5 Key Questions to Move Your Ministry into 2026
By Analiese Rivera
As we approach 2026, a fresh wind of possibility is stirring for your church or ministry. God has placed a unique calling on your heart, and now is the time to align your steps with His vision.
In this blog, I’ll share five critical questions every pastor and ministry leader should ask to start 2026 with clarity, compliance, and confidence.
Setting a Strong Foundation for 2026
By prayerfully exploring these questions, you’ll equip your ministry to thrive in the year ahead while safeguarding its mission and resources.
Question 1: "Are my board meeting records complete for 2025?"
Your ministry’s board meeting minutes are more than paperwork; they’re a testament to your commitment to integrity and legal compliance. These records show that your decisions align with your mission and meet regulatory standards.
Review whether minutes were documented for all 2025 board meetings. Ensure they accurately reflect discussions, decisions, and actions, and confirm that each set was reviewed and approved at the next meeting. If minutes are incomplete or missing, your board can retroactively document decisions through ratification of prior acts, using best estimates for dates and details.
Question 2: "Is my board aligned with our vision for 2026?"
A board united in purpose is essential for advancing God’s call. As you plan for the new year, evaluate whether your current board members share your ministry’s heart and goals. Whether welcoming new members, accepting resignations, or removing those no longer suited to serve, per your bylaws, remember to accurately record any changes in your minutes.
A cohesive board will empower your ministry to pursue its 2026 vision with boldness.
Question 3: "Have I updated compensation plans for my team?"
The new year is an ideal time to review and approve compensation for your ministers and staff. Clarity is key, whether you’re compensating someone for the first time or adjusting existing packages. Determine if each team member is classified as a ministerial or regular employee, as this affects tax obligations and compliance.
All compensation must be board-approved before distribution. A well-crafted compensation plan honors your team while keeping your ministry compliant. Need help? Call us at 770-638-3444x or explore our Compensation Suite!
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Question 4: "Is my ministry equipped to manage donations effectively?"Faithful stewardship includes handling donations with care and transparency. Can you distinguish between restricted and designated gifts? Are you prepared to process noncash donations, such as property or vehicles? Do you have a secure, consistent system for counting tithes and offerings?
These practices ensure compliance and build trust with donors seeking tax deductions. Consider adopting our Giving Halo software to simplify donation tracking and reporting, ensuring your ministry is a faithful steward of every gift.
Question 5: "How can we expand our resources beyond traditional giving?"
God often calls us to think creatively to sustain His work. Relying solely on tithes and offerings can limit your ministry’s potential. A ministry-owned for-profit business could be the “new wineskin” God has for you in 2026, generating additional revenue to fuel your mission.
This for-profit arm, as outlined in Internal Revenue Code section 502, operates as a standard business but directs tax-free profits to your ministry through donations or dividends. Explore this opportunity to diversify your income and reduce reliance on donations alone. Click below for details!
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We’re Here to Support Your Vision!
Pastors and leaders, we’re praying for you as you embrace God’s call for 2026. If you need guidance on these questions or any aspect of ministry management, call 770-638-3444 or schedule a consultation with our specialists.
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