples of Christ Worship Center
"This was by far the best information and resource conference for churches I've ever attended."
Pastor Tehran Frazier
Disciples of Christ Worship Center
"This conference is one of the best kept secrets around today and should be shared with every church."
Shirley Holmes
Holy Nation Ministries
"You guys are great. I've been to other church compliance seminars and yours is simply great!"
Gwen Porter
Kingdom Connection
"This conference is a blessing...my God! Powerful! My church needed this information so desperately and I know countless other pastors need this. Praise the Lord for this conference!"
Pastor Shawn Peter Dalcour
New Jerusalem Kindom Ministries, Int'l
"This is an incredible conference. Knowledge is power...and this is empowering! We never knew the things we learned today. This is just amazing!"
Pastors Stanley and Ruth Wooten
Throne of Grace Church