More than ever, pastors and churches are confronted with legal issues. Barbara Williams, legal counsel and associate general secretary for ABC/USA, will give practical background about the legal implications of much that we do as ministers.

Each segment will feature a time of presentation, followed by conversation about the issues presented in the segment. You will come away from the day with numerous handouts for your own use when you get back to your daily routine.

Overview of the Session

Law and legal principles in general

Sources of law for churches

A Day in the Life of a Pastor

From meeting with the pulpit/search committee to your first day in teh office, this segment highlights the legal implications of all that you do.

Minister/church agreement

Staff and volunteer supervision

Property management

Counseling

Church newsletter

Preparing your sermon

Blessed by the Tie That Binds: the Government and You

First Amendment

IRS guidelines

Social Security

Political activity

Church constitution and bylaws

Commun use of the church building by nonmembers

Volunteer Protection Act

Things That Will Keep You Awake at Night

(Other legal issues of possible interest)

Insurance

Referrals to others outside the church

Counseling and the law

Personnel concerns in the church

Clergy sexual misconduct

Guidelines for selecting an attorney

---

Things to Bring With You:

A copy of your church constitution or bylaws

A copy of your church insurance policies

Your letter of hire/agreement with the church you serve.

About our speaker, Barbara Williams:

Barbara (Barb) Williams is the associate general secretary and legal counsel for the American Baptist Churches in the USA. She has served ABC/USA for 10 years. Her current responsibilities include directing the denomination's human resource office, serving as staff to the General Board and its committees, and serving as its legal counsel. Prior to working for the ABC, Barb served the ABC Board of Educational Ministries for eight years. Her last position with EM was as associate executive director. Prior to joing the denominational staff in 1981, Barb was an educator and academic administrator. She is the author of a book and numerous scholarly articles in professional journals. Barb received her Bachelor's degree from Northern Illionois University in communication; her Master's degree from Purdue University in communication; and her Juris Doctor degree from Villanova University School of Law. Barb is a member of the Baptist Temple in Blue Bell, PA, where she currently serves on its personnel committee and formerly served as a trustee. She is clelbrating her 25th year as an American Baptist and credits the outreach of American Baptist campus ministers John and Ruth Peterson whicle she was in college for "converting" her from her "Presbyterian ways."

This seminar is offered by the WIM Committee in order to support all our brothers and sisters in ministry of the Indiana and Greater Indianapolis Regions.

Registration information will soon be released. Cost of this seminar will be minimal (mostly to cover the cost of lunch!)

Last update: Wed, Jan 26, 2000

General questions about this page can be directed to: Rev. Barbara Bullock [gunaikos@yahoo.com]

Border Art: