Explorez tous les épisodes du podcast Church Law Podcast
| Titre | Date | Durée | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bridging the Divide: A Conversation on Gracism and the Church w/ guest Dr. David Anderson | 06 janv. 2026 | 00:28:04 | |
What does it mean to be a Gracist — and why is racial unity essential to the mission of the Church? In this powerful episode of the Church Law Podcast, The Church Attorney® is joined by Dr. David Anderson, one of the world’s leading voices on racial reconciliation, faith, and bridge-building. As the founder of Gracism Global and senior pastor of one of America's most multicultural churches, Dr. Anderson unpacks the theological, legal, and practical implications of racial unity in today’s divided world. We explore how churches can move beyond performative allyship, create legally sound diversity policies, and cultivate authentic multicultural communities rooted in grace, not guilt. Dr. Anderson also shares how his concept of Gracism offers a redemptive framework for churches to confront racism while reflecting the true heart of God. Whether you're a pastor, ministry leader, church lawyer, or believer seeking unity, this episode will inspire you to bridge the divide — with wisdom, integrity, and grace.
Connect With Dr. Anderson: Website: https://andersonspeaks.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AndersonSpeaks Instagram: @AndersonSpeaks Twitter: @AndersonSpeaks YouTube: @AndersonSpeakscom If this episode blessed you, share it with another pastor or church leader—and help us reach more ministries with tools for operating decently and in order. Don't forget to leave us a review! Subscribe and watch this podcast on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/@TheChurchAttorney Missed the 2025 Church Law & Leadership Summit? Grab the replay bundle for 20% only at this link: https://the-church-attorney.thinkific.com/courses/2025-CLLSBUNDLE?coupon=podcast20 This event has been recommended for church leaders by Church Law & Tax and includes resources from partners like ECFA. Join the Faithful Foundations Membership today! 2025 Faithful Foundations Membership enrollment Download your FREE copy of The Church Attorney Legal Audit® System document checklist here, and check out Episode 29 (“Using a Legal Audit to Position Your Church for the Long Haul”) to learn about the importance of a legal audit for your church. Questions? Comments? We welcome them! Please contact Erika Cole at erikacole.com. Erika reads each comment and may answer your question in an upcoming episode. See all episodes of Church Law. Erika E. Cole, Esq., known as The Church Attorney®, is the creator of The Church Attorney Legal Audit® System, a proprietary legal audit process that helps church leaders be confident they are operating with integrity, and avoiding costly risks. Learn more at erikacole.com. | |||
| Still Called, Still Faithful: Why Shifting Isn’t Failing | 09 déc. 2025 | 00:31:59 | |
Are you a ministry leader in a season of transition, questioning your next steps, or navigating a succession plan? You are not alone — and you are not failing. In this special LIVE edition of The Church Law Podcast, The Church Attorney® is joined by Dr. Monique Flemings for a timely conversation titled “Still Called, Still Faithful: Why Shifting Isn’t Failing.” This episode is especially for pastors, ministry leaders, and church executives facing the challenges of succession, shifting roles, or uncertain next steps.Whether you're stepping down, stepping aside, or stepping into something new — this conversation will bring clarity, encouragement, and practical wisdom.
Connect With Dr. Flemings: Website: https://www.moniqueflemings.net/ LinkedIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-monique-flemings/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Dr.MoniqueFlemings# Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.moniqueflemings Listener Challenge: If this episode blessed you, share it with another pastor or church leader—and help us reach more ministries with tools for operating decently and in order. Don't forget to leave us a review! Subscribe and watch this podcast on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/@TheChurchAttorney Missed the 2025 Church Law & Leadership Summit? Grab the replay bundle for 20% only at this link: https://the-church-attorney.thinkific.com/courses/2025-CLLSBUNDLE?coupon=podcast20 This event has been recommended for church leaders by Church Law & Tax and includes resources from partners like ECFA. Join the Faithful Foundations Membership today! 2025 Faithful Foundations Membership enrollment Download your FREE copy of The Church Attorney Legal Audit® System document checklist here, and check out Episode 29 (“Using a Legal Audit to Position Your Church for the Long Haul”) to learn about the importance of a legal audit for your church. Unlock exclusive insights and expert advice by subscribing to The Church Attorney® YouTube Channel! Get access to video podcasts, live recordings, and much more—designed to help you navigate the legal landscape of church management with confidence. Don’t miss out—subscribe today! Questions? Comments? We welcome them! Please contact Erika Cole at erikacole.com. Erika reads each comment and may answer your question in an upcoming episode. See all episodes of Church Law. The Church Law podcast is part of Gloo LLC’s ChurchLawAndTax.com. Erika E. Cole, Esq., known as The Church Attorney®, is the creator of The Church Attorney Legal Audit® System, a proprietary legal audit process that helps church leaders be confident they are operating with integrity, and avoiding costly risks. Learn more at erikacole.com. | |||
| Are You Ready for December 31st? Year-End Legal & Financial Tips for Churches w/ guest Bob Dye | 18 nov. 2025 | 00:30:41 | |
As the year comes to a close, churches often face a whirlwind of activity—but overlooking year-end financial and legal responsibilities can lead to lasting consequences. In this episode, host Erika Cole, The Church Attorney®, is joined by Bob Dye, founder of the Good Shepherd Bookkeeping Solutions and a seasoned financial consultant and former church leader, to discuss what churches must focus on as they wrap up the year. From budgeting and board meetings to housing allowances and IRS compliance, Erika and Bob offer practical, spiritually grounded guidance to help you steward your ministry’s resources well—and with confidence. Key Takeaways: ● Why year-end matters for churches beyond the numbers ● The power of a solid budget and how it shapes next year’s vision ● Often overlooked tasks like housing allowances, board meeting minutes, and giving statements ● IRS worker classification rules—what every church should know about employees vs. contractors ● Tips to turn compliance into an act of stewardship and faithfulness ● Insights on automation and AI in ministry finance—and where churches are headed Special Resources: ✅ Download Bob Dye’s Year-End Financial Checklist for Churches ✅ Register for our Free Year-End Legal Webinar — happening Tuesday, December 9 at 12 PM ET Connect With Bob Dye: Website: https://goodshepherdbookkeeping.com/ LinkedIN (Business): https://www.linkedin.com/company/77701022/admin/dashboard/ LinkedIN (Personal): https://www.linkedin.com/in/bobdye-goodshepherdbookkeeping/ Facebook Page (Business): https://www.facebook.com/GoodShepherdBookkeeping Listener Challenge: If this episode blessed you, share it with another pastor or church leader—and help us reach more ministries with tools for operating decently and in order. Don't forget to leave us a review! Subscribe and watch this podcast on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/@TheChurchAttorney Missed the 2025 Church Law & Leadership Summit? Grab the replay bundle for 20% only at this link: https://the-church-attorney.thinkific.com/courses/2025-CLLSBUNDLE?coupon=podcast20 This event has been recommended for church leaders by Church Law & Tax and includes resources from partners like ECFA. Join the Faithful Foundations Membership today! 2025 Faithful Foundations Membership enrollment Download your FREE copy of The Church Attorney Legal Audit® System document checklist here, and check out Episode 29 (“Using a Legal Audit to Position Your Church for the Long Haul”) to learn about the importance of a legal audit for your church. Unlock exclusive insights and expert advice by subscribing to The Church Attorney® YouTube Channel! Get access to video podcasts, live recordings, and much more—designed to help you navigate the legal landscape of church management with confidence. Don’t miss out—subscribe today! Questions? Comments? We welcome them! Please contact Erika Cole at erikacole.com. Erika reads each comment and may answer your question in an upcoming episode. See all episodes of Church Law. The Church Law podcast is part of Gloo LLC’s ChurchLawAndTax.com. Erika E. Cole, Esq., known as The Church Attorney®, is the creator of The Church Attorney Legal Audit® System, a proprietary legal audit process that helps church leaders be confident they are operating with integrity, and avoiding costly risks. Learn more at erikacole.com. | |||
| Faith, Philanthropy, and Equity: How Churches and Nonprofits Can Align Giving with Values and Justice w/ guest Nicole Baker Fulgham | 21 oct. 2025 | 00:28:20 | |
In this inspiring episode of The Church Law Podcast, host Erika Cole, The Church Attorney®, sits down with Nicole Baker Fulgham, founder of The Townsend Collaborative, former Chief Impact Officer at Charles and Lynn Schusterman Family Philanthropies, and current Bridgespan Fellow with the Racial Equity in Philanthropy team. Nicole shares her remarkable journey—from her beginnings in education with Teach For America to leading efforts that reimagine philanthropy through a lens of racial equity and faith. Together, Erika and Nicole explore how churches and nonprofits can engage in equity-focused giving, collaborate with philanthropic networks, and strengthen their community impact while staying grounded in mission and values. Whether your church is navigating financial challenges or stewarding abundance, this episode offers practical insights and spiritual encouragement to help leaders cultivate generosity, justice, and sustainability. Tune in to learn: ● How faith shapes effective, justice-centered leadership ● What racial equity in philanthropy means for the Church ● Strategies for building meaningful partnerships between churches and philanthropists ● A vision for the future of faith-driven giving and community transformation SHOW NOTES Connect with Nicole Baker Fulgham: ● http://www.townsendco.org ● https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicolebakerfulgham/ Watch this podcast on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/@TheChurchAttorney Missed the 2025 Church Law & Leadership Summit? Grab the replay bundle for 20% only at this link: https://the-church-attorney.thinkific.com/courses/2025-CLLSBUNDLE?coupon=podcast20 This event has been recommended for church leaders by Church Law & Tax and includes resources from partners like ECFA. Join the Faithful Foundations Membership today! 2025 Faithful Foundations Membership enrollment Download your FREE copy of The Church Attorney Legal Audit® System document checklist here, and check out Episode 29 (“Using a Legal Audit to Position Your Church for the Long Haul”) to learn about the importance of a legal audit for your church. Unlock exclusive insights and expert advice by subscribing to The Church Attorney® YouTube Channel! Get access to video podcasts, live recordings, and much more—designed to help you navigate the legal landscape of church management with confidence. Don’t miss out—subscribe today! Questions? Comments? We welcome them! Please contact Erika Cole at erikacole.com. Erika reads each comment and may answer your question in an upcoming episode. See all episodes of Church Law. The Church Law podcast is part of Gloo LLC’s ChurchLawAndTax.com. Erika E. Cole, Esq., known as The Church Attorney®, is the creator of The Church Attorney Legal Audit® System, a proprietary legal audit process that helps church leaders be confident they are operating with integrity, and avoiding costly risks. Learn more at erikacole.com. | |||
| The Future of the Large Church w/ guest Warren Bird | 30 sept. 2025 | 00:36:19 | |
In this episode of the Church Law Podcast, Erika Cole, The Church Attorney®, sits down with Dr. Warren Bird—one of the nation’s foremost researchers and authors on large churches—to explore the future of the large church in 2025 and beyond. From pastoral succession and multisite models to digital ministry and community impact, Dr. Bird shares fresh insights from decades of groundbreaking research. Whether you’re a pastor, church leader, or nonprofit executive, this conversation will equip you with the data and perspective to lead with wisdom, innovation, and integrity. Key Topics Discussed:
And more! Whether you’re a pastor, church leader, or believer who longs to see true reconciliation, this conversation will equip and challenge you to become a bridge-builder in your own community. SHOW NOTES What's really happening inside America's largest and most influential churches? Is the church back better than ever? If you serve a church from 1,000 to 100,000, you can help my friend Dr. Warren Bird find out and put the results back in your hands. Take the survey at bit.ly/largechurch2025 Learn more about Warren and his work at www.warrenbird.com Join the Faithful Foundations Membership today at the current price until October 1! 2025 Faithful Foundations Membership enrollment Download your FREE copy of The Church Attorney Legal Audit® System document checklist here, and check out Episode 29 (“Using a Legal Audit to Position Your Church for the Long Haul”) to learn about the importance of a legal audit for your church. Unlock exclusive insights and expert advice by subscribing to The Church Attorney® YouTube Channel! Get access to video podcasts, live recordings, and much more—designed to help you navigate the legal landscape of church management with confidence. Don’t miss out—subscribe today! Questions? Comments? We welcome them! Please contact Erika Cole at erikacole.com. Erika reads each comment and may answer your question in an upcoming episode. See all episodes of Church Law. The Church Law podcast is part of Gloo LLC’s ChurchLawAndTax.com. Erika E. Cole, Esq., known as The Church Attorney®, is the creator of The Church Attorney Legal Audit® System, a proprietary legal audit process that helps church leaders be confident they are operating with integrity, and avoiding costly risks. Learn more at erikacole.com. | |||
| Why Unity in the Church is Important with guest, Latasha Morrison | 09 sept. 2025 | 00:30:20 | |
In this episode of the Church Law Podcast, Erika sits down with Latasha Morrison—speaker, author, certified trainer in cultural intelligence and unconscious bias, and founder of Be the Bridge. Latasha has devoted her life to racial reconciliation and equipping church leaders to foster unity in the body of Christ. Together, we explore the church’s responsibility to lead the charge in healing racial divides, why cultural intelligence matters in ministry, and how pastors and leaders can move from good conversations to lasting transformation. You’ll hear:
Whether you’re a pastor, church leader, or believer who longs to see true reconciliation, this conversation will equip and challenge you to become a bridge-builder in your own community. SHOW NOTES Learn more about Latasha and her work at: Register for the virtual 18th Annual Church Law & Leadership Summit and enter code PODCAST20 to receive a 20% off discount! Also, if you purchase a Team Package by September 10th, you’ll receive my exclusive training: “What Every Church Board Needs to Know”(a $197 value – FREE!). Plus, all summit registrants will also be entered into a giveaway for a chance to win a copy of Dr. Nicole Massie Martin’s book, Nailing-It: Why Successful Leadership Demands Suffering and Surrender! https://churchattorney.thrivecart.com/clls-registration/?coupon=PODCAST20 Join the Faithful Foundations Membership today! 2025 Faithful Foundations Membership enrollment Download your FREE copy of The Church Attorney Legal Audit® System document checklist here, and check out Episode 29 (“Using a Legal Audit to Position Your Church for the Long Haul”) to learn about the importance of a legal audit for your church. Unlock exclusive insights and expert advice by subscribing to The Church Attorney® YouTube Channel! Get access to video podcasts, live recordings, and much more—designed to help you navigate the legal landscape of church management with confidence. Don’t miss out—subscribe today! Questions? Comments? We welcome them! Please contact Erika Cole at erikacole.com. Erika reads each comment and may answer your question in an upcoming episode. See all episodes of Church Law. The Church Law podcast is part of Gloo LLC’s ChurchLawAndTax.com. Erika E. Cole, Esq., known as The Church Attorney®, is the creator of The Church Attorney Legal Audit® System, a proprietary legal audit process that helps church leaders be confident they are operating with integrity, and avoiding costly risks. Learn more at erikacole.com. | |||
| What You Can Expect at the Church Law & Leadership Summit | 26 août 2025 | 00:16:32 | |
In this special episode of the Church Law Podcast, Erika Cole, The Church Attorney®, gives you an exclusive preview of the 18th Annual Church Law and Leadership Summit, happening Thursday, September 18, 2025. With the theme “For Such a Time as This: Standing Firm, Serving Strong,” this year’s Summit is more than just an event—it’s a divine appointment for pastors, church leaders, and faith-based executives. Erika reflects on the 18-year journey of the Summit, from its early days as a local in-person gathering to now serving over 1,200 leaders from all 50 states through a dynamic online format. You’ll hear about the history, purpose, and impact of this unique gathering, plus a breakdown of the sessions, speakers, and special opportunities awaiting attendees. Whether you’re leading a congregation, managing church operations, or navigating the challenges of ministry in today’s legal and cultural climate, this episode equips you with insight and inspiration to step into leadership with wisdom and confidence. SHOW NOTES ACT NOW! Register by September 2nd for the Virtual 18th Annual Church Law & Leadership Summit with the coupon code BIRTHDAY and receive an exclusive preview of the first month’s lesson of the Faithful Foundations Membership ($80 value). All summit registrants will also be entered into a giveaway for a chance to win a copy of Dr. Nicole Massie Martin’s book, Nailing-It: Why Successful Leadership Demands Suffering and Surrender! https://www.erikacole.com/summit2025 Join the Faithful Foundations Membership today! 2025 Faithful Foundations Membership enrollment Download your FREE copy of The Church Attorney Legal Audit® System document checklist here, and check out Episode 29 (“Using a Legal Audit to Position Your Church for the Long Haul”) to learn about the importance of a legal audit for your church. Unlock exclusive insights and expert advice by subscribing to The Church Attorney® YouTube Channel! Get access to video podcasts, live recordings, and much more—designed to help you navigate the legal landscape of church management with confidence. Don’t miss out—subscribe today! Questions? Comments? We welcome them! Please contact Erika Cole at erikacole.com. Erika reads each comment and may answer your question in an upcoming episode. See all episodes of Church Law. The Church Law podcast is part of Gloo LLC’s ChurchLawAndTax.com. Erika E. Cole, Esq., known as The Church Attorney®, is the creator of The Church Attorney Legal Audit® System, a proprietary legal audit process that helps church leaders be confident they are operating with integrity, and avoiding costly risks. Learn more at erikacole.com. | |||
| How to Nail Church Leadership in Challenging Times, with guest Dr. Nicole Martin | 12 août 2025 | 00:25:18 | |
In this episode of The Church Law Podcast, host Erika Cole, The Church Attorney®, sits down with Rev. Dr. Nicole Massie Martin—COO of Christianity Today and author of Nailing It: Why Successful Leadership Demands Suffering & Surrender—to explore how church leaders can navigate challenging times with wisdom, integrity, and grace. Together, they tackle key issues such as scaling ministries without losing sacred intentions, avoiding dysfunctional loyalty, fostering unity over blind allegiance, and embracing a God-aligned pace in leadership. Packed with biblical insight and practical strategies, this conversation equips pastors, ministry leaders, and church staff to lead faithfully, even in seasons of difficulty. Plus, listeners will hear how to enter for a chance to win a signed copy of Nicole’s book during the upcoming Church Law & Leadership Summit! SHOW NOTES Register to join us virtually on Sept. 18th at the 18th Annual Church Law & Leadership Summit and be entered in the book giveaway! https://www.erikacole.com/summit2025 For more information on Dr. Nicole Massie Martin’s book, Nailing-It: Why Successful Leadership Demands Suffering and Surrender, visit: https://www.ivpress.com/nailing-it Ep. 31: Equipping Younger Church Leaders, with guest Dr. Nicole Martin, CT’s chief impact officer – https://www.churchlawandtax.com/podcast-church-law/equipping-younger-church-leaders/ Ep. 14: The Rise and Fall of Mars Hill and What You Should Consider Before Changing Your Bylaws – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hjvpNxPpC4U Join the Faithful Foundations Membership today! 2025 Faithful Foundations Membership enrollment Download your FREE copy of The Church Attorney Legal Audit® System document checklist here, and check out Episode 29 (“Using a Legal Audit to Position Your Church for the Long Haul”) to learn about the importance of a legal audit for your church. Unlock exclusive insights and expert advice by subscribing to The Church Attorney® YouTube Channel! Get access to video podcasts, live recordings, and much more—designed to help you navigate the legal landscape of church management with confidence. Don’t miss out—subscribe today! Questions? Comments? We welcome them! Please contact Erika Cole at erikacole.com. Erika reads each comment and may answer your question in an upcoming episode. See all episodes of Church Law. The Church Law podcast is part of Gloo LLC’s ChurchLawAndTax.com. Erika E. Cole, Esq., known as The Church Attorney®, is the creator of The Church Attorney Legal Audit® System, a proprietary legal audit process that helps church leaders be confident they are operating with integrity, and avoiding costly risks. Learn more at erikacole.com. | |||
| Trademarks 101 for Churches, with guest Nathan Adams IV, Esq. | 27 mai 2025 | 00:27:15 | |
In this episode of The Church Law Podcast, Erika Cole, The Church Attorney®, sits down with Nathan “Nate” Adams, partner at Holland & Knight, to unpack the essentials of trademark protection for churches. Whether your church is newly launched or generations old, this conversation will help you understand how to protect your name, avoid common legal pitfalls, and steward your ministry wisely. You’ll learn: ● The difference between a trademark and a trade name ● What legal protections state or IRS registration don’t provide ● How churches unintentionally infringe on trademarks ● Why legal protection is critical when growing an online presence ● How trademarking aligns with good stewardship SHOW NOTES Trademark disputes can be messy, even with Christian organizations. Christian ministries and churches can find themselves in trademark issues due to expansion, similar town names, or even disgruntled attendees. For Mars Hill Church in Seattle, they were hoping to expand into California when they were met with another Mars Hill Church in Sacramento. Ironically, this church no longer exists after the tragic downfall of its founder. For a Christian university, the trademark issue can arise from west-coast and east-coast universities within different towns, both named Rochester. Lastly, although rare, disgruntled attendees can attempt to dilute the influence of the organization by creating fake organizations with the same name to discourage attendance. Trademark protections can be vital before any suit is seen on the horizon. Read More regarding these suits here: erikacole.com/churchlawcases/trademarkclashes Join the Faithful Foundations Membership today! 2025 Faithful Foundations Membership enrollment Download your FREE copy of The Church Attorney Legal Audit® System document checklist here, and check out Episode 29 (“Using a Legal Audit to Position Your Church for the Long Haul”) to learn about the importance of a legal audit for your church. Unlock exclusive insights and expert advice by subscribing to The Church Attorney® YouTube Channel! Get access to video podcasts, live recordings, and much more—designed to help you navigate the legal landscape of church management with confidence. Don’t miss out—subscribe today! Connect with Nathan Adams: ● ww.hklaw.com/en/professionals/a/adams-nathan-a ● www.linkedin.com/in/nathan-adams-86380412 Questions? Comments? We welcome them! Please contact Erika Cole at erikacole.com. Erika reads each comment and may answer your question in an upcoming episode. See all episodes of Church Law. The Church Law podcast is part of Gloo LLC’s ChurchLawAndTax.com. Erika E. Cole, Esq., known as The Church Attorney®, is the creator of The Church Attorney Legal Audit® System, a proprietary legal audit process that helps church leaders be confident they are operating with integrity, and avoiding costly risks. Learn more at erikacole.com. | |||
| The Ultimate Guide to Maintaining Your Church’s Tax-Exempt Status | 06 mai 2025 | 00:20:49 | |
In this episode of The Church Law Podcast, Erika Cole, The Church Attorney®, dives into the vital topic of maintaining your church’s tax-exempt status. With over 25 years of experience guiding ministries of all sizes, Erika unpacks what tax exemption really means, the top five ways churches unknowingly put their status at risk, and real-life cautionary tales from churches that lost theirs. Learn how to avoid IRS scrutiny, protect your ministry’s financial future, and lead with legal confidence. SHOW NOTES Join the Faithful Foundations Membership today! 2025 Faithful Foundations Membership enrollment The Church Attorney’s Guide to 501(c)(3) Tax-Exempt Status, How to Obtain, Maintain and Protect Your Church’s Tax-Exempt Status Tax Exempt Organization Search bulk data downloads (Publication 78) Case of first church tax-exempt status revocation based on engagement in political activity Church Law & Tax article: Understanding the Consequences for Losing Tax Exemption for Churches Download your FREE copy of The Church Attorney Legal Audit® System document checklist here, and check out Episode 29 (“Using a Legal Audit to Position Your Church for the Long Haul”) to learn about the importance of a legal audit for your church. Unlock exclusive insights and expert advice by subscribing to The Church Attorney® YouTube Channel! Get access to video podcasts, live recordings, and much more—designed to help you navigate the legal landscape of church management with confidence. Don’t miss out—subscribe today! Questions? Comments? We welcome them! Please contact Erika Cole at erikacole.com. Erika reads each comment and may answer your question in an upcoming episode. See all episodes of Church Law. The Church Law podcast is part of Gloo LLC’s ChurchLawAndTax.com. Erika E. Cole, Esq., known as The Church Attorney®, is the creator of The Church Attorney Legal Audit® System, a proprietary legal audit process that helps church leaders be confident they are operating with integrity, and avoiding costly risks. Learn more at erikacole.com. | |||
| Top Legal and Tax Issues: Answering Listener Questions with guest, Matthew Branaugh, Esq. | 15 avr. 2025 | 00:42:41 | |
In this episode of the Church Law Podcast, Erika welcomes back special guest Matthew Branaugh, attorney and editor at Church Law & Tax. Together, they tackle a variety of legal and tax questions submitted by you, our listeners—offering valuable guidance to help churches and ministries navigate complex issues. Topics include volunteer background checks, receiving property from another church, handling love offerings, protecting 501(c)(3) status while generating income, church name protection, and more. This informative conversation equips church leaders with practical insight to steward their ministries with wisdom and legal clarity. SHOW NOTES Join the Faithful Foundations Membership today! 2025 Faithful Foundations Membership enrollment The Church Attorney®’s Guide, Love Offerings National Sex Offender Public Website Ep. 9 - Fraud in Church: It Can Happen to You! With guest Vonna Laue, CPA Download your FREE copy of The Church Attorney Legal Audit® System document checklist here, and check out Episode 29 (“Using a Legal Audit to Position Your Church for the Long Haul”) to learn about the importance of a legal audit for your church. Unlock exclusive insights and expert advice by subscribing to The Church Attorney® YouTube Channel! Get access to video podcasts, live recordings, and much more—designed to help you navigate the legal landscape of church management with confidence. Don’t miss out—subscribe today! Questions? Comments? We welcome them! Please contact Erika Cole at erikacole.com. Erika reads each comment and may answer your question in an upcoming episode. See all episodes of Church Law. The Church Law podcast is part of Gloo LLC’s ChurchLawAndTax.com. Erika E. Cole, Esq., known as The Church Attorney®, is the creator of The Church Attorney Legal Audit® System, a proprietary legal audit process that helps church leaders be confident they are operating with integrity, and avoiding costly risks. Learn more at erikacole.com. | |||
| The New Administration and What Your Church Should Know | 25 mars 2025 | 00:23:32 | |
In this episode, Erika provides essential guidance to help churches and ministries stay ahead of shifting legal and compliance requirements under the new administration. Learn critical steps your ministry must take to remain compliant and secure while discovering the invaluable support offered through Faithful Foundations Membership. Don’t let your ministry be caught off guard—stay informed, prepared, and faithful. Key Discussion Points:
SHOW NOTES Join the Faithful Foundations Membership today! 2025 Faithful Foundations Membership enrollment Download your FREE copy of The Church Attorney Legal Audit® System document checklist here, and check out Episode 29 (“Using a Legal Audit to Position Your Church for the Long Haul”) to learn about the importance of a legal audit for your church. Unlock exclusive insights and expert advice by subscribing to The Church Attorney® YouTube Channel! Get access to video podcasts, live recordings, and much more—designed to help you navigate the legal landscape of church management with confidence. Don’t miss out—subscribe today! Questions? Comments? We welcome them! Please contact Erika Cole at erikacole.com. Erika reads each comment and may answer your question in an upcoming episode. See all episodes of Church Law. The Church Law podcast is part of Gloo LLC’s ChurchLawAndTax.com. Erika E. Cole, Esq., known as The Church Attorney®, is the creator of The Church Attorney Legal Audit® System, a proprietary legal audit process that helps church leaders be confident they are operating with integrity, and avoiding costly risks. Learn more at erikacole.com. | |||
| Immigration and the Church: What May Change in 2025 with guest Lina Hughes, Esq. | 03 mars 2025 | 00:31:10 | |
In this episode, Erika tackles a critical issue facing churches and ministries—immigration law and its evolving impact on faith-based organizations. With rapid policy shifts, many churches serving immigrant communities are left wondering how to navigate the legal landscape effectively. To provide expert insight, Erika welcomes guest, Lina Hughes, a seasoned immigration attorney with over 26 years of experience. Lina is the principal attorney at Yen Hughes Law, a professor of immigration law at Trinity Law School, and an advocate for attorney well-being. Together, they discuss: how immigration policies have historically impacted churches, the latest policy changes affecting faith-based organizations, practical steps churches can take to prepare and adjust, the importance of a written immigration policy, and more. If your church or ministry serves immigrant populations, this episode is a must-listen. Gain wisdom, confidence, and practical strategies to continue serving with excellence in 2025 and beyond. SHOW NOTES Join the Faithful Foundations Membership today! 2025 Faithful Foundations Membership enrollment Download your FREE copy of The Church Attorney Legal Audit® System document checklist here, and check out Episode 29 (“Using a Legal Audit to Position Your Church for the Long Haul”) to learn about the importance of a legal audit for your church. Unlock exclusive insights and expert advice by subscribing to The Church Attorney® YouTube Channel! Get access to video podcasts, live recordings, and much more—designed to help you navigate the legal landscape of church management with confidence. Don’t miss out—subscribe today! Questions? Comments? We welcome them! Please contact Erika Cole at erikacole.com. Erika reads each comment and may answer your question in an upcoming episode. See all episodes of Church Law. The Church Law podcast is part of Gloo LLC’s ChurchLawAndTax.com. Erika E. Cole, Esq., known as The Church Attorney®, is the creator of The Church Attorney Legal Audit® System, a proprietary legal audit process that helps church leaders be confident they are operating with integrity, and avoiding costly risks. Learn more at erikacole.com. | |||
| Employees vs. Contractors: Proper Worker Classification for Churches with guest, Tiffany Releford, Esq. | 19 févr. 2025 | 00:30:25 | |
This podcast episode, hosted by Erika Cole, The Church Attorney®, features employment law expert Tiffany Releford. The discussion provides valuable insights into employment law as it applies to churches and nonprofit organizations. Topics include distinguishing between employees and independent contractors, the implications of part-time versus full-time status, and how recent federal executive orders impact nonprofit compliance. Tiffany also highlights the importance of understanding legal protections against discrimination, particularly in light of evolving government policies. Church leaders and nonprofit administrators will find practical guidance on navigating workplace legal complexities while staying mission-focused. SHOW NOTES Join the Faithful Foundations Membership today! 2025 Faithful Foundations Membership enrollment Church Law Podcast, Episode 12: HR Matter for Churches w/ guest Tiffany Releford, Esq. Are you a religious leader who is feeling burnt out? Register today for Take the Next Call, a 6-week online course that will empower you to take control of your journey and fulfill your destiny beyond your church leadership role. Download your FREE copy of The Church Attorney Legal Audit® System document checklist here, and check out Episode 29 (“Using a Legal Audit to Position Your Church for the Long Haul”) to learn about the importance of a legal audit for your church. Unlock exclusive insights and expert advice by subscribing to The Church Attorney® YouTube Channel! Get access to video podcasts, live recordings, and much more—designed to help you navigate the legal landscape of church management with confidence. Don’t miss out—subscribe today! Questions? Comments? We welcome them! Please contact Erika Cole at erikacole.com. Erika reads each comment and may answer your question in an upcoming episode. See all episodes of Church Law. The Church Law podcast is part of Gloo LLC’s ChurchLawAndTax.com. Erika E. Cole, Esq., known as The Church Attorney®, is the creator of The Church Attorney Legal Audit® System, a proprietary legal audit process that helps church leaders be confident they are operating with integrity, and avoiding costly risks. Learn more at erikacole.com. | |||
| Rest as a Sacred Leadership Commitment, with guest Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith | 31 janv. 2025 | 00:29:35 | |
In this episode, we explore the often-overlooked importance of rest in leadership, especially for those in ministry. Erika is joined by Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith, a Board-Certified internal medicine physician, work-life integration researcher, and author of Sacred Rest. Together, we discuss how rest is not a luxury but a sacred commitment that leaders must prioritize to serve others effectively. Church and ministry leaders often carry heavy responsibilities, facing the demands of their roles while neglecting their own well-being. Dr. Dalton-Smith shares her expert insights on the critical connection between rest and health, and how leaders can incorporate holistic rest into their lives to recharge, refocus, and continue their work with renewed energy and purpose. If you’ve been feeling overwhelmed or burnt out, this episode is a must-listen! Tune in for practical advice and encouraging wisdom on how to make rest an integral part of your leadership journey. SHOW NOTES Join the Faithful Foundations Membership today! 2025 Faithful Foundations Membership enrollment Sacred Rest by Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith Sacred Rest Quiz (Link to quiz for listeners to assess their rest needs) Are you a religious leader who is feeling burnt out? Register today for Take the Next Call, a 6-week online course that will empower you to take control of your journey and fulfill your destiny beyond your church leadership role. Download your FREE copy of The Church Attorney Legal Audit® System document checklist here, and check out Episode 29 (“Using a Legal Audit to Position Your Church for the Long Haul”) to learn about the importance of a legal audit for your church. Unlock exclusive insights and expert advice by subscribing to The Church Attorney® YouTube Channel! Get access to video podcasts, live recordings, and much more—designed to help you navigate the legal landscape of church management with confidence. Don’t miss out—subscribe today! Questions? Comments? We welcome them! Please contact Erika Cole at erikacole.com. Erika reads each comment and may answer your question in an upcoming episode. See all episodes of Church Law. The Church Law podcast is part of Gloo LLC’s ChurchLawAndTax.com. Erika E. Cole, Esq., known as The Church Attorney®, is the creator of The Church Attorney Legal Audit® System, a proprietary legal audit process that helps church leaders be confident they are operating with integrity, and avoiding costly risks. Learn more at erikacole.com. | |||
| BONUS EPISODE: An Interview with Richard Hammar, attorney, CPA, and co-founder, Church Law & Tax | 26 nov. 2024 | 00:40:52 | |
Hammar, attorney, CPA, and co-founder of Church Law & Tax. Rich reflects on his more than 40-year career representing churches and informing them through his articles for Church Law & Tax and his many books, including Pastor, Church & Law, Fifth Edition, and the annual Church & Clergy Tax Guide. The two discuss the top five reasons churches and religious organizations go to court. They also explore the issues and challenges that have changed over the past four decades, and why churches face increasing legal liability. And Erika asks Rich about his career transition—and what church leaders can learn from his experience. SHOW NOTES
Questions? Comments? We welcome them! Please contact Erika Cole at erikacole.com. Erika reads each comment and may answer your question in an upcoming episode. See all episodes of Church Law. The Church Law podcast is part of Gloo LLC’s ChurchLawAndTax.com. Erika E. Cole, Esq., known as The Church Attorney®, is the creator of The Church Attorney Legal Audit® System, a proprietary legal audit process that helps church leaders be confident they are operating with integrity, and avoiding costly risks. She serves as a senior editorial advisor for ChurchLawAndTax.com. | |||
| When to Hire An Executive Pastor, with XPastor.com Founder David “Fletch” Fletcher | 29 oct. 2024 | 00:27:01 | |
So, you’ve planted your church, and it has entered a growth phase. And with that growth has come added responsibility, stress, and pressure.
Therefore, it’s understandable that you might be considering bringing in someone to help. Should that someone be an executive pastor?
David “Fletch” Fletcher, founder of XPastor.com and an advisor-at-large for Church Law & Tax, is known as the “Dean of Executive Pastors.” In this episode, he offers wisdom and insights gleaned from four decades leading churches of various sizes and makeups.
Using Acts 6 as a guide, Fletch unpacks what it is for pastors to effectively delegate certain duties and roles, and thus free themselves to focus on their calling, as they lead growing, ever-changing churches.
This is especially critical when a church enters the 500-1,000 member range, Fletch says, and begins to see declines in productivity among a growing staff, or even missional drift.
It’s why an executive pastor might be the wisest investment a church can make.
SHOW NOTES
Episode 27: “Building a Healthy Leadership Culture in Your Church”
State of the Church – 2025: Measuring What Matters in Ministry, by Gloo and Barna
Become a ChurchLawAndTax.com Advantage Member and enjoy full access to articles, a Legal Library, a copy of the annual Church & Clergy Tax Guide, and more.
Download your FREE copy of The Church Attorney Legal Audit® System document checklist here, and check out Episode 29 (“Using a Legal Audit to Position Your Church for the Long Haul”) to learn about the importance of a legal audit for your church.
Join the waitlist for the 2025 Faithful Foundations Membership enrollment.
“The Changing Face of the Executive Pastor Role,” by Matthew Branaugh
“How to Interview Your Next Church” by David Fletcher
Church Finance: The Church Leader’s Guide to Financial Operations, by Michael E. Batts
Questions? Comments? We welcome them! Please contact Erika Cole at erikacole.com. Erika reads each comment and may answer your question in an upcoming episode.
See all episodes of Church Law.
The Church Law podcast is part of Gloo LLC’s ChurchLawAndTax.com.
Erika E. Cole, Esq., known as The Church Attorney®, is the creator of The Church Attorney Legal Audit® System, a proprietary legal audit process that helps church leaders be confident they are operating with integrity, and avoiding costly risks. She serves as a senior editorial advisor for ChurchLawAndTax.com.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
| |||
| The Thriving, Expanding Church, with guest Brad Hill, chief solutions officer, Gloo | 08 oct. 2024 | 00:26:01 | |
Many churches make it out of their infancies and early years and hit their strides as they approach the double-digit years of existence. When a church’s life cycle reaches this point, it’s easy for its leaders to focus on what got them there. But that can be a misstep.
In this episode, Erika talks with Brad Hill, Gloo’s chief solutions officer, about how thriving, expanding churches can maximize their opportunities by developing new ways of thinking about ministry and doing it.
Embracing new technologies like AI, and the ways they can be used for advancing the Good News and making disciples, is one such way. Finding ways to measure the health and well-being of the people coming to the church is another way. Learn more as Erika and Brad explain how a thriving, expanding church is made possible when that church thinks innovatively about helping its people thrive and flourish.
Show Notes:
Episode 45: “The Lifecycle of a Church”
Episode 32: “Readying Your Church for the AI Wave”
AI and the Church - Gloo
State of the Church – 2025: Measuring What Matters in Ministry, by Gloo and Barna
Become a ChurchLawAndTax.com Advantage Member and enjoy full access to articles, a Legal Library, a copy of the annual Church & Clergy Tax Guide, and more.
Download your FREE copy of The Church Attorney Legal Audit® System document checklist here, and check out Episode 29 (“Using a Legal Audit to Position Your Church for the Long Haul”) to learn about the importance of a legal audit for your church.
Join the waitlist for the 2025 Faithful Foundations Membership enrollment
“Generative AI is All the Rage. Handle With Care,” by Matthew Branaugh
“Yes, Ministries Should Embrace AI,” by Jonathan Smith
Church IT, Third Edition, by Nick Nicholaou and Jonathan Smith
Questions? Comments? We welcome them! Please contact Erika Cole at erikacole.com. Erika reads each comment and may answer your question in an upcoming episode.
See all episodes of Church Law.
The Church Law podcast is part of Gloo LLC’s ChurchLawAndTax.com.
Erika E. Cole, Esq., known as The Church Attorney®, is the creator of The Church Attorney Legal Audit® System, a proprietary legal audit process that helps church leaders be confident they are operating with integrity, and avoiding costly risks. She serves as a senior editorial advisor for ChurchLawAndTax.com.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
| |||
| Navigating the Early Years, with guest Pastor Soboma Wokoma | 10 sept. 2024 | 00:26:31 | |
Pastors Soboma and Faith Wokoma weren’t planning to start a church. But bringing 17 people together for connection, coupled with earnest commitments to prayer, eventually led to launching Legacy Center Church in Wake Forest, North Carolina.
Eight years later, the church draws about 350 people a week. The church is at a stage some consider “the messy middle” of ministry: Operations have grown, the newness has faded, and it’s easy for ministries to move off course.
Continuing the theme of “the lifecycle of a church,” Erika talks more with Pastor Soboma about how Legacy Center has intentionally worked to avoid drift. The two discuss skill-building among staff and volunteers, using bivocational pastors, and calling upon volunteers with workplace experience to help lead the church’s administrative operations.
That last approach—volunteer-led administration—also underscores the power of continual assessment and adjustment, Pastor Soboma notes, because leadership abilities and needs change, and approaches must be flexible to respond for the long-term good of the church
Show Notes:
Episode 46: “Starting a Church, with guest Peter Olson, executive pastor”
Episode 45: “The Lifecycle of a Church”
A Special Offer for Our Podcast Listeners! As a special thank-you to our loyal podcast listeners, we’re offering an exclusive 20-percent discount on registration for the 17th annual Church Compliance Conference, a virtual event on September 19, 2024.
Simply use the discount code PODCAST at checkout, or, use these links to the discounted registration pages:
All Access Group Ticket
Individual Ticket + Companion Guide and Conference Replay
Single Admission
Church Goverance, Richard R. Hammar
Become a ChurchLawAndTax.com Advantage Member and enjoy full access to articles, a Legal Library, a copy of the annual Church & Clergy Tax Guide, and more.
Download your FREE copy of The Church Attorney Legal Audit® System document checklist here, and check out Episode 29 (“Using a Legal Audit to Position Your Church for the Long Haul”) to learn about the importance of a legal audit for your church.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
| |||
| Starting a Church, with guest Peter Olson, executive pastor | 20 août 2024 | 00:23:01 | |
Three years ago, Harvest Valley Church was a dream—a vision—to reach the people of Horace, North Dakota. From humble beginnings meeting in coffee shops to forming small groups to using a “portable” approach from week to week, the church has grown to nearly 500 people as it approaches its third anniversary.
How does a church like this start right and grow in a healthy way? In this episode, Erika speaks with Peter Olson, the executive pastor of Harvest Valley (and a Church Law podcast listener!). The two talk about the fundamental importance of good pre-launch planning and organization, the creation of good governing documents, and the filings with the secretary of state and Internal Revenue Service that develop good order.
They also talk about key spiritual components to starting a church. Understanding vision and mission, following the way of Jesus, and embracing the value of consistently asking questions—of staff, of volunteers, and of congregants.
The result? “A lot of learning, a lot of learning, and a lot of learning,” Olson observes. And recognizing that faithful obedience—not just numerical growth—should be the first priority.
A Special Offer for Our Podcast Listeners!
As a special thank-you to our loyal podcast listeners, we’re offering an exclusive 20-percent discount on registration for the 17th annual Church Compliance Conference, a virtual event on September 19, 2024.
Simply use the discount code PODCAST at checkout, or, use these links to the discounted registration pages:
All Access Group Ticket
Individual Ticket + Companion Guide and Conference Replay
Single Admission
Show Notes
Church Governance, by Richard R. Hammar
Pastor, Church & Law, Fifth Edition, by Richard R. Hammar
Download your FREE copy of The Church Attorney Legal Audit® System document checklist here, and check out Episode 29 (“Using a Legal Audit to Position Your Church for the Long Haul”) to learn about the importance of a legal audit for your church.
Questions? Comments? We welcome them! Please contact Erika Cole at erikacole.com. Erika reads each comment and may answer your question in an upcoming episode.
See all episodes of Church Law.
The Church Law podcast is part of Gloo LLC’s ChurchLawAndTax.com.Erika E. Cole, Esq., known as The Church Attorney®, is the creator of The Church Attorney Legal Audit® System, a proprietary legal audit process that helps church leaders be confident they are operating with integrity, and avoiding costly risks. She serves a
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
| |||
| The Lifecycle of a Church | 30 juil. 2024 | 00:12:16 | |
A new season of the Church Law podcast is here!
In this episode, Erika discusses this season’s theme: The lifecycle of a church.
Whether a church is launching, growing, thriving, or declining, there are important administrative, legal, and spiritual tasks and responsibilities to address.
This season will walk church leaders through each of these seasons, offering the guidance and direction they need to handle the challenges and opportunities well.
Regardless the season your church faces, learn just how—as promised in Romans 8:28—God works for the good in all things for those who love Him.
A Special Offer for Our Podcast Listeners! As a special thank-you to our loyal podcast listeners, we’re offering an exclusive 20-percent discount on registration for the 17th annual Church Compliance Conference, a virtual event on September 19, 2024. Simply use the discount code PODCAST at checkout. Register here.
Become a ChurchLawAndTax.com Advantage Member and enjoy full access to articles, a Legal Library, a copy of the annual Church & Clergy Tax Guide, and more.
Download your FREE copy of The Church Attorney Legal Audit® System document checklist here, and check out Episode 29 (“Using a Legal Audit to Position Your Church for the Long Haul”) to learn about the importance of a legal audit for your church.
Questions? Comments? We welcome them! Please contact Erika Cole at erikacole.com. Erika reads each comment and may answer your question in an upcoming episode.
See all episodes of Church Law.
The Church Law podcast is part of Gloo LLC’s ChurchLawAndTax.com.
Erika E. Cole, Esq., known as The Church Attorney®, is the creator of The Church Attorney Legal Audit® System, a proprietary legal audit process that helps church leaders be confident they are operating with integrity, and avoiding costly risks. She serves as a senior editorial advisor for ChurchLawAndTax.com.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
| |||
| A Look at Churches and the Economy in 2024, with Guest Rob Eby | 14 mai 2024 | 00:23:29 | |
There’s no shortage of economic indicators and reports to read, and as we near the halfway point of 2024, church leaders likely wonder where everything is heading.
Inflation persists and interest rates still hover near recent historic highs. Unemployment remains low, but new jobs reports suggest that may be changing. Many stocks have posted impressive returns while housing prices continue surging in many places.
In this episode, Erika talks about the economy with Rob Eby, a CPA from Aprio who has served churches and nonprofits for more than two decades.
The two review some high-level best practices all churches should remember, regardless of the economic outlook, including staying true to mission and budgeting. They also discuss the power of prayer, the value of reserves, and who should be tapped in a congregation should an economic crisis arise.
“Managing Tough Financial Times,” from the editors of Church Law & Tax
Church Finance, Second Edition: The Church Leader’s Guide to Financial Operations by Michael E. Batts
“Church Loan Modifications in a Crisis,” by Vonna Laue and Michelle Sanchez
“Q&A: Adopting a New Budget During Extraordinary Times,” by Michael E. Batts
Download your FREE copy of The Church Attorney Legal Audit® System document checklist here, and check out Episode 29 (“Using a Legal Audit to Position Your Church for the Long Haul”) to learn about the importance of a legal audit for your church.
Questions? Comments? We welcome them! Please contact Erika Cole at erikacole.com. Erika reads each comment and may answer your question in an upcoming episode.
See all episodes of Church Law.
The Church Law podcast is part of Christianity Today’s ChurchLawAndTax.com, a not-for-profit publishing ministry.
Erika E. Cole, Esq., known as The Church Attorney®, is the creator of The Church Attorney Legal Audit® System, a proprietary legal audit process that helps church leaders be confident they are operating with integrity, and avoiding costly risks. She serves as a senior editorial advisor for Christianity Today’s ChurchLawAndTax.com.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
| |||
| What To Do—or NOT Do—This Election Year | 30 avr. 2024 | 00:16:43 | |
It’s election season in the United States, and after contentious races nationwide in 2020 and 2022, 2024 promises to bring even more heat.
The Oval Office is up for grabs. All 435 seats in the US House are on ballots, as are 34 in the Senate. Add to that a slate of 13 gubernatorial elections and countless state and local elections, and measures.
What is a church leader to do? Should pastors speak up, speak out?
In this episode, Erika walks church leaders through some of the key considerations they make about political involvement as Election Day approaches.
Some activities, like endorsing or opposing a candidate, may jeopardize a church’s tax-exempt status. But other activities are allowed. Erika provides need-to-know tips for navigating this tricky line throughout the 2024 election season.
SHOW NOTES
“The Tax Implications of Churches and Political Involvement,” by Richard R. Hammar
“Politics, Churches, and Constitutional Protections,” by Erik Stanley
“Politics and the Church: Activism, Speech, and the Tax Code,” by Church Law & Tax
“Checklist: How Various Political Activities Might Affect Your Church’s Tax-Exempt Status” by Church Law & Tax
Download your FREE copy of The Church Attorney Legal Audit® System document checklist here, and check out Episode 29 (“Using a Legal Audit to Position Your Church for the Long Haul”) to learn about the importance of a legal audit for your church.
Questions? Comments? We welcome them! Please contact Erika Cole at erikacole.com. Erika reads each comment and may answer your question in an upcoming episode.
See all episodes of Church Law.
The Church Law podcast is part of Christianity Today’s ChurchLawAndTax.com, a not-for-profit publishing ministry.
Erika E. Cole, Esq., known as The Church Attorney®, is the creator of The Church Attorney Legal Audit® System, a proprietary legal audit process that helps church leaders be confident they are operating with integrity, and avoiding costly risks. She serves as a senior editorial advisor for Christianity Today’s ChurchLawAndTax.com.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
| |||
| Legal Considerations for Youth Ministry, with Guest Jeff Dalrymple | 09 avr. 2024 | 00:19:27 | |
Producer’s Note: This podcast episode addresses a very sensitive topic. Listener discretion is advised.
The statistics are staggering: one in three girls and one in five boys in America will be sexually abused before they turn 18, and 90 percent of victims know their abusers.
Church Law & Tax’s legal research shows that abuse claims are a perennially top reason churches and religious organizations go to court each year.
And church leaders must mobilize to respond.
Jeff Dalrymple, executive director of the Evangelical Council for Abuse Prevention (ECAP), joins Erika to talk more about the trends, the vulnerabilities within ministries, and the steps leaders must take to reduce those vulnerabilities and protect the youth entrusted into their care.
SHOW NOTES
Episode 41: “What Leaders Need to Know About Church Insurance Coverage”
Evangelical Council for Abuse Prevention (ECAP)
“The Top 5 Reasons Churches and Religious Organizations End Up in Court,” by Richard R. Hammar
“Minimizing the Risks of Child Molestation in Churches,” by Richard R. Hammar
Reducing the Risk: A child sexual abuse awareness program
“Does Your Church Have Sexual Abuse Liability Coverage,” by Charlie Cutler
Download your FREE copy of The Church Attorney Legal Audit® System document checklist here, and check out Episode 29 (“Using a Legal Audit to Position Your Church for the Long Haul”) to learn about the importance of a legal audit for your church.
Questions? Comments? We welcome them! Please contact Erika Cole at erikacole.com. Erika reads each comment and may answer your question in an upcoming episode.
See all episodes of Church Law.
The Church Law podcast is part of Christianity Today’s ChurchLawAndTax.com, a not-for-profit publishing ministry.
Erika E. Cole, Esq., known as The Church Attorney®, is the creator of The Church Attorney Legal Audit® System, a proprietary legal audit process that helps church leaders be confident they are operating with integrity, and avoiding costly risks. She serves as a senior editorial advisor for Christianity Today’s ChurchLawAndTax.com.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
| |||
| What Leaders Need to Know Now about Church Insurance Coverage, | 26 mars 2024 | 00:28:45 | |
Like it or not, church leaders need to think about insurance coverage. While ministry always should be driven first by the unique call God places upon a congregation, good stewardship still requires anticipating the possible risks a congregation will encounter and mitigating them.
In this episode, Peter Persuitti—the global managing director of Gallagher Insurance Company’s nonprofit and religious practices—joins Erika to talk about insurance trends affecting churches.
Property insurance has been significantly affected by extreme weather events, causing some insurance carriers to end certain coverages—or even pull out of certain geographic markets. Abuse allegations remain a consistent source of litigation, again reminding us of the vigilance for prevention. And vehicle accidents and building security remain key challenges demanding the attention of church leaders.
On top of all that, insurance costs continue to rise.
Peter and Erika discuss these issues and more, emphasizing the ways leaders can think and plan proactively to help demonstrate their call to care well for the people and assets they’re blessed with—and all while working to minimize the potentially costly threats their ministries face.
SHOW NOTES
Episode 32: “Readying Your Church for the AI Wave”
Episode 26: “Building a Culture of Safety and Security in Churches”
“15 Things Richard Hammar Wants Pastors to Know: Church Insurance,” by Richard R. Hammar
“Minimizing the Risks of Child Molestation in Churches,” by Richard R. Hammar
Download your FREE copy of The Church Attorney Legal Audit® System document checklist here, and check out Episode 29 (“Using a Legal Audit to Position Your Church for the Long Haul”) to learn about the importance of a legal audit for your church.
Questions? Comments? We welcome them! Please contact Erika Cole at erikacole.com. Erika reads each comment and may answer your question in an upcoming episode.
See all episodes of Church Law.
The Church Law podcast is part of Christianity Today’s ChurchLawAndTax.com, a not-for-profit publishing ministry.
Erika E. Cole, Esq., known as The Church Attorney®, is the creator of The Church Attorney Legal Audit® System, a proprietary legal audit process that helps church leaders be confident they are operating with integrity, and avoiding costly risks. She serves as a senior editorial advisor for Christianity Today’s ChurchLawAndTax.com.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
| |||
| Five Critical Things Every Church Board Member Should Know | 13 févr. 2024 | 00:18:11 | |
SHOW NOTES
Episode 5: “Why Church Meetings Go Off the Rails”
Episode 14: “The Rise and Fall of Mars Hill and What You Should Consider Before Changing Your Bylaws, with Guest Mike Cosper”
Episode 30: “Equipping Your Church Board for Long-Term Success”
“What Every Church Board Needs to Know,” a self-paced webinar by attorney Erika E. Cole
“Board Member Checklist,” by James Cobble and Tyler Charles
“Four Fiduciary Duties of Church Boards,” by Richard R. Hammar
“Preparing for a Church Business Meeting,” by Sarah E. Merkle
Download your FREE copy of The Church Attorney Legal Audit® System document checklist here, and check out Episode 29 (“Using a Legal Audit to Position Your Church for the Long Haul”) to learn about the importance of a legal audit for your church.
Questions? Comments? We welcome them! Please contact Erika Cole at erikacole.com. Erika reads each comment and may answer your question in an upcoming episode.
See all episodes of Church Law.
The Church Law podcast is part of Christianity Today’s ChurchLawAndTax.com, a not-for-profit publishing ministry.
Erika E. Cole, Esq., known as The Church Attorney®, is the creator of The Church Attorney Legal Audit® System, a proprietary legal audit process that helps church leaders be confident they are operating with integrity, and avoiding costly risks. She serves as a senior editorial advisor for Christianity Today’s ChurchLawAndTax.com.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
| |||
| Expanding Uses for Church Property and Related Legal Considerations, with attorney Midgett Parker | 30 janv. 2024 | 00:25:22 | |
Property represents the most valuable tangible asset owned by churches. Yet many use them only once or twice a week, leaving a lot of ministry opportunities untapped.
In this episode, Erika talks with attorney Midgett Parker, who has represented faith-based institutions for real estate matters since 1990. Through his decades of experience, Parker has observed many ways churches can maximize their properties to serve their communities. In some instances, these uses can also generate alternative revenue that can help further support and expand a church’s ministry reach.
Erika and Midgett talk more about the types of opportunities available to churches, including leasing space to outside groups, providing rooms for special events, and working with businesses that need real estate for solar panels, cell phone towers, billboards, and more.
They also explain more for church leaders about leasing agreements, zoning laws, property tax exemption, and other legal issues to consider.
SHOW NOTES
“Before You Share Your Space,” by Richard R. Hammar
“Leasing Church Premises,” by Richard R. Hammar
“Religious Land Use & The Church: A Virtual Roundtable,” featuring attorneys Midgett Parker, John Mauck, Noel Sterrett, Eric Treene, and Matthew Branaugh
“How Church-Run Coffee Shops, Bookstores, and Other Ventures Can Trigger Tax Liability,” by Church Law & Tax
“Managing Reporting Requirements: Protecting Your Organization in a Time of Increased Scrutiny,” by Erika E. Cole
“Eleven Things Churches Should Know about Zoning,” by attorney John Mauck
“The Top 5 Reasons Churches and Religious Organizations End Up in Court,” by Church Law & Tax
Download your FREE copy of The Church Attorney Legal Audit® System document checklist here, and check out Episode 29 (“Using a Legal Audit to Position Your Church for the Long Haul”) to learn about the importance of a legal audit for your church.
Questions? Comments? We welcome them! Please contact Erika Cole at erikacole.com. Erika reads each comment and may answer your question in an upcoming episode.
See all episodes of Church Law.
The Church Law podcast is part of Christianity Today’s ChurchLawAndTax.com, a not-for-profit publishing ministry.
Erika E. Cole, Esq., known as The Church Attorney®, is the creator of The Church Attorney Legal Audit® System, a proprietary legal audit process that helps church leaders be confident they are operating with integrity, and avoiding costly risks. She serves as a senior editorial advisor for Christianity Today’s ChurchLawAndTax.com.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
| |||
| Releasing Sacred Cows and Engaging New Operations in the New Year, with guest Denise Craig, CEO of The Church Network | 23 janv. 2024 | 00:19:39 | |
As a new year begins, it’s time to evaluate the sacred cows in your church.
What’s a sacred cow? It’s holding to anything that has become established and continues without question year after year, without evaluating its effectiveness. With 2024 underway, now is the time to evaluate systems and programs that have grown stale, ineffective, and burdensome and find new ways to reinvigorate the operations of your church.
In this episode, Erika visits with Denise Craig, chief executive officer of The Church Network, a national professional association of church business administrators. Craig, a seasoned church administrator, explains the dangers of sacred cows to a church’s mission of spreading the gospel. Whether it’s worship styles, service times, committee structures, church software, or more, leaders often fall victim to a “this-is-how-we’ve-always-done-it” mentality—and that’s problematic, especially if a church isn’t growing spiritually.
Erika and Denise discuss how to break this mindset and turn a congregation toward newer and better ways of fulfilling their unique callings.
SHOW NOTES
The Church Network
Download your FREE copy of The Church Attorney Legal Audit® System document checklist here, and check out Episode 29 (“Using a Legal Audit to Position Your Church for the Long Haul”) to learn about the importance of a legal audit for your church.
Episode 31: Equipping Younger Church Leaders, with Dr. Nicole Martin
“Determining Which Ministry Gets What,” by Gary Fenton
Questions? Comments? We welcome them! Please contact Erika Cole at erikacole.com. Erika reads each comment and may answer your question in an upcoming episode.
See all episodes of Church Law.
The Church Law podcast is part of Christianity Today’s ChurchLawAndTax.com, a not-for-profit publishing ministry.
Erika E. Cole, Esq., known as The Church Attorney®, is the creator of The Church Attorney Legal Audit® System, a proprietary legal audit process that helps church leaders be confident they are operating with integrity, and avoiding costly risks. She serves as a senior editorial advisor for Christianity Today’s ChurchLawAndTax.com.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
| |||
| Four for ’24: Top Issues for Churches to Watch | 12 déc. 2023 | 00:23:35 | |
As 2023 comes to a close and 2024 comes into view, now is the time to look at issues your church may encounter in the year ahead.
In this episode, Erika talks with Matthew Branaugh, attorney and editor of Christianity Today’s Church Law & Tax, about their “Four for ’24.” Find out their picks and why Erika and Matthew see them as important ones to watch.
SHOW NOTES
Download your FREE copy of The Church Attorney Legal Audit® System document checklist here, and check out Episode 29 (“Using a Legal Audit to Position Your Church for the Long Haul”) to learn about the importance of a legal audit for your church.
“Whistleblower Policies and Church Culture,” by Samuel Ogles
“Church Loan Modifications in a Crisis,” by Vonna Laue and Michelle Sanchez
“Cell Tower Leases: Easy Money or Never-ending Headaches,” by Heidi Hall
“How Church-Run Coffee Shops, Bookstores, and Other Ventures Can Trigger Tax Liability,” by Church Law & Tax
“Politics and the Church: Activism, Speech, and the Tax Code,” by Church Law & Tax
“Take the Next Call,” a six-week online course with Erika E. Cole
Questions? Comments? We welcome them! Please contact Erika Cole at erikacole.com. Erika reads each comment and may answer your question in an upcoming episode.
See all episodes of Church Law.
The Church Law podcast is part of Christianity Today’s ChurchLawAndTax.com, a not-for-profit publishing ministry.
Erika E. Cole, Esq., known as The Church Attorney®, is the creator of The Church Attorney Legal Audit® System, a proprietary legal audit process that helps church leaders be confident they are operating with integrity, and avoiding costly risks. She serves as a senior editorial advisor for Christianity Today’s ChurchLawAndTax.com.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
| |||
| Erika’s Favorite Episodes of 2023 | 28 nov. 2023 | 00:12:22 | |
The end of 2023 is near, meaning it’s the perfect time to look back and reflect upon the best of the Church Law podcast this year.
In this episode, Erika shares the five episodes that stood out the most to her in 2023, ranging from leadership culture to mergers, succession planning to legal audits, and more. The topics, the insights, and the guests all captivated Erika—find out why they did, and why you’ll want to revisit these episodes (or check them out in case you missed them the first time around!).
Additional resources:
Episode 27: Building a Healthy Leadership Culture in Your Church, with guest Dr. Nicholas Pearce
Episode 28: Addiction, Shame, and a Church Merger
Episode 29: Using a Legal Audit to Position Your Church for the Long Haul
Episode 33: Pastoral Succession for the Long-Term Good of the Church, with guest Travell Travis
Episode 35: Bonus Episode: Live Q&A—Strengthening Churches for Renewal and Growth
The 16th Annual Church Compliance Conference.
Download your FREE copy of The Church Attorney Legal Audit® System document checklist here, and check out Episode 29 (“Using a Legal Audit to Position Your Church for the Long Haul”) to learn about the importance of a legal audit for your church.
“Take the Next Call,” a six-week online course with Erika E. Cole
Questions? Comments? We welcome them! Please contact Erika Cole at erikacole.com. Erika reads each comment and may answer your question in an upcoming episode.
See all episodes of Church Law.
The Church Law podcast is part of Christianity Today’s ChurchLawAndTax.com, a not-for-profit publishing ministry.
Erika E. Cole, Esq., known as The Church Attorney®, is the creator of The Church Attorney Legal Audit® System, a proprietary legal audit process that helps church leaders be confident they are operating with integrity, and avoiding costly risks. She serves as a senior editorial advisor for Christianity Today’s ChurchLawAndTax.com.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
| |||
| BONUS: Live Q&A—Strengthening Churches for Renewal and Growth | 17 oct. 2023 | 00:27:09 | |
This bonus episode of the Church Law podcast features live Q&A with pastors and church leaders recorded during Erika’s 16th annual Church Compliance Conference in the Washington, D.C. area.
Continuing this season’s theme regarding ways to strengthen churches for renewal and growth, Erika—along with guest Matthew Branaugh, attorney and editor from Church Law & Tax—tackle questions covering:
The tax implications of renting church property;
Community development corporations started by churches;
Steps to ensure a church complies with laws and regulations;
Ways to evaluate a ministry that may or may not still fit within a church;
Potential legal and risk liabilities for house churches;
Pay increases and cost-of-living adjustments for employees; and,
Much more!
Episode 22: Listener Mailbag: Addressing Your Questions on Love Gifts, Political Activities, Copyright, and More
Episode 29: Using a Legal Audit to Position Your Church for the Long Haul
Episode 30: Equipping Your Church Board for Long-Term Success
The 16th Annual Church Compliance Conference.
Download your FREE copy of The Church Attorney Legal Audit® System document checklist here, and check out Episode 29 (“Using a Legal Audit to Position Your Church for the Long Haul”) to learn about the importance of a legal audit for your church.
“How Church-Run Coffee Shops, Bookstores, and Other Ventures Can Trigger Tax Liability” from Church Law & Tax
Church Finance: The Church Leader’s Guide to Financial Operations, by Michael E. Batts
“Off-Campus Liability and Churches,” by Richard R. Hammar
“Compensation-Setting: Aligning Church Priorities with Market Realities,” by Bob Cartwright
ChurchSalary.com
“Take the Next Call,” a six-week online course with Erika E. Cole
Questions? Comments? We welcome them! Please contact Erika Cole at erikacole.com. Erika reads each comment and may answer your question in an upcoming episode.
See all episodes of Church Law.
The Church Law podcast is part of Christianity Today’s ChurchLawAndTax.com, a not-for-profit publishing ministry.
Erika E. Cole, Esq., known as The Church Attorney®, is the creator of The Church Attorney Legal Audit® System, a proprietary legal audit process that helps church leaders be confident they are operating with integrity, and avoiding costly risks. She serves as a senior editorial advisor for Christianity Today’s ChurchLawAndTax.com.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
| |||
| Church Membership: What is it? Why does it Matter? | 19 sept. 2023 | 00:23:23 | |
What is church membership? Why does it matter? Is it even still relevant?
Erika wraps up her multiple-episode theme, “Strengthening Your Church for the Long Haul,” by exploring church membership, and explaining why it remains relevant as ever.
Even though churches define membership differently, and some use more formalized processes than others, it’s critical for leaders to revisit their church’s specific approach—and the potential legal implications created by it.
Erika walks through the key details that leaders should review, and the potential disputes that can be minimized by building—and following—a membership process that is rooted in a clear membership philosophy.
SHOW NOTES:
“Eight Legal Considerations for Church Membership,” by Richard R. Hammar
Episode 29, Episode 30, Episode 31, Episode 32, and Episode 33 of the Church Law podcast (each focusing on different aspects of strengthening churches for the long haul).
The Church Compliance Conference, taking place September 21, 2023, has been listed as a top church management conference for its topics, speakers, and value. Learn more and register here for the 16th Annual Church Compliance Conference.
“Take the Next Call,” a six-week online course with Erika E. Cole
Download your FREE copy of The Church Attorney Legal Audit® System document checklist here, and check out Episode 29 (“Using a Legal Audit to Position Your Church for the Long Haul”) to learn about the importance of a legal audit for your church.
Questions? Comments? We welcome them! Please contact Erika Cole at erikacole.com. Erika reads each comment and may answer your question in an upcoming episode.
See all episodes of Church Law.
The Church Law podcast is part of Christianity Today’s ChurchLawAndTax.com, a not-for-profit publishing ministry.
Erika E. Cole, Esq., known as The Church Attorney®, is the creator of The Church Attorney Legal Audit® System, a proprietary legal audit process that helps church leaders be confident they are operating with integrity, and avoiding costly risks. She serves as a senior editorial advisor for Christianity Today’s ChurchLawAndTax.com.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
| |||
| Pastoral Succession for the Long-Term Good of the Church, with guest Travell Travis, attorney and pastor | 29 août 2023 | 00:25:35 | |
Several years ago, Travell Travis received a phone call from one of his church’s bishops, who was fighting end-stage pancreatic cancer and was nearing death. The bishop needed help putting together a succession plan.
That phone call showed Travis the need for churches to plan well for leadership transitions. It motivated him to write a book and help churches think strategically about succession plans. In this episode, Erika talks more with Travis about what he’s learned as an attorney and pastor in the years since that phone call.
The two explore succession planning from biblical and legal perspectives. They discuss how succession planning can connect and motivate younger leaders, while addressing the long-term health and strength of churches. They also look at how planning can work within churches of different sizes and theological traditions.
· “Succession Plans: Why Your Church Needs One,” by Erika E. Cole
· “Take the Next Call,” a six-week online course with Erika E. Cole
· “Creating a Successful Succession Plan,” by Vonna Laue
· Episode 31: Equipping Younger Church Leaders, with guest Dr. Nicole Martin, CT’s chief impact officer
· Episode 8: How to Ensure a Smooth Succession, with guest Bishop Ralph Dennis
· “The Financial Health of Pastors,” by Lee A. Dean
· The Church Compliance Conference, taking place September 21, 2023, has been listed as a top church management conference for its topics, speakers, and value. Learn more and register here for the 16th Annual Church Compliance Conference.
· Where Will the Mantle Fall: A Biblical and Legal Guide to Succession Planning, by Travell Travis, Esq.
· Download your FREE copy of The Church Attorney Legal Audit® System document checklist here, and check out Episode 29 (“Using a Legal Audit to Position Your Church for the Long Haul”) to learn about the importance of a legal audit for your church.
Questions? Comments? We welcome them! Please contact Erika Cole at erikacole.com. Erika reads each comment and may answer your question in an upcoming episode.
See all episodes of Church Law.
The Church Law podcast is part of Christianity Today’s ChurchLawAndTax.com, a not-for-profit publishing ministry.
Erika E. Cole, Esq., known as The Church Attorney®, is the creator of The Church Attorney Legal Audit® System, a proprietary legal audit process that helps church leaders be confident they are operating with integrity, and avoiding costly risks. She serves as a senior editorial advisor for Christianity Today’s ChurchLawAndTax.com.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
| |||
| Readying Your Church for the AI Wave | 22 août 2023 | 00:16:55 | |
In Revelation 3:2, we’re instructed to be watchful and to strengthen the things that remain. As Erika continues exploring various topics focused on strengthening churches for the “long haul,” she turns her attention to technology—specifically, generative artificial intelligence (AI).
Can AI help churches strengthen the things that remain? Can leaders use to engage a culture that is attending church less?
Understanding this tool’s potential—and potential problems—s important for leaders who are thinking about the direction of their churches.
From scripture research to sermon prep, and worship music to holograms, AI offers numerous opportunities. Erika discusses them while offering important cautions from legal and risk management perspectives.
· “Generative AI Is All the Rage. Handle with Care,” by Matthew Branaugh
· “Do Pastors Own Sermons?” by Church Law & Tax
· The 16th Annual Church Compliance Conference
· Download your FREE copy of The Church Attorney Legal Audit® System document checklist here.
Questions? Comments? We welcome them! Please contact Erika Cole at erikacole.com. Erika reads each comment and may answer your question in an upcoming episode.
See all episodes of Church Law.
The Church Law podcast is part of Christianity Today’s ChurchLawAndTax.com, a not-for-profit publishing ministry.
Erika E. Cole, Esq., known as The Church Attorney®, is the creator of The Church Attorney Legal Audit® System, a proprietary legal audit process that helps church leaders be confident they are operating with integrity, and avoiding costly risks. She serves as a senior editorial advisor for Christianity Today’s ChurchLawAndTax.com.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
| |||
| Equipping Younger Church Leaders | 01 août 2023 | 00:20:07 | |
Equipping younger church leaders is key to the church's future, as research from Barna Group (and others) shows the church has a leadership gap. As pastors retire, fewer young people are rising to take on those roles.
But research also suggests many younger people—including those in Gen-Z—are passionate about Christ, the church, and the future.
Why is there a disconnect? What can be done to bridge it?
Re-think the models
In this episode, Erika speaks with Dr. Nicole Massie Martin, chief impact officer for Christianity Today (publisher of Church Law & Tax). Martin examines some of the current leadership models for church ministry. She advocates for re-thinking those approaches, not only to draw out greater numbers of younger leaders—but also to produce healthier and more Christ-honoring outcomes.
Erika explores with Martin some practical ways that churches can implement new leadership models, as well as a few cautions to observe along the way.
Other resources
Episode 8: How to Ensure a Smooth Succession, with Guest Bishop Ralph Dennis
“Succession Plans: Why Your Church Needs One,” by Erika E. Cole
The 16th Annual Church Compliance Conference
Made to Lead: Empowering Women for Ministry, by Nicole Massie Martin
Download your FREE copy of The Church Attorney Legal Audit® System document checklist here.
Questions? Comments? We welcome them! Please contact Erika Cole at erikacole.com. Erika reads each comment and may answer your question in an upcoming episode.
See all episodes of Church Law.
The Church Law podcast is part of Christianity Today’s ChurchLawAndTax.com, a not-for-profit publishing ministry.
Erika E. Cole, Esq., known as The Church Attorney®, is the creator of The Church Attorney Legal Audit® System, a proprietary legal audit process that helps church leaders be confident they are operating with integrity, and avoiding costly risks. She serves as a senior editorial advisor for Christianity Today’s ChurchLawAndTax.com.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
| |||
| Equipping Your Church Board for Long-Term Success | 11 juil. 2023 | 00:23:57 | |
Serving as a church board member carries significant duties and responsibilities.
But church board members rarely receive training to perform their roles.
That puts strain on the men and women entrusted with making critical decisions affecting the health and vitality of their church.
In this episode, Erika explains how state laws shape the way boards operate.
She also discusses the governing structures churches typically follow, and the ways board members—also called “leadership teams,” “board of elders,” or “board of trustees,” depending on the church’s background—must fulfill certain important functions within those structures.
Erika also explores the various expectations placed upon board members, including how to meet the duties of good faith and loyalty, two important legal principles, and how to both support church leaders, including pastors, and keep them accountable.
She covers the ways churches and board members can minimize legal liabilities, too.
This episode offers a helpful primer for anyone who serves on a church board or anticipates doing so in the future.
· Episode 29: “Using a Legal Audit to Position Your Church for the Long Haul”
· Video Recording: “What Every Church Board Should Know”
· Essential Guide to Liabilities and Duties for Church Boards, by Richard R. Hammar
· Board Member Orientation, by Michael E. Batts
· “Could a Church Board Member Be Sued for Mismanaging The Church’s Money?” by Richard R. Hammar
· Immunity Statutes, by Richard R. Hammar
· Directors and Officers Insurance, by Richard R. Hammar
· “When Is It Wise to Pay for Legal Counsel?” by Matthew Branaugh
· Download your FREE copy of The Church Attorney Legal Audit® System document checklist here.
Questions? Comments? We welcome them! Please contact Erika Cole at erikacole.com. Erika reads each comment and may answer your question in an upcoming episode.
See all episodes of Church Law.
The Church Law podcast is part of Christianity Today’s ChurchLawAndTax.com, a not-for-profit publishing ministry.
Erika E. Cole, Esq., known as The Church Attorney®, is the creator of The Church Attorney Legal Audit® System, a proprietary legal audit process that helps church leaders be confident they are operating with integrity, and avoiding costly risks. She serves as a senior editorial advisor for Christianity Today’s ChurchLawAndTax.com.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
| |||
| How a Legal Audit Can Strengthen Your Church | 06 juin 2023 | 00:26:46 | |
Every day, new laws, regulations, and court decisions affecting churches emerge at the local, state, or federal levels. Zoning law, property tax exemptions, incorporation, governance, housing allowances—the list of ways that law and regulations can intersect with church activities is extensive and continues to grow.
Keeping up can be challenging. But it isn’t impossible.
In this episode, Erika talks about how church leaders can regularly conduct legal audits to stay current with changes and a step ahead of possible problems. Erika created The Church Attorney Legal Audit document checklist based on her more than 25 years of counseling churches as an attorney. She explains how its four levels of review work—and why performing them can reinforce your church’s integrity while minimizing vulnerabilities and positioning it for future growth.
· Download your FREE copy of The Church Attorney Legal Audit® System document checklist here.
· The Church Law & Tax Senior Editorial Advisors Board
· Incorporation, by Richard R. Hammar
· Governing Documents, by Richard R. Hammar
· Church Governance, by Richard R. Hammar
Questions? Comments? We welcome them! Please contact Erika Cole at erikacole.com. Erika reads each comment and may answer your question in an upcoming episode.
See all episodes of Church Law.
The Church Law podcast is part of Christianity Today’s ChurchLawAndTax.com, a not-for-profit publishing ministry.
Erika E. Cole, Esq., known as The Church Attorney®, is the creator of The Church Attorney Legal Audit® System, a proprietary legal audit process that helps church leaders be confident they are operating with integrity, and avoiding costly risks. She serves as a senior editorial advisor for Christianity Today’s ChurchLawAndTax.com.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
| |||
| Addiction, Shame, and a Church Merger | 16 mai 2023 | 00:31:35 | |
Every person, including pastors and church leaders, deals with hurts and hang-ups, and those hurts and hang-ups can easily turn into bad habits when stress and pressures mount. But rather than allow bad habits to form—and lead to moral failures as the stress of ministry grows—leaders have an opportunity to regain their true identities in Christ.
In this episode, Erika talks more about recovering these true identities with Irene Rollins, an author and church leader who studies human behaviors. In 2012, Rollins joined her husband in leading a church relaunch. The pressures and stress in her life, marriage, and ministry mounted, ultimately leading to alcoholism. But several events, including a church merger, helped Rollins regain her identity.
Now sober for 7½ years, Rollins discusses the ways leaders can reframe their shame, experience freedom, and avoid making mistakes that can create legal challenges, hardships, and heartache for their ministries.
“Is a Merger the Right Next Step for Your Church?” by attorney Erika C. Cole
Episode 23: “Healthy Leaders, Healthy Churches, Reduced Legal Liability”
Episode 17: “Pastoral Accountability for Healthy Churches”
Reframe Your Shame, by Irene Rollins
Download your FREE copy of The Church Attorney Legal Audit® System document checklist here.
Questions? We welcome them! Please email Erika Cole at contact@takethenextcall.com. Erika reads each comment and may answer your question in an upcoming episode.
See all episodes of Church Law.
The Church Law podcast is part of Christianity Today’s ChurchLawAndTax.com, a not-for-profit publishing ministry.
Erika E. Cole, Esq., known as The Church Attorney®, is the creator of The Church Attorney Legal Audit® System, a proprietary legal audit process that helps church leaders be confident they are operating with integrity, and avoiding costly risks. She serves as a senior editorial advisor for Christianity Today’s ChurchLawAndTax.com.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
| |||
| Building a Healthy Leadership Culture in Your Church, with guest Dr. Nicholas Pearce, pastor, professor, and author | 24 avr. 2023 | 00:27:58 | |
What is a healthy leadership culture? What does it have to do with a church’s legal liabilities?
While the two questions may sound unconnected, they aren’t. In this episode, Erika further explores them with Dr. Nicholas Pearce, an associate pastor, author, and professor at Northwestern University who has studied, taught, and consulted with organizations, including churches, about leadership.
Along with defining key terms and concepts, Pearce explains the effects of leadership structures and the ways they may create healthy—or unhealthy—dynamics. Pearce also explains the ways pastors and church leaders can learn about strengths and challenges in their church cultures and make positive changes.
Erika and Pearce also examine the relationships between pastors and boards, recognizing the ways those relationships frequently (and unintentionally) become adversarial, and the ways individuals involved can posture themselves for a more cooperative and collaborative approach. Such a commitment can help a church more effectively fulfill its purposes and avoid many of the conflicts that often trigger litigation.
“Succession Plans: Why Your Church Needs One,” by Erika E. Cole, attorney
“The Dangers of a Quiet Governance Change,” by Erika E. Cole, attorney
The Purpose Path: A Guide to Pursuing Your Authentic Life’s Work, by Nicholas Pearce
The Church Attorney’s Guide: Church Mergers, by Erika E. Cole, attorney https://www.erikacole.com/shop/p/the-church-attorneys-guide-to-church-mergers
Episode 14: The Rise and Fall of Mars Hill and What You Should Consider Before Changing Your Bylaws, with guest Mike Cosper
Episode 23: Healthy Leaders, Healthy Churches, Reduced Legal Liability
Episode 24: Helping Pastors Get Financial Healthy, with guest Elaine Sommerville, CPA
Episode 25: Supporting and Strengthening Mental Health in Churches, with guest Dr. Pernessa C. Seele
Episode 26: Building a Culture of Safety and Security in Churches, with guest Simon Osamoh
Faith Leaders Week, Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management
Download your FREE copy of The Church Attorney Legal Audit® System document checklist here.
Questions? We welcome them! Please email Erika Cole at contact@takethenextcall.com. Erika reads each comment and may answer your question in an upcoming episode.
See all episodes of Church Law.
The Church Law podcast is part of Christianity Today’s ChurchLawAndTax.com, a not-for-profit publishing ministry.
Erika E. Cole, Esq., known as The Church Attorney®, is the creator of The Church Attorney Legal Audit® System, a proprietary legal audit process that helps church leaders be confident they are operating with integrity, and avoiding costly risks. She serves as a senior editorial advisor for Christianity Today’s ChurchLawAndTax.com.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
| |||
| Building a Culture of Safety and Security in Churches, with guest Simon Osamoh, founder of Kingswood Security Consulting | 11 avr. 2023 | 00:25:17 | |
High-profile shootings at churches—among them, New Life Church (Colorado Springs) in 2007, Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal (Charleston, South Carolina) in 2015, and First Baptist Church (Sutherland Springs, Texas) in 2017—often draw renewed attention and discussion about church security. Last month’s shooting at a church-run school in Nashville again put the issue back in the national spotlight.
But what exactly is church security? How should church leaders think holistically about safety and security as part of their broader ministries and missions?
In this episode, Erika interviews Simon Osamoh, founder of the Minnesota-based Kingswood Security Consulting. Drawing upon years of experience, including time spent as a detective with the Thames Valley Police in England and as special operations manager for the Mall of America, Osamoh explains the “soft target” nature of churches and the initial steps church leaders can take to begin developing a culture of safety and security in their congregations.
Erika also points out numerous other security issues church leaders should remember as they assess potential risks and put plans into action.
“In an Era of Mass Shootings, a Call to Prepare—Not Panic,” by Matthew Branaugh
“10 Standards for Starting a Security Program,” by Church Law & Tax
“Responding to Gun Violence Concerns at Churches,” by Richard R. Hammar
“Why Domestic Violence in the Home Endangers Your Church,” by Ruth Moon
“Responding to Threats,” by Gisele Kalonzo-Douglas
“Q&A: How Should Churches Respond to Threatening Messages,” by Frank Sommerville
Download your FREE copy of The Church Attorney Legal Audit® System document checklist here.
Questions? We welcome them! Please email Erika Cole at contact@takethenextcall.com. Erika reads each comment and may answer your question in an upcoming episode.
See all episodes of Church Law.
The Church Law podcast is part of Christianity Today’s ChurchLawAndTax.com, a not-for-profit publishing ministry.
Erika E. Cole, Esq., known as The Church Attorney®, is the creator of The Church Attorney Legal Audit® System, a proprietary legal audit process that helps church leaders be confident they are operating with integrity, and avoiding costly risks. She serves as a senior editorial advisor for Christianity Today’s ChurchLawAndTax.com.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
| |||
| Supporting and Strengthening Mental Health in Churches, with Dr. Pernessa C. Seele | 28 mars 2023 | 00:26:43 | |
A survey last fall by CNN and Kaiser Family Foundation found the majority of American adults believe “there’s a mental health crisis in the US today.” Churches have a great opportunity to connect the redeeming power of the gospel to those suffering mentally and spiritually.
In this episode, Erika Cole speaks with Dr. Pernessa C. Seele, who has spent 35 years working to help use a faith-based approach to help heal individuals and communities facing mental health challenges. Dr. Seele helps define mental health and explains the ways churches can support the well-being of their leaders and congregants.
Erika also offers some of the policies and procedures church leaders should embrace to ensure their congregations are ready to assist an individual when warning signs arise, and explains the cautions that should be exercised when it comes to counseling individuals dealing with mental health issues.
She also includes time to discuss the do’s and don’ts for creating a counseling ministry in your church.
Episode 23: Healthy Leaders, Healthy Churches, Reduced Legal Liability
Episode 24: Helping Pastors Get Financial Healthy, with guest Elaine Sommerville, CPA
“What Pastors Need to Know About Mental Health, Ministry, and Liability,” by Samuel Ogles
“Counseling,” by attorney and senior editor Richard R. Hammar
“Clergy-Penitent Privilege,” by attorney and senior editor Richard R. Hammar
“Why Domestic Violence in the Home Endangers Your Church,” by Ruth Moon
Download your FREE copy of The Church Attorney Legal Audit® System document checklist at here.
Questions? We welcome them! Please email Erika Cole at contact@takethenextcall.com. Erika reads each comment and may answer your question in an upcoming episode.
See all episodes of Church Law.
The Church Law podcast is part of Christianity Today’s ChurchLawAndTax.com, a not-for-profit publishing ministry.
Erika E. Cole, Esq., known as The Church Attorney®, is the creator of The Church Attorney Legal Audit® System, a proprietary legal audit process that helps church leaders be confident they are operating with integrity, and avoiding costly risks. She serves as a senior editorial advisor for Christianity Today’s ChurchLawAndTax.com.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
| |||
| Helping Pastors Get Financially Healthy, with guest Elaine Sommerville, CPA | 21 févr. 2023 | 00:22:43 | |
A national survey shows 68 percent of Americans worry about their finances. Pastors are among those sharing such sentiments—in 2015, for instance, a National Association of Evangelicals survey of 4,000 pastors showed that many carry heavy loads of student debt and are unable to save for retirement or emergencies. Many worked second jobs.
In this episode, Erika more closely examines the challenges of financial stress and strain on pastors, and how it can create unhealthy dynamics ultimately affecting the church. Erika’s guest, CPA Elaine Sommerville, is the author of a book on church compensation and benefits planning, and together they discuss the ways church leaders need to evaluate the pay and benefits packages they offer.
Erika and Elaine talk about retirement planning. They also take a closer look at bivocational pastors, the differing needs, the challenges, and the ways churches can be fair to their unique situations.
As Erika and Elaine both note, conversations about financial well-being need to happen—and churches need to take the lead to ensure their pastors aren’t blindsided later in life.
SHOW NOTES:
Church Compensation, Second Edition, by CPA Elaine Sommerville
“The Financial Health of Pastors,” by Lee A. Dean
“Retirement Planning for Pastors and Staff,” an on-demand webinar with CPA Elaine Sommerville
ChurchSalary.com
Download your FREE copy of The Church Attorney Legal Audit® System document checklist at ErikaCole.com
Questions? We welcome them! Please email Erika Cole at contact@takethenextcall.com. Erika reads each comment and may answer your question in an upcoming episode.
See all episodes of Church Law.
The Church Law podcast is part of Christianity Today’s ChurchLawAndTax.com, a not-for-profit publishing ministry.
Erika E. Cole, Esq., known as The Church Attorney®, is one of only a handful of attorneys in the nation who practices exclusively in the area of church law. She currently serves as a senior editorial advisor for Christianity Today’s ChurchLawAndTax.com.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
| |||
| Healthy Leaders, Healthy Churches, Reduced Legal Liability | 31 janv. 2023 | 00:13:15 | |
Good physical health requires good priorities, be it how we exercise or eat. In the same way, churches experience good health—or not—by decisions made to maintain their health. In this episode, Erika casts vision for several upcoming episodes focused on developing healthy churches by outlining the five components she believes shape a healthy church.
Whether dealing with pastoral burnout, budgeting decisions, counseling ministries, or church safety concerns, leaders must make certain they prioritize well, whether in their own lives or in their collaborative work on behalf of their churches. As Erika says, “When leaders are healthier, churches are healthier, and when churches are healthier, there are fewer legal liabilities.”
ErikaCole.com
Episode 7: Why Preventing Pastoral Burnout Helps Reduce Legal Liability
“The Pastors Aren’t All Right: 38% Consider Leaving Ministry,” by Kate Shellnutt
Episode 17: Pastoral Accountability for Healthy Churches
Take the Next Call, a six-week course with Erika Cole
Questions? We welcome them! Please email Erika Cole at contact@takethenextcall.com. Erika reads each comment and may answer your question in an upcoming episode.
See all episodes of Church Law.
The Church Law podcast is part of Christianity Today’s ChurchLawAndTax.com, a not-for-profit publishing ministry.
Erika E. Cole, Esq., known as The Church Attorney®, is one of only a handful of attorneys in the nation who practices exclusively in the area of church law. She currently serves as a senior editorial advisor for Christianity Today’s ChurchLawAndTax.com.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
| |||
| Listener Mailbag: Addressing Your Questions on Love Gifts, Political Activities, Copyright, and More | 03 janv. 2023 | 00:35:07 | |
As Church Law podcast’s reach expands, so too are the questions sent by its listeners. In this episode, Erika is joined by Matthew Branaugh, attorney and editor for Church Law & Tax. Together, they tackle several questions church leaders frequently ask, including:
· What are the steps to dissolve a church?
· What legal liability does a church face if it allows someone who is potentially violent to attend?
· What is the best way to honor ministers with monetary gifts?
· What are the risks associated with using others’ music and lyrics on social media platforms?
· How should a church handle its property tax exemption?
Learn the answers to these and several more relevant questions—and feel free to send your questions for a future episode to contact@takethenextcall.com.
The Church Attorney's Guide to Church Mergers by Erika E. Cole
“Is a Merger the Right Next Step for Your Church?” by Erika E. Cole
Episode 20: The Ins and Outs of Church Mergers
“Drawing the Line on Danger” by Lee Dean
“Responding to Threats,” by Gisele Kalonzo-Douglas
The Church Attorney's Guide to Love Offerings by Erika E. Cole
“Should Your Church Get Political?”
“Churches and Political Activities”
Episode 10: Why Churches Need More Giving Options
“Are You Prepared to Accept Bitcoin Donations?” by Michael E. Batts h
“Photos on Church Websites—Learning From Our Costly Mistake” by Ed Marino
“Evaluate Property Tax Exemptions Annually,” from the staff of Batts Morrison Wales & Lee
Episode 12: HR Matters for Churches
“Minimum Wage and Overtime Pay Requirements May Apply to More Church Employees,” by Richard R. Hammar
Episode 16: Answering Listeners’ Questions About Legal Issues
Questions? We welcome them! Please email Erika Cole at contact@takethenextcall.com. Erika reads each comment and may answer your question in an upcoming episode.
See all episodes of Church Law.
The Church Law podcast is part of Christianity Today’s ChurchLawAndTax.com, a not-for-profit publishing ministry.
Erika E. Cole, Esq., known as The Church Attorney®, is one of only a handful of attorneys in the nation who practices exclusively in the area of church law.
She currently serves as a senior editorial advisor for Christianity Today’s ChurchLawAndTax.com.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
| |||
| Stabilizing Your Church’s Finances after COVID-19 | 13 déc. 2022 | 00:25:01 | |
The past few years have brought numerous challenges to churches, particularly as the COVID-19 pandemic altered weekly attendance and in-person events.
Those alterations affected giving levels, creating stress on some church budgets. And now, even with signs the pandemic is slowing heading into 2023, inflation has jumped, creating only more turbulence.
These conditions have left many congregations reassessing their directions and priorities as they look for ways to move forward.
In this episode, Erika is joined by Mike Poirier, senior vice president of ministry lending for Christian Community Credit Union (CCCU). Together, the two identify key pressures and ask key questions along with sharing ideas on the ways churches must respond in the “new normal.” Mike also shares some helpful benchmarks—such as cash flow and debt reserves—that can shed light on a church’s financial health and vitality, plus tips for working with lenders when struggles arise.
ErikaCole.com
The Church Attorney's Guide to Church Mergers, by Erika E. Cole
Church Finance: The Church Leader’s Guide to Financial Operations, by Michael E. Batts
“How Churches May Benefit from COVID-19 Relief’s Employee Retention Credit,” by Kaylyn Varnum, Michele Wales, and Michael E. Batts
“5 Cash Flow Ratios and Measures Your Church Must Monitor,” by Vonna Laue
“Six Debt Ratios and Measurements Your Church Should Monitor,” by Vonna Laue
“Q&A: Should We Start Digging into Our Reserves?” by Michael E. Batts
“Loan Modifications in a Crisis,” by Vonna Laue
“Evangelical Giving Goes Up, Despite Economic Woes,” by Hannah McClellan
“A Peek Inside How Churches Spend Their Money,” by Matthew Branaugh
mycccu.com
Questions? We welcome them! Please email Erika Cole at contact@takethenextcall.com. Erika reads each comment and may answer your question in an upcoming episode.
See all episodes of Church Law.
The Church Law podcast is part of Christianity Today’s ChurchLawAndTax.com, a not-for-profit publishing ministry.
Erika E. Cole, Esq., known as The Church Attorney®, is one of only a handful of attorneys in the nation who practices exclusively in the area of church law. She currently serves as a senior editorial advisor for Christianity Today’s ChurchLawAndTax.com.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
| |||
| The Ins and Outs of Church Mergers | 22 nov. 2022 | 00:18:26 | |
Church mergers appeared to reach an all-time high in 2019, but as more congregations struggle to find their way in the latter stages of the COVID-19 pandemic, the trend likely will only grow. Some churches have experienced financial declines. Others face uncertain futures as pastors resign or retire. And still others find themselves with expensive properties to maintain even as attendance dwindles.
In this episode, Erika examines three principal ways a merger can be done. Using examples from her work as an attorney advising congregations going through mergers, she highlights key considerations and challenges for leaders to note. And as a bonus, Erika touches on several best practices that churches should follow, whether leaders think a merger is in their future—or not.
Church Mergers: When, Why, and How, from Church Law & Tax
The Church Attorney’s Guide to Church Mergers, by Erika E. Cole
On-Demand Webinar: Should My Church Consider a Merger Right Now? with Erika E. Cole
Merger and Consolidation, by Richard R. Hammar
ErikaCole.com
Erika E. Cole, Esq., known as The Church Attorney®, is one of only a handful of attorneys in the nation who practices exclusively in the area of church law. She currently serves as a senior editorial advisor for Christianity Today’s ChurchLawAndTax.com.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
| |||
| Can a Church Volunteer Get You Sued? | 01 nov. 2022 | 00:17:14 | |
Volunteers represent the lifeblood of most any church and finding enough of them is always a challenge. Yet volunteers, by their very nature, act as representatives of a church—and any missteps with their screening, selection, supervision, and training can unfortunately open the door to unwanted legal troubles.
In this episode, Erika delves further into the legal theories behind these potential vulnerabilities for churches, then offers quick tips that can help minimize them across key ministry areas where volunteers most often serve, including children’s and youth ministries, worship services, and transportation.
Show Notes:
HR Matters for Churches, Episode 12 of the Church Law podcast
Vicarious Liability (Respondeat Superior), by Richard R. Hammar
Keeping Children Safe in Your Church, Episode 15 of the Church Law podcast
Minimizing the Risks of Child Molestation in Churches, by Richard R. Hammar
Directors and Officers Insurance, by Richard R. Hammar
Risks Associated with Cell Phones, by Richard R. Hammar
ErikaCole.com
Questions? We welcome them! Please email Erika Cole at contact@takethenextcall.com. Erika reads each comment and may answer your question in an upcoming episode.
See all episodes of Church Law.
The Church Law podcast is part of Christianity Today’s ChurchLawAndTax.com, a not-for-profit publishing ministry.
Erika E. Cole, Esq., known as The Church Attorney®, is one of only a handful of attorneys in the nation who practices exclusively in the area of church law. She currently serves as a senior editorial advisor for Christianity Today’s ChurchLawAndTax.com.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
| |||
| A Closer Look at Church Compliance | 11 oct. 2022 | 00:26:16 | |
In this episode, Erika addresses this question by drawing from her nearly 25 years of experience exclusively serving churches and nonprofits. There are state and federal laws, court rulings, and regulations, of course. But what about local governments? Or the laws and rules for international activities? And what about online services, be it online streaming or even the vast and emerging metaverse?
Erika touches on each of these topics and offers high-level takeaways.
Show Notes:
ErikaCole.com
IRS Publication 1828 Tax Guide for Churches and Religious Organizations
2022 Church & Clergy Tax Guide by Richard R. Hammar
Recent US Supreme Court Cases and the Church
Questions? We welcome them! Please email Erika Cole at contact@takethenextcall.com. Erika reads each comment and may answer your question in an upcoming episode.
See all episodes of Church Law.
The Church Law podcast is part of Christianity Today’s ChurchLawAndTax.com, a not-for-profit publishing ministry.
Erika E. Cole, Esq., known as The Church Attorney®, is one of only a handful of attorneys in the nation who practices exclusively in the area of church law. She currently serves as a senior editorial advisor for Christianity Today’s ChurchLawAndTax.com.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
| |||
| Pastoral Accountability for Healthy Churches, with guest Michael Martin, Esq., CPA, and president of ECFA | 13 sept. 2022 | 00:30:59 | |
Stories of moral failures committed by pastors and ministry leaders have become all too common, eroding congregational trust, and creating legal liability. Not long ago, the Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability (ECFA) set out to learn more about what triggers these events—and how churches and ministries might get better at preventing them through written accountability plans and healthier cultures designed to support leaders and encourage transparency. In this episode, ECFA President Michael Martin tells Erika what his organization learned.
Show Notes:
“The Dangers of a Quiet Governance Change,” by Erika E. Cole, attorney and senior editorial advisor for Church Law & Tax
The Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability’s resource library
The 15th Annual Church Compliance Conference
Questions? We welcome them! Please email Erika Cole at contact@takethenextcall.com. Erika reads each comment and may answer your question in an upcoming episode.
See all episodes of Church Law.
The Church Law podcast is part of Christianity Today’s ChurchLawAndTax.com, a not-for-profit publishing ministry.
Erika E. Cole, Esq., known as The Church Attorney®, is one of only a handful of attorneys in the nation who practices exclusively in the area of church law. She currently serves as a senior editorial advisor for Christianity Today’s ChurchLawAndTax.com.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
| |||
| Answering Listeners’ Questions About Legal Issues | 31 mai 2022 | 00:35:52 | |
The Church Law podcast’s audience continues to grow—and with this 16th episode, it’s time to give the listeners a turn. In this episode, Erika and guest Matthew Branaugh, attorney and content editor at Church Law & Tax, review several listener-submitted questions. Whatever topic they’re tackling, listeners are sure to find several questions they relate to—and the information they need to move forward in their ministries.
Show Notes:
· “What Does it Mean for a Church to be in Compliance?”—a free webinar with attorney Erika Cole
· Church Bylaws—a free download from attorney Erika Cole
· “When Is It Wise to Pay for Legal Counsel?” by attorney Matthew Branaugh
· “How to Hire an Attorney for Your Church” by attorney Richard R. Hammar
· “Immigration of Alien Ministers, Religious Vocations, and Religious Occupations” by attorneys Richard R. Hammar, Lina Yen Hughes, and Gerald Cipolla
· “Keeping Children Safe in Your Church,” Episode 15 of the Church Law podcast
· “Protect the Children in Your Church’s Small Groups” by attorney H. Robert Showers
· Reducing the Risk: A Child Sexual Abuse Awareness Program
· “Immunity Statutes” by attorney Richard R. Hammar
· “Q&A: Reducing Legal Liability for Church Board Members” by attorney David Middlebrook
· “Cash, Check, Cryptocurrency, and More—Why Churches Need More Giving Options,” Episode 10 of the Church Law podcast
· “Seven Points to Consider Before Selecting a Mobile Giving App” by attorney Matthew Branaugh
· “What’s the Best Giving App for Your Church?” by attorney Matthew Branaugh
· Church Compensation, Second Edition by CPA Elaine Sommerville
· ChurchSalary.com
Questions? We welcome them! Please email Erika Cole at contact@takethenextcall.com. Erika reads each comment and may answer your question in an upcoming episode.
See all episodes of Church Law.
The Church Law podcast is part of Christianity Today’s ChurchLawAndTax.com, a not-for-profit publishing ministry.
Erika E. Cole, Esq., known as The Church Attorney®, is one of only a handful of attorneys in the nation who practices exclusively in the area of church law. She currently serves as a senior editorial advisor for Christianity Today’s ChurchLawAndTax.com.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
| |||