Partners in Ministry

Midwest Methodist Foundation & Clergy Financial Resources

Midwest Methodist Foundation has partnered with Clergy Financial Resources to provide United Methodist churches in the Northern Illinois Conference with trusted, clergy-focused support for clergy taxes, church payroll, health reimbursement arrangements (HRAs), and HR matters. Through this partnership, the Foundation sponsors a Pro Advisor Support session of up to 30 minutes, giving eligible clergy and church staff access to knowledgeable guidance and answers to their tax and administrative questions at no cost.

Each eligible member may schedule one complimentary 30-minute Pro Advisor Support session per month during the program period. These sessions are designed to provide practical, timely assistance with the unique tax, payroll, HRA, and HR challenges that churches and clergy often face.

Sponsored by Midwest Methodist FoundationOne 30-minute Pro Advisor session per monthfor each eligible member, through December 31, 2027

How your sponsored session works

  1. 1Schedule onlineChoose a time that works for you using the Partners in Ministry scheduling link.
  2. 2Gather your questionsJot down what you’d like to cover and have any related documents handy so we can make the most of your time.
  3. 3Meet with a Senior advisorTalk one-on-one with an advisor who works with clergy and churches every day.
  4. 4Get clear answersLeave with comprehensive answers to your tax law questions and practical next steps.
Sponsorship details

What’s included

  • Midwest Methodist Foundation sponsors one Pro Advisor Support session per month, up to 30 minutes, for each eligible church.
  • The sponsored session is paid for by the Foundation, so there’s no cost to you for the first 30 minutes.
  • Sessions cover tax, payroll, HRA, and HR matters that impact clergy and churches.
  • The program runs through December 31, 2027. After that date the benefit expires unless the Foundation renews or extends it.
  • If your questions are complex and your session needs more than 30 minutes, the additional time is billed to the individual or church at CFR’s standard rates.
  • Please schedule through the Partners in Ministry link so your session is recorded as sponsored.
Support for your ministry

Help with clergy taxes, payroll, bookkeeping, HRAs and HR

Beyond your sponsored session, CFR offers year-round services designed specifically for clergy and churches.

Ready to use your sponsored session?

Schedule online in a few minutes. Questions about eligibility? Call us at (888) 421-0101.

Schedule your session

FAQ

Common questions

Who is eligible?
Eligible clergy and staff members of United Methodist churches in the Northern Illinois Conference. If you’re not sure whether you qualify, email contact@midwestmethodist.org.
What kinds of questions can I ask?
Sessions provide practical help with tax, payroll, HRA, and HR matters that impact clergy and churches. Common topics include housing allowance, dual tax status for ministers, self-employment (SECA) tax, estimated tax payments, clergy W-2s and compensation, accountable reimbursement plans, church payroll, health reimbursement arrangements, HR policies, and IRS or state notices.
Program questions

Questions about this program?

For additional questions about the Partners in Ministry program, please contact:

Rev. Chris WaltersPresident & CEOMidwest Methodist Foundation®
155 North Wacker Drive, Suite 4250
Chicago, IL 60606

Questions about scheduling or your session? Contact CFR at (888) 421-0101.

Questions? We’re here to help.

Our team is available Monday–Friday, 8:30 AM–5:00 PM Central.