Category: Christianity Today

Christianity Today

The crucial role of the ‘faith-based FEMA’ after Florence

Working alongside government agencies, Christian volunteers aid hurricane victims based on what each denomination does best. By Bobby Ross Jr. | For Christianity Today For years, Ed and Marian Stinnette have served as the hands and feet of Jesus in disaster zones, helping victims recover from devastating storms such as Hurricane Katrina in 2005. Now, the longtime Samaritan’s Purse volunteers and their home congregation, Port … Continue reading The crucial role of the ‘faith-based FEMA’ after Florence

Unknown's avatarBobby Ross Jr.
Christianity Today

Protecting your church from cyber threats

Three experts discuss the tactics targeting churches—and why leaders must remain vigilant. By Bobby Ross Jr. | For Church Law & Tax Report Cybersecurity breaches continue to mount, and the church is far from immune. In fact, sloppy and unmonitored systems, lack of policies and protocols, and failures to follow specific rules and government regulations can leave churches vulnerable and easy targets for cybercrime. These … Continue reading Protecting your church from cyber threats

Unknown's avatarBobby Ross Jr.
Christianity Today

Tax rules for gifts of personal property

Churches and their donors need to understand how to substantiate gifts — from cars to clothing. This article is the second of a two-part series on substantiating noncash gifts. Part one on noncash real property appeared in the August issue. What follows are substantiation considerations for “personal property” — such as clothing, cars, boats, household items, and stock. By Bobby Ross Jr. | For Church … Continue reading Tax rules for gifts of personal property

Unknown's avatarBobby Ross Jr.
Christianity Today

Gifts of property: Help donors get it right

Three examples demonstrate how to substantiate donations of land and buildings in accordance with tax law. This article is the first of a two-part series on substantiating noncash gifts. Part two, which will appear in the September issue, will focus on the special rules related to donations of noncash “personal property” — such as clothing, cars, boats, household items and stock. By Bobby Ross Jr. … Continue reading Gifts of property: Help donors get it right

Unknown's avatarBobby Ross Jr.
Christianity Today

Guiding bivocational ministers through the tax maze

Special considerations for ministers who also work outside the church. By Bobby Ross Jr. | For Church Finance Today Vince Stover left a full-time pastor’s job in 2014 and moved 250 miles with his wife, Katie, to a city where the couple didn’t know a soul. He found a job in insurance sales and planted Bible Pathway Baptist Church in Lexington, Kentucky. The couple started … Continue reading Guiding bivocational ministers through the tax maze

Unknown's avatarBobby Ross Jr.
Christianity Today

Six questions to assess vehicle insurance

Managing the money of the church includes being up-to-date on insurance policies. By Bobby Ross Jr. | For Church Finance Today After Hurricane Harvey struck southeast Texas last year, an Oklahoma church sent 150 people to help with disaster relief. Before they left, church leaders worked to bolster safety on the nearly 1,000-mile round trip: They rented 18 newer-model vans and required volunteer drivers to … Continue reading Six questions to assess vehicle insurance

Unknown's avatarBobby Ross Jr.
Christianity Today

Five reasons why churches should invest in security cameras

By Bobby Ross Jr. | For Church Law and Tax A mother accused a Sunday school teacher of molesting her young daughter. But the crime never happened — video from a church security camera proved the accusation false. A couple broke into a church intent on stealing the Sunday offering. But a camera captured their faces — and the surveillance footage was used to identify … Continue reading Five reasons why churches should invest in security cameras

Unknown's avatarBobby Ross Jr.
Christianity Today

The high costs of an abuse claim: Five guidelines to help churches of all sizes

Prevention, right coverage are critical to protecting churches. By Bobby Ross Jr. | For Church Finance Today Sexual abuse of a minor is the number one reason churches end up in court. It’s a statistic that’s been true for a number of years, according to attorney Richard R. Hammar. And churches must do all they can to prevent this type of tragedy. But churches also … Continue reading The high costs of an abuse claim: Five guidelines to help churches of all sizes

Unknown's avatarBobby Ross Jr.
Christianity Today

Let the buyer (and leaser) beware

Six tips to keep your church from getting financially burned by copier costs. By Bobby Ross Jr. | For Church Finance Today “Buyer beware” doesn’t just apply to used-car sales. At some point, regardless of size, most churches will find themselves in the market for a copier — and the selection process can be downright complicated and stressful. Whether to lease or purchase? How to … Continue reading Let the buyer (and leaser) beware

Unknown's avatarBobby Ross Jr.