Church Law
Pastors and church leaders in America face challenges that are increasing in scope and impact. Whether we're talking issues of cultural dynamics and the church or need-to-know information about everyday operations, the legal issues impacting churches aren't going away. Listen to the Church Law podcast to gain real life insights from a real lawyer who does this work everyday. You'll gain key insights to help your church in this critical time, and learn the pitfalls to avoid. All straight from The Church Attorney® along with some special guests!
1
Erika’s Favorite Episodes of 2023
Erika Cole shares her top five episodes of the Church Law podcast in 2023
12 min
2
BONUS: Live Q&A—Strengthening Churches for Rene...
Church leaders explore why strengthening churches for renewal and growth depends upon legal, financial, and tax-related fundamentals.
27 min
3
Church Membership: What is it? Why does it Matter?
Taking the right approach to church membership can sidestep a lot of landmines—and shape a church's long-term outlook.
23 min
4
Pastoral Succession for the Long-Term Good of t...
Pastoral succession demands thoughtful planning for churches of all sizes. Do not wait until it’s too late.
25 min
5
Readying Your Church for the AI Wave
The AI wave is here and real. Churches must understand its power—and its potential problems.
16 min
6
Equipping Younger Church Leaders
Fewer younger leaders are stepping in to fill roles left by older pastors and church leaders. But taking the right approach can turn the tide.
20 min
7
Equipping Your Church Board for Long-Term Success
How churches can educate, train, and support board members for effective service.
23 min
8
How a Legal Audit Can Strengthen Your Church
New laws, regulations, and court decisions create new complexities and legal liabilities. Here’s how regular check-ups can minimize challenges for church leaders.
26 min
9
Addiction, Shame, and a Church Merger
Recognizing hurts and hang-ups that can trigger moral failures in church ministry.
31 min
10
Building a Healthy Leadership Culture in Your C...
Avoiding the toxic dynamics among and between a church’s pastors, boards, and senior staff leaders that can hamper fulfilling the church’s God-given vision and mission—and can create legal troubles.
27 min
11
Building a Culture of Safety and Security in Ch...
How church leaders can proactively assess their church’s vulnerabilities and needs and respond—while also fulfilling their missions.
25 min
12
Supporting and Strengthening Mental Health in C...
Fostering well-being holistically with leaders and congregants can rejuvenate spiritual health—and help reduce legal liabilities.
26 min
13
Helping Pastors Get Financially Healthy, with g...
Why good compensation, benefits, and retirement planning can go a long way in reducing stress and avoiding crisis.
22 min
14
Healthy Leaders, Healthy Churches, Reduced Lega...
From pastoral burnout to budgeting decisions and counseling ministries, churches that prioritize the right things minimize the rise of the unwanted things.
13 min
15
Listener Mailbag: Addressing Your Questions on ...
Unpacking several topics church leaders routinely ask about.
35 min
16
Stabilizing Your Church’s Finances after COVID-19
A senior leader for a faith-based credit union discusses giving, lending, and financial best practices.
25 min
17
The Ins and Outs of Church Mergers
What to know—and do—when two congregations become one.
18 min
18
Can a Church Volunteer Get You Sued?
How to ensure one of your church’s most valuable assets doesn’t become a major legal liability.
17 min
19
A Closer Look at Church Compliance
Churches are accountable first and foremost to the Lord. But when it comes to human-made directives, what does it mean to be a compliant church?
26 min
20
Pastoral Accountability for Healthy Churches, w...
What one ministry learned about how churches can more actively prevent moral failures, build healthier cultures, and reduce legal disputes.
30 min
21
Answering Listeners’ Questions About Legal Issues
Tackling board member liability, religious worker visas, childcare policies for home Bible studies, compensation-setting practices, and more!
35 min
22
Keeping Children Safe in Your Church, with gues...
Protecting your congregation and its children from sexual abuse.
29 min
23
The Rise and Fall of Mars Hill and What You Sho...
Why a shift in church governance can lead to unexpected results.
29 min
24
Social Media, the Church, and the Law, with gue...
Find out if your church is using social media wisely and how to avoid unexpected surprises.
24 min
25
HR Matters for Churches, with guest employment ...
Why legal issues related to employees deserve top consideration.
24 min