Supporting Employees on Mission Trips

Crosspoint may use approved ministry or mission-trip funds to cover some or all of an employee’s expenses for an approved Crosspoint mission trip. When handled properly, these expenses generally are not treated as taxable compensation.

Preferred Process

Whenever possible:

1. Approve the support in advance through the appropriate campus or ministry budget.
2. Pay expenses directly to the travel provider, host organization, vendor, or Crosspoint mission-trip account.
3. If reimbursing an employee, require:

• Receipts or supporting documentation
• A clear ministry purpose
• Return of any unused funds

What to Avoid

Do not provide an employee with an unrestricted cash payment or flat mission-trip allowance without documentation.

Unsupported payments, or unused funds that are not returned, may need to be processed through payroll as taxable compensation.

Payroll Considerations

Employees may voluntarily participate in approved mission trips. However, additional review may be needed when a nonexempt employee:

• Has missions as part of their regular job responsibilities, or
• Will perform their normal job duties during the trip.

In these situations, some or all of the trip may qualify as compensable work time.

Before Providing Support

Confirm that:

• The trip is an approved Crosspoint ministry activity.
• The funding source and budget are appropriate.
• The support is approved and documented.
• Any donor restrictions are honored.
• Finance/HR has reviewed any potential payroll or work-time concerns.

Bottom Line

Pay approved mission-trip expenses directly whenever possible. If funds are provided to an employee, require documentation and the return of unused funds.

Questions or unusual situations? Contact finance@crosspoint.churchfinance@crosspoint.church before issuing payment.