Category: Church

The governing board of any church, much like any corporation, is a serious entity. When accepting a board position, board members have a responsibility to do well by the church and its members. Their representation of the church, including any and all related business, must be conducted in good faith. Each church board member, or […]

Nearly every religious organization faces the question of whether to become incorporated at some point. This question typically arises when considering legal liability. Liability in unincorporated churches and religious organizations is placed on the organization’s members or congregation, which oftentimes can be quite problematic, particularly in smaller organizations with little capital or assets. Incorporating protects […]

A parsonage allowance, also known as rental or housing allowance, is a financial allotment designated by the church to its minister to offset their housing costs. Parsonage allowance is also tax-exempt from a minister’s gross income.  It is important to note that the term “minister” in this case encompasses all faiths as defined by the […]

Many churches across the country are experiencing declining membership and financial hardships, made worse by the coronavirus pandemic in some instances. As a result, an increasing number of churches are turning to merge with other churches to consolidate their missions, finances, and properties for longevity and success. Church mergers are often implemented for missionary purposes, […]

Your church likely requires a membership meeting at least once a year and by a certain date. During this meeting, you may need to vote on new regulations, pass a budget, and elect new leaders. You may have to schedule board meetings on a short timeframe to discuss important matters. However, what if you cannot […]

While churches are a place for worshippers to gather, it is easy to forget that they are also nonprofit organizations that are protected by the First Amendment. In addition, churches are considered property, which means they are subject to many of the same issues that affect private properties, including property taxes and the selling or […]

Many religious organizations operate much like for-profit businesses. Churches hire employees, order office supplies, linens and food, janitorial supplies and services, professional laundering and cleaning, construction needs, and much more. Church leaders may also frequently find themselves in a position requiring contracts as part of daily operations. Contracts are legally binding agreements between two parties […]

Church leaders strive to better serve and lead their communities through religious endeavors while growing their congregation. Since so much of a church leader’s time and energy is spent on meeting the needs of the congregation, it is a difficult task to focus the time needed to protect and grow the church’s financial interests. However, […]

There is a common assumption that churches and other nonprofits do not make money or need to have a flow of resources. However, that is a misconception. Churches need money to operate just like any other for-profit corporation. That is why it is crucial for churches to work with an attorney who can provide them […]

It may seem unusual for a church to have an attorney, but nearly all churches are structured as nonprofit organizations and are registered with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). That means they must follow specific business and accounting practices. Any type of religious organization can benefit from legal counsel. A nonprofit organization will need a […]