MinistryCPA - Corey A. Pfaffe, CPA, LLC

Charitable contributions are the lifeblood for most not-for-profit organizations. Every two or three years, we seek to update our Donor Management Platform Recommendations resource. The latest iteration (March 2024) compares nine programs, their costs and very brief notes or comments. It also lists contact information. Of course, it is not exhaustive and is out-of-date the moment we upload it. But if your organization is exploring new options, it offers a start. The .pdf is a work-in-progress for us, so your feedback and suggestions will be most welcome. Follow this link ( Donor Management Platform Recommendations ) or access it online under Resources at www.Ministry.CPA .

       What do I need to learn about church and Christian ministry finances?                Most of your formal training was in theology and meant to equip you for pulpit and one-on-one ministry, not organizational leadership. And there’s a lot to learn. Hopefully, as a 1 st time minister you’ll have good mentors both from more experienced ministers and from godly lay people. The Bible has much to say about financial matters. Study for yourself but also learn from others who have been devoted to its practical study. Offerings must be recorded and deposited. Expenses must be authorized and documented. Financial reports must be generated and communicated. Employees must be compensated and evaluated. Properties must be protected and maintained. Plans must be formed and implemented. Policies must be adopted and observed. See! It’s a lot! And many of these skills are not gained by “book learning.” They are learned by watching...

     How can my ministry expenses be covered?                            Many ministers use their personal autos for ministry purposes. Their employers can reimburse these costs using a standard mileage rate published by the IRS. The per mile rate represents employees’ entire reimbursable cost other than highway tolls and parking tabs. If not covered by use of the ministries’ credit card, other costs can be reimbursed as well—business and travel meals, lodging, office supplies, and professional library purchases among them. Some ministries reimburse travel costs using per-diems published by the IRS. If employee business expenses are not reimbursed, the personal tax deduction benefit to the individual minister is severely limited. Non-taxable reimbursements after documentation is provided to the employer follows IRS rules for accountable plans. Non-taxable cash advances before expenses are in...