Blog Archives

3/26/2018

Authenticity is the Key

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She walked into my friend’s Church and cautiously observed everything about the service—especially how the saints were dressed and how they acted during the service. When service was over, Pastor Ed greeted her to hear these words: “I used to be a prostitute, but recently accepted Christ. I have attended several Churches over the past few weeks, but in all of them, I could not tell any difference between the Church people (how they dressed and acted) and the sinful world of prostitution from which I was delivered. However, your Church and people act and dress like they have an authentic relationship with God. I will be attending your Church now.” When Pastor Ed asked her why the Church attire was so important to her she responded, “Why should I become a part of something that looks exactly like that from which I have been delivered?”

The biggest threat to Churches and the power of God in those Churches is not a lack of desire for a spiritual experience. Every human is born with an innate desire to worship. Apparently many have yet to find it in Church. The biggest threat for Churches in America is a lack of authenticity.

People are Leaving Churches by the Thousands

According to a recent study, only about 40% of those claiming to be Christian attend a local Church. You can ask several non-attendees and you will receive that many answers as to why they no longer attend. Some will say they don’t fit in. Others will offer the excuse that they have been hurt in Church. Some will complain that all the Church wants is money. The excuses are almost endless.

However, when the study delved deep into those reasons, a shocking discovery was revealed. It seems that most of those who did not attend, especially the younger generation, did not attend because the Church and Christians did not seem authentic.

It seems as if we preach that God will change our lives when we accept Him as Savior, yet so many of the Church membership are still living as they did when they were not a Christian. Pastors preach that God still heals the sick, yet most could not pray away a headache. We preach God will break addictions in our lives, yet more than 60% of Church membership is still addicted to something.

What it Means to Be Authentic

One definition of authenticity is “A Characteristic of something created by the entity represented as its Creator, and preserved in its original form without any falsification or tampering.” Another source defines it as: “undisputed credibility; genuine, pure, real, accurate, truth, dependable, trustworthy.”

Is the modern Church authentic or have we resorted to using smoke and mirrors as a substitute for His Glory, entertainment in the place of legitimate praise and worship, and motivational feel-good speeches in the place of a real message from God?

Another question we should ask ourselves is how are we with God’s money? Do we demand our members to give their tithes and offerings when many Pastors do not practice this? Do we demand they be good stewards with that which God has blessed them, yet the Churches look for ways to disobey compliance laws as set forth by our Federal Government? Scripture teaches, “Whoever breaks one commandment is guilty of breaking them all” (James 2:10 TEV). The old saints used to say it like this: “He that is guilty in the least, is guilty in all.”

It could be that your Church is struggling financially because you have not been a good steward of God’s financial books and records, and your Church is out of compliance with IRS and Federal Regulations. Romans 13:1-6 basically demands that we obey the laws of the land. Even Jesus said, “Render to Caesar that which belongs to Caesar. . .” Looking for loopholes in attempts to disobey the laws of our land is just as sinful as looking for loopholes in Scripture to justify our sin.

Why You Need Us!

We are the nation’s authority on Church Management and, IRS and Federal compliance. We have brought thousands of Churches into compliance and watched as God began to bless those Churches for the good stewardship of His books and financial records.

Every Pastor, Pastor’s Spouse, and Church Leader must attend the nearest Church Management Conference immediately. You do not have time to waste because not only is Uncle Sam watching, most importantly God is watching. GOD WILL NOT BLESS A MESS!

At these conferences we will show you what to do to get your House of Worship in order and offer keys as to how to become authentic to make an impact in this generation.

To register for the nearest conference call 800-344-0076 now or visit us at www.cmtc.org. You do not have a moment to lose.

By Dr. Michael Chitwood

3/23/2018

Lack of Tithes and Offerings Doesn’t Have to Limit Your Ministry

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John had one of the greatest visions for ministry in his community that I had ever heard spoken by any new Ministry. He knew once he planted his Church and shared the vision in the community that people would flock to the new Church and be faithful in their attendance and financial support. Pastor John was partially right. People were excited about the vision and did attend his Church, but the financial support was not forthcoming.

Pastor John learned what so many before him had, and that was just because God gave him a dream and vision for ministry in his community did not mean “Christians” would support it financially.

Pastor, how could you preach, how well could you impact your community, what kind of ministry could you accomplish, if money was not an issue.

Every Pastor and Evangelist accepts the call of God upon their life in hopes of making an impact for the Kingdom of God. Every new church plant begins with the idea it will offer something to the community not offered by existing churches. But, there usually is a problem.

The Problem

According to a 2018 report by www.sharefaith.com 247 million U.S. citizens claim to be Christian, yet only 99 million (40%) attend Church. The news gets worse when they were asked how many tithed. Of the 247 million claiming to be Christian only 1.5 million (.6%) give tithes. If you recalculate the numbers to only account for the 99 million who attend Church only 1.5% gives tithe to their Church.

This is why most Pastors’ vision for ministry never materializes. 1.5% is not enough to pay the bills, and definitely not enough to do ministry. Many Churches must engage in monthly fundraisers just to pay the bills and keep the Church doors open.

I am familiar with a Church in a little community in North Carolina that has about 60 influential people—people of finances, attending the Church, yet to fund any projects the Church relies on a couple of dinners each month to raise the money for those projects. The same influential people who attend, but will not support their Church with tithes and offerings flock to the Church on the nights the chicken dinners or spaghetti suppers are offered. They will spend $20 to eat spaghetti but won’t give God’s tithes to the Church.

Don’t Be Held Hostage

If every Christian attended a local Church and every Christian tithed, there would be enough money to change the moral decline of our nation. Crime would decrease, school shootings would become almost non-existent, and the family unit in this nation would thrive. One Pastor stood before his congregation one Sunday and declared, “We have all the money we need to do everything we need to do in this Church. The only problem is it is still in your pockets.”

Unfortunately, those who do not tithe may never do so, yet they will continue to expect the local Church and local Pastor to be there for them in times of crisis. Since it would take a major miracle for God to touch the hearts of those stealing his money to repent and do what is right, the Pastor and Church must find a way to get necessary dollars to fund the ministry vision to which God has called them.

Money is available from sources all across the nation which a Pastor and Church can access to fund their ministry vision. Pastors and Church Leaders, you just need to learn where it is and how to get it.

Why You Need to Attend the Next Church Management Seminar

Chitwood & Chitwood has been helping Churches for more than 75 years. At our Conferences all across the nation we teach Church Leaders what they should know about IRS Compliance and Church Law. But, that is not all.

Register now to attend the next Church Management Conference and we will also show you how to not be held hostage to the 1.5% tithe that is giving on any given Sunday. We will show you where money is and a plan as to how to access it.

Stop praying for God to send a millionaire into your Church, and start acting on what He has placed at your disposal. You will either attend these conferences and learn how to never be held hostage to lack of tithes and offerings again, or you will continue to struggle with the meager amount given each Sunday and continue to have your monthly fundraisers to pay the bills.

Every Pastor, Pastor’s Spouse, and Church Board Member must attend the next available Church Management Conference.

To register you must call 800-344-0076 immediately or go to www.cmtc.org. Stop allowing the sinners to access the money to promote their sinful agenda and let’s get the money for Kingdom purposes. ACT NOW!

By Dr. Michael Chitwood

3/19/2018

WARNING – ATTENTION NEEDED NOW!

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As I was greeting new attendees to a recent Church Management Seminar, many of them presented the same scenario: “We have a good CPA, but we just came out of curiosity.” By the time we arrived at the morning break, all of those who had presented that scenario approached me with these words: “We are in trouble.”

What You Don’t Know Can Hurt You

Many local Churches depend upon a Church member to take care of the Church financial records, and some have local CPA’s to review the books and offer advice. Local CPA’s are great for that which they have been trained—tending the books of local small businesses. Unfortunately, they do not know Church and non-profit law. If local CPA’s do not know Church Law, you know your Church bookkeeper does not.

Case in point was that of an old established Church attending a recent conference which the previous Bishop had the house of worship in financial and IRS chaos. The local CPA told the new Pastor to just close the old Church down and reorganize (using the same location, equipment, etc.). This is a huge red flag to the IRS as it signals there is an attempt to hide fraud. Yes, Churches can change their name, but there is a way to properly do it. That was not the case in this instance and now the IRS is involved in this situation.

Cheap Advice Is Expensive

When I ask some of these Churches why they use a local CPA, the answer is usually the same: “They are cheap and local.” Unfortunately, what is required to rectify the problems caused by that “cheap advice” can be expensive.

The old adage, “You get what you pay for,” is still true. It is much cheaper in the long run to retain someone who knows ALL Church and non-profit law than it is to retain someone local, whom you think is cheap, only to suffer possible civil and criminal problems later.

Pastors, Church Leaders, and Church members have labored too long and hard for their house of worship to lose it because of that which they did not know.

You Need to Act NOW

Every moment of procrastination could easily place you and your Church in harm’s way. This is why Church Management Conferences are conducted across this nation. We want you to know what you need to know to operate your house of worship in total compliance and to be able to protect it against lawsuits that are hitting about 1000 Churches every month.

To register for an upcoming Conference, Pastors, Pastors’ Spouses, and all Church Leaders must go to www.cmtc.org or call 800-344-0076 NOW. This one day seminar will change the way everyone currently views Church ministry.

We are the Best!

With 80 years of experience in nothing but Church and non-profit law, we know what others wish they knew. Our clients know that they have nothing to worry about with their books and records in the hands of Chitwood & Chitwood.

Do not delay another moment. Attend one of our Conferences NOW! Do not wait until the IRS targets you.

WHAT YOU DO NOT KNOW CAN HURT YOU!

By Dr. Michael Chitwood

3/6/2018

The Anointing is not Protection against Breaking the Law

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He was one of the most anointed preachers that had ever graced the pulpit. Without anointing with oil and praying for anyone miracles would happen at times while he was preaching. He was so anointed that if he spoke it, it happened. But, then one day the anointing could not produce what he needed.

As anointed as he was, his Church books were a mess. Every time someone would speak to him about it, his answer was always the same: “I am covered by the blood; my anointing is too strong; and no weapon formed against me shall prosper.” All of those are/were true statements. He was covered by the blood of Jesus. He was strongly anointed. God has promised that no weapon formed against us shall prosper. BUT God also declared that we are to obey the laws of the land (Rom. 13:1-6).

God is not obligated to protect anyone who is knowingly and willfully sinning. The Holy Spirit who is our Counselor, Helper, Teacher, and Guide cannot be a partner to sin.

The Unthinkable Happened

One day the Pastor made someone in the Church mad from the comments he had made. The person had spoken to him in confidence only to have the information divulged from the pulpit. Yes, the Pastor changed the names of the guilty and even changed some of the information with the idea of preaching against what the person had divulged to him, but enough information was revealed to direct attention to the person (or so the person thought).

The angry Church member became revengeful and knowing that some of what was happening in the Church was illegal, he turned the Pastor in to the IRS and the IRS acted upon the information the Church member provided.

Pastor Discovers the Anointing only goes so Far

The day of reckoning arrived. Two agents arrived at the Church and asked to speak to the Pastor. The Pastor told the secretary that he would see them. When they identified themselves as from the IRS the Pastor, rather than obtaining professional assistance i.e. an attorney and a knowledgeable CPA, he relied upon his “anointing” to deal with the agents.

Several hours later, the Pastor had so incriminated himself that without knowing what he had done, he implicated himself in every area which the Church member had reported.

The Pastor was indicted, found guilty, and hit with excessive financial penalties and a prison sentence.

God Does Not Protect Sin

For God to protect us when we knowingly and willfully disobey His Word, would mean that God has approved of our sin. The Apostle Paul declared by the Holy Spirit:

Everyone must submit to governing authorities. For all authority comes from God, and those in positions of authority have been placed there by God.

So anyone who rebels against authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and they will be punished.

For the authorities do not strike fear in people who are doing right, but in those who are doing wrong. Would you like to live without fear of the authorities? Do what is right, and they will honor you.

The authorities are God’s servants, sent for your good. But if you are doing wrong, of course you should be afraid, for they have the power to punish you. They are God’s servants, sent for the very purpose of punishing those who do what is wrong.

So you must submit to them, not only to avoid punishment, but also to keep a clear conscience.

Pay your taxes, too, for these same reasons. For government workers need to be paid. They are serving God in what they do.

(Romans 13:1-6 NLT)

Some reading this are thinking that I do not know what I am speaking of because you have been disobeying the laws of the land for years in your Church and nothing has happened yet. The Children of Israel thought God’s silence meant His approval only to discover a very harsh reality. We find God’s rebuke in Psalm 50.

While you did all this (committed sin), I remained silent, and you thought I didn’t care. But now I will rebuke you, listing all my charges against you.

(Psalm 50:21 NLT).

God declared that He would list all of our charges against us. Paul declared that God used Government officials for very purpose of punishing those who do what is wrong.

When Pastors and Church Leaders are confronted with what their Church must do to obey the Rules and Regulations of the Internal Revenue Services, most of them use the excuse, “I didn’t know I was doing anything wrong.” The Acts of the Apostles addressed this when Paul declared to the people, “You are inexcusable O man. . .There was a time when God winked at ignorance, but now commands all men everywhere to repent” (Romans 2; Acts 17:30).

Why You Must Act Now and Contact Us

Maybe you and your Church have been knowingly or unknowingly disobeying the law and nothing has happened to you or your Church—that is about to change. If federal agents have not called into question the way you and your Church are handling your legal obligations, you are in a period of Grace—but, that grace will not last forever. Scripture declares that that which is done in secret will be revealed in the open.

You are in a span of time, RIGHT NOW, to do something and avoid the painful penalties which are about to come crashing down on you.

Chitwood & Chitwood is the number one Church Management and Tax firm in the world. God has anointed and equipped us with the ability to GET YOUR HOUSE IN ORDER! You need to attend one of our Church Management Seminars today. To register contact us at www.cmtc.org or call 800-344-0076.

God will not do anything without first revealing it to His servants the Prophets. What has God revealed to you through this blog that He is about to do?

By Dr. Michael Chitwood

3/1/2018

Does Your Church Have Proper Sexual Harassment Guidelines?

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The “#MeToo” movement has brought sexual harassment to the forefront of today’s society. Every day on TV, the radio, internet, or newspaper, someone new is coming forward with Sexual Harassment claims. It is without doubt that many if not most of these claims are true based upon the definition of Sexual Harassment as outlined in Section 703 of Title VII of the 1964 Civil Rights Act. It is defined as:

(a) Harassment on the basis of sex is a violation of section 703 of title VII. Unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature constitute sexual harassment when (1) submission to such conduct is made either explicitly or implicitly a term or condition of an individual’s employment, (2) submission to or rejection of such conduct by an individual is used as the basis for employment decisions affecting such individual, or (3) such conduct has the purpose or effect of unreasonably interfering with an individual’s work performance or creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive working environment.

The Church is not Immune

While many are thrilled by women and men reporting acts of Sexual Harassment, many in the Church world do not understand or accept that the same thing happens in Churches all across this nation. In the recent case of Larry Nassar, infamous Olympic Physician who was found guilty of molesting several young female Olympians, Rachael Denhollander, a Nassar victim was shunned and ostracized by leaders within her Church for speaking out against the harassment.

I have knowledge of a Church in South Carolina where many women were subjected to Sexual Harassment by the Pastor of the Church. When the women were questioned, they each told the same story as to how the Pastor brain-washed them into thinking it was their duty to provide necessary services to him and those whom he chose, because of their “position” with God—it was defined as their way to be involved in ministry.

According to an article in https://religionnews.com/2014/01/09/startling-statistics/, 93% of sexual offenders define themselves as religious. According to www.adultsabusedbyclergy.org/statelaws.html only 13 states have laws making it a crime for the clergy to exploit parishioners for physical gratification.

In the case of a Memphis Pastor who was arrested for sexually abusing a 16 year old family member, it was determined that his parishioners had known of these actions by their Pastor for two years, but had chosen to sweep it under the rug, using the spiritual excuse, “Let’s pray for him.”

With more and more Sexual Harassment cases being exposed, it is time for the Church to take necessary action to implement a sound Sexual Harassment Policy and adhere to it. Although a sound policy may not stop all instances of Sexual Harassment, it can serve as a defense to liability.

A Sound Sexual Harassment Policy

Every Church, whether there are 10 members or 100,000 members should adopt and enforce a solid plan to limit Sexual Harassment liability. The plan should contain the following steps as the minimum guidelines.

- The Church must provide a clear definition of Sexual Harassment.

- Provide ample illustrations and examples of what may be construed as Sexual Harassment.

- There must be zero tolerance.

- Employees and members must understand that they have a duty to immediately report any incident in which they feel they have been subjected to Sexual Harassment.

- The policy must contain a clause that prohibits retaliation by the perpetrator or other members of the congregation or staff.

- Institute guidelines to keep the matter as discreet as possible to ensure the confidentiality of the abused and harassed. Inform the abused that you have an obligation to report any incidences (especially those involving a child) to law enforcement personnel.

- Have a clearly documented understandable Compliant Policy and ensure that all investigation of the incident is properly documented.

- Provide annual Sexual Harassment Prevention training for all staff and members.

Why You Need Us!

Chitwood & Chitwood is the ultimate Church management firm in the nation. We have been instructing and providing accounting and professional insight to Churches, Ministries, and Clergy for 80 years.

At our live Conferences across the nation we cover these and other areas which Churches should be knowledgeable of to prevent lawsuits and government infringement. Every Pastor, Pastor’s Spouse, Trustee, Elder, Deacon, Bookkeeper, and Church Leader should attend the next Church Management Conference. It will be the best investment you will ever make for your Church and Ministry. To register for an upcoming conference visit our website at www.cmtc.org or call 800-344-0076. We look forward to the opportunity to meeting and sharing with you the valuable information you need in this 21st Century Church environment.

Authenticity is the Key

People are Leaving Churches by the Thousands​

What it Means to Be Authentic

Why You Need Us!

By Dr. Michael Chitwood​

Lack of Tithes and Offerings Doesn’t Have to Limit Your Ministry

The Problem

​Don’t Be Held Hostage

Why You Need to Attend the Next Church Management Seminar​

By Dr. Michael Chitwood​

WARNING – ATTENTION NEEDED NOW!

What You Don’t Know Can Hurt You​

Cheap Advice Is Expensive​

You Need to Act NOW

We are the Best!

WHAT YOU DO NOT KNOW CAN HURT YOU!

By Dr. Michael Chitwood

The Anointing is not Protection against Breaking the Law

The Unthinkable Happened

Pastor Discovers the Anointing only goes so Far​

God Does Not Protect Sin

Why You Must Act Now and Contact Us

By Dr. Michael Chitwood

Does Your Church Have Proper Sexual Harassment Guidelines?

The Church is not Immune​

A Sound Sexual Harassment Policy​

Why You Need Us!

By Dr. Michael Chitwood​

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People are Leaving Churches by the Thousands

By Dr. Michael Chitwood

Don’t Be Held Hostage

Why You Need to Attend the Next Church Management Seminar

By Dr. Michael Chitwood

What You Don’t Know Can Hurt You

Cheap Advice Is Expensive

Pastor Discovers the Anointing only goes so Far

The Church is not Immune

A Sound Sexual Harassment Policy

By Dr. Michael Chitwood