Church Law Podcast

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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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