Eastern North Dakota Synod

Calling a Pastor:

Calling a Pastor (download .pdf file) is a recommended guide for use in congregations in the EaND Synod. (Updated 1/30/08)

Pulpit Supply List:

The recommended remuneration for Sunday supply preaching in the Eastern North Dakota Synod is $100 for a single service and $50 for each additional service, plus mileage at the current Internal Revenue Service rate. It is recommended to make reimbursement as soon as possible.

The Pulpit Supply List (download .pdf file) (usually updated monthly) consists of Clergy/AiM/Diaconal, GIFTS program participants/alumni, and laypersons. You may also contact Jean Peterson at 701-232-3381 or jean@eandsynod.org for further information.

Record Retention:

The ELCA Office of the Secretary has an Active Records Management (external link) document advising what documents to keep and for how long.

Suggested Guidelines for Compensation and Benefits:

This synod document includes guidelines for salary of ordained staff and pulpit supply rates.

• 2010 Compensation and Benefits Guidelines (download pdf)
• Definition of Compensation, Benefits, and Responsibilities of the Pastor (download pdf)

Also see the Constitution, Bylaws, and Continuing Resolutions of the Eastern North Dakota Synod (download .pdf file).

North Dakota Labor Department:

The state of North Dakota requires employers to post several state and federal labor posters in a conspicuous place. You can download these posters, free of charge, from www.state.nd.us/labor/publications/posters.html (external link).

Political Activity:

Learn what your congregation can and can’t do politically. The ELCA Advocacy Tool Kit (external link) contains helpful guides from the IRS, ELCA legal counsel, and Lutheran Services in America. Learn more about the ELCA's Advocacy and Social Justice activity (external link).

Congregational Audit Guide:

A newly-developed comprehensive Congregational Audit Guide (external link) is available from ELCA.org to help answer questions regarding congregational audits.

ELCA Board of Pensions:

The ELCA Board of Pensions (external link) has a Benefits Administration Guide (external link) which includes useful information for rates, forms, calculators, and instructions for the ELCA's pensions and health plan. The Board of Pensions can also be contacted toll free at 800-352-2876. A printable format and worksheet for manually determining insurance costs are available with the Compensation and Benefits Guidelines.

ELCA Office of the Treasurer:

The Resources for Congregational Treasurers and Bookkeepers (external link) document is very helpful and covers many topics including:

• Responsibilities of a Treasurer
• Cash Handling Suggestion
• Housing Allowance
• Audit Procedure
• Records Management
• W-2 Help / Payroll Tax Obligations

Housing and Furnishings Allowance:

The Housing and Furnishings Document (download .pdf) provides information on establishing and documenting a pastor’s housing and furnishings allowance.

IRS:

The Internal Revenue Services (external link) has a section for Churches and Religious Organizations (external link) to provide treasurers with guidelines on tax topics and contribution substantiation, including Publication 1828 "Tax Guide for Churches and Religious Organizations", which contains information on a number of tax issues as they apply to churches.

Mission Support:

The synod can receive 2009 Mission Support contributions until 1/31/10 (fiscal year end).

The treasurer will receive a supply of the Contribution Remittance Forms by mail each January. A generic remittance form (download .pdf file) is also available.