The holiday season is not just a time for festivities — it's also the season of giving. For churches and nonprofit organizations, December presents a gift-wrapped opportunity to connect with supporters and inspire generosity. With some strategic planning, you can make the most of the giving season.

Should your church continue to use volunteers for everything? Would having some paid staff provide better control or consistency? Is compensating your key volunteers a happy middle ground? As might be expected, there is not a one-size-fits-all answer. 

By incorporating QR codes, churches not only enhance engagement but also create an eco-friendly alternative to printed materials — and the internet has lots of free options for generating them. So whether it’s updating your community on upcoming events or sharing last Sunday’s sermon, QR codes let your people scan their way to your church’s information. 

When it comes to charitable giving, individuals often seek creative ways to support nonprofit organizations while maximizing their tax benefits. However, it is crucial to understand the limitations of Donor-Advised Funds and Qualified Charitable Distributions, particularly in the context of purchasing sponsorships for nonprofit fundraising events.

Unwanted romantic attention, unwelcome touch, and the abuse of power to establish emotional intimacy can cause tremendous pain and anxiety. An effective, compassionate response by your ministry starts with listening well when the concern is first raised.

Scenario: An organization forgives a loan it made to an employee. Motivation: A charitable act or gesture of goodwill. Unintended consequence: Potentially significant tax implications for the employee.

To protect the children it cares for — as well as the organization itself — every church should have a child protection policy that follows its insurance carrier’s recommendations and has been reviewed by an attorney in its jurisdiction who specializes in this area of law. There are two considerations when drafting a policy: prevention and redress.

Technology is supposed to make tasks easier, right? Right??? It is, but it doesn’t always work that way. Here are two tech tips that will deliver on that promise.

News coverage and podcasts describing incidents of sexual harassment or abuse in the workplace have significantly increased our awareness of the way people have long been hurt at work — and even in ministry. But we can still face challenges recognizing and acknowledging these harmful behaviors, particularly when the situation feels like a potential “gray area” or involves people we know. Discerning when behavior crosses from appropriate to hurtful, or from borderline to abusive, can be especially challenging in a ministry setting.

A unique feature of a 403(b)(9) Church Plan is that ordained ministers may allocate a portion of their retirement plan withdrawals to cover housing expenses on a tax-exempt basis. Upon reaching the age of 59½, ministers (employed or retired) can make withdrawals from their retirement account without being assessed a 10 percent early withdrawal penalty. These withdrawals are eligible for the housing expense exemption, following the limits set forth by the Internal Revenue Service.

Auxilio Senior Partner Keith Moore and Senior Partner Strategist Bob Sawyer appeared on the “Growing Together” podcast on May 28. The two discuss how Auxilio serves church planters, pastors, and church leaders by providing an outsource solution for the essential business functions of the church.

Members of the Auxilio leadership team are attending annual denominational meetings of the PCA, EPC, and ACNA in June. 

Starting on July 1, 2024, employees who earn less than $43,888 annually ($844 weekly) will be eligible for overtime pay unless they fall under a Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) exemption. This is an increase from the previous threshold of $35,568 annually ($684 per week). How should employers prepare for this change?

Auxilio Partners hosted a free webinar on Wednesday, May 22: “Bad Things Can Happen to Good Churches: Steps to Protect Your People and Your Ministry.” 

The tax treatment of pastor sabbaticals can be complex, and the specific rules and regulations can vary depending on the specific circumstances and applicable tax laws.

Auxilio Partners’ inaugural in-person staff gathering was held in Washington, D.C., last week — and it was a blast! 

Zero-based questions can help a team rethink current situations as if there were no existing circumstances. The makeup of that team can have long-lasting ramifications for the organization.

Auxilio Partners is hosting its inaugural in-person staff gathering in Washington, D.C., on April 25–26, 2024.