For Global Methodist churches, this is the first time setting pastor compensation with benefits through GuideStone. In the video, I show you some places to go for more information and how to fill out the Clergy Compensation Form. When we get closer to January, I plan on creating a video on how to pay your pastor.
While the Global Methodist denomination is great at providing tools to help churches, many church treasurers are intimidated by running payroll for their pastor. Pastors have a dual tax status, housing exclusions, and, if you make a mistake, you might end up fighting the IRS. If this resonates with you, I would consider finding a clergy tax expert.
I work for Ledgers Inc which has decades of experience working with churches. You will get your pastor and church staff paid correctly and on time. If there is a mistake or an issue with the IRS, they will work with the IRS instead of you.
You have about two months to consider…do I really want to keep struggling with clergy compensation or is it time to hand it off. You can do the math and figure out how much it currently costs you. You can then get a quote for if you want someone to fun payroll for you or just help you get it setup and be available to ask questions.
Useful Links
- GMC Benefits: https://globalmethodist.org/benefits-insurance/
- PDF Clergy Comp Form: https://jctaccounting.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Clergy_Comp_Form_2025.pdf
- Excel Clergy Comp Form: https://jctaccounting.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Clergy-compensation-form-2025-V2.xlsx
- GuideStone & GMC: https://www.guidestone.org/updates/global-methodist-church
- Upper Midwest GMC Forms: https://www.uppermidwestgmc.org/forms
- GMC Conferences: https://globalmethodist.org/provisional-annual-conferences/
- Ledgers Inc: https://ledgersinc.net/