Attorney Needed for Pastor Who Opted Out of Social Security

Monday, November 19, 2018

Hey Fletch … A few months ago we discussed our pastor’s lack of retirement planning. You mentioned you could recommend a non-profit attorney for a consultation.

One of my “strategies” is to help our pastor qualify for Social Security, even though he opted out. He does have 28 credits, 12 short of the minimum. Can he be paid as a member of the band? Part of our worship team is paid and he regularly plays keyboards. Could you recommend a non-profit attorney?

DRF—You have a complicated question and need professional counsel. I applaud you for realizing how complex this issue is. It is far better to pay for professional legal advice now, than to have a myriad of legal fees later.

In several “Hey Fletch” columns, the firm Middlebrook | Goodspeed has been kind enough to give expert opinions on church issues. You can read the quality of their thinking in those columns. I would suggest that you contact David Middlebrook or Steven Goodspeed at The Church Lawyers.

By David Fletcher|2021-10-10T11:17:06-05:00November 19th, 2018|Housing & Tax|

About the Author: David Fletcher

As an experienced pastor, Fletch knows church life. As a professor, he delivers insightful material. As a seasoned coach, he helps you grow. Dr. David Fletcher is often called "The Dean of Executive Pastors." Fletch was a pastor for 35 years in churches from 1,000-8,000 members, single and multisite, churches with mergers, camps, schools, apartments and cafés. He founded XPastor in 2003 and its 1,300 free articles from over 350 authors have become a principal resource for leaders in a complex church world.