The March 2025 issue of Administration Matters covers key updates for ELCA leaders, including the 2025 ELCA Churchwide Assembly in Phoenix, new clergy tax guides, insurance trends, and best practices for church administration. Learn about managing employee time, navigating clergy tax status, and strengthening your church’s digital presence. Read the full update here: ELCA Administration Matters – March 2025.
Read MoreCongregations can now receive reimbursements for clean-energy projects like solar panels through the Inflation Reduction Act, with financing available via the Mission Investment Fund. Learn actionable tips for sustainability, updates on Portico’s new president, and IRS mileage rates for 2025 in the latest Administration Matters blog post.
Read MoreThe November issue of Administration Matters offers essential resources for ELCA congregations, including guidance on church safety, cybersecurity, financial planning for 2025, and sustainable practices. Discover actionable steps to strengthen your church’s ministry and operations. Read more on the ELCA blog.
Read MoreThe latest "Administration Matters" issue from the ELCA covers vital church administration topics including:
Portico will offer value copay and Roth in 20258 ways to get the most from outsourced accounting services
The bimonthly e-newsletter for ELCA congregational and synodical leaders addresses common, practical issues including finance, governance, risk management, tax, legal concerns and topics of interest about day to day operations and management in church settings. The July, 2024 issue highlights:
How to Create a Mission Endowment Fund: A Guide for Congregations
Information needed when filing an insurance claim for embezzlement
File claims quickly to better protect your people and property
Issue 93 of Administration Matters, the bimonthly e-newsletter for ELCA congregational and synodical leaders features:
Billions of federal dollars available for churches and nonprofits to go green.
The warning signs of a mental health issue and ELCA mental health benefits and support programs.
Issue 92 of Administration Matters, the bimonthly e-newsletter for ELCA congregational and synodical leaders features: 2024 registration deadline for the 2024 Youth Gathering; Church Mutual Update; How to handle embezzlement; 2023 tax guides are available through Portico and the Tax Filing Information tab on EmployerLink; Writing minutes like a pro; and Tax guide for churches and religious organizations.
Read MoreThe January 2024 issue of Administration Matters offers key leadership tools, including registration details for the ELCA Youth Gathering in New Orleans, a new year checklist from Portico, compelling Stories of Faith in Action, IRS mileage updates, and the importance of having a finance committee. Read the full issue for more church management strategies.
Read MoreThe latest "Administration Matters" issue from the ELCA covers vital church administration topics including financial controls to prevent theft, Portico's health initiatives, the benefits of ELCA Federal Credit Union membership, payroll adjustments for 2024, Church Mutual's armed intruder emergency service, and tips for writing effective church job descriptions. Read the issue here.
Read MoreFrom the 2024 Youth Gathering in New Orleans to boiler safety and financial check-ins – get the latest scoop on all things administrative in the latest issue of ELCA’s Administration Matters.
Read MoreThe March, 2023, bimonthly e-newsletter for ELCA congregational and synodical leaders is here, featuring: Protect your church’s operating reserve; Know when to retain or discard synod or congregational records; Church building redesigned with MIF loan; Why feedback matters; Five ways to keep your building secure; 10 points to cover in volunteer orientation.
Read MoreThe May, 2023, bimonthly e-newsletter for ELCA congregational and synodical leaders is here, featuring: ELCAdvantage Program; inflation’s effect on houses of worship; what’s love got to do with it; operational ethics policy for congregations; three steps to stronger passwords; five ways to demonstrate good church stewardship.
Read MoreCredit cards are a necessary part of today’s world, but not all cards are the same. As a cost-effective alternative to standard corporate credit card programs, consider the ELCA Federal Credit Union’s ministry card program. For additional information or to apply, contact the ELCA Federal Credit Union.
Read MorePortico Benefit Services provides ministers and congregations participating in the ELCA benefit program with no-cost access to annual tax guides. For ministers, Clergy Tax Return Preparation Guide by Richard R. Hammar gives special attention to tax-related topics most relevant to ministers.
For congregations, Federal Reporting Requirements for Churches by Richard R. Hammar helps congregations understand their federal tax-reporting requirements.
Read MoreThe March, 2023, bimonthly e-newsletter for ELCA congregational and synodical leaders is here, featuring: updated tax guides, Rostered Ministers Gathering early registration, ELCA Federal Credit Union ministry card, unemployment exemptions for churches, and how to keep your building safe from wayward vehicles.
Read MoreThe January, 2022, bimonthly e-newsletter for ELCA congregational and synodical leaders is here, featuring: Stories of Faith in Action; New year checklist for Portico financial and health benefits; Risk control technologies; and IRS issues standard mileage rate for 2023.
Read MoreThe September, 2022, bimonthly e-newsletter for ELCA congregational and synodical leaders is here, featuring: Stewardship Kaleidoscope, Sept. 26-28 2022; church accessibility; 2023 Portico annual enrollment reminder; Lutheran Men in Mission’s National Bold Gathering; starting a risk control program; and Tithe.ly All Access.
Read MoreThe July, 2022, bimonthly e-newsletter for ELCA congregational and synodical leaders is here, featuring: ELCA Churchwide Assembly Pre-event: “Embody the Word” Bible study sessions; get a jump on your Portico Annual Enrollment; prepare for “God’s work. Our hands.” Sunday with new resources; new mileage rate July through December 2022; cyber liability insurance; and choose your payroll provider wisely.
Read MoreWhen disaster strikes, it’s too late to think about what you should have done to prepare; before disaster strikes, that preparation can be daunting. This guide walks you through the essentials of severe-weather preparedness. Read this PDF from Church Mutual Insurance.
Read MoreA well-written mission statement should clearly and concisely communicate the congregation’s purpose for existing and can provide the focus and motivation it needs to carry out its mission. View this PDF at ELCA.org.
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