Can Churches Dismiss an Employee Without Cause? Understanding the limitations of "employment at will," and the idea that an employee can leave a job without cause, too. Donn Meindertsma
What Are the Consequences of Canceling an Off-Site Church Event? What churches should consider if they are under contract for a venue. Erika E. Cole
Who Can Sign Church Documents? A court case in South Carolina offers insights and warnings for giving signatory authority. Richard R. Hammar
Materialmen’s Liens Key point 7-15. A company that supplies building materials for a construction project can claim
Reversion of Church Property to the Prior Owner Key point 7-14. Some deeds to church property contain a “reversion” clause stating that title
Contract Liability Key point 6-07.02. Church board members may be personally liable for contracts they sign if
Contract Liability Key point 4-06. Clergy who sign legal documents in their own name with no indication
Property Matters A minister can engage in property transactions on behalf of a church only if authorized
Officer of the Church Corporation Key point 3-02. A minister has no legal right to serve as president of the
General Scope of a Minister’s Authority Key point 3-01. In general, clergy have the legal authority to do those things specifically
Civil Court Review of Clergy Termination Disputes—”Exhaustion” of Ecclesiastical Remedies The courts consistently have held that ministers who fail to “exhaust” their appeals within an
Civil Court Review of Clergy Termination Disputes—Limited Exceptions to the General Rule Key point 2-04.02. Some courts are willing to resolve disputes over the termination of clergy
Civil Court Review of Clergy Termination Disputes—the General Rule of Non-Intervention civil-court-review-clergy-termination-disputes
Termination Some issues associated with the termination of ministers are addressed in other sections. These include
The Contract Key point 2-02. The relationship between a minister and church is contractual in nature. The
Best Practices for Technology Usage Establish policies and best practices to govern the use of technology for church staff.
A Tennessee Missions Agency’s Employment Contract Requires Employees’ Lawsuit to Be Resolved on Basis of Virginia Law The goal of choice-of-law clauses in agreements is to have the most favorable state law apply to a transaction. Richard R. Hammar
The Importance—and Lack of Exceptions—for Filing Lawsuits, Claims within the Statute of Limitations Key point 10-16.7. A liability insurance policy provides a church with a legal defense to Richard R. Hammar
First Amendment Leaves Room for Employee Lawsuits D.C. court of appeal rules religious freedom doesn't bar a pastor from suing for unpaid compensation. Richard R. Hammar