The September issue of Administration Matters is available for ELCA congregational and synod leaders. Explore resources on ministry credit cards, the Season of Creation, 2027 Portico benefits, and safe trunk-or-treat planning. Portico benefit elections are October 1–14. Read the full issue.
Read MoreThe May 2026 issue of Administration Matters offers practical guidance for congregational leaders navigating today’s challenges, including property insurance questions, faithful investing through the ELCA, nonprofit financial controls, and strategies to prevent online donation scams. The issue also includes a reflection on financial well-being and stewardship from Portico Benefit Services.
Whether you serve on council, manage finances, or support congregational administration, these timely resources can help strengthen ministry and reduce risk. Read the full May issue of Administration Matters.
Read MoreThe March 2026 issue of Administration Matters includes key resources for ELCA congregations and leaders, including registration information for the 2026 Rostered Ministers Gathering (July 6–9 in Indianapolis) and updated clergy tax guides available through Portico Benefit Services. The issue also highlights guidance for navigating church staff transitions, recognizing nonprofit financial scams, and responding when fraud occurs in congregational settings.
These practical resources are designed to help congregations faithfully steward their ministries and administrative responsibilities. Read the full issue and explore the articles.
Read MoreThe January 2026 issue of Administration Matters offers timely guidance to help congregations and church leaders start the year with clarity and confidence. Highlights include Portico’s 2026 New Year Checklist for benefits administration, updated Internal Revenue Service mileage rates effective January 1, best practices for church benevolence programs, and practical insights on repurposing aging church buildings.
Also featured are tips for more productive meetings and essential considerations for secure digital giving in an increasingly complex online landscape. These concise resources are designed to support faithful stewardship, sound governance, and effective ministry administration. Read the full January 2026 issue of Administration Matters to learn more.
Read MoreThe September 2025 issue of Administration Matters features important updates for congregational leaders, including Living Lutheran’s return to print, Portico’s 2026 benefit changes, and guidance on DHS nonprofit grant terms. Also included: cybersecurity tips, a free Nov. 17 webinar on low-cost accessibility, and practical insights on hosting effective meetings. Explore the full issue on ELCA.org »
Read MoreIn this month’s Administration Matters: Key updates for ELCA congregations include online hearings ahead of the 2025 Churchwide Assembly, a new fall youth retreat series called Gathering Expedition, and Microsoft license changes that may impact your church’s tech tools. Read about Portico’s community impact, parish register tips, and free risk sensors from Church Mutual. Explore the full issue here.
Read MoreThe May 2025 issue of Administration Matters is now live. Find key updates on online Bible studies for the 2025 Churchwide Assembly, mental health resources for leaders, health benefit changes coming in 2026, and practical financial and safety tools for congregations. Don’t miss this valuable resource for leaders across the Grand Canyon Synod. Read the full issue.
Read MoreThe March 2025 issue of Administration Matters covers key updates for ELCA leaders, including the 2025 ELCA Churchwide Assembly in Phoenix, new clergy tax guides, insurance trends, and best practices for church administration. Learn about managing employee time, navigating clergy tax status, and strengthening your church’s digital presence. Read the full update here: ELCA Administration Matters – March 2025.
Read MoreCongregations can now receive reimbursements for clean-energy projects like solar panels through the Inflation Reduction Act, with financing available via the Mission Investment Fund. Learn actionable tips for sustainability, updates on Portico’s new president, and IRS mileage rates for 2025 in the latest Administration Matters blog post.
Read MoreThe November issue of Administration Matters offers essential resources for ELCA congregations, including guidance on church safety, cybersecurity, financial planning for 2025, and sustainable practices. Discover actionable steps to strengthen your church’s ministry and operations. Read more on the ELCA blog.
Read MoreThe latest "Administration Matters" issue from the ELCA covers vital church administration topics including:
Portico will offer value copay and Roth in 20258 ways to get the most from outsourced accounting services
The bimonthly e-newsletter for ELCA congregational and synodical leaders addresses common, practical issues including finance, governance, risk management, tax, legal concerns and topics of interest about day to day operations and management in church settings. The July, 2024 issue highlights:
How to Create a Mission Endowment Fund: A Guide for Congregations
Information needed when filing an insurance claim for embezzlement
File claims quickly to better protect your people and property
Issue 93 of Administration Matters, the bimonthly e-newsletter for ELCA congregational and synodical leaders features:
Billions of federal dollars available for churches and nonprofits to go green.
The warning signs of a mental health issue and ELCA mental health benefits and support programs.
Issue 92 of Administration Matters, the bimonthly e-newsletter for ELCA congregational and synodical leaders features: 2024 registration deadline for the 2024 Youth Gathering; Church Mutual Update; How to handle embezzlement; 2023 tax guides are available through Portico and the Tax Filing Information tab on EmployerLink; Writing minutes like a pro; and Tax guide for churches and religious organizations.
Read MoreThe January 2024 issue of Administration Matters offers key leadership tools, including registration details for the ELCA Youth Gathering in New Orleans, a new year checklist from Portico, compelling Stories of Faith in Action, IRS mileage updates, and the importance of having a finance committee. Read the full issue for more church management strategies.
Read MoreThe latest "Administration Matters" issue from the ELCA covers vital church administration topics including financial controls to prevent theft, Portico's health initiatives, the benefits of ELCA Federal Credit Union membership, payroll adjustments for 2024, Church Mutual's armed intruder emergency service, and tips for writing effective church job descriptions. Read the issue here.
Read MoreFrom the 2024 Youth Gathering in New Orleans to boiler safety and financial check-ins – get the latest scoop on all things administrative in the latest issue of ELCA’s Administration Matters.
Read MoreThe March, 2023, bimonthly e-newsletter for ELCA congregational and synodical leaders is here, featuring: Protect your church’s operating reserve; Know when to retain or discard synod or congregational records; Church building redesigned with MIF loan; Why feedback matters; Five ways to keep your building secure; 10 points to cover in volunteer orientation.
Read MoreThe May, 2023, bimonthly e-newsletter for ELCA congregational and synodical leaders is here, featuring: ELCAdvantage Program; inflation’s effect on houses of worship; what’s love got to do with it; operational ethics policy for congregations; three steps to stronger passwords; five ways to demonstrate good church stewardship.
Read MoreCredit cards are a necessary part of today’s world, but not all cards are the same. As a cost-effective alternative to standard corporate credit card programs, consider the ELCA Federal Credit Union’s ministry card program. For additional information or to apply, contact the ELCA Federal Credit Union.
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