Church Law

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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