Church Employment Resources – National Association of Congregational Christian Churches

Housing Allowance Resolution for Pastors

Maggie Helmick — Thu, 13 Mar 2025 20:51:12 +0000

A housing allowance is an important tax benefit for pastors. Church boards can use the language below to create a resolution for a housing allowance. Use it for pastors who own or rent a home.

Important Note: A resolution can only be applied prospectively. It can never be applied retroactively. For a church to have a housing allowance resolution in place for a specific calendar year, it needs to adopt it by December 31 of the previous year. A resolution can be adopted after the start of a new calendar year, but it only applies from the date of the adoption forward.

Sample Housing Allowance Resolution for Pastors:

The following resolution was duly adopted by the board of directors of [Name of Church] at a regularly scheduled meeting held on [Day, Month, Year], a quorum being present:

Whereas, ministers who own or rent their home do not pay federal income taxes on the amount of their compensation that their employing church designates in advance as a housing allowance, to the extent that the allowance represents compensation for ministerial services, is used to pay housing expenses, and does not exceed the fair rental value of the home (furnished, plus utilities); and

Whereas, Pastor [First and Last Name] is compensated by [Name of Church] exclusively for services as a minister of the gospel; and

Whereas, [Name of Church] does not provide Pastor [First and Last Name] with a parsonage; therefore, it is hereby

Resolved, that the total compensation paid to Pastor [First and Last Name] for calendar year ____ shall be [$_____], of which [$_____] is hereby designated to be a housing allowance; and it is further

Resolved, that the designation of [$_____] as a housing allowance shall apply to calendar year ____ and all future years unless otherwise provided.

Source: Hammar, Richard R. “Housing Allowance Resolution for Pastors.” Church Law & Tax, March 6, 2025.

Plentiful Gifts Program

Maggie Helmick — Wed, 25 Sep 2024 17:14:54 +0000

“Plentiful Gifts” is a partnership with the University of Dubuque Theological Seminary to help small congregations with part-time clergy nurture lay gifts and leadership. Participating churches will work to identify their mission and talents, after which select members will receive training and support in ministry areas such as preaching, worship, pastoral care, and community engagement. Each church will have a mentor and support network. Funded by the Lily Foundation’s “Thriving Congregations Initiative,” the program is offered to churches free of cost.

The Plentiful Gifts program requires a two-year commitment, starting with a six-month study phase followed by up to 18 months of tailored learning. Approximately 4-7 churches will be selected from those that apply, and 3-4 individuals within each congregation will receive training and support.

For more detailed information, review the Plentiful Gifts program description and program presentation. To apply, complete the 2024 Plentiful Gifts Program Application by October 31, 2024.

For more information, contact Scott Chase at sgc.bts@gmail.com.

Background Checks

nacccadmin — Wed, 10 Mar 2021 16:41:24 +0000

The NACCC provides member churches with easy access to background checks for church clergy, staff, and volunteers through a partnership with two companies: Top Checked, formerly known as Background Checkology and Trusted Employees. Both companies deliver trustworthy, inexpensive, and timely background checks on clergy candidates, newly hired church staff, and volunteers in any number of church ministries and programs (such as youth workers, Christian education workers, church day care workers, etc.) when requested. To make such a request, download, print, and complete the Background Check Form and email it to Laura Wright.

Upon completing the background check(s), the church will receive an invoice for the charges incurred.

Once the NACCC receives the Background Check Form, the applicant will receive an email invitation to complete the background check electronically. The applicant will electronically sign a release form giving permission for the NACCC and the member church to perform a background check, and they will have access to a copy of their report when it is completed. The NACCC will email the member church ordering user a copy of the completed background check report.

Please visit Top Checked or download the product information below for detailed package information.

Top Checked Background Check Form

Top Checked Background Check Product Information

Please visit Trusted Employees or download the product information below for detailed package information.

Trusted Employees Background Check Form

Trusted Employee Background Check Product Information

Online Staffing Resources

nacccadmin — Wed, 10 Mar 2021 16:38:15 +0000

Explore these online resources for additional staffing guidance:

Free Church Forms – http://www.freechurchforms.com/church_job_descriptions.html

Smart Church Management – http://smartchurchmanagement.com/sample-church-employee-job-descriptions/

Job Descriptions

nacccadmin — Wed, 10 Mar 2021 16:36:57 +0000

A good job description is an effective means to assist your church employees. No job description can list every duty performed by the employee, however, a well written one can provide guidelines. The description should include the overall responsibility of the employee as well as major duties, the job title and to whom the employee reports. To assist you, we have provided a few samples and links to internet resources.

Senior Minister

Associate Minister

Licensed Lay Minister

Lay Ministry Coordinator

Custodian