Answer: There is no single correct answer. As with most software choices, selecting the right database platform depends on the needs of the organization making the acquisition. The ultimate determination will be made based on the following factors: i. Functions and features (check-in, commerce, social network, etc) ii. Database size and scalability requirements iii. Hardware Requirements iv. Operating System v. Level of support required vi. User skill level vii. Available Budget
Medical Emergencies
Question: How do we prepare our church to handle medical emergencies?
Answer: You should prepare in advance by obtaining first aid training for key leaders. You can also recruit medical professionals (Dr, PAs, paramedics, nurses, EMTs, etc.) in your congregation to be available should a medical emergency arise. Every church should have and maintain medical supplies & equipment on site. Finally, communication devices like 2-way radios should be used to alert medical responders if a your church campus is large.
Answer: There are 3 keys. They are to provide training, lead meetings well and build trust.
Prior to their first meeting, make sure that you give new board members a list of expectation and responsibilities. Additionally, take the time to discuss how meetings are structure and run, as well as, explain the report formats.
To lead meetings well, you should start/end on time, follow an agenda, keep accurate minutes, review all reports, fully discuss key decisions, answer questions and make decisions through formal motions.
Finally you will build trust if you develop personal relationships with each member, operate within budget, explain issues thoroughly, and never allow them to be surprised by information or issues.
Answer: The short answer is you should have incorporated 3 years ago. Please talk to an attorney ASAP and file immediately. It will vary by state but should take about a week and cost around $500. After that you need to file for your not-for-proft status immediately also. This will take about 3-6 months to receive a response back from the IRS.
I can not stress the importance of correcting this situation enough. If you are not incorporated and have your not-for-profit status you are in a very vulnerable spot. First all the contributions you have received are not tax deductible for your congregants. Second those contributions are income to the church and I am not sure who would be respsonsible for paying taxes on them. Third, I am guessing that you are probably not handling payroll properly either by filing the correct payroll returns and year-end documents. Finally, in the event of an audit the tax consequences will be severe but not nearly as bad as the penalties they will tack on.
Cleaning Supplies Vendor
Question: Our church just finished construction on much larger sanctuary, and runs to Walmart are no longer going to cut it for cleaning supplies. Do you know a good online source to order cleaning, and paper supplies?
Answer: Actually I created relationships with the custodial supply vendors in our local area. I have found that the service and personal information they can give about cleaning methods and solutions is definitely worth the pennies we are not saving online.
We just found that the online vendors were not able to provide the assistance or advice we desired. Sometimes we we need someone to physically look at a particular stain and make a recommendation or to assist us when our automatic paper towel dispensers get jammed...etc.
