| Several years ago, the Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability (ECFA) surveyed nonprofit ministries nationwide and learned that two-thirds did not have a written succession plan for their senior leadership role. The finding prompted ECFA to encourage churches and other nonprofits to think proactively about creating such a plan. Longtime senior editorial advisor Vonna Laue, a CPA serving churches and ministries for 25 years, offers this quick primer on setting the plan and establishing a path for implementation. Attorney and senior editorial advisor Erika Cole’s separate article offers additional considerations, including key questions and legal angles to help you move forward. If your church hasn’t developed a succession plan, become a member of Church Law & Tax and make developing a succession plan a priority. Additionally, Cole recently interviewed Bishop Ralph Dennis in this episode of the Church Law free podcast, which goes deeper into the transition plan that his congregation successfully used. Cole also reviews resources related to the needed legal, financial, and corporate strategies for succession planning. Time spent now can avoid unnecessary stress and heartache later. May your church find its way toward the leadership it needs tomorrow while still leading capably through the challenges of today. Also this week: Turn to our free tax calendar for February deadlines for filing certain tax forms for your church. | 