Resources for Congregational Treasurers and Bookkeepers

The resources listed below have been developed in response to questions frequently asked by congregational treasurers and bookkeepers. And while the information provided here is based on our best research, we strongly encourage congregational leaders to be in regular conversation with a professional tax preparer and/or accountant.

Responsibilities of the Congregational Treasurer
Separation of Financial Responsibilities
Reporting Gifts to the Church for IRS Purposes
Principles for Handling the Church’s Money
Housing Allowance for the Pastor
Payroll Tax Obligations
Employee Out-of-Pocket Expense
Tax Information for Churches and Religious Organizations
What's It All About?
2007 Standard Mileage Rate

Downloadable forms

• 2007 Year-end Report: Financial (Excel doc)
• 2007 Year-end Report: Personnel (Word doc)
• 2007 Year-end Report: Statistical (Word doc)
• Statement of Physical Condition (PDF)
• Cooperative Ministries Commitment Form (English | español)
• Cooperative Ministries Transmittal Form (PDF)
• Cooperative Ministries Transmittal Form Instructions (PDF)
• Pastoral services worksheet for pastors who live in a parsonage
      - download instructions (Word doc)
• Pastoral services worksheet for pastors who own/rent their home
      - download instructions (Word doc)
• Pastoral salary recommendations (2008)
• Housing allowance worksheet for pastors who live in a parsonage
• Housing allowance worksheet for pastors who own/rent their home

Benefits & Pension

For more information regarding Pension and Benefits contact Lois Mason (717) 697-2634 or email at LMason@messiah.edu.