On July 9, 2026, Nelson Madden Black partner Barry Black traveled to Syracuse, New York, to speak to an audience of ministers at the NY District Family Convention of the United Pentecostal Church International (UPCI).
UPCI is a global Oneness Pentecostal organization formed in 1945. Today, the UPCI includes more than 45,000 churches and nearly 6.2 million constituents worldwide.
The presentation covered the classification of ministers as employees or independent contractors, self-employment taxes, salaries and parsonage allowances, business-expense reimbursements, benefits, discretionary funds, gifts, severance, and retirement. Mr. Black emphasized the importance of transparency, written policies, and informed guidance when structuring clergy compensation.
The conference also provided a valuable opportunity for Nelson Madden Black to connect directly with UPCI ministers and learn more about the legal and administrative issues they routinely encounter.