
Governance

From housing allowances to the ministerial exception; from copyright law to employee retention credits, these are our most-read, -watched, and -downloaded offerings of 2022.

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
How a church is legally formed—and why it matters.

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.

5 Questions Churches Should Ask Before Holding a Virtual Business Meeting
How church leaders can ensure their decisions are valid if an in-person meeting isn’t possible.

15 Things Richard Hammar Wants Pastors to Know
Governing Documents
Understand the importance of church constitution and bylaws.

15 Things Richard Hammar Wants Pastors to Know
Parliamentary Procedure
Learn the basics of running church meetings.

15 Things Richard Hammar Wants Pastors to Know
Incorporation
Learn the fundamentals of incorporating a church and how it affects church governance.

15 Things Richard Hammar Wants Pastors to Know
Insights to help you successfully navigate the complexities of church administration.