What’s the group in your church that has the real authority? Whatever you call them – Board of Deacons, Board of Elders, Pastoral Council, Leadership Team – you need to have them read this March 30th article from the Fort Worth Star Telegram –

http://www.star-telegram.com/804/story/1288144.html

Scary stuff! The IRS is starting to enforce rules regarding the responsibility that board members of nonprofit organizations have.

For some time, I’ve been telling people, who are on the boards/councils charged with the governance of their church, they really HAVE to be on top of what’s happening in their church. If you’re a member of the board of directors (or your church’s equivalent), you are held responsible for the actions and the “mis-actions” of your church. The rules have been in place for some time but most people aren’t aware of them and the IRS hasn’t enforced them. But they are on the books and the implications are very significant!

I rely on The Church Law Group for expert advice on such matters. Their website is –

http://www.churchlawgroup.com/

Of note, their book entitled Nonprofit Law for Religious Organizations, by Bruce Hopkins and David Middlebrook. I have a copy of it on my credenza, within arm’s reach!

Bottom line: don’t be scared off, just be informed (know what’s going on) and involved (make sure it’s done right).