Author Archives: John Joseph
Church Loans to Board Members and Officers
Dear Clients and Friends, Occasionally I am asked to advise a church client desiring to loan money to a church leader who has a financial need. You would think a ministry should be able to give a lending hand to a leader in need. But think again. The legal question is bifurcated between state… Read More »
President Trump Signs Executive Order on a Faith Initiative
Dear Clients and Friends, Yesterday President Trump issued an Executive Order on the Establishment of a White House Faith and Opportunity Initiative. Here are some highlights: “The executive branch wants faith-based and community organizations, to the fullest opportunity permitted by law, to compete on a level playing field for grants, contracts, programs, and other… Read More »
FEMA Assistance Available to Churches
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) announced on January 2, 2018 that private nonprofit houses of worship are now eligible for disaster assistance as community centers, without regard to their secular or religious nature. These changes are effective for disasters declared on or after August 23, 2017 and for applications for assistance that were… Read More »
Religious Expression in Florida Public Schools
A rather controversial bill that protects students expression of faith is making its way through the Florida House and Senate. Titled the “Florida Student and School Personnel Religious Liberties Act” it states: “A school district may not discriminate against a student, parent, or school personnel on the basis of a religious viewpoint or religious… Read More »
EXECUTIVE ORDER – PROMOTING FREE SPEECH AND RELIGIOUS LIBERTY
By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, in order to guide the executive branch in formulating and implementing policies with implications for the religious liberty of persons and organizations in America, and to further compliance with the Constitution and with applicable… Read More »
Donations to Unincorporated Ministry is Income to Pastor
I have often addressed the legal implications of a church or ministry staying unincorporated. Recently a new court case came down which should again reiterate the importance of getting incorporated. In Gardner v. Commissioner of Internal Revenue, 845 F. 3d 971 (9th Cir. 2017), the court of appeal recently affirmed the ruling of the district… Read More »
Contribution Statement Reminder for Church Treasurers and Administrators
Church Treasurers and Administrators are busy this time of year preparing their general annual contribution statements for 2016. Please remember to add the following phrase: “No goods or services were provided in exchange for your contribution, other than intangible religious benefits.” Failure to do so may result in the church donor not being able… Read More »