Keep Your Church Out of Court

Section 1 – Legal Summary

Seminar Outline* (4 pages)
“Church Legal Matters Overview” by Michael Best* (7 pages)
- Corporate (Transactions & Governance)
  - 501(c)(3) Subsidiaries
  - Corporate Governance Structure
  - Marriage/Gender Identity Views
  - Waivers of Liability
  - Membership
- Commercial Real Estate
  - Real Estate Transactions
  - Land Use and Zoning
- Intellectual Property
  - Licensing (CCLI/CVLI)
  - Streaming and Social Media Content
  - Data Privacy and Data Breaches
- Employment Law
  - Personnel Policy and Handbook
  - Employee Classification
  - Background Checks and Drug Screenings
  - Housing Allowances
  - Residency Program and Interns
- Other General Legal Issues
  - Financial Policy
  - Church Discipline
  - Security and Safety
Housing Allowance Computation* (1 page)
“Internship Programs Under the Fair Labor Standards Act” (Fact Sheet #71) by U.S. Department of Labor (2 pages)
FLSA Classification Tree for Churches and Other Religious Organizations (1 page)
Licensing, Ordination, Commissioning (1 page)
Ministerial Recognitions Q&A (2 pages)

Section 2 – Reasons Churches Go to Court

The Sexual Abuse of a Minor (Section 3)
- Abuse Prevention Plans
Property Disputes
- Check Tax Records for Accuracy
- Multiple Tracts
- Governing Documents
Personal Injury (Section 4)
- Lawsuits
- Risk Management and Mitigation
Zoning
Insurance Coverage Disputes (Section 5)
- Property
- Liability
- Auto/Vehicles
- Umbrella
- Workers’ Compensation

Section 3 – Abuse Prevention

Section 4 – Liability & Personal Injury Lawsuits

Section 5 – Insurance Coverage Disputes

2023 Insurance Issues Report* (3 pages)
- Louisiana Insurance Climate
- Non-Renewals
- Wind/Hail Exclusions and Disputes
- Negotiation
Policyholders Release* (1 page)

Section 6 – Facilities, Weddings & Funerals

Policy Issues Summary* (4 pages)
- Abuse Prevention Policy
- Minor Participation Policy
- Social Media Policy
- Staff Team Policies
- ADA Compliance
Facility Use Policy* (4 pages)
Weddings
- Definition of Marriage* (3 pages)
- Covenant Marriage Summary* (2 pages)
- Covenant Marriage Position Paper* (6 pages)
- Wedding Handbook* (33 pages)
Funerals
- Potential Area of Future Litigation
- Funeral Policy Development
  - Facility Use Policy
  - How Inclusive Will the Church Be?
  - Is there a Membership Requirement?
  - What Content Is Permissible?
  - Who Officiates?
Transgender Guidelines* (1 page)
“Churches Are Not Places of Public Accommodation” by Harvard Law School Journal on Legislation* (4 pages)
Service & Comfort Animals Policy* (4 pages)

Section 7 – Constitution/Bylaws & Administration

Church Bylaws Summary* (3 pages)
Constitution & Bylaw Legal Protections
- Marriage & Sexuality
- Biblical Authority
- Membership Definition
- Member Discipline Procedures
- Procedure for Rescinding Membership
“Suggested Language for Church Bylaws” by Alliance Defending Freedom* (1 page)
“Five Things All Churches Should Have in Their Bylaws” by Alliance Defending Freedom* (5 pages)
First West 2025 Constitutional Amendment* (4 pages)
- Statement of Faith and Doctrine
- Final Interpretive Authority
First West 2015 Bylaw Revisions Overview* (3 pages)
- Membership
- Church Discipline
- Pastor Search Process
- Ministerial Staff
- Deacons
- Trustees
- Committees
- Regular Meetings
- Quorum
Admin & Tax Forms Summary* (3 pages)
Forms & Documents Summary* (2 pages)