Web Seminars
Upcoming Seminars
September 28
The Accounting of Disaster Relief and Emergency Benevolence:
Stepping up your benevolence plan in the face of disaster
with Elaine Sommerville
The huge foot prints of disaster relief needs from Hurricane Harvey and Irma have many faith based congregations and group scurrying for understanding and answers. According to USA Today, faith-based relief groups are responsible for providing nearly 80 percent of the aid delivered thus far to communities with homes and businesses devastated by the recent hurricanes.
In this seminar, Elaine Sommerville will review accounting issues around relief ministries. Consider the following questions:
•Do you have a disaster plan to provide the foundation for response when disaster strikes?
•Do you know how the church, as the employer, can help its own employees?
•How do you plan for and encourage community funding and involvement in your disaster relief efforts and reach beyond the typical membership funding sources?
•Are you up to date on IRS’s announcements 2017-11 or 2017-39?
To answer some of these questions, we will explore the use of a Section 139 disaster relief plan to meet both the needs of your employees and the needs of the community as well as the use of leave-sharing benefit plans. We will also consider ways to build community trust before the disaster to provide for relationships during th disaster and consider thinking outside the box, to look beyond your typical giving base for funding.
Additionally, we will discuss an update of the various relief provisions provided by the IRS to those affected by Hurricanes Harvey and Irma.
TCN Members $59, Non-members $79
Time: 2:30PM(Eastern) /1:30PM(Central) /12:30PM(Mountain) /11:30AM(Pacific)
Duration: 1 hour
0.1 CEU credit, 1 CPE credit
The National Association of Church Business Administration (NACBA), doing business as The Church Network (TCN), is registered with the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA) as a sponsor of continuing professional education on the National Registry of CPE Sponsors. State boards of accountancy have final authority on the acceptance of individual courses for CPE credit. Complaints regarding registered sponsors may be submitted to the National Registry of CPE Sponsors through its website: www.nasbaregistry.org.
TCN has been approved by the NASBA to provide CPE credit for "Group Live" and "Group Internet Based" programs, so certain workshops offered at our national conference and certain of our TeleWeb Seminars are eligible for CPE credit. Our NASBA sponsor ID is 115907. TCN is registered with the Texas State Board of Public Accountancy as a CPE sponsor. This registration does not constitute an endorsement by the board as to the quality of our CPE program. Our Texas sponsor ID is 010089.
Click here for a copy of our CPE policies
Previously Presented Seminars
This seminars are available in the
e-Learning Lab
Tax and Legal Update - Planning for a Disaster
with Frank Sommerville
With Hurricane Harvey on the heart and minds of the nation, the need to
Plan for a Disaster has never been more apparent. But disasters in
communities can take on many forms. Some can be forecast, giving time to
respond, but others occur with little warning. That is why planning and
preparation are so important.
What are the issues? Do you know how to help and stay within the law?
How do you respond when the Red Cross or FEMA knock on your door?
This webinar will discuss options available to the church when a disaster strikes their community.
•We will be addressing how to give tax-free disaster relief to employees adversely affected by Harvey.
•We will address giving benevolence assistance to individuals, members, and employees.
•We will also discuss requirements and guidelines for allowing outside disaster relief organizations to use church facilities.
•We will focus on planning for the day when disaster strikes your church.
Effective Financial Oversight by Boards and Finance Committees
with Mike Batts
This TeleWeb will address financial oversight by boards and finance committees, including liquidity, cash flow, financial position, compliance, and internal controls. Participants will discuss simple and efficient ways to assess critical financial information.
1. Determine the most significant areas of financial oversight that a board or finance committee should ensure are covered;
2. Discuss an effective approach for ensuring that the board and/or finance committee gets the information it needs in a timely and useful format;
3. Evaluate overall risk management in ministry settings.
Fundraising for Churches: 12 Keys to Success Every Church leader Should Know
with Linda McNay
Think of this webinar as everything you ever needed to know about church fundraising-but had no idea what to even ask!
Churches of all sizes are struggling today with their finances, and clergy and staff must become more savvy about how to raise funds in biblical, graceful, and effective ways. Dr. McNay is uniquely qualified to provide, in an accessible and compelling way, the information and expertise churches desperately need so they can fulfill their missions.
Churches cannot be supported by what comes in the collection plate alone. Therefore, church leaders need to devote significant time and attention to fundraising. A church leader must be able to present the case for support and lead the board and staff in a team effort for funds, all while following a coordinated plan of action.
If your church would benefit from additional funds, and what church wouldn't? This is the webinar for you!
- Learn the secrets to fundraising success
- Prepare your church for a capital campaign
- Raise funds for your church with step-by-step instruction
Remember that stewardship is a spiritual matter, not a financial one
http://ourfundraisingsearch.com/resources/books/
Tax and Legal Update: Rules for Designated Gifts
with Frank Sommerville
Considerable confusion still exists in the church world regarding designated gifts. Some take a very restrictive view, claiming that the church may not accept any gift that is designated for a specific purpose or person. Others take a very expansive view, claiming that the church should assist donors in accomplishing the donor's charitable and religious goals. The truth is somewhere between these two extremes.
This seminar will review the laws and requirements related to receiving, housing, and expensing designated funds.
•Confirm the rules associated with designated accounts.
•Contribution guidelines for charitable contribution credit
•Teach how to close accounts that have been inactive or left over after the project.
•Learn the frame work for establishing policies related to restricted gifts.
Starting a Nonprofit At Your Church
with Joy Skjegstad, consultant, author and trainer
Many congregations form separate 501(c)(3) nonprofits to draw new funding, new people and new partners into ministry work. Incorporating your day care, school, or youth center (for example) as a separate nonprofit may be a model to consider as you look at ways to move your ministry vision forward. Get tips from Joy Skjegstad, author of Starting A Nonprofit At Your Church (Alban Institute) and a veteran leader of church-based nonprofits.
You will learn:
•How to assess the advantages and risks of establishing church-based nonprofits
•Review ways the church can retain control or offer autonomy to the nonprofit
•Gain an understanding of church-based nonprofit board-governance models
•Briefly review the legal process for establishing a 501(c)(3)
Church, Without a Thread You're Overspending
with Mark MacDonald, Church Brand Strategist
There’s no better way to keep your congregation informed, happy, and attracting your community than with a communication thread. It’s such an easy concept that creates pure ministry peace (from senior leadership to each member). I guarantee that once a proper thread is in place, it’ll lay the foundation for growth. Why doesn’t every church have one?!
Join this upbeat webinar and we’ll discuss:
•What exactly is a Thread?
•How it’ll save your church. Literally.
•Ways it saves $$$ with websites, social media and print materials
•How it destroys Ministry Silos and creates unity
•Why your church will grow with the right one
•Examples of Threads
Privacy Policy: Why Your Church Needs One
with Frank Sommerville
Churches possess private data about its members, including addresses, email addresses, cell phone numbers and credit card information. Members expect that this information will only be used to conduct appropriate church business.
But those expectations may differ from reality.
For example,
Can a church member receive every member's email address to mount a campaign against the pastor?
Can the church sell its email addresses to a church member who operates a business?
•Can an unofficial group distribute church leaders personal information in an effort to influence the leaders?
•You will review a sample church privacy policy and address some of the common legal issues that arise over the church's use of private information. You will learn to protect your church from lawsuits by adopting and following a prudent privacy policy.
Facing the Inevitable - Life Cycle Planning
with Tim Cool
There are 3 irrefutable facts that every church must face if you own a facility:
1.All buildings deteriorate at a rate of 1-4% per year
2.As such, nearly every physical component of your facility will be replaced or have a major overhaul
3.All of the above will require dollars
So the big questions are…how much money will be needed? Join us for an informative and fun session to explore
•What are Capital Reserves?
•How does Life Cycle factor into Capital Reserve Planning?
•How much money needs to be allocated?
•What are some practical ways to get started?
Understanding Compensation and Fringe Benefits
with Elaine Sommerville
A new year often brings opportunity to review compensation issues and update payroll records. Accurate documentation is key to smooth and accurate reporting at year end and, if necessary, verification by regulatory agencies.
You will learn:
What documentation steps should be taken now to establish compensation packages?
•What is a taxable vs non-taxable fringe benefit and how do you properly account and report it?
•What are the tracking requirements for non-exempt staff?
•What are some things to watch for as we enter a new year with a new President?
•Take this opportunity to audit your procedure and be sure you are in complacence with new and every changing requirements
Take this opportunity to audit your procedure and be sure you are in complacence with new and every changing requirements.
Employment Law is More Than FLSA
with Frank Sommerville
While everyone has been focusing on the new overtime rules, many churches still lack a basic understanding of the other employment laws that apply to them. End-of-year is a great time to focus your attention on compliance for all employees.
Start the new year with an updated awareness and move confidently through the legal maze of the ever growing body of church employment law.
This seminar will cover:
•Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964
•Age Discrimination
•The Americas with Disabilities Act (ADA)
•Pregnancy Discrimination
•Occupation Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Requirements
•The family and Medical Leave Act (FLMA), and
•Your Questions
This seminar will re-introduce these laws and highlight the churches compliance issues.
The Biggest Change in Nonprofit Financial Reporting in More Than 20 Years is Here
with Mike Batts and Mike Lee
The Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) recently released a new accounting standards update that represents the most significant change to nonprofit financial statements in more than 20 years.
According to the FASB, the new standard aims to improve presentation of financial information, ultimately making nonprofit financial reporting statements more informative, transparent, and useful to readers.
Key provisions of the new standard include the following:
•Revises net asset classifications to just two...net assets with and without donor restrictions.
•Enhances disclosures for self-imposed limits on the use of resources without donor-imposed restrictions and the composition of net assets with donor restrictions.
•Requires the presentation of expenses by nature as well as function, including an analysis of expenses showing the relationship between functional and natural classification for all expenses.
•Requires qualitative disclosures on how a not-for-profit manages its available liquid resources.
•Requires quantitative disclosures that communicate the availability of financial assets to meet cash needs for general expenditures within one year of the balance sheet date.
•Allows for a choice between the direct and indirect method of reporting operating cash flows; presentation of the indirect reconciliation is no longer required if using the direct method.
The new standard is effective for annual financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017. Early application is permitted.
Thriving in the second Chair
with Mike Bonem
Second chair leaders play vital roles in churches and ministries, but many are not thriving. This TeleWeb, based on Mike Bonem’s new book, is for executive pastors, business administrators, and anyone else in the second chair who wants to do more than just survive. You will learn:
•The difference between surviving and thriving
•Ten practices for robust ministry when you’re not in charge
•Steps you can take to grow toward a partnership
•How to “organize selectively” for maximum impact
Compensation – It’s More Than A Paycheck
with Elaine Sommerville
While most employers and employees tend to focus on a paycheck, compensation is more than just the paycheck. Compensation requires thoughtful planning in order to provide the greatest benefit to the employee at the least cost to the employer. Additionally, churches must consider additional rules regarding reasonable compensation and documentation that are not as crucial in the normal business environment. Failure to work within federal law can result in penalties to the employee as well as a threat to the church’s tax exempt status.
•Embracing the realm of compensation planning requires:
•An understanding of what is compensation
•Knowledge of the special rules applicable to compensation plans for key staff members
•Embracing the realm of fringe benefits and the various applicable tax rules
•Assisting staff members in looking beyond their working years
Tax and Legal Update - The HR Hour
with Frank Sommerville
Human Resource law for congregations continues to become more difficult and requires professional staff to learn and apply new understanding to their personnel policies.
This HR Hour will focus on and take legal questions that are at the front and heart of compliance. Topics to include:
•Setting reasonable compensation
•Taxation of staff perks - Scholarships, Tuition Discounts, Appreciation and Love Gifts
•Ministers’ housing problems - loans and other things that go bump in the night
•Answers to your questions submitted in advance
Good Board Function without Bored Function
with Vonna Laue
Board governance in the church carries with it certain responsibilities. Church leadership is realizing more the need for engaged and educated board members that have not only a ministry mind but also various skill sets to be able to help the church grow and meet the ever changing responsibilities we have in society as an organization and an employer. In this webinar, we will discuss the following topics:
•What are the overall responsibilities of our governing board?
•What committees are needed or useful to help us accomplish our goals?
•What are the functions of the individual committees?
•What types of board members should we seek?
•What training or education should we provide our board members?
•What resources are available for the church and individual board members?
Building a Healthy Staff Team Culture
with Susan Beaumont
The culture of a staff team is the shared set of assumptions, values and practices which govern how people behave as members of the team. Is the culture of your staff team contributing to or detracting from the team’s effectiveness?
In this webinar we will use a staff team culture assessment tool to help you diagnose and improve the operating culture of your team. Participants will:
•Receive a self-assessment tool that benchmarks thirty-five characteristics of staff team health
•Understand six major components of healthy staff team culture
•Plan to lead your staff team through an assessment of its own health
•Learn specific ways to move towards a healthier staff team dynamic
Tax and Legal Update: New Overtime Rules and the Effect on Churches
with Frank Sommerville, JD, CPA
On May 18, 2016, the Department of Labor issued a new mandatory rule regarding overtime pay. Workers earning less than $47,476 per year ($913 per week) will now be eligible for overtime pay. This new rule, which takes effect on December 1, 2016, will increase the amount of overtime you pay and it affects all non-ministerial employees in your church.
Learn about who on your staff might be affected and about the ministerial exception. Explore options to minimize the financial impact for you ministry.
The application of the overtime rules will provide the foundation for this seminar. Join this helpful conversation to be on top of the changing landscape of church HR.
Accounting: Improving the Closing Process
with Vonna Laue
There are many daily tasks required to keep up with the accounting demands of a church. However, some of the responsibilities are necessary on a less frequent basis.
We will learn how to create an effective closing process that will
•Assist with internal controls
•Identify needed reconciliations
•Help detect errors
•Provide more accurate and timely financial reporting
Security Checkup - How Are We Doing?
with Rod Fulenwider
Did you know that there is actually a Scriptural basis for church protection? This dialogue will take a look at why we need to discuss the issue of church protection. By taking the correct steps, you are in fact living out your faith and not doubting your faith. Many churches make the mistake thinking that bad things will not happen to them. Therefore, they do not take action to be good stewards. Regardless of congregation size the following 7 Critical Elements need to be addressed:
•Decision Making for a Crisis or Situation
•Local Partners
•Parking Lot Safety and Financial Protection
•Child Protection
•Situational Awareness
•Dealing with disruptive behavior --- De-escalation techniques
o Divorce/child situations
o People under the influence
o Violent Person, Active Shooter, Aggressive Attacker
o Mental illness issues
o Homeless issues
•Flexible/Reactive Response Plans
Tax and Legal Update - Payroll Tax Audits: Domestic and International Issues
with Frank Sommerville
Although the likelihood of a full payroll audit is low, it does happen. A better response than fear of being caught, out of compliance, is for congregations to use the possibilities as a guide to ensure best legal practices when it comes to payroll management.
This seminar reviews the possibilities, the process for best practices and procedures to be ready if that day ever comes. Knowing it most likely will not, you will find the review and preparation, just in case, the best tool to have sound, legal and transparent employee management.
•What might trigger an audit and how do I minimize the risk?
•How could worker misclassification affect an audit?
•What are the statuses of limitation on payroll tax audit?
•What role might expense substantiation play in an audit?
•What documentation should we maintain and for how long?
•Is a payroll audit the same as a Fair Labor Standard violation?
•Why should congregations be concerned they might be audited?
Church KPIs: What are they and how can you track them?
with Tammy Bunting
Key Performance Indicator (KPI) is a business metric used to evaluate factors that are crucial to the success of an organization.
Drawing from experience at Preston Trail and other churches Tammy Bunting will explore critical data resources and elaborate the important role they can play in successful congregations. .
This seminar will outline the common metrics that successful and high-growth churches are measuring, describe and contrast the systems where they tend to live, explore various report structures like dashboard report, pastors summary, or weekly summary data sheets, and explore various ways of combining those elements, whether that be manually in Excel or using a more modern accounting and/or church management system with integrations or data exports.