Serious question. What is the best way for a business to handle business dealings with a church? For example, say I got in some repairs from a church this week and don't feel right charging them for my services. Should I do the work for free or charge them my normal rate? What should a religious person do in such a situation?
Question is open to all serious answers. Thanks in advance.
2006-11-10 05:27:21 · 13 answers · asked by TubeDude 4 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
FYI - The church is a small church that does outreaches to inner city, homeless & outcast types.
2006-11-10 05:35:35 · update #1
IF it is a business transaction, then feel free to charge them to cover your costs, at least. Some businesses give discounts to churches and other non-profits.
If it was your home church, I would suggest maybe just billing for the materials. If you don't feel right about that, then do it for free, but get them to write you a donation receipt for the cost of the materials so you can include that as a donation on your tax return, just like any monetary contribution.
2006-11-10 05:32:06 · answer #1 · answered by Rum_Punch_Girlie 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
It depends. If you're business can handle some work pro grata w/o putting the business in a pinch, then why not? You can write it off, and use it to demonstrate what you do.
Just make sure that you let them know in some manner that you can't be expected to do work for free forever. Otherwise, you lend yourself to being taken advantage of, especially if you're the type of person that hates tell someone no.
However, if the preacher is driving a Lexus, I'd be inclined to charge them as I would anyone else.
2006-11-10 05:32:53 · answer #2 · answered by Manny 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
two options.... charge them or don't. my brother has often been in the same boat. he would present them a bill and when the priest would go to make out the check -- since it's his busienss -- he would tell him -- it's okay this time - think of it as my donation. he would also add that the next time, he might not be able to be as generous. the priest understood. he's done a bit of work for them and usually it's a donation, however when there was a slump - he did charge. another time it was a larger job and he only took payment to cover the wages for the employees.
2006-11-10 05:31:53 · answer #3 · answered by Marysia 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
properly it is what i could do: i could study the e-mail thoroughly and make it into somewhat of a learn undertaking. i could style up a letter to him and clarify to him each and all of the areas of his e mail that are incorrect in my estimation. (Use the Bible lots if he's a Christian and attempt to coach him the place his theory is inconsistent or irrational.) Then i could ask him what he thinks are the advantageous properties of this diatribe that ought to bring about greater desirable verbal substitute and added records. end the e-mail via asserting.... "i'm hoping this blesses you" No, do no longer do this lol, that must be opposite does no longer it. purely tell him which you particularly prefer the artwork ecosystem to be professional and which you do no longer probably prefer to argue with him approximately faith. If he can't take a sprint then take it to a greater physically powerful authority.
2016-10-03 12:07:45 · answer #4 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would charge the normal rate. Jesus worked with Joseph as a carpenter when he was young. That was the family business.
2006-11-10 05:30:13 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
You already answered your own question.
Your heart is telling you not to charge them for this particular service this time. If you do not feel right about it, then do not charge this time.
Sometimes you would feel ok to charge for expenses but not for labor. Your heart will always tell you what to do in a particular situation.
2006-11-10 05:49:38 · answer #6 · answered by cindy 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Let's see - churches take in money. They also employ people. Sounds like they're a business to me.
You too have a business - it involves putting food on your table. I'd suggest you keep it 'strictly business' because otherwise, you could end up in more unpaid jobs in the future.
2006-11-10 05:35:09 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
It's really up to you. It's not immoral to charge the church for work done, as long as you're not overcharging. I'm sure, of course, they wouldn't complain if you offered your services for free.
2006-11-10 05:30:12 · answer #8 · answered by pohustla 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I think the best thing is just discount them and let them know that. Because if you do it for free.....they will be calling you back. Discounting them will help you stay above the cost instead of under.
2006-11-10 05:31:27 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Churches are businesses, too. Charge them!
2006-11-10 05:29:35 · answer #10 · answered by nondescript 7 · 0⤊ 2⤋