Local churches, similar to the conference, have many important administrative responsibilities in caring for the life, property, mission and witness of the congregation. Roles and responsibilities, overseen by the pastor, are delegated among various church leaders, boards and committees, including the Trustees Board, the Finance Committee, the Staff-Parish Relations Committee, the Administrative or Church Council, etc. Each requires training and resources to work effectively and cooperatively with fellow laborers in the household of God. Here we offer links to forms, job descriptions, instructions, reports and other resources for lay church leaders.
Local Church Finance Resources
A collection of documents and forms for the local church, including IRS forms, taxing requirements and guidelines, information for finance policies and church audits, and more. Continue
Local Church Employment
Changes to Federal Overtime Rules Effective December 1, 2016
On May 18, 2016 the Department of Labor (DOL) announced its changes to the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) “white collar” overtime exemption rules. The final rule strengthens protection for workers by increasing the standard salary level for qualification for overtime exemption from $455 per week ($23,660 per year) to $913 per week ($47,476 per year). Learn more
Leadership Roles in the Local Church
See guidelines from the Book of Discipline regarding the Local Church Council, Pastor-Parish Relations Committee, Board of Trustees, and Finance Committee as well as additional information and resources for each of these roles. Continue
Resolving Conflict
Every congregation experiences conflict as a part of normal, healthy growth and change. These periods of conflict can be difficult for individuals and congregations. The United Methodist Church of Eastern Pennsylvania recommends a process to move congregations to resolution and growth... Continue
Property & Liability Information
Access information from the Conference’s Insurance Broker, EH & D, including an insurance policies overview, forms and information regarding worker’s compensation, volunteers, and day care risk management, and boiler inspection information. Continue
Featured
Houses of Worship Security Self-Assessment Tool
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) provides this Houses of Worship Security Self-Assessment Tool. Prepared by the DHS Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), it is a security planning resource useful for church facilities. This tool along with other faith-based resources are located on the Faith Based Organization-Houses of Worship (FBO-HOW) resource page. Learn More
Local Church Crisis Communications Plan
A Local Church Crisis Communications Plan produced by UM Communications. This document is a template that local churches can adapt to meet their own specific circumstances and needs. Review the template closely and determine where the plan may need to be modified. The final version should be printed in an easy-to-read format, placed in a binder with divider sheets and distributed to church staff and everyone on the crisis team. Download the PDF.
Contact Us
NancyJo Fielding
Chief Financial Officer/Treasurer
Executive Director, EPA Board of Benefits
484.762.8213
jfielding@epaumc.church
Lawrence A. Lee, MBA
Finance Manager
484.762.8209
llee@epaumc.church
Local Church Finance Resources
Clergy W-2 Form Information
Clergy W-2 Example
Tax Reporting Requirements
Form 941
Form W-4
Form I-9
Local Church Treasurer Handbook
Group Ruling / 501(c)(3) Letter
Tax Guide for Churches
Record Retention Guide
Group Ruling Tax Exemption
Group Ruling Request Form
Local Church Minimum Internal Controls Guidelines
Financial Controls, Policies, and Procedures
Local Church Audit Guide
Fund Balance Report