Navigating Church Finances: Keeping it Simple & IRS Compliant l Church Bookkeeping, Church Payroll, Minister Taxes

Hey there, I’m Michelle and I love all things Jesus, business and church finances! I help church finance individuals just like you go from feeling confused and frustrated with what you don’t know about church finances, to being more confident in your role while increasing your proficiency and expertise in the church finance realm. Are you tired of Google searches that result in endless pages of answers to your questions about church finances, housing allowances and clergy taxes? Do you need help with getting the right processes and procedures in place for your church office or business? Are you looking for a group of like-minded believers who understand your desire to do business and serve the local church God’s way? In this podcast, you will find practical AND biblically based business solutions for your church office or bookkeeping business that serves churches . We will give you tried and true bookkeeping tips and lessons that are specific to the church ministry and other foundational practices that you need in place to make sure that the church(es) that you serve are in compliance with current industry standards and IRS tax code. My mission is simple: to help church bookkeepers/treasurers/finance individuals become more confident in their role and increase their expertise in church finances so the church can continue her mission of spreading the Gospel of Jesus Christ If you are ready to walk out the calling the Lord has on your life while serving Him with excellence - then you are definitely in the right place! If you are ready to serve your church with confidence while keeping God at the center of everything you do - this podcast is for you! So grab a notebook and pen to take some great notes. It’s time to serve Him with Excellence! Learn: www.churchfinances.org Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/churchbookkeepingandclergytax

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Episodes

Monday Jul 24, 2023

Thank you for listening to today's episode! I LOVE books and the Lord has used them mightily in my life to take me from a very lonely and insecure girl, to the strong and mostly confident woman and entrepreneur that I am now. 
Today I discuss the Top 5 books that have helped me on my journey and I hope they will be helpful to you as well. 
Also.....
I announce my NEW private coaching community called The Bookkeeper Inner Circle! I am SOOOOO excited about this! I seriously wish there was something like this available when I started in church finances.
To find out how you can go from confused and frustrated with church finances, to becoming the confident and capable finance expert you were meant to be, check out the group at www.bookkeepersinnercircle.com and join today! You only have 7 days to join as I will close the doors on August 1st so I can give my full attention to the hungry learners who sign up this week.  
Again, go to www.bookkeeperinnercircle.com to get more information and to sign up!
I hope to see you in the Bookkeepers Inner Circle soon! 
xo,
Michelle
Next Steps:
Grab Your Freebies:
https://churchfinances.ck.page/6steps    biz owners
https://churchfinances.ck.page/guide   everybody
Schedule a Consultation:
https://churchfinances.org/consult       
Join the FB Community:
www.facebook.com/groups/churchbookkeepingandclergytax     

Monday Jul 17, 2023

In order to understand the Word of God, sometimes a little extra help is needed. 
Bible reference books are an invaluable help in accomplishing this. 
In today's episode, I give you a brief summary of the different kinds of resources available to help you choose which one is the right fit for you.
I hope this blesses you!
xo,
Michelle
Next Steps:
Grab Your Freebies:
https://churchfinances.ck.page/6steps    biz owners
https://churchfinances.ck.page/guide   everybody
Schedule a Consultation:
https://churchfinances.org/consult       
Join the FB Community:
www.facebook.com/groups/churchbookkeepingandclergytax    
 

Monday Jul 10, 2023

Which Bible is the right one for you?
The one that you will actually read and can understand. It does you no good to have a collection of Bibles that simply collect dust.
Furthermore, NO ONE can tell you which translation is the best because no one else has your brain, your attention span, your comprehension.
The point is to pick one. Read it. Meditate on it. Apply the truths to your life and allow Holy Spirit to transform your mind and your life through the power of the written Word.
Take a listen and also learn about the newest specialty Bible, the Filament Bible.
If you missed last weeks download on Bible Translations, you can get it here at www.churchfinances.org/translations
xo,
Michelle
Next Steps:
Grab Your Freebies:
https://churchfinances.ck.page/6steps    biz owners
https://churchfinances.ck.page/guide   everybody
Schedule a Consultation:
https://churchfinances.org/bizconsult    biz owners
https://churchfinances.org/consult       church staff/volunteer
Join the FB Community:
www.facebook.com/groups/churchbookkeepingandclergytax    

Monday Jul 03, 2023

Today is the 1st episode in my Summer Series titled "Bible Basics for Everyone" and today’s topic is Bible Translations. As you may know, in addition to teaching church finances, I also own a Christian bookstore and we have people come in almost on a daily basis that are looking for their first Bible and when we ask what translation they are looking for… they say “English”. So, I know that this is a topic that can be helpful to many. Even if you’re a Bible aficionado, you may hear something today that you can share with others. I’ll provide you a link later on in the episode to get a copy of the information shared because there is just TOO much good info to try and take notes today.
As promised, here are the links from today's episode:
https://www.gotquestions.org/Passion-Translation.html
Mike Winger Series on the TPT
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLZ3iRMLYFlHvXha4rjCj1Po0WLQc_jGGW
FREEBIE
FREE Bible Translations pdf
xo,
Michelle
Next Steps:
Grab Your Freebies:
https://churchfinances.ck.page/6steps    biz owners
https://churchfinances.ck.page/guide   everybody
Schedule a Consultation:
https://churchfinances.org/bizconsult    biz owners
https://churchfinances.org/consult       church staff/volunteer
Join the FB Community:
www.facebook.com/groups/churchbookkeepingandclergytax 

Monday Jun 26, 2023

Today we are talking with Pastor Chris about his recent graduation from Southern Seminary and how they prepared him for the new tax status he gained when becoming a pastor. You may find this interesting. 
xo,
Michelle
Next Steps:
Grab Your Freebies:
https://churchfinances.ck.page/6steps    biz owners
https://churchfinances.ck.page/guide   everybody
Schedule a Consultation:
https://churchfinances.org/bizconsult    biz owners
https://churchfinances.org/consult       church staff/volunteer
Join the FB Community:
www.facebook.com/groups/churchbookkeepingandclergytax  

Wednesday Jun 21, 2023

Today I share what God has laid on my heart for a Summer Series and other podcast news/updates. 
Thanks for listening!
xo,
Michelle
Next Steps:
Grab Your Freebies:
https://churchfinances.ck.page/6steps    biz owners
https://churchfinances.ck.page/guide   everybody
Schedule a Consultation:
https://churchfinances.org/bizconsult    biz owners
https://churchfinances.org/consult       church staff/volunteer
Join the FB Community:
www.facebook.com/groups/churchbookkeepingandclergytax    
 

Monday Jun 19, 2023

Since it’s summertime and the year is ½ over, in today’s episode we are going to be talking about performing a mid-year review for your church and the three areas I think you need to take a look at.
Just like many businesses do an annual performance review on their employees, churches should also do a mid-year review on three important areas that may need to be adjusted:
Budget
Minister Housing Allowance
Contributions
Let’s take a look at each one and why you should take a look at these now instead of at the end of the year.
xo,
Michelle
Next Steps:
Grab Your Freebies:
https://churchfinances.ck.page/6steps    biz owners
https://churchfinances.ck.page/guide   everybody
Schedule a Consultation:
https://churchfinances.org/bizconsult    biz owners
https://churchfinances.org/consult       church staff/volunteer
Join the FB Community:
www.facebook.com/groups/churchbookkeepingandclergytax  

Wednesday Jun 14, 2023

In this episode, we will discuss the three main points that play a crucial role in ensuring client satisfaction. Yes – it is possible to have happy clients 😉 By listening to your clients, solving their problems, and leading them toward success, you can create long-lasting relationships and drive positive outcomes.
Episode Outline:
1. The Power of Listening to Your Clients
a. Understanding the Importance of Active Listening
b. Techniques for Active Listening
c. Building Trust and Empathy through Listening
 
2. Solving Client Problems: Going Above and Beyond
a. Identifying and Prioritizing Client Needs
b. Implementing Effective Problem-Solving Strategies
c. Communicating Solutions Clearly and Timely
 
3. Leading Clients Toward Success
a. Being a Trusted Advisor and Strategic Partner
b. Setting Realistic Expectations
c. Providing Ongoing Guidance and Support
Remember, happy clients are the cornerstone of a successful business.
xo,
Michelle
Next Steps:
Grab Your Freebies:
https://churchfinances.ck.page/6steps    biz owners
https://churchfinances.ck.page/guide   everybody
Schedule a Consultation:
https://churchfinances.org/bizconsult    biz owners
https://churchfinances.org/consult       church staff/volunteer
Join the FB Community:
www.facebook.com/groups/churchbookkeepingandclergytax     
 

Monday Jun 12, 2023

Benevolence Funds, specifically, how do you handle them when collecting for a specific person in need will be discussed in today's episode.
The IRS has set guidelines regarding this situation and we will cover those today including Revenue Ruling 62-113.
We discussed the IRS cap on benevolence being given before it becomes taxable to the receiver in 2023.
We also touched upon the fact that ANY benevolence given to employees or members of the employees family is not considered true benevolence and IS reported as taxable income.
Another point we covered was making sure that your benevolence procedures are followed in compliance with your official Benevolence policy.
Additionally, we verified that donations earmarked for an individual are NOT tax deductible to the donor UNLESS there is an understanding that all donations received will be used by the church in a manner that is consistent with their purpose and mission and may be used for a different purpose should the church decide. The church must retain total control of how the funds are spent, regardless of the donor's request.
Take a listen to learn all the details!
xo,
Michelle
Next Steps:
Grab Your Freebies:
https://churchfinances.ck.page/6steps    biz owners
https://churchfinances.ck.page/guide   everybody
Schedule a Consultation:
https://churchfinances.org/bizconsult    biz owners
https://churchfinances.org/consult       church staff/volunteer
Join the FB Community:
www.facebook.com/groups/churchbookkeepingandclergytax     
 

Wednesday Jun 07, 2023

Knowing who you are, what you're best at, and what you enjoy doing the most will help you to define who your business will serve. We will go over 6 things that will help you define the pillars of your business and how you will learn, market and grow your business. 
Take a listen and I hope this blesses you and helps you to define the direction you want to go.
xo,
Michelle
Next Steps:
Grab Your Freebies:
https://churchfinances.ck.page/6steps    biz owners
https://churchfinances.ck.page/guide   everybody
Schedule a Consultation:
https://churchfinances.org/bizconsult    biz owners
https://churchfinances.org/consult       church staff/volunteer
Join the FB Community:
www.facebook.com/groups/churchbookkeepingandclergytax     

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