Key Topics Covered
Clergy Tax Compliance and its implications for churches
Church Governance & Board Training for effective leadership
Financial Planning for Clergy, including Pastoral Compensation & Retirement Planning
Fraud Prevention & Forensic Accounting strategies
Politics and the Pulpit: navigating the intersection of faith and governance
Risk Management and Asset Protection for church assets
Succession Planning to ensure continuity in church leadership:
Hosted by Elbert T. Chester, a church financial litigator and forensic expert with over 35 years of experience in church governance, this event features an industry leader well-versed in clergy tax compliance. National media credentials highlight his expertise, having been recognized in over 300 media outlets. Additionally, all registrants will gain complimentary access to a live Governance and Strategy webinar focused on financial planning for clergy on January 10, 2026.
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Questions from Attendees
1. Are clergy considered employees or self-employed under church governance for the purposes of Social Security and Medicare tax compliance?
2. In terms of church governance, does the church need to withhold federal income tax for ministers, or should clergy ensure their own clergy tax compliance by paying estimated taxes themselves? This is an important aspect of financial planning for clergy.
3. How should churches manage reimbursements and business expenses for clergy to ensure compliance with clergy tax compliance? Effective church governance and careful financial planning for clergy are essential to navigate these financial matters properly.
4. How should a church governance plan designate and document a housing or parsonage allowance for its clergy to ensure compliance with clergy tax compliance and support effective financial planning for clergy?
5. What church governance structure does the IRS require for church tax exemption, and how should church boards be composed to ensure clergy tax compliance? Additionally, effective financial planning for clergy should be considered in the governance setup.
6. How must churches document board meetings and official decisions to ensure compliance with IRS guidelines, particularly in the context of church governance and clergy tax compliance, while also supporting their financial planning for clergy?
7. How should a church handle related-party transactions or situations where family members serve on the board, particularly in the context of effective church governance? It's essential to consider the implications for clergy tax compliance as well as ensure transparent financial planning for clergy to mitigate any conflicts of interest.
8. What are the consequences of self-dealing or a lack of independent board oversight in a church organization, especially in the context of church governance? These issues can lead to significant challenges, including violations of clergy tax compliance and the disruption of effective financial planning for clergy.
9. How does the IRS detect and investigate potential abuses, such as excessive compensation or the use of church assets for personal benefit, while ensuring proper church governance and adherence to clergy tax compliance? Effective financial planning for clergy can also help mitigate risks associated with these issues.
10. What governance policies does the organization have in place regarding church governance, including policies on conflict of interest, whistleblower protection, document retention and destruction, gift acceptance, and joint ventures, as well as considerations for clergy tax compliance and financial planning for clergy?
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