Congregations
Synod Financials
2012 Synod Budget-Adopted
The 2012 Synod Budget as adopted by the 2011 Southern Ohio Synod Assembly.
Synod Budget April 2011
Synod income and expenditures. Adopted, authorized and actual to date.
Where Does the Money We Give to the Synod Go?
Congregational Remittance
2012 Congregational Remittance Form
Revised Congregational Remittance Form for use by Congregational Treasurers and Financial Secretaries when sharing Mission Support giving.
2012 Congregational Remittance Form Example
This form is an example of what a completed form might look liked when submitted by a congregation.
2012 Congregational Remittance Form Instruction Sheet
This sheet provides step-by-step instructions on how to complete the new congregational remittance forms.
Congregational Remittance Year End Jan 2011
Year End Report for 2010-2011
January 2012 Year End Remittance Report
Coming in February.
Finance for Congregations
ELCA Resources for congregational treasurers & bookkeepers
Accountable Reimbursement Policies
For business and tax reasons, in most instances, it is in the best interests of the congregation and its staff to have in place an accountable reimbursement policy to pay for the business expenses that are necessary to do the ministry of the congregation.
Congregational Audit Guide
This comprehensive guide addresses questions ranging from the simple to complex, such as:
- Who can perform a congregational audit?
- How does the audit process begin?
- What should be done with payroll and tax records?
- What is involved in auditing cash?
- How is the control system audited?
Congregational Treasurers Financial & Accounting Guide
This guide for treasurers and bookkeepers reviews the responsibilities of the treasurer, creating the chart of accounts, financial reporting and more.
Data Security
A growing concern in our society is the issue of data security. We as entities that collect, store, and communicate information have a responsibility to those that provide us their information/data to keep it safe and secure. This helpful set of simply slides provide an explanation of PII (Personal Identity Information) and how to keep data secure at many levels.
Financial Contingency Planning
This document addresses key components of financial contingency planning for congreations, including operating reserves, cash flow projections, budget reductions and banking considerations.
Identity Theft
Every day, the risk of identity theft grows greater. Congregations -- and congregation administrators -- are not immune from the risk of identity theft nor from the concern members may have for protecting their personal data. Government agencies and private organizations have enacted new laws, regulations and policies intended to prevent the loss of identity information.
Internal Control Best Practices
This document describes major financial activities and related best practices in order to assist congregations in establishing their own system.
IRS Tax Information for Churches and Religious Organizations
This link goes to the IRS webpage addressing the specific guidelines for churches and religious organizations. Good information for all congregational treasurers and councils.
Program Budget Presentations
Wondering how to best show your congregation's budget in a way that will describe the breadth and depth of the congregation? This article provides a model for how a congregation can combine the dollar and cents budget and their strategic directions in what is often called a 'Program Budget' to reflect the various programmatic areas of the congregation’s mission and ministries.
Other Useful Information
Is your congregation interested in accounting and administrative software solutions? The Information Technology section of the Office of the Treasurer has some suggestions.
Is your congregation concerned about records retention and management, insurance and risk management, or dealing with legal issues? The Office of the Secretary provides helpful information about these questions.
The IRS has a detailed document called Tax Guide for Churches and Religious Organizations. This document explains the benefits and responsibilities of churches and religious organizations under the federal tax laws. It is highly recommended that congregational treasurers and bookkeepers familiarize themselves with this document.






