Administrative Assistance

There is a fear of the IRS, and in may cases, rightfully so.  But the IRS cannot just arbitrarily “Come in” and investigate a church, unless they have a very good reason to do so.  EG – if the church withholds payroll taxes and then does not report and send those monies in  - this WILL get the IRS in bed with the church, and they then have their reason to look at everything else

The answer will be found within the church By-Laws.  Some churches have a ‘Democratic’ form of government, where the congregation [Membership] has all authority, while other churches are under virtual dictatorship by the pastor.  Church by-laws provide for Boards of Directors or Trustees; but what ‘rights’ the pastor has, is always defined in the By-Laws:

Unless, and until, authority has been granted an individual by action of the Board, no person [the pastor; the pastors wife; NO one] has authority to spend church monies.  The only exception to this is where a Budget has been set, [established] and monies have been approved for specific projects/programs.

Can [should] the minister file IRS Form 4361 and exempt from Social Security [SECA]?  Much counsel has been offered on this subject, but we offer an additional perspective on how to view, and make a decision on this important issue

Regarding Marriage, Employment or Volunteers - If it is the Churches Policy that church membership is a requirement to be involved in ANY church activity, this is the ultimate in having a "Fire wall" of protection from the homosexual activists, and aggressive sexual predators. And it's legally defenseable.