Asked, Answered: The Importance of Governing Documents Matt Branaugh reminds church leaders what they need to be looking for when it comes to church governing documents. The Editors
Pastor Lacked Authority to Appoint Board Members The appointments were rescinded because they violated the church’s bylaws. Richard R. Hammar
In a Battle of Bylaws, Court’s Intervention with Pastor’s Firing Found Proper Appellate court says church dispute didn't involve doctrine, meaning lower court's decision could stand. Richard R. Hammar
Court Can Resolve Church Dispute over the Election of a New Pastor Such intervention is allowed if the court does not address religious doctrine or polity. Richard R. Hammar
Episode 14 | 30 min | April 19, 2022 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. Erika E. Cole
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. Attorneys Richard R. Hammar and Sarah E. Merkle
17 Changes Relevant to Churches in Newest Robert’s Rules of Order Leaders should note these changes before their next official church business meeting. Richard R. Hammar
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. Erika E. Cole
Recommended Reading Church Mergers: When, Why, and How From consideration to final steps, let the experts guide you each step of the way. The Editors
Part 1 of 4 Is a Merger the Right Next Step for Your Church? A primer on how to do it right. Erika E. Cole
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. Erika E. Cole
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. Erika E. Cole
Part 3 of 4 Deciding Factors for a Sound Merger Picking the right leaders to decide vision, name, location, staffing—and more. Erika E. Cole
Recommended Reading Getting Meetings Right Online or in-person, understand what churches need to know to conduct legally sound meetings. The Editors
Adding Emergency Provisions to Your Bylaws How adopting these provisions allows for legally sound virtual meetings. Frank Sommerville
Q&A: Adopting a New Budget During Extraordinary Times If your fiscal year begins July 1, budgeting during the pandemic presents unique challenges—but there is a way forward. Michael E. Batts
Pastor, Church & Law, Fifth Edition Learn which local, state, and federal laws apply to religious organizations.
Advantage Member Exclusive 15 Things Richard Hammar Wants Pastors to Know On-Demand Webinar: Attorney Richard R. Hammar identifies 15 topics that frequently trip up pastors and church administrators. Richard R. Hammar
15 Things Richard Hammar Wants Pastors to Know Governing Documents Understand the importance of church constitution and bylaws. Richard R. Hammar