Chancellor's "Top Ten" for Pastors
- Don't meet alone "in private" with another.
- Use spouse, secretary or others for protection.
- Use windows in office doors or open doors.
- Use imagination for solutions.
- Don't sign for the Church - contracts, deeds, checks.
- Check the Discipline.
- Limit personal liability.
- Delegate; minimize personal overload.
- Don't handle Church money; but understand and observe what is occurring.
- Minimize embezzlement risk and temptation.
- Insist on proper financial reporting, controls, audits and insurance.
- Don't raid endowments or restricted funds.
- Use laity to preach tithing.
- Ask for money for mission/program, versus need/budget.
- Learn to understand a basic financial statement.
- Use written contracts and policies.
- See the DAC, Chancellor or similar forms.
- Ask other Churches for forms.
- Reduce risk of treating people/employees inconsistently.
- Use written "at-will" employment agreements; use your SPR Committee.
- Examples include: leases; child protection policy; gift acceptance policy.
- Adopt a written anti-discrimination, anti-harassment policy; put up posters and provide steps for reporting concerns; follow the policy.
- Beware of environmental issues in purchases and in mergers.
- Act only in your area of competence - don't write Wills; don't give medical advice; don't negotiate deals; get an attorney to review contracts; use a team approach.
- Have transparent e-mail, since it is.
- Minimize risk of pornographic, predatory or time wasting use.
- Live 10% under your means - although counter cultural, this facilitates tithing and reduces the risk of divorce, bankruptcy, tax violations and embezzlement.
- Never compromise your integrity - that will poison ministry, impacting you, family, peers, congregation, seekers and general public.
- When in doubt ask - D.S.; peers; Discipline.
- When in trouble, seek help ASAP - avoid denial.
- Know and follow your mission statement.
