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.

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. 

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. 

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. 

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. 15 - Keeping Children Safe in Your Church, with guest Matthew Branaugh, Esq., of Christianity Today’s Church Law & Tax

Ep. 39 - Expanding Uses for Church Property and Related Legal Considerations, with attorney Midgett Parker

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. 

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:

1. Understanding the Changing Landscape

• Overview of key policy shifts under the new administration

• How these changes impact churches and ministries

1. Key Steps for Churches to Take Now

• Compliance updates and legal requirements

• Best practices for financial and operational stability

• Proactive measures to safeguard religious freedoms

1. Faithful Foundations Membership: Your Trusted Resource

• Exclusive support for churches navigating compliance changes

• Resources, training, and legal insights

• Community support and best practices for ministry growth

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. 

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

Know Your Rights Toolkit

Red Cards/Tarjetas Rojas

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.

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. 

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. 

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.