The most important federal reporting obligation for most churches is withholding and reporting employee income taxes and Social Security (FICA) taxes. A number of unique rules apply to churches and “ministers for tax purposes.” Yet many churches do not comply…
SECOND OPINION: On giving
As we are all well aware, we are in the midst of a global economic crisis. The world is facing a financial maelstrom and so too are churches and religious bodies, including all the partners in the Baptist General Association…
Virginia students are ‘driven’ at 2008 Youth EnCounter event
Being “driven” in one's relationship with Christ and taking seriously the challenges that Christian faith presents was the focus of Virginia Baptists' Youth EnCounter 2008. Photo by Alice Rusher Sonicflood leads in worship at YEC. Held July 31 and August…
Power comes to Tappahannock
As Virginia Baptist youth leader across the state are gearing up for the annual YouthEnCounter, to be held July 31-Aug. 1 in Richmond, some are looking at last spring's Regional Youth EnCounter as a model for additional youth resources. Over…
Mission Board to sponsor church and clergy tax seminars
RICHMOND — A number of unique rules apply to churches and “ministers for tax purposes.” To help church staff and church lay leaders understand and comply with the tax laws, a series of church and clergy tax seminars sponsored by…
The story behind 670
RICHMOND — During this week's annual meeting of the Baptist General Association of Virginia, there will be an emphasis on reaching the estimated 4.5 million people in Virginia who may not have a relationship with Jesus Christ. Borrowing the “H.O.W.”…
SECOND OPINION: Ministry and money matters aren’t mutually exclusive
For many, the command not to worry about tomorrow is a mandate for ministers to live entirely by faith, especially in financial matters. But the command to be good stewards indicates an equal calling to use resources wisely, which includes…
Virginia Baptists’ Venturers program to total 14 this fall
RICHMOND—By this fall, Virginia Baptists' Venturer program will have 14 Venturers serving around the world in response to requests from Virginia Baptist mission partners for assistance with a variety of ministry needs. Venturers are individuals and couples at least 18…
College students find focus for summer ministry
RICHMOND — This summer Virginia Baptist Collegiate Ministries was directly involved in sending over 47 students to do various summer mission projects. You may have heard about the 3 GO (Global Outreach) teams that went to London, Italy and South…
SECOND OPINION: What should lawmakers do?
Like Marlo, the Northern Virginian mentioned in the last column [Herald, July 26], 12 million undocumented immigrants expect lawmakers to be active and bold. Nobody should think — and that includes lawmakers — that illegal aliens are in this situation…
Virginia Baptists to “Blitz Build” house for Lynchburg family
LYNCHBURG — “Safety, privacy, happiness.” That's how Tianne Tyler describes the dream of home ownership. Currently, she and her 2-year-old daughter live in a small apartment that has no front window and a leaky ceiling, in a neighborhood where safety…
MC2 offers opportunities for learning and service
RICHMOND — This summer the Virginia Baptist Mission Board's Mission Connection Celebration (MC2), formerly called Family Missions Week, will offer a wide variety of opportunities for missions learning and service. To be held at Eagle Eyrie Baptist Conference Center July…