What does it mean to be a Gracist — and why is racial unity essential to the mission of the Church?In this powerful episode of the Church Law Podcast, The Church Attorney® is joined by Dr. David Anderson, one of the world’s leading voices on racial reconciliation, faith, and bridge-building. As the founder of Gracism Global and senior pastor of one of America's most multicultural churches, Dr. Anderson unpacks the theological, legal, and practical implications of racial unity in today’s divided world.We explore how churches can move beyond performative allyship, create legally sound diversity policies, and cultivate authentic multicultural communities rooted in grace, not guilt. Dr. Anderson also shares how his concept of Gracism offers a redemptive framework for churches to confront racism while reflecting the true heart of God.Whether you're a pastor, ministry leader, church lawyer, or believer seeking unity, this episode will inspire you to bridge the divide — with wisdom, integrity, and grace.What is Gracism and how it differs from anti-racismLegal risks churches face when ignoring racial equityEmbedding racial inclusion into church bylaws and governanceHow to preach on race biblically and legallyReal stories of reconciliation and transformationConnect With Dr. Anderson:Website: https://andersonspeaks.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AndersonSpeaksInstagram: @AndersonSpeaksTwitter: @AndersonSpeaksYouTube: @AndersonSpeakscomIf this episode blessed you, share it with another pastor or church leader—and help us reach more ministries with tools for operating decently and in order. Don't forget to leave us a review!Subscribe and watch this podcast on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/@TheChurchAttorneyMissed the 2025 Church Law & Leadership Summit? Grab the replay bundle for 20% only at this link: https://the-church-attorney.thinkific.com/courses/2025-CLLSBUNDLE?coupon=podcast20 This event has been recommended for church leaders by Church Law & Tax and includes resources from partners like ECFA.Join the Faithful Foundations Membership today! 2025 Faithful Foundations Membership enrollmentDownload your FREE copy of The Church Attorney Legal Audit® System document checklist here, and check out Episode 29 (“Using a Legal Audit to Position Your Church for the Long Haul”) to learn about the importance of a legal audit for your church.  Questions? Comments?  We welcome them! Please contact Erika Cole at erikacole.com. Erika reads each comment and may answer your question in an upcoming episode.See all episodes of Church Law.Erika E. Cole, Esq., known as The Church Attorney®, is the creator of The Church Attorney Legal Audit® System, a proprietary legal audit process that helps church leaders be confident they are operating with integrity, and avoiding costly risks. Learn more at erikacole.com.

Are you a ministry leader in a season of transition, questioning your next steps, or navigating a succession plan? You are not alone — and you are not failing.In this special LIVE edition of The Church Law Podcast, The Church Attorney® is joined by Dr. Monique Flemings for a timely conversation titled “Still Called, Still Faithful: Why Shifting Isn’t Failing.”This episode is especially for pastors, ministry leaders, and church executives facing the challenges of succession, shifting roles, or uncertain next steps.Whether you're stepping down, stepping aside, or stepping into something new — this conversation will bring clarity, encouragement, and practical wisdom.Why change in ministry is not a sign of failure — but a demonstration of faithfulnessThe stigma that surrounds church transitions in faith-based communitiesWhat healthy succession planning looks like (emotionally, spiritually, and organizationally)How to lead others with confidence during times of uncertaintyHow to discern your season and stay rooted in your identity when your title shiftsEncouragement for leaders who feel “in between” assignmentConnect With Dr. Flemings:Website: https://www.moniqueflemings.net/LinkedIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-monique-flemings/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Dr.MoniqueFlemings#Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.moniqueflemingsListener Challenge:If this episode blessed you, share it with another pastor or church leader—and help us reach more ministries with tools for operating decently and in order. Don't forget to leave us a review!Subscribe and watch this podcast on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/@TheChurchAttorneyMissed the 2025 Church Law & Leadership Summit? Grab the replay bundle for 20% only at this link: https://the-church-attorney.thinkific.com/courses/2025-CLLSBUNDLE?coupon=podcast20 This event has been recommended for church leaders by Church Law & Tax and includes resources from partners like ECFA.Join the Faithful Foundations Membership today! 2025 Faithful Foundations Membership enrollmentDownload your FREE copy of The Church Attorney Legal Audit® System document checklist here, and check out Episode 29 (“Using a Legal Audit to Position Your Church for the Long Haul”) to learn about the importance of a legal audit for your church.  Unlock exclusive insights and expert advice by subscribing to The Church Attorney® YouTube Channel! Get access to video podcasts, live recordings, and much more—designed to help you navigate the legal landscape of church management with confidence. Don’t miss out—subscribe today!Questions? Comments?  We welcome them! Please contact Erika Cole at erikacole.com. Erika reads each comment and may answer your question in an upcoming episode.See all episodes of Church Law.The Church Law podcast is part of Gloo LLC’s ChurchLawAndTax.com.Erika E. Cole, Esq., known as The Church Attorney®, is the creator of The Church Attorney Legal Audit® System, a proprietary legal audit process that helps church leaders be confident they are operating with integrity, and avoiding costly risks. Learn more at erikacole.com.

As the year comes to a close, churches often face a whirlwind of activity—but overlooking year-end financial and legal responsibilities can lead to lasting consequences. In this episode, host Erika Cole, The Church Attorney®, is joined by Bob Dye, founder of the Good Steward Bookkeeping Services and a seasoned financial consultant and former church leader, to discuss what churches must focus on as they wrap up the year. From budgeting and board meetings to housing allowances and IRS compliance, Erika and Bob offer practical, spiritually grounded guidance to help you steward your ministry’s resources well—and with confidence. Key Takeaways: ● Why year-end matters for churches beyond the numbers ● The power of a solid budget and how it shapes next year’s vision ● Often overlooked tasks like housing allowances, board meeting minutes, and giving statements ● IRS worker classification rules—what every church should know about employees vs. contractors ● Tips to turn compliance into an act of stewardship and faithfulness ● Insights on automation and AI in ministry finance—and where churches are headed Special Resources: ✅ Download Bob Dye’s Year-End Financial Checklist for Churches ✅ Register for our Free Year-End Legal Webinar — happening Tuesday, December 9 at 12 PM ET Connect With Bob Dye: Website: https://goodshepherdbookkeeping.com/ LinkedIN (Business): https://www.linkedin.com/company/77701022/admin/dashboard/ LinkedIN (Personal): https://www.linkedin.com/in/bobdye-goodshepherdbookkeeping/ Facebook Page (Business): https://www.facebook.com/GoodShepherdBookkeeping Listener Challenge: If this episode blessed you, share it with another pastor or church leader—and help us reach more ministries with tools for operating decently and in order. Don't forget to leave us a review! Subscribe and watch this podcast on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/@TheChurchAttorney Missed the 2025 Church Law & Leadership Summit? Grab the replay bundle for 20% only at this link: https://the-church-attorney.thinkific.com/courses/2025-CLLSBUNDLE?coupon=podcast20 This event has been recommended for church leaders by Church Law & Tax and includes resources from partners like ECFA. Join the Faithful Foundations Membership today! 2025 Faithful Foundations Membership enrollment Download your FREE copy of The Church Attorney Legal Audit® System document checklist here, and check out Episode 29 (“Using a Legal Audit to Position Your Church for the Long Haul”) to learn about the importance of a legal audit for your church. Unlock exclusive insights and expert advice by subscribing to The Church Attorney® YouTube Channel! Get access to video podcasts, live recordings, and much more—designed to help you navigate the legal landscape of church management with confidence. Don’t miss out—subscribe today! Questions? Comments? We welcome them! Please contact Erika Cole at erikacole.com. Erika reads each comment and may answer your question in an upcoming episode. See all episodes of Church Law. The Church Law podcast is part of Gloo LLC’s ChurchLawAndTax.com. Erika E. Cole, Esq., known as The Church Attorney®, is the creator of The Church Attorney Legal Audit® System, a proprietary legal audit process that helps church leaders be confident they are operating with integrity, and avoiding costly risks. Learn more at erikacole.com. 

In this inspiring episode of The Church Law Podcast, host Erika Cole, The Church Attorney®, sits down with Nicole Baker Fulgham, founder of The Townsend Collaborative, former Chief Impact Officer at Charles and Lynn Schusterman Family Philanthropies, and current Bridgespan Fellow with the Racial Equity in Philanthropy team. Nicole shares her remarkable journey—from her beginnings in education with Teach For America to leading efforts that reimagine philanthropy through a lens of racial equity and faith. Together, Erika and Nicole explore how churches and nonprofits can engage in equity-focused giving, collaborate with philanthropic networks, and strengthen their community impact while staying grounded in mission and values. Whether your church is navigating financial challenges or stewarding abundance, this episode offers practical insights and spiritual encouragement to help leaders cultivate generosity, justice, and sustainability. Tune in to learn: ● How faith shapes effective, justice-centered leadership ● What racial equity in philanthropy means for the Church ● Strategies for building meaningful partnerships between churches and philanthropists ● A vision for the future of faith-driven giving and community transformation SHOW NOTES Connect with Nicole Baker Fulgham: ● http://www.townsendco.org ● https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicolebakerfulgham/ Watch this podcast on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/@TheChurchAttorney Missed the 2025 Church Law & Leadership Summit? Grab the replay bundle for 20% only at this link: https://the-church-attorney.thinkific.com/courses/2025-CLLSBUNDLE?coupon=podcast20 This event has been recommended for church leaders by Church Law & Tax and includes resources from partners like ECFA. Join the Faithful Foundations Membership today! 2025 Faithful Foundations Membership enrollment Download your FREE copy of The Church Attorney Legal Audit® System document checklist here, and check out Episode 29 (“Using a Legal Audit to Position Your Church for the Long Haul”) to learn about the importance of a legal audit for your church. Unlock exclusive insights and expert advice by subscribing to The Church Attorney® YouTube Channel! Get access to video podcasts, live recordings, and much more—designed to help you navigate the legal landscape of church management with confidence. Don’t miss out—subscribe today! Questions? Comments? We welcome them! Please contact Erika Cole at erikacole.com. Erika reads each comment and may answer your question in an upcoming episode. See all episodes of Church Law. The Church Law podcast is part of Gloo LLC’s ChurchLawAndTax.com. Erika E. Cole, Esq., known as The Church Attorney®, is the creator of The Church Attorney Legal Audit® System, a proprietary legal audit process that helps church leaders be confident they are operating with integrity, and avoiding costly risks. Learn more at erikacole.com. 

In this episode of the Church Law Podcast, Erika Cole, The Church Attorney®, sits down with Dr. Warren Bird—one of the nation’s foremost researchers and authors on large churches—to explore the future of the large church in 2025 and beyond. From pastoral succession and multisite models to digital ministry and community impact, Dr. Bird shares fresh insights from decades of groundbreaking research. Whether you’re a pastor, church leader, or nonprofit executive, this conversation will equip you with the data and perspective to lead with wisdom, innovation, and integrity.Key Topics Discussed:Why the 2025 large church survey is unique and timelyThe current state of America’s largest churches since the pandemicWhich models (planting, multisite, mergers) seem most sustainable for the next generationHow large churches are serving their local and global communitiesAnd more! Whether you’re a pastor, church leader, or believer who longs to see true reconciliation, this conversation will equip and challenge you to become a bridge-builder in your own community.SHOW NOTESWhat's really happening inside America's largest and most influential churches? Is the church back better than ever? If you serve a church from 1,000 to 100,000, you can help my friend Dr. Warren Bird find out and put the results back in your hands. Take the survey at bit.ly/largechurch2025Learn more about Warren and his work at www.warrenbird.comJoin the Faithful Foundations Membership today at the current price until October 1! 2025 Faithful Foundations Membership enrollmentDownload your FREE copy of The Church Attorney Legal Audit® System document checklist here, and check out Episode 29 (“Using a Legal Audit to Position Your Church for the Long Haul”) to learn about the importance of a legal audit for your church.  Unlock exclusive insights and expert advice by subscribing to The Church Attorney® YouTube Channel! Get access to video podcasts, live recordings, and much more—designed to help you navigate the legal landscape of church management with confidence. Don’t miss out—subscribe today!Questions? Comments?  We welcome them! Please contact Erika Cole at erikacole.com. Erika reads each comment and may answer your question in an upcoming episode.See all episodes of Church Law.The Church Law podcast is part of Gloo LLC’s ChurchLawAndTax.com.Erika E. Cole, Esq., known as The Church Attorney®, is the creator of The Church Attorney Legal Audit® System, a proprietary legal audit process that helps church leaders be confident they are operating with integrity, and avoiding costly risks. Learn more at erikacole.com. 

In this episode of the Church Law Podcast, Erika sits down with Latasha Morrison—speaker, author, certified trainer in cultural intelligence and unconscious bias, and founder of Be the Bridge.Latasha has devoted her life to racial reconciliation and equipping church leaders to foster unity in the body of Christ. Together, we explore the church’s responsibility to lead the charge in healing racial divides, why cultural intelligence matters in ministry, and how pastors and leaders can move from good conversations to lasting transformation.You’ll hear:Why the church must step into its God-given role as a reconcilerCommon barriers leaders face when addressing race—and how to overcome themPractical steps to start cultivating cultural intelligence in your congregationA hopeful vision of what racial unity in the church could look likeWhether you’re a pastor, church leader, or believer who longs to see true reconciliation, this conversation will equip and challenge you to become a bridge-builder in your own community.SHOW NOTESLearn more about Latasha and her work at:https://bethebridge.com/https://latashamorrison.com/Register for the virtual 18th Annual Church Law & Leadership Summit and enter code PODCAST20 to receive a 20% off discount! Also, if you purchase a Team Package by September 10th, you’ll receive my exclusive training: ​“What Every Church Board Needs to Know”(a $197 value – FREE!). Plus, all summit registrants will also be entered into a giveaway for a chance to win a copy of Dr. Nicole Massie Martin’s book, Nailing-It: Why Successful Leadership Demands Suffering and Surrender! https://churchattorney.thrivecart.com/clls-registration/?coupon=PODCAST20Join the Faithful Foundations Membership today! 2025 Faithful Foundations Membership enrollmentDownload your FREE copy of The Church Attorney Legal Audit® System document checklist here, and check out Episode 29 (“Using a Legal Audit to Position Your Church for the Long Haul”) to learn about the importance of a legal audit for your church.  Unlock exclusive insights and expert advice by subscribing to The Church Attorney® YouTube Channel! Get access to video podcasts, live recordings, and much more—designed to help you navigate the legal landscape of church management with confidence. Don’t miss out—subscribe today!Questions? Comments?  We welcome them! Please contact Erika Cole at erikacole.com. Erika reads each comment and may answer your question in an upcoming episode.See all episodes of Church Law.The Church Law podcast is part of Gloo LLC’s ChurchLawAndTax.com.Erika E. Cole, Esq., known as The Church Attorney®, is the creator of The Church Attorney Legal Audit® System, a proprietary legal audit process that helps church leaders be confident they are operating with integrity, and avoiding costly risks. Learn more at erikacole.com.

In this special episode of the Church Law Podcast, Erika Cole, The Church Attorney®, gives you an exclusive preview of the 18th Annual Church Law and Leadership Summit, happening Thursday, September 18, 2025.With the theme “For Such a Time as This: Standing Firm, Serving Strong,” this year’s Summit is more than just an event—it’s a divine appointment for pastors, church leaders, and faith-based executives. Erika reflects on the 18-year journey of the Summit, from its early days as a local in-person gathering to now serving over 1,200 leaders from all 50 states through a dynamic online format.You’ll hear about the history, purpose, and impact of this unique gathering, plus a breakdown of the sessions, speakers, and special opportunities awaiting attendees. Whether you’re leading a congregation, managing church operations, or navigating the challenges of ministry in today’s legal and cultural climate, this episode equips you with insight and inspiration to step into leadership with wisdom and confidence.SHOW NOTESACT NOW! Register by September 2nd for the Virtual 18th Annual Church Law & Leadership Summit with the coupon code BIRTHDAY and receive an exclusive preview of the first month’s lesson of the Faithful Foundations Membership ($80 value). All summit registrants will also be entered into a giveaway for a chance to win a copy of Dr. Nicole Massie Martin’s book, Nailing-It: Why Successful Leadership Demands Suffering and Surrender! https://www.erikacole.com/summit2025Join the Faithful Foundations Membership today! 2025 Faithful Foundations Membership enrollmentDownload your FREE copy of The Church Attorney Legal Audit® System document checklist here, and check out Episode 29 (“Using a Legal Audit to Position Your Church for the Long Haul”) to learn about the importance of a legal audit for your church.  Unlock exclusive insights and expert advice by subscribing to The Church Attorney® YouTube Channel! Get access to video podcasts, live recordings, and much more—designed to help you navigate the legal landscape of church management with confidence. Don’t miss out—subscribe today!Questions? Comments?  We welcome them! Please contact Erika Cole at erikacole.com. Erika reads each comment and may answer your question in an upcoming episode.See all episodes of Church Law.The Church Law podcast is part of Gloo LLC’s ChurchLawAndTax.com.Erika E. Cole, Esq., known as The Church Attorney®, is the creator of The Church Attorney Legal Audit® System, a proprietary legal audit process that helps church leaders be confident they are operating with integrity, and avoiding costly risks. Learn more at erikacole.com.

In this episode of The Church Law Podcast, host Erika Cole, The Church Attorney®, sits down with Rev. Dr. Nicole Massie Martin—COO of Christianity Today and author of Nailing It: Why Successful Leadership Demands Suffering & Surrender—to explore how church leaders can navigate challenging times with wisdom, integrity, and grace. Together, they tackle key issues such as scaling ministries without losing sacred intentions, avoiding dysfunctional loyalty, fostering unity over blind allegiance, and embracing a God-aligned pace in leadership. Packed with biblical insight and practical strategies, this conversation equips pastors, ministry leaders, and church staff to lead faithfully, even in seasons of difficulty. Plus, listeners will hear how to enter for a chance to win a signed copy of Nicole’s book during the upcoming Church Law & Leadership Summit! SHOW NOTES Register to join us virtually on Sept. 18th at the 18th Annual Church Law & Leadership Summit and be entered in the book giveaway! https://www.erikacole.com/summit2025 For more information on Dr. Nicole Massie Martin’s book, Nailing-It: Why Successful Leadership Demands Suffering and Surrender, visit: https://www.ivpress.com/nailing-it Ep. 31: Equipping Younger Church Leaders, with guest Dr. Nicole Martin, CT’s chief impact officer – https://www.churchlawandtax.com/podcast-church-law/equipping-younger-church-leaders/ Ep. 14: The Rise and Fall of Mars Hill and What You Should Consider Before Changing Your Bylaws – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hjvpNxPpC4U Join the Faithful Foundations Membership today! 2025 Faithful Foundations Membership enrollment Download your FREE copy of The Church Attorney Legal Audit® System document checklist here, and check out Episode 29 (“Using a Legal Audit to Position Your Church for the Long Haul”) to learn about the importance of a legal audit for your church. Unlock exclusive insights and expert advice by subscribing to The Church Attorney® YouTube Channel! Get access to video podcasts, live recordings, and much more—designed to help you navigate the legal landscape of church management with confidence. Don’t miss out—subscribe today! Questions? Comments? We welcome them! Please contact Erika Cole at erikacole.com. Erika reads each comment and may answer your question in an upcoming episode. See all episodes of Church Law. The Church Law podcast is part of Gloo LLC’s ChurchLawAndTax.com. Erika E. Cole, Esq., known as The Church Attorney®, is the creator of The Church Attorney Legal Audit® System, a proprietary legal audit process that helps church leaders be confident they are operating with integrity, and avoiding costly risks. Learn more at erikacole.com. 

In this episode of The Church Law Podcast, Erika Cole, The Church Attorney®, sits down with Nathan “Nate” Adams, partner at Holland & Knight, to unpack the essentials of trademark protection for churches. Whether your church is newly launched or generations old, this conversation will help you understand how to protect your name, avoid common legal pitfalls, and steward your ministry wisely. You’ll learn: ● The difference between a trademark and a trade name ● What legal protections state or IRS registration don’t provide ● How churches unintentionally infringe on trademarks ● Why legal protection is critical when growing an online presence ● How trademarking aligns with good stewardship SHOW NOTES Trademark disputes can be messy, even with Christian organizations. Christian ministries and churches can find themselves in trademark issues due to expansion, similar town names, or even disgruntled attendees. For Mars Hill Church in Seattle, they were hoping to expand into California when they were met with another Mars Hill Church in Sacramento. Ironically, this church no longer exists after the tragic downfall of its founder. For a Christian university, the trademark issue can arise from west-coast and east-coast universities within different towns, both named Rochester. Lastly, although rare, disgruntled attendees can attempt to dilute the influence of the organization by creating fake organizations with the same name to discourage attendance. Trademark protections can be vital before any suit is seen on the horizon. Read More regarding these suits here: erikacole.com/churchlawcases/trademarkclashes Join the Faithful Foundations Membership today! 2025 Faithful Foundations Membership enrollment Download your FREE copy of The Church Attorney Legal Audit® System document checklist here, and check out Episode 29 (“Using a Legal Audit to Position Your Church for the Long Haul”) to learn about the importance of a legal audit for your church. Unlock exclusive insights and expert advice by subscribing to The Church Attorney® YouTube Channel! Get access to video podcasts, live recordings, and much more—designed to help you navigate the legal landscape of church management with confidence. Don’t miss out—subscribe today! Connect with Nathan Adams: ● ww.hklaw.com/en/professionals/a/adams-nathan-a ● www.linkedin.com/in/nathan-adams-86380412 Questions? Comments? We welcome them! Please contact Erika Cole at erikacole.com. Erika reads each comment and may answer your question in an upcoming episode. See all episodes of Church Law. The Church Law podcast is part of Gloo LLC’s ChurchLawAndTax.com. Erika E. Cole, Esq., known as The Church Attorney®, is the creator of The Church Attorney Legal Audit® System, a proprietary legal audit process that helps church leaders be confident they are operating with integrity, and avoiding costly risks. Learn more at erikacole.com. 

In this episode of The Church Law Podcast, Erika Cole, The Church Attorney®, dives into the vital topic of maintaining your church’s tax-exempt status. With over 25 years of experience guiding ministries of all sizes, Erika unpacks what tax exemption really means, the top five ways churches unknowingly put their status at risk, and real-life cautionary tales from churches that lost theirs. Learn how to avoid IRS scrutiny, protect your ministry’s financial future, and lead with legal confidence. SHOW NOTES Join the Faithful Foundations Membership today! 2025 Faithful Foundations Membership enrollment The Church Attorney’s Guide to 501(c)(3) Tax-Exempt Status, How to Obtain, Maintain and Protect Your Church’s Tax-Exempt Status Tax Exempt Organization Search bulk data downloads (Publication 78) Case of first church tax-exempt status revocation based on engagement in political activity Church Law & Tax article: Understanding the Consequences for Losing Tax Exemption for Churches Download your FREE copy of The Church Attorney Legal Audit® System document checklist here, and check out Episode 29 (“Using a Legal Audit to Position Your Church for the Long Haul”) to learn about the importance of a legal audit for your church. Unlock exclusive insights and expert advice by subscribing to The Church Attorney® YouTube Channel! Get access to video podcasts, live recordings, and much more—designed to help you navigate the legal landscape of church management with confidence. Don’t miss out—subscribe today! Questions? Comments? We welcome them! Please contact Erika Cole at erikacole.com. Erika reads each comment and may answer your question in an upcoming episode. See all episodes of Church Law. The Church Law podcast is part of Gloo LLC’s ChurchLawAndTax.com. Erika E. Cole, Esq., known as The Church Attorney®, is the creator of The Church Attorney Legal Audit® System, a proprietary legal audit process that helps church leaders be confident they are operating with integrity, and avoiding costly risks. Learn more at erikacole.com.