Ministerial Resources Center

Resources to help answer your financial and tax-related questions.

Ministerial Resources Center

Resources to help answer your financial and tax-related questions.

As a part of GuideStone's mission to enhance the financial security and resilience for those who serve the Lord, we are excited to provide our ministry partners and members with resources to help answer common financial, benefit and tax-related questions and issues for ministers.

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Browse Financial Resources for Ministers by Topic
 
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Thumbnail picture of Seth Hawkins discussing what it means to be a Minister for Tax Purposes.
Video • 7/26/2024
What Does It Mean to be a Minister for Tax Purposes?
As a minister, you have a unique job and calling on your life. Your tax situation is also unique, and understanding how to navigate your tax status as a minister sets you on the right course to making informed financial decisions.
How Does Being a "Minister for Tax Purposes" Impact the Way I Report and Pay Taxes?
Video • 6/18/2024
How Does Being a “Minister for Tax Purposes” Impact the Way I Report and Pay Taxes?
Unlike most other professions, Ministers for Tax Purposes have a dual tax status. This means for income tax purposes, the IRS classifies most ministers working for a church as employees and they should receive a W-2 from their employer annually.
Lump Sum vs. Salary-and-Benefits
Video • 4/23/2024
What is the difference between the lump sum “package” approach and a salary-and- benefits approach?
A church that takes the time to properly structure a minister’s compensation and benefits is practicing good stewardship which can make a huge difference in the current financial life — and financial future — of a pastor.
Opting Out of Social Security
Video • 3/27/2024
Opting Out of Social Security
Social Security is the bedrock and foundation of a solid financial plan for your retirement. Without this extremely important benefit, you will need to contribute more to your retirement plan and purchase adequate levels of disability and life insurance to provide for benefits you and your family will forfeit.
How Do I Steward a Reasonable, Yet Market-based Pastor Salary?
Video • 2/6/2024
How Do I Steward a Reasonable, Yet Market-based Pastor Salary?
When pastors answer the call to ministry, it’s usually not with the expectation of major financial gain. But that doesn’t mean they should be expected to live on a wage that doesn’t meet their needs. Unfortunately, pastor pay has remained almost completely flat in recent years, while at the same time, inflation has continued to climb.
Using Insurance Coverage to Protect Pastor and Church
Video • 1/16/2024
Using Insurance Coverage to Protect Your Pastor and Church
Insurance may not be the most exciting line item on a ministry budget, but it can protect your church from catastrophic financial losses and help sustain the long-term well-being of your ministry. Church buildings can experience severe weather damage, and employees may receive life-altering diagnoses. Are you prepared if it happens to you?

Find IRS forms, instructions and publications at IRS.gov or call 1-800-TAX-FORM (1-800-829-3676).

We’re always here for assistance or to answer any questions you may have. Contact us at 1-888-98-GUIDE (1-888-984-8433) between 7 a.m. and 6 p.m. CT Monday–Friday. You can also email us at info@GuideStone.org.

22% of pastors are at risk for burnout or depression.

Mental Health Resources

The role of pastor comes with great responsibility, and we want to help care for pastors facing mental health concerns, stress and anxiety so that the body of Christ can be healthy and free to transform the world. 

See Mental Health Resources

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