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.

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