Dept. of Labor Rolls Back Independent Contractor Test Rules
The new rules undo the Trump-era independent contractor test, and focus on economic independence as the "ultimate inquiry."
Employment
Hiring, termination, compensation and benefit law, discrimination, privacy, minimum wage, overtime, payday laws, workers’ compensation, worker classification
Part 6 of 6
The Remote Worker and the FLSA
How churches should handle employee classifications and overtime pay as more people work from home.
Part 5 of 6
Title VII and Church Employment Practices
How the Supreme Court’s interpretation of Title VII’s term “sex” affects church employment.
Part 2 of 6
Developing Strong Job Descriptions for Employees and Volunteers
Well-crafted job descriptions are critical to each church’s mission and proper functioning.
Part 1 of 6
Applying the Ministerial Exception to Church Employees
Understanding this key legal doctrine, how it works, and when it matters—or doesn’t—for specific positions.
Part 4 of 6
The Importance of a Legally Sound Employee Handbook
A handbook not only protects the church and its staff—it also helps create a healthy relationship between employer and employee.
Part 3 of 6
Internships: Blessings or Blind Spots?
Explore the essential guide to church internship programs, covering legal compliance, FLSA rules, risk management, and strategies for training future church leaders while protecting your ministry.
Free Download: How Thorough Is Our Background Screening Program?
Proper screening costs very little but increases safety a great deal.
Can Churches Dismiss an Employee Without Cause?
Understanding the limitations of "employment at will," and the idea that an employee can leave a job without cause, too.
Downloadable Checklist: Do We Follow Sound Employment Practices?
A 12-question checklist to find out.
Employment Dispute Ruling Reinforces Church Decisions about Hiring and Firing
Seventh Circuit: Churches, not courts, should determine ministerial nature of roles.
Can One Church Warn Another of a Former Employee’s Misconduct?
A negative employment reference could create civil liability.
Church Employment and Ecclesiastical Abstention: A Key Legal Case
A federal court case highlights the balance between church employment practices, Title VII protections, and the ecclesiastical abstention doctrine. Discover key legal insights and best practices for handling doctrinal and moral terminations.
Can My Church Force Me to Retire at Age 65?
The legal and ministry considerations of an age-based retirement policy.
Best Practices for Church Compensation: Insights from David Fletcher
David Fletcher shares practical advice on church compensation, including fair salaries, benefits, and avoiding costly mistakes.
Navigating ADA Compliance for Churches: Avoiding Disability Discrimination
Understand the ADA's impact on churches, from legal obligations to reasonable accommodations. Avoid common pitfalls, ensure fair treatment, and align practices with biblical principles and the law.
Handling Employee Resignations in Churches: Key Considerations and Best Practices
Understand how to manage church employee resignations with this guide covering resignation timing, retraction rules, employment policies, and board member liability. Ensure clarity and compliance in your church operations.
Can Churches Mandate Employee Tithing? Legal Considerations and Guidelines
Learn the legalities of mandatory tithing policies for church employees, supported by Supreme Court rulings. Understand requirements for payroll deductions, verification, and labor law compliance.
Arbitration of Employment Disputes
A carefully crafted policy can keep disputes within the church and avoid pursuing claims in court.
Enhancing Church Reference Forms: Key Questions for Volunteer Screening
Discover the critical questions every church reference form should include to assess volunteer suitability, spiritual commitment, and safety.