Archive

Q10.1 What licences are required for streaming church services with music? A. Two main licences are needed: Church Streaming Licence (CSL) – CCLI Limited Online Music Licence (LOML) – PRS Together, these cover music use, lyrics display, and copyright compliance during live or recorded

Q9.1 Do churches need to comply with UK GDPR? A. Yes. Since May 2018 (retained after Brexit), churches must lawfully collect, store, and process personal data such as names, emails, addresses, and more. Churches must: Have a GDPR policy Clearly communicate data use Collect

Q8.1 Is a safeguarding policy required? A. Yes. It is a legal, moral, and spiritual obligation (Prov. 31:8–9; Matt. 18:6; James 1:27). Every church must implement a safeguarding policy that covers both children and vulnerable adults. Resources: Christian Safeguarding Services Baptist Union Safeguarding AECW has

Q7.1 Should church property be registered? A. Yes. Even if the land hasn’t changed ownership in centuries, voluntary registration with HM Land Registry clarifies ownership and is highly recommended.

Q6.1 What are the benefits of becoming a CIO? A. A CIO gives the church legal personality, allowing it to own property, enter contracts, and bear liabilities directly. This limits personal risk for trustees. Q6.2 What are the downsides? A. Conversion is time-consuming and costly. It often involves legal

Q5.1 Do churches need to register with the Charity Commission? A. Linked to a recognised denomination and income under £100,000: No need to register (but note that “excepted” status ends 31 March 2031, therefore churches not registered should do so) Independent and income over £5,000:

Q4.1 Can churches reimburse ministers for mileage? A. Yes, using HMRC’s Approved Mileage Allowance Payments (AMAP): 45p per mile (first 10,000 miles) 25p per mile (thereafter) Records must include date, locations, journey purpose, and mileage. More info: HMRC Advisory Fuel Rates

Q3.1 When is a church required to enrol a minister into a workplace pension? A. If the minister is: aged 22 to State Pension age earning over £10,000 per year working in the UK Then the church must enrol them into a qualifying scheme.

Q2.1 Do ministers need to complete a Self-Assessment tax return? A. Usually, yes—especially if there is additional income beyond the stipend. See: HMRC Self-Assessment Overview Q2.2 Where can I find help for filing online? A. HMRC offers guidance and assistance: Get Help with Tax Returns HMRC Guide for Ministers

Q1.1 How should a church determine a pastor’s salary? A. Churches are encouraged to consider biblical principles such as “the worker deserves his wages” (1 Tim. 5:17–18) and being “free from worldly anxiety” (1 Cor. 9:14). Many churches use the Teachers’ Pay Scale in