Nonprofit Law for Religious Organizations: Essential Questions & Answers - Paperback

by Bruce R. Hopkins (Author), David Middlebrook (Author)

Nonprofit Law for Religious Organizations: Essential Questions & Answers is a hands-on guide to the most pertinent and critical legal issues facing those who lead and manage religious tax-exempt organizations with an emphasis on tax, employment, property and constitutional law. This timely book is a response to the need for guidance, direction, and clarification of legal and tax laws affecting churches and other religious organizations.

Front Jacket

Praise for Nonprofit Law for Religious Organizations Essential Questions & Answers

Years ago, sincerity and compassion were all that was needed to sustain a vibrant and effective house of worship. Today, there are a myriad of legal issues facing the church that constantly arise, challenging even the most prudent and well-intentioned minister. Nonprofit Law for Religious Organizations: Essential Questions and Answers covers a wide variety of important legal topics in an easy-to-read question-and-answer format. This book is a must-read for every minister who desires excellence in their ministry and wants to circumvent needless mistakes and avoid poorly made and costly decisions.
--Bishop T.D. JakesThe Potter's House of Dallas

Bruce Hopkins and David Middlebrook have written a comprehensive and easily understood handbook on religious nonprofit tax law that is a must-read. The question-and-answer format is user-friendly and provides straightforward answers to complex legal issues. Pastors, lawyers, accountants, and nonprofit leaders should have this volume in their library. This book is a tremendous resource.
--Jay Sekulow, Chief CounselAmerican Center for Law & Justice (www.aclj.org)

As a media consultant, the most serious challenge I believe religious organizations face today is the criticism over perceived abuses. The truth is, 90% of the mistakes made by churches and ministries isn't willful or criminal conduct, but is simply unintentional. Hiring, tax, accounting, administration, and other mistakes have crippled or actually shut down great organizations. Once that mistake is publicized, the damage is done. But in Nonprofit Law for Religious Organizations: Essential Questions and Answers, you'll find everything you need about operating correctly, with integrity and confidence. Don't get caught making a mistake. Get the information that will help keep your perception where it needs to be and keep your mission on target.
--Phil Cooke, media consultant and producer (www.philcooke.com)

Back Jacket

Praise for Nonprofit Law for Religious Organizations Essential Questions & Answers

"Years ago, sincerity and compassion were all that was needed to sustain a vibrant and effective house of worship. Today, there are a myriad of legal issues facing the church that constantly arise, challenging even the most prudent and well-intentioned minister. Nonprofit Law for Religious Organizations: Essential Questions and Answers covers a wide variety of important legal topics in an easy-to-read question-and-answer format. This book is a must-read for every minister who desires excellence in their ministry and wants to circumvent needless mistakes and avoid poorly made and costly decisions."
--Bishop T.D. JakesThe Potter's House of Dallas

"Bruce Hopkins and David Middlebrook have written a comprehensive and easily understood handbook on religious nonprofit tax law that is a must-read. The question-and-answer format is user-friendly and provides straightforward answers to complex legal issues. Pastors, lawyers, accountants, and nonprofit leaders should have this volume in their library. This book is a tremendous resource."
--Jay Sekulow, Chief CounselAmerican Center for Law & Justice (www.aclj.org)

"As a media consultant, the most serious challenge I believe religious organizations face today is the criticism over perceived abuses. The truth is, 90% of the mistakes made by churches and ministries isn't willful or criminal conduct, but is simply unintentional. Hiring, tax, accounting, administration, and other mistakes have crippled or actually shut down great organizations. Once that mistake is publicized, the damage is done. But in Nonprofit Law for Religious Organizations: Essential Questions and Answers, you'll find everything you need about operating correctly, with integrity and confidence. Don't get caught making a mistake. Get the information that will help keep your perception where it needs to be and keep your mission on target."
--Phil Cooke, media consultant and producer (www.philcooke.com)

Author Biography

Bruce R. Hopkins is the country's leading authority on tax-exempt organizations and is a senior partner with the firm Polsinelli Shalton Flanigan Suelthaus PC. He is the author of twenty books, including The Law of Tax-Exempt Organizations, Ninth Edition (Wiley), and the magazine Bruce R. Hopkins' Nonprofit Counsel.

David O. Middlebrook is a senior partner with the firm of Anthony & Middlebrook, PC, whose clients include all types of charitable, religious, and educational organizations. He has authored numerous articles on religious nonprofit topics, and is a recipient of the national Gold Medallion book award in recognition of publishing excellence.