July 21, 2025

The Top 5 Legal Issues Churches Face Today

30 minutes

Churches may be spiritual communities, but they operate in a legal world. And many aren’t prepared. In today’s episode, Sam interviews Ryan June of Castañeda + Heidelman LLP, and we unpack the five most common legal issues churches face: child protection, property disputes, employment law, governance and bylaws, and intellectual property. Ignorance of the law is not a spiritual gift. Whether your church is 50 years old or just starting, these legal risks can’t be ignored.

Create and enforce a written child protection policy—it’s your frontline defense against liability.

Keep your property deeds, insurance coverage, and usage agreements up to date and in writing.

Treat staff and volunteers according to federal and state labor laws—intentions don’t override obligations.

Review your bylaws every 3–5 years to ensure clarity and legal alignment with your actual practices.

Consider the need to address content ownership as between the church and the staff, particularly pastors. Failure to have the conversation can lead to disputes. Documenting ownership of content in advance of its creation is important here, too. Otherwise, there is risk of violating IRS rules.

The information contained in this podcast is not legal advice. It is intended as general educational material to help pastors and church leaders. For specific guidance, churches should consult with a qualified attorney familiar with their applicable laws and circumstances.

Resources:

Rooted

Upward Sports

Upward Sports: Pickleball

Castañeda + Heidelman LLP

Church Answers Platinum Membership

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The Hope Initiative

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The Rooted experience can help you create a discipleship culture that connects your people and leads to ongoing life change in Jesus. Rooted is…

A proven plan for helping people connect to God, their church, and their purpose

A sustainable way to launch groups

An approach to discipleship that helps people step out of their comfort zones and experience life-changing rhythms of discipleship

An opportunity to change the culture of your church

Visit experiencerooted.com/churchanswers for free resources to help you learn more, including the What is Rooted? video and a free download of the Rooted experience framework and Rooted Workbook sample.

The Power of Partnership

Upward Sports is the world’s largest Christian youth sports organization, empowering local churches to use sports as a dynamic connection tool to engage their communities.

A Variety of Sports for Every Church

From basketball, cheerleading, soccer, flag football, volleyball, and baseball to running for adults — and now pickleball — Upward Sports offers flexible league options to fit your church’s unique needs.

Exciting News: Pickleball Has Arrived!

Launched in April, pickleball is perfect for middle and high schoolers — easy to learn, quick to set up, and highly engaging. Whether you prefer a traditional league or a flexible practice-and-play format, Upward Sports is here to guide you. Plus, to help you get started, Upward is offering two free Pickleball Net Sets when you create your league. But act fast — only 200 sets are available! Schedule your call today and build a purposeful pickleball ministry in your community. Learn more at www.Upward.org/Pickleball where you can access an equipment list, court dimensions, and more.

Be the Neighborhood Church

Want to create a welcoming space for families? Upward Sports provides a first-class, well-organized, and fun league experience. As a self-sustaining ministry, any church — big or small — can get started. Customize your outreach ministry today.

Get Ahead for Fall Sports

Looking ahead to the fall season? Create an outreach strategy that includes a warm invite for the whole family – Use sports as that invite. Whether it’s soccer, flag football, cheerleading, volleyball, baseball or pickleball, Upward Sports is ready to support your church in reaching families right in the heart of your community. All you need is access to a gym or field and one passionate leader and Upward will support you with the rest.

Learn more at www.Upward.org/ChurchAnswers.

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By Thom Rainer

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