Ryan June, a lawyer at Castañeda + Heidelman LLP specializing in church legal issues, shares vital insights for church leadership. He emphasizes the importance of child protection policies as a primary defense against liability. Listeners learn about keeping property deeds updated and adhering to labor laws for staff and volunteers. Ryan stresses the necessity of reviewing bylaws regularly and the complexities of intellectual property within church contexts. This engaging conversation equips church leaders with knowledge to navigate legal challenges effectively.
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volunteer_activism ADVICE
Enforce Child Protection Policies
Create and enforce a written child protection policy as your frontline defense against liability.
Keep it simple, clear, and strictly adhere to the rules without exceptions.
volunteer_activism ADVICE
Maintain Clear Property Documentation
Regularly review and update property deeds, insurance, and usage agreements.
Avoid for-profit activities on church property to maintain property tax exemption.
question_answer ANECDOTE
Property Name Confusion Story
A church struggled to determine legal ownership during a multi-site adoption due to inconsistent church names on documents.
Legal and property details are critical and can be costly to clarify without proper documentation.
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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.
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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Rainer on Leadership 
