Agenda

David Kinnaman, CEO, Barna Group
Jason Malec, Director, Gloo AI
Stan Reiff, Partner and Professional Practice Leader - Consulting, CapinCrouse LLP

(CPE: Information Technology)

As artificial intelligence (AI) technology advances and is adopted more widely, churches are faced with unique opportunities and considerations. From simplifying and streamlining administrative tasks to enhancing community outreach and member engagement, AI offers many possibilities. However, factors such as privacy, accuracy, and maintaining the human touch must also be carefully weighed. During this session, we will share key considerations and tips to help you evaluate the potential role of AI at your church.

Learning objectives:

Recognize practical applications for AI in church operations and outreach
Identify and assess key considerations around using AI in your church
Address common issues and apply best practices to incorporate the use of AI in a way that supports your ministry and strategic goals

Ken Tan, Partner, CapinCrouse LLP
Rachel Malone, Supervisor - Consulting, CapinCrouse LLP

(CPE: Specialized Knowledge)

Technology changes quickly, and if you do not evaluate your church’s software and systems frequently, they can become outdated and inefficient. During this session for churches using small accounting platforms, we will share considerations and tips to help your church create and maintain an effective accounting tech stack that can save time and reduce errors while supporting your mission-focused goals.

Learning objectives:

Assess your current financial management processes and systems to identify gaps or areas for improvement
Recognize additional data and features that could optimize your workflows and decision-making
Evaluate potential accounting technology solutions to find the right fit for your church’s budget and needs

Dave Gunter, Partner, CapinCrouse LLP
Kevin Brunk, Manager - Consulting, CapinCrouse LLP

(CPE: Specialized Knowledge)

In today’s fast-paced digital world, the right technology can help churches enhance their efficiency, accuracy, and insight. During this session for churches using large accounting platforms, we will provide essential accounting tech stack considerations and strategies to help you assess your current workflows and needs and streamline your church’s financial management process.

Learning objectives:

Evaluate the efficiency of your accounting software in meeting current and future needs
Apply practical considerations and steps to optimize your accounting tech stack and build a robust system that fits your organization’s unique requirements
Calculate the cost of making a change

Theresa Lynn Sidebotham, Attorney, Telios Law PLLC
Bea Rosenhauch, CEO and Co-Founder, Ministry HR Group
Stan Reiff, Partner and Professional Practice Leader - Consulting, CapinCrouse LLP

(CPE: Personnel/HR)

Church leaders must be prepared to address the critical issue of sexual harassment and their obligations to respond well. We will discuss common legal issues and considerations and share policies and best practices you can apply at your church. You’ll gain practical guidelines for establishing a safe and watchful environment, ensuring compliance with state and federal laws with effective complaint and response processes, and protecting potential victims, your congregation, and the integrity of your church leadership.

Learning objectives:

Respond effectively and compassionately to allegations of harassment and fulfill the obligation to investigative effectively
Implement policies and procedures to help identify, prevent, and address sexual harassment
List the legal and ethical obligations of church leaders when addressing sexual harassment reports within the church

Michael Martin, President and CEO, Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability (ECFA)
Mark Yoder, Partner, CapinCrouse LLP

(CPE: Specialized Knowledge)

Healthy leadership is crucial to ministry effectiveness and trust. Join ECFA’s President and CEO, Michael Martin, and CapinCrouse Partner Mark Yoder as they discuss ECFA’s new leadership standard and the importance of investing in leader care based on biblical principles. You will be equipped with practical insights on why the holistic integrity of leaders is vital to ministry flourishing and how boards and leaders can be proactive in supporting healthy leadership. We believe that good and godly governance is the foundation for Christ-centered ministries to build trust through transparency and integrity.

This session is designed for Christian ministry leaders, boards, elders, deacons, trustees, and anyone who cares about healthy Christian leadership that glorifies God.

Learning objectives:

Recognize the importance of investing in leader care based on biblical principles
Identify why the holistic integrity of leaders is vital to ministry flourishing
Apply practice insights on how boards and leaders can be proactive in supporting healthy leadership

Tim Hester, Executive Pastor and Staff Elder, Southeast Christian Church
Ted Batson, Partner, Tax Counsel, and Professional Practice Leader - Tax, CapinCrouse LLP
Mark Yoder, Partner, CapinCrouse LLP

(CPE: Business Management and Organization)

Effective succession planning is vital to ensuring the long-term stability and success of your ministry. In addition to identifying and preparing for future leaders, churches should consider deferred compensation strategies to help their current leaders retire well. During this panel discussion, we’ll share considerations and best practices to help your church address deferred compensation considerations, plan for what’s next, and manage leadership transitions smoothly.

Learning objectives:

Define the key elements of an effective succession plan
Assess how your church can implement or improve deferred compensation for your leaders
Identify and address key tax and other considerations around deferred compensation

Mindy Caliguire, Founder and President, Soul Care
Rob Faulk, Partner and Church and Denomination Services Director, CapinCrouse LLP

(CPE: Specialized Knowledge)

Church leaders face many demands and pressures, and ensuring their spiritual, emotional, and mental well-being is crucial to maintaining an effective and healthy ministry. Learn how you can help foster a culture of well-being and holistic care within your church. We’ll discuss the vital role of soul care in supporting senior pastors and helping prevent burnout, isolation, and exhaustion that can have a long-term impact on a church. You’ll learn how to advocate for the well-being of your senior pastor and gain resources you can share with your church leadership and board.

Learning objectives:

Outline the concept of soul care and its importance in church leadership health and well-being
List common risks and challenges senior pastors face when soul care is not prioritized
Explore practical resources and strategies you can use to advocate for and help implement soul care initiatives for your pastor

Rob Faulk, Partner and Church and Denomination Services Director, CapinCrouse LLP
Travis Tjepkema, President, Church & Casualty Insurance Agency
Allison Ward, Partner, CapinTech
Ken Tan, Partner, CapinCrouse LLP
Ted Batson, Partner, Tax Counsel, and Professional Practice Leader - Tax, CapinCrouse LLP

(CPE: Management Services)

Churches, like all organizations, must manage a variety of risks effectively to ensure long-term sustainability and mission success. Enterprise risk management (ERM) is vital for safeguarding your church’s operations, resources, and reputation. Our panelists will share key elements of ERM related to fraud prevention, cybersecurity, tax, and insurance to help you implement a successful strategy for identifying, assessing, and mitigating risks at your church.

Learning objectives:

Define key risks related to fraud, cybersecurity, tax, and insurance at churches
Identify how these risks may impact your church and steps you can take to mitigate them
Develop and maintain an effective ERM plan for your church

David Fletcher, Founder, XPastor
Glenn Wood, Pastor of Administration, Seacoast Church
Scott Anderson, Executive Pastor, Scottsdale Bible Church
Mark Yoder, Partner, CapinCrouse LLP
Chris Purnell, Partner and Tax Counsel, CapinCrouse LLP

(CPE: Specialized Knowledge)

In this forward-looking session, we will discuss key challenges and opportunities ahead for churches. From changes in demographics, technology, attendance patterns, giving trends, interest rates, and the minimum wage to loan and refinancing considerations and more, you’ll gain information and insight to help you make informed strategic decisions, respond well, and position your church to be resilient and thrive in 2025 and beyond.

Learning objectives:

Review current and projected trends in demographics, technology, attendance patterns, and church giving to assess how these may impact future financial planning
Evaluate the potential effects of changing interest rates on church loan and refinancing options
Explore strategic responses to emerging challenges to ensure the sustainability of your operations