LEGAL
MONDAY MORNING L AWYER
A Wolf in Sheep’s Clothing
by Eric Montgomery
E
ven the Lord’s house has complex
6. Fundraising Practices: Why hire a pro-
challenges and legal issues that
fessional fundraiser and
cause liabilities and hardships for
7. Communications Strategies: During
churches. In order to be efficient and
crisis situations or during special projects
grow in the 21st century, churches need to
the church will need to provide the right
be proactive in using a similar approach to
messaging to its congregation and to the
that of successful businesses. Times have
community at large. Know how to com-
changed and here are 7 steps that are crucial
municate during this process!
for every church to take:
There are many challenging issues
1. Set Up Internal Controls: To prevent
facing our churches, pastors, congrega-
embezzlement and other losses.
tions and the communities in which our
2. Get Expert Help: Create effective boards churches serve. Don’t become a victim of
and leadership teams to be your eyes and a “wolf in sheep’s clothing”. If your church
ears.
hasn’t taken these safeguards, it’s prudent
3. Risk Management: Know how to man-
that you get started now before disaster
age risks before setting up shelters, chil-
walks through the door. Next, consult legal
dren’s programs, or transportation issues. counsel to make sure there are no missteps
4. Training Programs: Have regular lead-
that could pose a legal quandary for you
ership training programs to address
later.
ong