Hello Christian Performers,

I just got done reading the thread about what to charge a church for a performance. I'm not going to start up that discussion again, but it did get me wondering about the Ministry vs Business aspect of performing.

Question: Even if you are NOT charging for your performances, are you still running it like a business?
by doing things like:
1) Keeping track of WHO you performed for and WHAT you did, so that when you perform again for them, you do something different?
2) Keeping all contact info so that you can send out notices of new ministry programs that you have
3) Categorizing your customers by the different types of churches, or ministries: church, camp, Christian school, etc.

If you ARE NOT GETTING PAID, then do you ever ask for a Tax Deductible Donation Receipt? so that you can, at least,
deduct the show as a donation? This would be good stewardship, I think.
And, do you have a way of keeping track of all of that stuff, like a Pro would?

Just thinking...

Are you related to clarence miller magician and inventor

No I'm not.
I'm from Rochester, MN.
I've been performing professionally for more than 20 years.
But I have created some magic products, like the Relentless Ring & String Routine.
See it at http://www.BobMillerMagic.biz

Bob, Don't dilly-dally about and be so modest:

I knew Bob when I was living in MN. He has an incredible software product that can do everything he has listed so you can be professional in all your dealings.
Go to: http://www.magicbasepro.com to read all about it!

If you ARE NOT GETTING PAID, then do you ever ask for a Tax Deductible Donation Receipt? so that you can, at least,
deduct the show as a donation? This would be good stewardship, I think.

According to IRS Publication 526, page 6; "You cannot deduct as a charitable contribution;

4. The value of your time or services.
5. Your personal expenses."

You may deduct mileage at 14 cents per mile (which is less than the cost of gas if your vehicle gets less than 25 mpg!)

Maybe I"m wrong but all I ask is a "Faith" donation then I tith 20% back to the same group or other churchers - I don't ask for recpt for tax deductions as it ALL goes to the LORD. - Just my thought. Ralph (russo)Rousseau. P.S. always thought TALENT/GIFT was from our Heavenly Father- - not for self.

I think that it is true that you can't deduct a service, but you can have the non-profit pay you and then give it back to them as a check, in exchange for a tax-deductible receipt.
" I'm not a tax professional so ask your account for the exact procedure" <---legal mumbo jumbo.

Also, thanks Jamie for your kind words. I am starting my Profitable Performance$ eNewsletter again after a 2 year break. I've already published 300 issues of Marketing and Performing Tips. So, if anyone is interested in this free subscription, you can get it at http://www.bobmillermagic.biz . Best wishes!

Just signed up, Bob...looking forward to it!

Me too - thank you for putting this out. I look forward to reading it.

I am also interested in your memorised borrowed deck - and terrified at the same time!

I've bought it now - and have a lot of work ahead of me I think!

Seems like a lot of work just to try and get paid without paying taxes. "Give unto Ceasar what is Ceasar's." I know of a couple of folks who do Gospel Magic for a living and take everything in as donations so they don't have to pay taxes.

Everytimne I recieved a love offering, I claimed it as income because God knows it was income, even if it was donated.



This seems to be more dishonest than being a good stewardship.

Yeah you definitely want to have your first priority on spreading the gospel and living a good Christian life. If you seek the Kingdom of God first, everything else will be added.