Church Law Podcast

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.

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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 [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.

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 [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.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices