by Dave Roberts » Wed Jun 19, 2019 9:40 am
I can't speak to the BGCT, but in the BGAV, things were not so simple as just changing the address on the checks. To remain in good standing, BGAV churches have to select and file a giving plan. Than has meant that the church must vote on and accept a new plan and file it with the BGAV. I drew up a model for the paperwork for CBF churches to follow for doing this. The church action has to be submitted to the BGAV, or the church would go back to the WM-2 default plan. The confusion caused by this has been difficult for some churches, especially smaller ones or those with complicated financial plans linked to changes that had to be made. It's not as simple as it seems since BGAV provides the legal 501c-3 status for its member churches. Dropping contributions to the BGAV completely would mean the potential loss of 501c-3 exemptions from taxation, the acceptance of parsonage allowances, and the exemption from state and local taxation. I don't know how other state conventions other than NC work on this. Having been through the filing of a 501c-3 application for a non-profit shelter project and its state incorporation, I can assure you that most churches would throw up their hands at the fifty page application for the 501c-3.