Employment

Hiring, termination, compensation and benefit law, discrimination, privacy, minimum wage, overtime, payday laws, workers’ compensation, worker classification

Priest Claimed Defamatory and False Statements Led to His Dismissal

But a court ruled the ministerial exemption barred it from resolving the priest’s claim.

Richard R. Hammar

Answering Listeners’ Questions About Legal Issues

Tackling board member liability, religious worker visas, childcare policies for home Bible studies, compensation-setting practices, and more!

Erika E. Cole

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 Barred by “Ministerial Exception” from Deciding a Gay Pastor’s Discrimination Lawsuit

But the case illustrates the potential for a church being liable for sexual harassment or creating a hostile workplace.

Richard R. Hammar

Court Allows Pastor’s Wrongful Dismissal Lawsuit to Proceed

What church leaders should note about this surprising decision by a federal court in Ohio.

Richard R. Hammar

How To Ensure a Smooth Succession, with Guest Bishop Ralph Dennis

A plan can make all the difference, so why are leaders hesitant to create one?

Erika E. Cole

Employee in Same-Sex Civil Union Sues Religious School

The “church autonomy doctrine” did not bar the plaintiff’s claims of discrimination, says court.

Richard R. Hammar

A Teacher Was Not Barred from Suing a Christian College for Discrimination

The school could not use the “ministerial exception” as a defense against the suit, says Massachusetts court.

Richard R. Hammar

Four Key Employee Issues Unique to Churches—and How to Navigate Them

How the ministerial exception, job descriptions, internships, and employee handbooks can make your ministry sink or swim.

The Editors

Part 1 of 4

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.

Frank Sommerville

Part 2 of 4

Developing Strong Job Descriptions for Employees and Volunteers

Well-crafted job descriptions are critical to each church’s mission and proper functioning.

Frank Sommerville

Part 3 of 4

Internships: Blessings or Blind Spots?

Here’s how churches can avoid tripping up on important legal, tax, and risk management issues with interns.

Frank Sommerville

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