Church Law & StrategyĀ Blog

Guidance for pastors and churches to stay legally secure, financially sound, and spiritually strong.

LEGAL INSIGHTS & MINISTRY PROTECTION STRATEGIES

What Happens If We Use the Wrong EIN? Oct 11, 2025

For churches and other groups, the Employer Identification Number (EIN) is particularly significant. The IRS only uses this tax ID for the group. But what if your church has the wrong EIN? Using the w...

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Can I Legally Pay My Pastor Without Being Audited? Oct 10, 2025

Every church has a duty to pay its pastor in a lawful and correct way. Paying a pastor isn't simply about giving them a check. The church and its leaders need to follow IRS requirements, church bylaws...

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Do I Need Bylaws to Start a Church? Oct 10, 2025

Starting a church is a calling that comes with a sense of purpose, vision, and the desire to help others. One of the most typical issues that comes up as you take those initial essential steps is, "Do...

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Are We Even a Real 501(c)(3)? Oct 10, 2025

Is it true that we are a 501(c)(3)? For a lot of churches and ministries, it's hard to tell if they are a "real" 501(c)(3) charitable organization, but it's very important. The phrase "501(c)(3)" refe...

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What If Our Board Members Don't Show Up? Oct 10, 2025

It's not just annoying when a church board doesn't show up; it's a big risk to the ministry's governance, legal compliance, and long-term health. The board of directors or elders is the governing body...

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How Growing Ministries Keep Their Global Brands Safe Without a Full Legal Team Oct 10, 2025

As ministries reach out to individuals all over the world and the country, it gets harder and harder to protect their brand identity. Your ministry's name, logo, messages, and digital content are all ...

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Who Owns the Material in Church Apps, Podcasts, and Live Streams? Oct 09, 2025

Churches are using podcasts, smartphone apps, and livestreams more and more to reach more people, connect with their members, and get their message out beyond their physical walls in today's digital w...

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The Legal Costs of Not Registering a Trademark for Ministries Oct 09, 2025

Churches and ministries need to build a brand that people recognize and trust in order to spread the word about their objective and get people involved. The ministry's name, logo, and other branding a...

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Five Common Trademark Mistakes Churches Make When They Rebrand Oct 09, 2025

Changing the name of your church is a big and important step in the growth of your ministry. A good rebranding may breathe new life into your message, bring in new members, and show off a new vision, ...

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When and How to Use IP Protection Takedowns for Churches Oct 09, 2025

In a time when digital ministry is becoming more and more vital, churches use websites, podcasts, apps, livestreams, and social media to spread the gospel and build community. These internet platforms...

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Protecting Your Church's Trademark: Here's what you can do legally if another church duplicates your name or emblem. Oct 09, 2025

Your church's name and logo are very important to its work. They let your church and the whole community know who you are, what you believe in, and what you want to do. If another church uses your nam...

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Who Has the Rights to the Church Logo? How to Legally Keep Your Brand Safe Oct 08, 2025

Your church logo is more than simply a picture; it represents your ministry's identity, mission, and reputation. As your church grows and reaches out to more people, it becomes very important to safeg...

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