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?
Governance
Answering Listeners’ Questions About Legal Issues
Tackling board member liability, religious worker visas, childcare policies for home Bible studies, compensation-setting practices, and more!
The Rise and Fall of Mars Hill and What You Should Consider Before Changing Your Bylaws, with Guest Mike Cosper
Why a shift in church governance can lead to unexpected results.
The Dangers of a Quiet Governance Change
Subtly shifting who has authority to make key decisions in your church may make sense—but may also erode congregational trust.
Church Formation Basics
Church formation basics gives leaders insights into how a church is formed, why it matters, and how it guides future decisions.
Ex-Employee’s Lawsuit Against Church Fails Under Church Autonomy Doctrine
Florida appeals court also rejects agency law claim based on the doctrine.
Why Church Meetings Go Off the Rails
An interview with parliamentary procedure expert attorney Sarah Merkle.
Board Possessed Legal Authority to Fire Its Pastor
State nonprofit corporation law factored heavily in the court's ruling.
On-Demand Webinar
The Basics of Running a Legally Sound Church Business Meeting
Attorneys Richard Hammar and Sarah E. Merkle discuss best practices for implementing and following parliamentary procedures.
17 Changes Relevant to Churches in Newest Robert’s Rules of Order
Leaders should note these changes before their next official church business meeting.
Advantage Member Exclusive
Should My Church Consider a Merger Right Now?
On-Demand Webinar: The critical information church leaders should know if they are thinking about a merger.
Recommended Reading
Church Mergers: When, Why, and How
From consideration to final steps, let the experts guide you each step of the way.
Part 4 of 4
Finalizing a Merger
Moving through the final stages of merging churches—and other options if a merger is not right for you.
Part 3 of 4
Deciding Factors for a Sound Merger
Picking the right leaders to decide vision, name, location, staffing—and more.
Part 2 of 4
The Documents Needed for a Successful Church Merger
Be sure you collect all the needed paperwork to keep the process moving forward.
Recommended Reading
Getting Meetings Right
Online or in-person, understand what churches need to know to conduct legally sound meetings.
Adding Emergency Provisions to Your Bylaws
How adopting these provisions allows for legally sound virtual meetings.
Board Member Checklist
Nine questions to help you understand your role and responsibilities.
Advantage Member Exclusive
Do Your Church’s Governing Documents Allow Virtual Business Meetings?
Answering this crucial question can help legally validate decisions made during the coronavirus outbreak—and beyond.