Category Archives: Church Law
Resolving Conflicts Before They Start: Court Enforcement of Church Bylaws
By William R. Thetford, Esq. and H. Robert Showers, Esq. In some ways, a successful business, nonprofit, or church share many similarities. All involve governing structures outlining the chain of command and governing documents outlining the specifics as to how the business/church/nonprofit will be operated, etc. In other ways, they are far different,… Read More »
PROTECTING CHILDREN IN CHURCH SMALL GROUP SETTINGS
By H. Robert Showers, Esq. Small Groups are really important in today’s churches for many theological, practical, and marketing reasons. These programs are promoted as a great way to get connected with others in the church on a more personal level. Getting to know fellow church members can pose a challenge if one attends… Read More »
Can the IRS Tax Your Organization’s Parking Lot?
By William R. Thetford, Esq. and H. Robert Showers, Esq. Unfortunately, for now, the answer is yes! The new year is a time that many organizations begin to prepare their taxes. The IRS just released guidance on a recent controversial tax change that could significantly impact churches and nonprofit organizations as well as… Read More »
HOW CHURCHES AND NONPROFITS SHOULD ADDRESS SEXUAL HARASSMENT IN THE #METOO ERA
By William R. Thetford Jr., Esq. and H. Robert Showers, Esq. The #MeToo generation has captured headlines and national attention in recent months, placing a renewed emphasis on understanding, exposing, and preventing sexual misconduct. This topic impacts culture broadly, and churches and nonprofit organizations are not exempt from the danger. This renewed wave of… Read More »
U.S. Supreme Court Decides For Religious Liberty
After many months of deliberation, the Supreme Court of the United States (“SCOTUS” or “the Court”) found in favor of Jack Phillips, the Masterpiece Cake shop owner, in a 7-2 holding (i.e. seven Justices found in his favor, and two dissented). In short, Masterpiece Cakeshop is a custom bakery owned and operated out of… Read More »
NOT EVERYTHING IS A POLITICAL ISSUE: A REFRESHER FOR CHURCHES AND NONPROFITS ON LOBBYING AND POLITICAL CAMPAIGNING
By: Justin R. Coleman, Esq. and Robert Showers, Esq. For the last few years, it seems that every topic or issue has devolved into a political debate. Even those matters that were once thought collectively agreed-upon have resulted in shouting matches, even between Christians and other people of faith. With the 2018 mid-term… Read More »
Will Your Nonprofit or Church Survive Inside the Trump Tax Cuts?
By Kyle D. Winey, Esq., Justin R. Coleman, Esq., and Robert Showers, Esq. (SS Quarterly 2018 2nd Quarter) The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the “Act”) was signed into law by President Trump on December 22, 2017, in what the New York Times called “the most sweeping rewrite of the tax code in… Read More »
New Federal Legislation Affecting Church and Community Youth Sport Programs
President Trump recently signed new legislation which will affect privately run youth sport programs directly and indirectly, including church and community youth sports programs. Given the broad scope of the bill, this memo will address specifically how it will affect churches, nonprofits, and private community sports programs. Should you desire to read more on… Read More »
Protecting Your Church in Troubled Times: A Guide to Establishing Church Security Protocols
By H. Robert Showers, Esq. and Bethany R. Horvat, Paralegal It was just last month when the final surviving victim from the Sutherland Springs church shooting returned home from the hospital. Shot five times, young Ryland is only six years old. He lost his stepmother and two sisters (ages five and seven) in… Read More »
TEN SERIOUS PROBLEMS TO AVOID FOR YEAR-END GIFT RECEIPTS
By H. Robert Showers, Esq. (SS Quarterly 2017 – 4th Quarter) Near the end of any calendar year, donors and members will once again be searching for added ways to give while hoping to get the most tax benefits associated with charitable gifts. However, it may be your nonprofit/church’s job to help them achieve… Read More »