To print this page in PDF format for distribution to your Board click here
Who Disciplines a Pastor?
Many Board members and even pastors are unaware of the process used in the District when a pastor who is licensed by The C&MA in Canada needs discipline and restoration due to critical personal failures. Because there are often significant legal issues associated with this activity, it is important that the appropriate steps by followed.
Whenever a serious allegation is received, the following steps should be taken:
First, refer immediately to the "Discipline, Restoration and Appeal For Licensed Workers" policy found in the Manual of The C&MA in Canada (A copy can be downloaded by clicking here.) This is the Policy that must be followed to the 'letter of the law'.
Second, contact the District Superintendent at the earliest possible time, and before taking any action as a local Board of Elders or as Senior Pastor. The Policy makes it clear that the DS will be the one to handle all aspects of any investigation regarding the legitimacy of such allegations and then proceeding to a disciplinary hearing if that is required.
2011 Board Workshops
Identifying and developing younger leaders will be the theme of the workshop for Boards
of Elders to be held in seven BC locations in March - April 2011. Our guest presenter will be Dr. Bruce Gordon, who is currently a member of the Tsawwassen Alliance Church Board of Elders. Bruce's life and ministry over the past couple of decades has been devoted to leadership development. He says, "I am in my sweet spot, when I come along side of those who are leading and assist them to be even more effective." The need for this topic has surfaced from church reporting on the District Scorecard and from evaluations of previous Board workshops.
Each workshop is held from 9:00am - 2:00pm on a Saturday. Cost is $50.00 per person (including lunch, refreshments and materials), with a cap of $200 per church. The workshop is open to current, prospective and former board members and to those from non-Alliance churches as well. More information on dates and locations will be available in October or by contacting Bob Rose.
Check Your Church Bylaws - Change Likely Needed
At the 2010 General Assembly in Turkey, the Local Church Constitution was amended to include the following provision:
"Church bylaws may not be in conflict with this Constitution. Bylaws and subsequent revisions become valid upon adoption by a majority of the votes case at a duly called meeting of members and approval of the District Executive Committee. A copy of the bylaws must be filed with the district"
Historically, bylaws have required a majority of votes case for initial adoption, but a 2/3 majority in order to be amended.
The District Executive Committee (DEXCOM) has requested that all churches bring their bylaws into compliance with the Constitution - likely by just deleting any bylaw dealing with amendments, since it is now unnecessary. Any church that makes this change to their bylaws will not need subsequent approval from DEXCOM for it to be valid. Churches that are separately-incorporated will need to ensure that a 75% majority is retained for approving bylaw amendments, since that is the legislated requirement of the BC Society Act.
Preparing for a CRA Audit
The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA), through its Charities Directorate, audits approximately 800 charities (1% of registered charities) every year, and for a variety of reasons. Churches are increasingly coming under the scrutiny of CRA, so if your church should receive a letter from the CRA indicating that you are being audited, here are a
couple of important steps to take - after you catch your breath!
1. If you have not been told why you were selected for an audit, ask CRA
2. Notify Shelby Thiessen, Director of Finance, at the District Office that you've received such notice from CRA
3. Prepare well for the arrival of the auditor. A resource like the following can help you prepare to pass the audit with 'flying colours'. Other resources will be available as we become aware of them. Check our website!
The Canadian Council of Christian Charities (CCCC) has a webinar, which is free for members and $25.00 for non-members, entitled "CRA Audits: How to Pass with Flying Colours!" (22 min. 42 sec.) www.cccc.org/webcasts_list/title
Church Property Tax Exemption - Increasingly Vulnerable?
As municipalities increasingly look for additional sources of revenue, the District Office has become aware of a growing number of challenges by municipal administrations regarding the legitimacy of property tax exemptions. This is going well beyond what some municipalities do to require an annual application for exemption in which churches need to cite the benefits they provide in the community. (See "A taxing time for churches and social groups" by Pete McMartin, Vancouver Sun, April 14, 2010.) The District Office staff has begun to seriously explore this issue to enable us to guide church leaders to prepare for this possibility. For now, boards may want to at least raise the question about how they should prepare financially for the day when they could be assessed property tax.
