Churches often lack clarity and fail to comply with applicable law in several areas related to employment. Attorney Frank Sommerville takes an in-depth look at each area with the goal of giving greater clarity, encouraging tax and labor law compliance, and detailing best practices.
For additional reading beyond this series, see Richard Hammar’s analyses of notable court decisions about common employment disputes.
Applying the Ministerial Exception to Church Employees
Understanding this key legal doctrine, how it works, and when it matters—or doesn’t—for specific positions.
Developing Strong Job Descriptions for Employees and Volunteers
Well-crafted job descriptions are critical to each church’s mission and proper functioning.
Internships: Blessings or Blind Spots?
Here’s how churches can avoid tripping up on important legal, tax, and risk management issues with interns.
The Importance of a Legally Sound Employee Handbook
A handbook not only protects the church and its staff—it also helps create a healthy relationship between employer and employee.
Title VII and Church Employment Practices
How the Supreme Court’s interpretation of Title VII’s term “sex” affects church employment.
The Remote Worker and the FLSA
How churches should handle employee classifications and overtime pay as more people work from home.
Getting Your Church Employment Questions Answered
On-Demand Webinar: Addressing some of the most challenging and confusing issues churches face as employers.
