Spring 2010
Church and Law: Navigating the Legal Maze
We live in a litigious society. Some have estimated that state courts handle 20 million lawsuits a year. Pastors and churches are not immune to these legal problems. People may sue the church over negligence. Churches may experience legal problems over property or construction issues. How do tax laws affect the church? And what about copyright laws? Pastors and churches encounter these and a host of other legal issues as they seek to be effective for the Kingdom. In those cases, they may not know what to do or where to turn. They may know they need a lawyer, but who do they hire? How much will it cost? These, and other questions, may cause a church to become paralyzed and do nothing. This often compounds their situation.
This issue of Enrichment journal addresses some of the major legal issues churches and pastors may experience. These articles, written by lawyers, provide practical advice to help guide the pastor and church through the legal maze. Learn from the expertise of Ann Buwalda, Don Halloway, Richard R. Hammar, Stanton Masters, William T. McGrath, David Middlebrook, Midgett S. Parker, Jr., Ken Sande, Frank Sommerville, Jerry Sparks, John Vaughn, and George O. Wood.
Theme Articles
INTRODUCTION
GARY R. ALLEN
Rendering to Caesar What Is Caesar’s: How Tax Laws Affect the Church
Frank Sommerville
Here are four areas where churches frequently violate tax laws and what the church must do to make tax compliance a priority.
Church Incorporation: Right or Wrong?
John P. Joseph
One argues that church incorporation creates unnecessary government entanglement while another insists that it’s just a tool to spread the gospel while protecting a church against modern risks. Who’s right?
To Copy or Not To Copy — That Is the Question: Copyright Issues in Today’s Church
WILLIAM T. MCGRATH
When do the activities of a church give rise to copyright issues and what is the church’s best defense to address these issues?
Avoiding the Legal Pitfalls of Conflict, Mediation, and Discipline in the Church
Ken Sande
Here are four safeguards your church can take to reduce its exposure to legal liability.
Navigating the Sexual Minefield in Today’s Culture
Richard R. Hammar
Sexual misconduct claims are the most common form of litigation involving churches. Here are 10 of the most significant risks associated with sexual conduct and ways to reduce the risk of litigation.
Combating Claims With Common Sense: Avoiding Negligent Hiring, Retention, and Supervision Claims Against Churches
G. Stanton Masters
What are the practices your church can adopt and mistakes it can avoid to combat legal claims?
Insurance: What Coverage Does Your Church Need?
JERRY J. SPARKS
Though not a substitute for good risk management or safety and security safeguards, insurance is a valuable tool.
The Politics of Religion
Richard R. Hammar
Over the past few years the IRS has made a number of pronouncements indicating that it will no longer ignore church political activities. Here is what the church and minister can and cannot do.
INTERVIEW: The First Amendment and Religious Liberty: An Ongoing Debate
Richard Hammar, Bradley Jacob, and Michael Paulson
People often use the phrase “separation of church and state” to try to force the church from the public arena. But what rights do Christians and churches have under the First Amendment?
Strangers Among Us: How Immigration Law Affects the Church
By Ann Buwalda
Although immigration has become a controversial public policy issue, the prophetic voice of the church needs to reflect the heart of God.
Where Is My Lawyer When I Need Him? What a Pastor Needs To Ask and Expect When Securing Legal Counsel for His Church
Dan L. Holloway
Most pastors are quick to respond to problems within their churches, including asking for legal expertise. But some pastors avoid asking for legal protection until it is too late.
Estate Planning the Right Way
John Vaughn
Almost everything pastors need to know about estate planning.
IN CLOSING:
James T. Bradford
From the General Superintendent
It’s the Law [and Grace]: Imputation and Respondeat Superior
George O. Wood
The Scripture gives us a legal framework for understanding what Christ did for us on the Cross.
Column Articles
THEOLOGICAL ENRICHMENT
Baptism in the Holy Spirit and the Book Of Acts
Edgar R. Lee
Teaching on Spirit Baptism as a Separate Event After Salvation
Tim Enloe
Dealing With Doubters: A Series on Defending Your Faith
If You Cannot Scientifically Prove Your Belief, Is It Meaningless?
Paul Copan
Managing the Mayhem of Ministry
A New Road on Your Consensus Map
Cal LeMon
Developing High Definition Leaders
Secrets of High-performance Teams
Glenn Reynolds
MINISTRY AND MEDICAL ETHICS
Being Human: How Should We Define Life and Personhood?
Christina M.H. Powell
iUniversity: Empowering Collegians for Christ
I’m Just Your Typical Moralistic Therapeutic Deist
Harvey A. Herman
Q&A For ministry Wives
Our Children Are Unhappy as PKs
Gabriele RIENAS
From the Light Side SOURDOUGH, AK
Along for the Ride, Chapter 5
JACK AIKEN AND TORRY “MOOSE” MARTIN
departments (Print edition only)
- Sermon Seeds
- Book Reviews
- News & Resources
- With Christ
- Advertising Index
