Pastorial Expenses

[peggysioux]

This may seem like a dumb question, but wanted to ask - if pastor is councilling a member of church and pastor takes member to lunch during councilling; would the expense be deductible expense?

[PIGLEE]

I say yes, especially if continued the counseling session. A lot of people will open up when you are sharing a meal. I know this works very good with kids.

[ChEAr$]

I say yes, especially if continued the counseling session. A lot of people will open up when you are sharing a meal. I know this works very good with kids.

yes if he derives side income from said counseling sessions and that income with related
expenses are on schedule c.

[peggysioux]

Pastorial Expenses

If it would be considered a business expense for schedule C, would it not be a business expense to carry to 2106 for an employee of the church?

[ChEAr$]

If it would be considered a business expense for schedule C, would it not be a business expense to carry to 2106 for an employee of the church?

A preacher's job is to preach the gospel and ex;plain religion to the folks, not to
act as a psychiatrist. So it's not related to church duties.

[JohnH]

Harlan: Think I'm going to have to take exception with you on this one. Most pastors are expected to do a great deal of counseling, either formal or informal. Most seminaries provide training in this area for that very reason.

They counsel people who are having marital difficulties, financial difficulties, problems with children, contemplating marriage, etc. As a matter of fact, I wouldn't put much confidence in a pastor who didn't require at least one or two pre-marital counseling sessions before performing a marriage ceremony for anyone.

They are expected by the nature of their profession to perform grief counseling. They also have to know when to refer someone to a professional counselor or psychiatrist when amy problem goes beyond their area of responsibility or expertise. So I'd go along with the idea that proper counseling is a part of their job function, and I'd also expect the pastor to submit meal expenses incurred during legitimate counseling as a reimbursable item under an accountable plan. Of course, counseling a deacon about his golf swing at the 19th hole lounge doesn't fall into this category.

[Davc]

Keep in mind that Harlan's a heathen.

[JohnH]

Nobody as nice & knowledgeable as Harlan is a heathen...

[ChEAr$]

Keep in mind that Harlan's a heathen.

Somehow I'm not surprised you said that Dave, since I know you already, you know.
(grin

But truth be told, I'm a sanctified heathen.

[oceanlovin'ea]

Ministers are expected to do a lot of counseling to all kinds of people.

Didn't you ever watch 7th Heaven? He counseled everyone all the time. I loved that show!!

Linda

[Lion]

Pay?

I love my pastor. But, I'm 63 years old and have never seen a clergy person pick up the check for anything! (I have seen more than one take his staff to a Christmas lunch and get reimbursed from his rector discretionary fund.)