The Top 5 Legal Issues Churches Face Today
Rainer on Leadership
Navigating Legal Challenges in Church Management
This chapter addresses essential legal issues faced by churches, focusing on child protection, labor laws, and the importance of clear volunteer and contractor agreements. It emphasizes the need for regularly updated bylaws and highlights the complexities of intellectual property rights concerning creative works produced within a church setting.
Churches may be spiritual communities, but they operate in a legal world. And many aren’t prepared. In today’s episode, Sam interviews Ryan June of Castañeda + Heidelman LLP, and we unpack the five most common legal issues churches face: child protection, property disputes, employment law, governance and bylaws, and intellectual property. Ignorance of the law is not a spiritual gift. Whether your church is 50 years old or just starting, these legal risks can’t be ignored.
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- Create and enforce a written child protection policy—it’s your frontline defense against liability.
- Keep your property deeds, insurance coverage, and usage agreements up to date and in writing.
- Treat staff and volunteers according to federal and state labor laws—intentions don’t override obligations.
- Review your bylaws every 3–5 years to ensure clarity and legal alignment with your actual practices.
- Consider the need to address content ownership as between the church and the staff, particularly pastors. Failure to have the conversation can lead to disputes. Documenting ownership of content in advance of its creation is important here, too. Otherwise, there is risk of violating IRS rules.
The information contained in this podcast is not legal advice. It is intended as general educational material to help pastors and church leaders. For specific guidance, churches should consult with a qualified attorney familiar with their applicable laws and circumstances.
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