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 [email protected]. 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.

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