Author: Scott Thorson

Department of Labor Salary Threshold Increase

The U.S. Department of Labor recently announced new minimum salary levels for exempt employees that could make some ministry workers eligible for overtime.  An exempt employee is not subject to the Fair Labor Standards Act’s (FLSA) minimum wage and overtime pay requirements. Exempt employees are usually paid a salary or fee; their salary is predetermined and…
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Three Stewardship Topics for Church Leaders

I recently came across a blog posted by Ken Baldes, Vice President /Operations Treasurer and COO for the C&MA. Some of you may have seen this post in Ken’s monthly Alliance Treasure’s update, but I thought it was worth sharing here in case you missed it or do not have access to Ken’s update.  The…
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Cyber Safety Review

A few minutes before an early-morning Sunday worship service a church staff member receives an email from the Pastor. The email says, “I’m praying with some people and need you to send me some gift cards as these people that have needs”.  This email should be flagged and confirmed as it may likely be from a…
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The Corporate Transparency Act

Beginning on January 1, 2024, many companies in the United States will have to report information about their beneficial owners, i.e., the individuals who ultimately own or control the company. Businesses must report the information to the Federal Government Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) because of the enactment of the Corporate Transparency Act.  Your church…
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Church Safety Tips

I recently came across the following safety tips I thought would be helpful for RMD churches. I realize there may be a few more weeks (or maybe months 😊) of Rocky Mountain winter, but you never know when wildfires, lighting, or a water emergency might strike. These tips are provided by our insurance company, Brotherhood Mutual. Click on each…
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District Communication – Feedback Wanted

Dear Friends, Your District Team in Billings strives to produce communications that are informative and helpful to Official Workers. Our main channels of communication include the monthly newsletter, weekly International Worker update email, our website rmdcma.com, and periodic emails with important and timely announcements.   We want to be thoughtful about what, when, and how we send…
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Annual Giving Statements 

Given the timing of this month’s newsletter, I thought it might be worthwhile to provide a few points related to charitable contributions and reporting.  Some might be a review, but I hope most find the information helpful. Charitable Gift Timing Checks- The date the check is mailed is deemed the date of delivery.  There are two exceptions:…
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Forget Me Not: Year End Reminders

This article contains your annual end-of-year checklist of financial tasks. Some should be completed before January 1, 2024. Here’s to finishing 2023 strong and getting off to a great start in 2024! Designate housing allowance. Housing allowance should be set at a board meeting before January 1. Housing allowance can only be declared prospectively (that…
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Year-End Giving Campaign

Year-end giving can have a big impact on annual budgets.  Between the joyous spirit of the holiday season and the December 31st deadline for tax-deductible contributions, this time of year is the most popular time for giving to the church.  I have heard it said that churches may receive an average of 30% of their annual donations in…
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Church Budgeting

It’s that time of year again when churches typically prepare (and should) a budget for the next year.  Creating a budget for your church doesn’t have to be complicated.  Below are a few steps and questions to help you prepare your budget: Revisit your vision and plan for achieving your goals.  Estimate the costs associated with any new…
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