YOUR CHURCH has guidelines to avoid real or potential conflicts of interest in all business dealings and other ministry activities. It is the responsibility of all staff to strictly adhere to these guidelines. For more specifics or any questions related to conflicts of interest, contact the Executive Pastor.
When a staff member conducts business with another organization or contractor, they must do so within the guidelines established herein. Business relationships should not result in unusual gains for anyone involved in the relationship. “Unusual gains” are defined as: bribes, bonuses, kick backs, special fringe benefits, and other windfalls that will benefit anyone involved in the relationship. The Executive Pastor must first approve any business or other relationship and/or amount of compensation that could be interpreted as resulting in unusual gains.
A “conflict of interest” exists when a person is in a position to influence a decision or have business dealings on behalf of the church that might result in an unusual gain for anyone at all (staff member, relative, organization, employee of an organization, contractor, etc.). For the purposes of this policy, a relative is any person who is related to anyone involved in the relationship by blood or marriage, or whose relationship is similar to being a relative even if they are not related by blood or marriage.
YOUR CHURCH does not automatically assume that there is a conflict of interest if a staff member has a relationship with another organization, contractor, etc. However, if the staff member has any influence on transactions involving purchases, contracts, leases, etc. they must inform the Executive Pastor as soon as possible. Informing the Executive Pastor that there is the possibility of an actual or potential conflict of interest or any possible appearance thereof, church staff members are safeguarded from potential accusations or scrutiny.
The possibility for personal gain is not limited to situations where a staff member has significant ownership in a firm with which the church does business. Personal gains may also result from situations where a staff member or relative of a staff member receives a kickback, bribe, substantial gift, or special consideration as a result of a transaction or business dealing involving the church.
Church staff members are discouraged from accepting gifts from congregants. However, gifts (Christmas, pastoral appreciation, etc.) valued at less than $100 are permitted. Gifts given to staff members in excess of $100 in value may also be accepted (depending on the specific circumstances), but the Executive Pastor must be made aware of such gifts. If the Executive Pastor receives a gift in excess of $100, the Senior Pastor should be notified.
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