The intricate workings of a church involve much more than just spiritual guidance and community involvement. Behind the scenes, there are legal structures in place to govern how they operate. Church bylaws serve a vital function, shaping how these religious institutions govern themselves. Why are they important, and what do they cover? Church bylaws are […]
Category: Church
Hiring, Firing, and Discrimination Issues in the Church
Churches can be sued just like any other legal entity. Just because they are non-profit entities does not mean that they can ignore all state and federal employment laws. Employees and those not hired for jobs may be entitled to financial compensation if they were victims of illegal practice. Churches are subject to anti-discrimination laws […]
Understanding IRS Tax-Exempt Status for Churches: A Comprehensive Overview
Tax-exempt status is crucial for a church. Congregants and others want to be able to take a tax deduction for money that they donate. In many cases, congregants would give more than they otherwise would have because they can save on their taxes. IRS law aims to encourage non-profit organizations and make it easier to […]
Can a Lawyer Help Me Start a Church?
Starting a church involves a detailed process that can be heavily legal. The steps you take at the beginning of the process can determine whether your church may run smoothly. It is best to contact a lawyer at the beginning of the process. They can help set up your church for success. Here is how […]
Five Reasons a Church Needs a Lawyer
Churches cannot operate without regard for the legal environment. Otherwise, they could risk their finances and continued ability to serve congregants. Every church needs a lawyer to help them be proactive and help them avoid potential legal pitfalls. Investing in legal help now can mean that a church avoids problems in the future. Here are […]
Is Risk Management a Concern for Churches?
Churches, even though they are non-profits, can be sued just like any other entity. These churches need to focus on risk management, both to protect other people and their bottom line. There are a series of steps that your church must take to provide a safe environment. Risk management is part of the stewardship of […]
What to Do if Your Church Is Being Sued
Churches can be sued just like any other organization. Being sued is one of the greatest nightmares that your church can face. The potential liability can put your church at risk. There are mistakes that you should avoid because they can make a bad situation worse. You should hire an attorney immediately after you find […]
Mistakes Churches Make When Hiring
Hiring decisions are crucial for your church. Not only are church employees responsible for your congregants’ experience, but they are also making vital decisions on behalf of the church. If your church makes a mistake, it could cost money in terms of potential liability and wasted resources. Here are mistakes that churches make when hiring […]
What Are Important Factors to Consider When Fundraising for My Church?
Your church cannot afford to lose its tax-exempt status under any circumstances. It could affect your ability to raise donations. When your church fundraises, several considerations come into play. You must have an agenda and policies ahead of time so there are no mistakes. Otherwise, donors would be unable to take a tax deduction for […]
How Can I Ensure I Build a Strong Board of Directors?
Oversight is critical for any nonprofit organization, and churches are no different. While church employees carry out their responsibilities and provide spiritual guidance for the congregants, each church needs a qualified board to set the direction and make significant decisions. Selecting people for the board and outlining their responsibilities requires great foresight. A strong, pragmatic, […]