Hello Reader , Sometimes what looks like a leadership disagreement is actually a governance problem. The pastor believes a decision falls within pastoral authority. The board believes the issue requires board approval. The congregation believes members should have a vote. Everyone may sincerely believe they are correct. But there is a more important question underneath the disagreement: What does the church’s actual governance structure say? That is why church leaders need more than...

Hello Reader , Here’s a question I encourage church leadership teams to ask: Who has the authority to make an important decision on behalf of the church? Now ask the more important follow-up question: How do you know? Is it because the pastor has always handled those decisions? Because the board typically votes on them? Because the congregation has historically been asked for approval? Or because the church’s governing documents actually give a particular person or group the authority to make...

Hello Reader , We are excited to welcome Kayla L. Foley, J.D., to The Church Attorney® team as a paralegal! Kayla officially began her new role on August 17, 2026, but she has worked with The Church Attorney® for several years. Meet Kayla Kayla brings five years of legal support experience, with a particular focus on church law, legal research, and document review. She began supporting The Church Attorney® team in 2023 while attending law school. Behind the scenes, Kayla has helped draft...