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	<title>Comments for Behind the Pulpit</title>
	<atom:link href="http://churchlawblog.com/?feed=comments-rss2" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml" />
	<link>http://churchlawblog.com</link>
	<description>Discussing the resources that every church needs behind the pulpit.</description>
	<lastBuildDate>Wed, 01 Sep 2010 15:36:07 -0700</lastBuildDate>
	<sy:updatePeriod>hourly</sy:updatePeriod>
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		<title>Comment on CLG Video 2010 &#8211; Social Media by Mark Simmons</title>
		<link>http://churchlawblog.com/?p=481&#038;cpage=1#comment-1921</link>
		<dc:creator>Mark Simmons</dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Wed, 01 Sep 2010 15:36:07 +0000</pubDate>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://churchlawblog.com/?p=481#comment-1921</guid>
		<description>Excellent as usual.  I think some focus needs to be put on internet comment boards (like here) and forums.  These are two social media types which can be particularly subject to some of the abuses listed.</description>
		<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Excellent as usual.  I think some focus needs to be put on internet comment boards (like here) and forums.  These are two social media types which can be particularly subject to some of the abuses listed.</p>
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	</item>
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		<title>Comment on CLG Video 2010 &#8211; Social Media by travis gates</title>
		<link>http://churchlawblog.com/?p=481&#038;cpage=1#comment-1920</link>
		<dc:creator>travis gates</dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Tue, 31 Aug 2010 15:01:56 +0000</pubDate>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://churchlawblog.com/?p=481#comment-1920</guid>
		<description>thanks for taking the time to talk about this subject. This new media has got amazing opportunities to connect if done correctly. Great job!!</description>
		<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>thanks for taking the time to talk about this subject. This new media has got amazing opportunities to connect if done correctly. Great job!!</p>
]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
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		<title>Comment on CLG Video 2010 &#8211; Copyright Law by CopyrightSolver</title>
		<link>http://churchlawblog.com/?p=468&#038;cpage=1#comment-1913</link>
		<dc:creator>CopyrightSolver</dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Wed, 04 Aug 2010 22:52:31 +0000</pubDate>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://churchlawblog.com/?p=468#comment-1913</guid>
		<description>The CCLI license is a great resource, but does not cover internet usage. Check out CCS&#039;s WORSHIPcast for web licensing and PERFORMmusic for on-site performance licensing.</description>
		<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>The CCLI license is a great resource, but does not cover internet usage. Check out CCS&#8217;s WORSHIPcast for web licensing and PERFORMmusic for on-site performance licensing.</p>
]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title>Comment on CLG Podcast 2009 with Dino Rizzo by R1 woman</title>
		<link>http://churchlawblog.com/?p=231&#038;cpage=1#comment-1902</link>
		<dc:creator>R1 woman</dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Sun, 04 Jul 2010 19:08:56 +0000</pubDate>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://churchlawblog.com/?p=231#comment-1902</guid>
		<description>i just wanna thank you for sharing your this information and your site or blog this is simple but nice article I&#039;ve ever seen i like it i learn something new today</description>
		<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>i just wanna thank you for sharing your this information and your site or blog this is simple but nice article I&#8217;ve ever seen i like it i learn something new today</p>
]]></content:encoded>
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		<title>Comment on Clergy Housing Allowance &#8211; Church Law by Wordpress Themes</title>
		<link>http://churchlawblog.com/?p=170&#038;cpage=1#comment-1901</link>
		<dc:creator>Wordpress Themes</dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Fri, 02 Jul 2010 09:39:16 +0000</pubDate>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://churchlawblog.com/?p=170#comment-1901</guid>
		<description>Nice brief and this fill someone in on helped me alot in my college assignement. Thanks you on your information.</description>
		<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Nice brief and this fill someone in on helped me alot in my college assignement. Thanks you on your information.</p>
]]></content:encoded>
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		<title>Comment on CLG Podcast 2009 with David Lyons by Kawi gurl</title>
		<link>http://churchlawblog.com/?p=351&#038;cpage=1#comment-1900</link>
		<dc:creator>Kawi gurl</dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Fri, 02 Jul 2010 05:07:47 +0000</pubDate>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://churchlawblog.com/?p=351#comment-1900</guid>
		<description>Great detailed information, I just bookmarked you on my google reader.

Sent via Blackberry</description>
		<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Great detailed information, I just bookmarked you on my google reader.</p>
<p>Sent via Blackberry</p>
]]></content:encoded>
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	<item>
		<title>Comment on What Went Wrong?  The Tale of the Modern Day Money Changer by Sarah</title>
		<link>http://churchlawblog.com/?p=216&#038;cpage=1#comment-1898</link>
		<dc:creator>Sarah</dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Wed, 30 Jun 2010 20:40:45 +0000</pubDate>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://churchlawblog.com/?p=216#comment-1898</guid>
		<description>&lt;a href=&quot;#comment-1894&quot; rel=&quot;nofollow&quot;&gt;@rowena &lt;/a&gt; 
I don&#039;t know what happens when this happens.  I am very impressed that the pastor has given so much of himself to his congregation.  If you think something needs to change within this culture mentality, I believe that you should try to make the necessary changes.  Unfortunately, I don&#039;t believe that many churches, in today&#039;s environment, will keep a pastor for that long, without paying them.</description>
		<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><a href="#comment-1894" rel="nofollow">@rowena </a><br />
I don&#8217;t know what happens when this happens.  I am very impressed that the pastor has given so much of himself to his congregation.  If you think something needs to change within this culture mentality, I believe that you should try to make the necessary changes.  Unfortunately, I don&#8217;t believe that many churches, in today&#8217;s environment, will keep a pastor for that long, without paying them.</p>
]]></content:encoded>
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	<item>
		<title>Comment on CLG Podcast 2009 with Dino Rizzo by Wordpress Themes</title>
		<link>http://churchlawblog.com/?p=231&#038;cpage=1#comment-1896</link>
		<dc:creator>Wordpress Themes</dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Wed, 23 Jun 2010 19:36:12 +0000</pubDate>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://churchlawblog.com/?p=231#comment-1896</guid>
		<description>Nice dispatch and this fill someone in on helped me alot in my college assignement. Gratefulness you on your information.</description>
		<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Nice dispatch and this fill someone in on helped me alot in my college assignement. Gratefulness you on your information.</p>
]]></content:encoded>
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	<item>
		<title>Comment on CLG Podcast 2009 with Verne Hargrave by forex robot</title>
		<link>http://churchlawblog.com/?p=368&#038;cpage=1#comment-1895</link>
		<dc:creator>forex robot</dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Sat, 19 Jun 2010 10:17:33 +0000</pubDate>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://churchlawblog.com/?p=368#comment-1895</guid>
		<description>Keep posting stuff like this i really like it</description>
		<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Keep posting stuff like this i really like it</p>
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		<title>Comment on What Went Wrong?  The Tale of the Modern Day Money Changer by rowena</title>
		<link>http://churchlawblog.com/?p=216&#038;cpage=1#comment-1894</link>
		<dc:creator>rowena</dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Sat, 19 Jun 2010 00:34:13 +0000</pubDate>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://churchlawblog.com/?p=216#comment-1894</guid>
		<description>What happens if the pastor only gets travel allowance of $150. a month in the last 8 years because the culture dictates that a pastor should volunteer and not get paid for it.</description>
		<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>What happens if the pastor only gets travel allowance of $150. a month in the last 8 years because the culture dictates that a pastor should volunteer and not get paid for it.</p>
]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title>Comment on What Went Wrong?  The Tale of the Modern Day Money Changer by Christian Louboutin</title>
		<link>http://churchlawblog.com/?p=216&#038;cpage=1#comment-1890</link>
		<dc:creator>Christian Louboutin</dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Thu, 10 Jun 2010 07:58:58 +0000</pubDate>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://churchlawblog.com/?p=216#comment-1890</guid>
		<description>Great article Thank 

you so much!</description>
		<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Great article Thank </p>
<p>you so much!</p>
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		<title>Comment on What Went Wrong?  The Tale of the Modern Day Money Changer by Sarah</title>
		<link>http://churchlawblog.com/?p=216&#038;cpage=1#comment-1886</link>
		<dc:creator>Sarah</dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Tue, 25 May 2010 14:50:23 +0000</pubDate>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://churchlawblog.com/?p=216#comment-1886</guid>
		<description>I believe that my church is on the right path currently.  We have an independent compensation committee and they shared their finds with the church last fall. I hate to say this, but I fully believe that there are a few Pastors out there that only want to do their job for the money.  They don&#039;t have a true Christian heart.  Please don&#039;t misunderstand, I believe Pastors should get paid well for the good that they do in their church, but going into the profession does not entitle them to large paychecks.</description>
		<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>I believe that my church is on the right path currently.  We have an independent compensation committee and they shared their finds with the church last fall. I hate to say this, but I fully believe that there are a few Pastors out there that only want to do their job for the money.  They don&#8217;t have a true Christian heart.  Please don&#8217;t misunderstand, I believe Pastors should get paid well for the good that they do in their church, but going into the profession does not entitle them to large paychecks.</p>
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		<title>Comment on Sex Offenders in Church? by Sarah</title>
		<link>http://churchlawblog.com/?p=210&#038;cpage=1#comment-1818</link>
		<dc:creator>Sarah</dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Tue, 20 Apr 2010 14:50:37 +0000</pubDate>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://churchlawblog.com/?p=210#comment-1818</guid>
		<description>I fully believe that if an offender is wanting to attend church, he or she is trying to turn their life around.  I don&#039;t believe that the church has the right to share the offenders information with the congregation, because the offender has registered with the local police department.  The church could make this a policy that if the offender wanted to attend they must comply with state law.  I fully agree that the church has the right to do a background check on this individual and use this knowledge to appropriately assist the offender and integrate them into the life of God.  Not all offenders are coming to church to continue their abuse, and I would hate to have my church looked at like that.  I believe we should protect our children completely. However, as a Christians we should not be judging those who are trying to come to church and improve their lives, because it is not our job.</description>
		<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>I fully believe that if an offender is wanting to attend church, he or she is trying to turn their life around.  I don&#8217;t believe that the church has the right to share the offenders information with the congregation, because the offender has registered with the local police department.  The church could make this a policy that if the offender wanted to attend they must comply with state law.  I fully agree that the church has the right to do a background check on this individual and use this knowledge to appropriately assist the offender and integrate them into the life of God.  Not all offenders are coming to church to continue their abuse, and I would hate to have my church looked at like that.  I believe we should protect our children completely. However, as a Christians we should not be judging those who are trying to come to church and improve their lives, because it is not our job.</p>
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		<title>Comment on S.T.O.P. Child Abuse in Your Church Now by Sarah</title>
		<link>http://churchlawblog.com/?p=205&#038;cpage=1#comment-1784</link>
		<dc:creator>Sarah</dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Wed, 07 Apr 2010 19:39:44 +0000</pubDate>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://churchlawblog.com/?p=205#comment-1784</guid>
		<description>I am very excited to hear about this product.  The 4 steps makes it easy for anyone to remember them.  I hope that churches realize the importance of every step and realize the future of their ministry and their legacy depend on the small ones that enter their doors everyday.</description>
		<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>I am very excited to hear about this product.  The 4 steps makes it easy for anyone to remember them.  I hope that churches realize the importance of every step and realize the future of their ministry and their legacy depend on the small ones that enter their doors everyday.</p>
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		<title>Comment on A Victory for Church Freedom by Sarah</title>
		<link>http://churchlawblog.com/?p=200&#038;cpage=1#comment-1713</link>
		<dc:creator>Sarah</dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Wed, 17 Mar 2010 16:04:21 +0000</pubDate>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://churchlawblog.com/?p=200#comment-1713</guid>
		<description>I am in complete agreement with the Church Law Group.  TAD is doing the right thing by making this decision.  They do not have the right to make these demands.  I firmly believe that with the government wanting to make so many changes, that this is a step in the right direction.  I wish all governmental agencies ran with this ideal regarding churches and nonprofits.</description>
		<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>I am in complete agreement with the Church Law Group.  TAD is doing the right thing by making this decision.  They do not have the right to make these demands.  I firmly believe that with the government wanting to make so many changes, that this is a step in the right direction.  I wish all governmental agencies ran with this ideal regarding churches and nonprofits.</p>
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		<title>Comment on NEW FOR 2010: IRS Good Governance Check Sheet by Sarah</title>
		<link>http://churchlawblog.com/?p=197&#038;cpage=1#comment-1552</link>
		<dc:creator>Sarah</dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Tue, 02 Mar 2010 17:21:57 +0000</pubDate>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://churchlawblog.com/?p=197#comment-1552</guid>
		<description>I believe that the IRS is not checking for tax compliance with this Good Governance Check Sheet, but is going to use this as a tool to attack potentially vulnerable churches.  The IRS boundaries need to be maintained, in my opinion, and not stretched to give them something to do.  I feel that this is just the first step of our government starting to weaken our church foundations.  I hope this is not the case, but I fear that we are on a slippery slope with this.</description>
		<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>I believe that the IRS is not checking for tax compliance with this Good Governance Check Sheet, but is going to use this as a tool to attack potentially vulnerable churches.  The IRS boundaries need to be maintained, in my opinion, and not stretched to give them something to do.  I feel that this is just the first step of our government starting to weaken our church foundations.  I hope this is not the case, but I fear that we are on a slippery slope with this.</p>
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		<title>Comment on Are You Ready for the Big Game? by Sarah</title>
		<link>http://churchlawblog.com/?p=194&#038;cpage=1#comment-1315</link>
		<dc:creator>Sarah</dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Wed, 03 Feb 2010 16:32:47 +0000</pubDate>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://churchlawblog.com/?p=194#comment-1315</guid>
		<description>I believe that the NFL is spending too much money on going after churches.  Let&#039;s be honest, they have to have a better use of their resources.  I hope that now that the rules have been laid out the NFL won&#039;t worry over such issues.</description>
		<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>I believe that the NFL is spending too much money on going after churches.  Let&#8217;s be honest, they have to have a better use of their resources.  I hope that now that the rules have been laid out the NFL won&#8217;t worry over such issues.</p>
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		<title>Comment on Are Traveling Evangelists Entitled to a Housing Allowance? by Sarah</title>
		<link>http://churchlawblog.com/?p=188&#038;cpage=1#comment-917</link>
		<dc:creator>Sarah</dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Tue, 08 Dec 2009 15:50:10 +0000</pubDate>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://churchlawblog.com/?p=188#comment-917</guid>
		<description>This is helpful information, however, if the compensation is less than $600 do they just need the letter from the church designating the housing allowance amount?  I have always been a little unclear as to housing allowances, but this starts to iron out some of the questions relating to this.  I can see where accountability is vital for even the smallest church.</description>
		<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>This is helpful information, however, if the compensation is less than $600 do they just need the letter from the church designating the housing allowance amount?  I have always been a little unclear as to housing allowances, but this starts to iron out some of the questions relating to this.  I can see where accountability is vital for even the smallest church.</p>
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		<title>Comment on A Proper Foundation by Sarah</title>
		<link>http://churchlawblog.com/?p=179&#038;cpage=1#comment-912</link>
		<dc:creator>Sarah</dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Fri, 06 Nov 2009 18:02:12 +0000</pubDate>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://churchlawblog.com/?p=179#comment-912</guid>
		<description>I feel that it is vital for all churches to have a solid base.  I would hope that all churches look at their documents to make sure that they are following what they were designed to do.</description>
		<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>I feel that it is vital for all churches to have a solid base.  I would hope that all churches look at their documents to make sure that they are following what they were designed to do.</p>
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		<title>Comment on Clergy Housing Allowance &#8211; Church Law by Sarah</title>
		<link>http://churchlawblog.com/?p=170&#038;cpage=1#comment-911</link>
		<dc:creator>Sarah</dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Tue, 20 Oct 2009 13:56:22 +0000</pubDate>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://churchlawblog.com/?p=170#comment-911</guid>
		<description>This is very interesting to me.  I hope that most congregations are aware of this benefit.  I also wonder how many pastors choose to opt out of this because of a potential for their people to view them in a poor light.  I believe that the pastors need to have the assistance given to them by their church for housing because of the ministry works they are doing, I just hope that there are limitations that are stated from the IRS that keep them reasonable.</description>
		<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>This is very interesting to me.  I hope that most congregations are aware of this benefit.  I also wonder how many pastors choose to opt out of this because of a potential for their people to view them in a poor light.  I believe that the pastors need to have the assistance given to them by their church for housing because of the ministry works they are doing, I just hope that there are limitations that are stated from the IRS that keep them reasonable.</p>
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		<title>Comment on Is your church viewed as a &#8220;church&#8221; by the IRS? by Sarah</title>
		<link>http://churchlawblog.com/?p=158&#038;cpage=1#comment-907</link>
		<dc:creator>Sarah</dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Tue, 13 Oct 2009 16:35:29 +0000</pubDate>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://churchlawblog.com/?p=158#comment-907</guid>
		<description>I have to question why the IRS denied that a group of people coming together via phone conference was not a &quot;church&quot; when they do not even define a &quot;church&quot; is specific terms.  I believe that in today&#039;s environment, with travel required of so many people&#039;s jobs, that it is a great service to be able to worship in an environment that is best for you.  The IRS, in my opinion, does not always view things with a rational perspective.</description>
		<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>I have to question why the IRS denied that a group of people coming together via phone conference was not a &#8220;church&#8221; when they do not even define a &#8220;church&#8221; is specific terms.  I believe that in today&#8217;s environment, with travel required of so many people&#8217;s jobs, that it is a great service to be able to worship in an environment that is best for you.  The IRS, in my opinion, does not always view things with a rational perspective.</p>
]]></content:encoded>
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		<title>Comment on What Does it Mean to be a Counselor? by Sarah</title>
		<link>http://churchlawblog.com/?p=152&#038;cpage=1#comment-903</link>
		<dc:creator>Sarah</dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Thu, 03 Sep 2009 17:21:00 +0000</pubDate>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://churchlawblog.com/?p=152#comment-903</guid>
		<description>I appreciate you addressing this.  I believe that it is vital that pastors know what they can and cannot do while counseling.  I also believe that pastoral counseling is critical for so many of us.  Those who do not feel comfortable seeing a professional medical counselor feel more comfortable visiting their pastor.  I hope that we do not get to a place where we are cutting off this avenue for those in need.  Just knowing it is available is a relief to so many in todays environment.</description>
		<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>I appreciate you addressing this.  I believe that it is vital that pastors know what they can and cannot do while counseling.  I also believe that pastoral counseling is critical for so many of us.  Those who do not feel comfortable seeing a professional medical counselor feel more comfortable visiting their pastor.  I hope that we do not get to a place where we are cutting off this avenue for those in need.  Just knowing it is available is a relief to so many in todays environment.</p>
]]></content:encoded>
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		<title>Comment on Training for Board Members: Part 2 &#8211; Legal Responsibilities by Sarah</title>
		<link>http://churchlawblog.com/?p=137&#038;cpage=1#comment-902</link>
		<dc:creator>Sarah</dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Thu, 20 Aug 2009 17:35:50 +0000</pubDate>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://churchlawblog.com/?p=137#comment-902</guid>
		<description>I am glad to know what legal role the board plays within a church.  Is there a guideline for how large a church needs to be to have a board?  I only ask because I know of a large congregation that discovered its Senior Pastor was being unethical and it was difficult for the church to handle letting him go.  The main difficulty was that no one understood exactly what needed to be done to effectively do this and not have it be a huge negative for the church.  The church was not board led.  Which leads to my next question, can a church adopt a board at any time?</description>
		<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>I am glad to know what legal role the board plays within a church.  Is there a guideline for how large a church needs to be to have a board?  I only ask because I know of a large congregation that discovered its Senior Pastor was being unethical and it was difficult for the church to handle letting him go.  The main difficulty was that no one understood exactly what needed to be done to effectively do this and not have it be a huge negative for the church.  The church was not board led.  Which leads to my next question, can a church adopt a board at any time?</p>
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		<title>Comment on Training for Board Members:  Part 1 &#8211; Traditional Duties by Sarah</title>
		<link>http://churchlawblog.com/?p=133&#038;cpage=1#comment-898</link>
		<dc:creator>Sarah</dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Fri, 31 Jul 2009 18:15:21 +0000</pubDate>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://churchlawblog.com/?p=133#comment-898</guid>
		<description>Is it appropriate to suggest to our Senior Pastor that he make these guidelines be signed by the incoming Board members?  Also, I would think that the Church would want to make sure that their incoming Board, which will have a certain amount of power, be aware of these.  I have read about churches getting taken advantage of or thrown into chaos because their Board tried to do things that they were not truly allowed.</description>
		<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Is it appropriate to suggest to our Senior Pastor that he make these guidelines be signed by the incoming Board members?  Also, I would think that the Church would want to make sure that their incoming Board, which will have a certain amount of power, be aware of these.  I have read about churches getting taken advantage of or thrown into chaos because their Board tried to do things that they were not truly allowed.</p>
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		<title>Comment on Protect Your Church Against Copyright Infringement Penalties&#8230; by Jake</title>
		<link>http://churchlawblog.com/?p=125&#038;cpage=1#comment-895</link>
		<dc:creator>Jake</dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Tue, 07 Jul 2009 03:51:56 +0000</pubDate>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://churchlawblog.com/?p=125#comment-895</guid>
		<description>The question arises if a church has the right to download copyrighted images from the internet for use in services and printed materials.

Also what about a message that uses copyrighted materials covered by the CCLI, but video captured and uploaded to the church&#039;s website?

Or what about someone taking a part of the video that used copyrighted music and uploading it for personal use?

Although the CCLI is a great tool, still copyright infringement seems to run rampant among Christians. There seems to be this sense of &quot;Since we are Christians, the law doesn&#039;t apply&quot; which couldn&#039;t be farther from the truth.

I was recently the creative director for a church and found out after taking the position that the church was doing things like downloading art illegally from sites such as deviant art to use for sermon graphics in the service and in print. Our sister church still uploads videos of their messages for use on their site that includes videos and music that they do not have the rights to use in this fashion. 

We are held to a higher standard people. That includes copyright law no matter how flawed.</description>
		<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>The question arises if a church has the right to download copyrighted images from the internet for use in services and printed materials.</p>
<p>Also what about a message that uses copyrighted materials covered by the CCLI, but video captured and uploaded to the church&#8217;s website?</p>
<p>Or what about someone taking a part of the video that used copyrighted music and uploading it for personal use?</p>
<p>Although the CCLI is a great tool, still copyright infringement seems to run rampant among Christians. There seems to be this sense of &#8220;Since we are Christians, the law doesn&#8217;t apply&#8221; which couldn&#8217;t be farther from the truth.</p>
<p>I was recently the creative director for a church and found out after taking the position that the church was doing things like downloading art illegally from sites such as deviant art to use for sermon graphics in the service and in print. Our sister church still uploads videos of their messages for use on their site that includes videos and music that they do not have the rights to use in this fashion. </p>
<p>We are held to a higher standard people. That includes copyright law no matter how flawed.</p>
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		<title>Comment on Protect Your Church Against Copyright Infringement Penalties&#8230; by Drucella</title>
		<link>http://churchlawblog.com/?p=125&#038;cpage=1#comment-891</link>
		<dc:creator>Drucella</dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Fri, 26 Jun 2009 16:01:42 +0000</pubDate>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://churchlawblog.com/?p=125#comment-891</guid>
		<description>It makes so much sense for a church to obtain the Christian Copyright License.  Thank you for the information and for the Guide to Intellectual Property.</description>
		<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>It makes so much sense for a church to obtain the Christian Copyright License.  Thank you for the information and for the Guide to Intellectual Property.</p>
]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
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		<title>Comment on Protect Your Church Against Copyright Infringement Penalties&#8230; by Sue</title>
		<link>http://churchlawblog.com/?p=125&#038;cpage=1#comment-890</link>
		<dc:creator>Sue</dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Fri, 26 Jun 2009 14:48:57 +0000</pubDate>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://churchlawblog.com/?p=125#comment-890</guid>
		<description>Thank you for providing this important information.  I will be ordering the Guide to Intellectual Property today!</description>
		<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Thank you for providing this important information.  I will be ordering the Guide to Intellectual Property today!</p>
]]></content:encoded>
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		<title>Comment on Churches and Homosexuality Continued&#8230; by Daniel</title>
		<link>http://churchlawblog.com/?p=119&#038;cpage=1#comment-889</link>
		<dc:creator>Daniel</dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Fri, 26 Jun 2009 14:31:33 +0000</pubDate>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://churchlawblog.com/?p=119#comment-889</guid>
		<description>While I understand that some churches may be supportive of gay lifestyles, I hope that those of us who do not support it will continue to have the right to not accept it. It seems like the whole country&#039;s going gay???</description>
		<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>While I understand that some churches may be supportive of gay lifestyles, I hope that those of us who do not support it will continue to have the right to not accept it. It seems like the whole country&#8217;s going gay???</p>
]]></content:encoded>
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		<title>Comment on Protect Your Church Against Copyright Infringement Penalties&#8230; by Sarah</title>
		<link>http://churchlawblog.com/?p=125&#038;cpage=1#comment-885</link>
		<dc:creator>Sarah</dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Tue, 23 Jun 2009 15:02:30 +0000</pubDate>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://churchlawblog.com/?p=125#comment-885</guid>
		<description>I have heard a lot about the recording industry and their desire to have people pay for their music.  I definately see the need for this.  I am also very excited to learn that churches have an easy way of using songs without any incurring any problems.  The licensing option is fantastic!  I am pleased to see organizations assisting churches with this issue.  I just hope that they don&#039;t charge huge fees and that you can look at their list upfront for which songs and/or videos are available.</description>
		<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>I have heard a lot about the recording industry and their desire to have people pay for their music.  I definately see the need for this.  I am also very excited to learn that churches have an easy way of using songs without any incurring any problems.  The licensing option is fantastic!  I am pleased to see organizations assisting churches with this issue.  I just hope that they don&#8217;t charge huge fees and that you can look at their list upfront for which songs and/or videos are available.</p>
]]></content:encoded>
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	<item>
		<title>Comment on Churches and Homosexuality Continued&#8230; by Sarah</title>
		<link>http://churchlawblog.com/?p=119&#038;cpage=1#comment-884</link>
		<dc:creator>Sarah</dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Mon, 22 Jun 2009 14:07:04 +0000</pubDate>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://churchlawblog.com/?p=119#comment-884</guid>
		<description>I still have such a hard time understanding why people are so litigous.  I understand the need to protect the church with specific documentation, but it also makes me angry that we now have to do this.  Our society needs to take a step back and question the motives of some of the things we are doing now.  I firmly believe that we are not truly as free as we think because of people trying to ruin certain aspects of our country.</description>
		<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>I still have such a hard time understanding why people are so litigous.  I understand the need to protect the church with specific documentation, but it also makes me angry that we now have to do this.  Our society needs to take a step back and question the motives of some of the things we are doing now.  I firmly believe that we are not truly as free as we think because of people trying to ruin certain aspects of our country.</p>
]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title>Comment on Churches and Homosexuality by Sarah</title>
		<link>http://churchlawblog.com/?p=115&#038;cpage=1#comment-881</link>
		<dc:creator>Sarah</dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Mon, 01 Jun 2009 15:55:38 +0000</pubDate>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://churchlawblog.com/?p=115#comment-881</guid>
		<description>I am under the belief that the United States of America has freedom of religion.  It really bothers me that different activists go after churches because their beliefs are different from theirs.  I wonder if heterosexual individuals would have the same impact going after an openly gay church, because they did not conduct heterosexual weddings.  I believe that if you don&#039;t like a church, start your own that is based on what you believe, unfortunately, people find it easier to tear at something instead of creating something.</description>
		<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>I am under the belief that the United States of America has freedom of religion.  It really bothers me that different activists go after churches because their beliefs are different from theirs.  I wonder if heterosexual individuals would have the same impact going after an openly gay church, because they did not conduct heterosexual weddings.  I believe that if you don&#8217;t like a church, start your own that is based on what you believe, unfortunately, people find it easier to tear at something instead of creating something.</p>
]]></content:encoded>
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		<title>Comment on Copyright, Copywrong: An Introduction for Churches by Sarah</title>
		<link>http://churchlawblog.com/?p=105&#038;cpage=1#comment-880</link>
		<dc:creator>Sarah</dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Wed, 20 May 2009 14:01:15 +0000</pubDate>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://churchlawblog.com/?p=105#comment-880</guid>
		<description>I agree that it is important for individuals to have protection against someone using their works without permission.  Is it up to the Board to verify that what is taken place in the church is meeting these standards or is it the rights of the congregation to check into it?</description>
		<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>I agree that it is important for individuals to have protection against someone using their works without permission.  Is it up to the Board to verify that what is taken place in the church is meeting these standards or is it the rights of the congregation to check into it?</p>
]]></content:encoded>
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		<title>Comment on How Much Should a Senior Pastor be Paid? by admin</title>
		<link>http://churchlawblog.com/?p=96&#038;cpage=1#comment-879</link>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Tue, 19 May 2009 22:39:05 +0000</pubDate>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://churchlawblog.com/?p=96#comment-879</guid>
		<description>&lt;a href=&quot;#comment-877&quot; rel=&quot;nofollow&quot;&gt;@David &lt;/a&gt; 
Regarding overcompensation, the results of a recent IRS investigation of the nonprofit world stated that “[e]xaminations completed to date do not evidence widespread concerns other than reporting.”  The IRS&#039;s report goes on to say that “[a]lthough high compensation amounts were found in many cases, generally they were substantiated based upon appropriate comparability data.”  The most significant problem encountered was how the compensation was being reported, with over 30% of the organizations being asked to amend their Form 990 returns.  (According to the IRS, no churches were selected to be part of this investigation because they are not required to file Form 990s.  However, we are aware of churches that received compensation-driven inquiries during this same time frame.)  On the other hand, when compensation abuses were found (25 out of the 1826 organizations investigated), the resulting excise tax penalties that were assessed were significant.  The taxes assessed were in excess of $21 million against 40 disqualified persons.  The taxes were based upon payment for such things as (a) excessive salary and incentive compensation, (b) payments for vacation homes, personal legal fees, or personal automobiles, (c) payments for personal meals and gifts to others on behalf of disqualified persons that were not reported as compensation, and (d) payments to an officer’s for-profit corporation in excess of the value of services provided by the corporation.  Based upon the IRS report, and contrary to what appears to be the current public perception, there is not a compensation abuse problem in the nonprofit sector (you do not make too much).  As a part of the nonprofit sector, churches are expected to only pay their key employees reasonable compensation.  What is “reasonable” is subject to disagreement, but it should be remembered that there is a “safe harbor” approach that includes (a) having an independent governing body, (b) getting comparable data/compensation studies and (c) adequate documentation.  By following the “safe harbor” guidelines, the burden to prove compensation as being unreasonable shifts to the IRS.</description>
		<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><a href="#comment-877" rel="nofollow">@David </a><br />
Regarding overcompensation, the results of a recent IRS investigation of the nonprofit world stated that “[e]xaminations completed to date do not evidence widespread concerns other than reporting.”  The IRS&#8217;s report goes on to say that “[a]lthough high compensation amounts were found in many cases, generally they were substantiated based upon appropriate comparability data.”  The most significant problem encountered was how the compensation was being reported, with over 30% of the organizations being asked to amend their Form 990 returns.  (According to the IRS, no churches were selected to be part of this investigation because they are not required to file Form 990s.  However, we are aware of churches that received compensation-driven inquiries during this same time frame.)  On the other hand, when compensation abuses were found (25 out of the 1826 organizations investigated), the resulting excise tax penalties that were assessed were significant.  The taxes assessed were in excess of $21 million against 40 disqualified persons.  The taxes were based upon payment for such things as (a) excessive salary and incentive compensation, (b) payments for vacation homes, personal legal fees, or personal automobiles, (c) payments for personal meals and gifts to others on behalf of disqualified persons that were not reported as compensation, and (d) payments to an officer’s for-profit corporation in excess of the value of services provided by the corporation.  Based upon the IRS report, and contrary to what appears to be the current public perception, there is not a compensation abuse problem in the nonprofit sector (you do not make too much).  As a part of the nonprofit sector, churches are expected to only pay their key employees reasonable compensation.  What is “reasonable” is subject to disagreement, but it should be remembered that there is a “safe harbor” approach that includes (a) having an independent governing body, (b) getting comparable data/compensation studies and (c) adequate documentation.  By following the “safe harbor” guidelines, the burden to prove compensation as being unreasonable shifts to the IRS.</p>
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	<item>
		<title>Comment on How Much Should a Senior Pastor be Paid? by admin</title>
		<link>http://churchlawblog.com/?p=96&#038;cpage=1#comment-878</link>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Tue, 19 May 2009 22:21:51 +0000</pubDate>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://churchlawblog.com/?p=96#comment-878</guid>
		<description>&lt;a href=&quot;#comment-875&quot; rel=&quot;nofollow&quot;&gt;@Sarah &lt;/a&gt; 
Those within the organization that would be considered “highly compensated” should have a study performed to justify their compensation if ever inquired of by the IRS.  In a church, this typically will include the senior minister, and sometimes the executive minister.  In a ministry which is not a church pursuant to the rules of the IRS, the chief executive officer should have a compensation study, and sometimes the compensation of the chief operating officer and the chief financial officer should be studied as well.  Additionally, other disqualified individuals or insiders such as family members of the senior minster that are on the payroll should have a compensation study.  Of course, if the compensation of any of these individuals is unusually low, then a study may not be warranted.</description>
		<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><a href="#comment-875" rel="nofollow">@Sarah </a><br />
Those within the organization that would be considered “highly compensated” should have a study performed to justify their compensation if ever inquired of by the IRS.  In a church, this typically will include the senior minister, and sometimes the executive minister.  In a ministry which is not a church pursuant to the rules of the IRS, the chief executive officer should have a compensation study, and sometimes the compensation of the chief operating officer and the chief financial officer should be studied as well.  Additionally, other disqualified individuals or insiders such as family members of the senior minster that are on the payroll should have a compensation study.  Of course, if the compensation of any of these individuals is unusually low, then a study may not be warranted.</p>
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		<title>Comment on How Much Should a Senior Pastor be Paid? by David</title>
		<link>http://churchlawblog.com/?p=96&#038;cpage=1#comment-877</link>
		<dc:creator>David</dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Thu, 14 May 2009 15:43:23 +0000</pubDate>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://churchlawblog.com/?p=96#comment-877</guid>
		<description>It would be intersting to know the details of any reported outcomes of IRS formal challenges to compensation studies, who won and lost, and why.</description>
		<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>It would be intersting to know the details of any reported outcomes of IRS formal challenges to compensation studies, who won and lost, and why.</p>
]]></content:encoded>
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		<title>Comment on Should People Be Allowed to Bring Guns to Church? by David</title>
		<link>http://churchlawblog.com/?p=63&#038;cpage=1#comment-876</link>
		<dc:creator>David</dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Thu, 14 May 2009 15:32:16 +0000</pubDate>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://churchlawblog.com/?p=63#comment-876</guid>
		<description>I wonder if insurance rates vary for organizatios that do permit concealed carry as compared to those that do not?</description>
		<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>I wonder if insurance rates vary for organizatios that do permit concealed carry as compared to those that do not?</p>
]]></content:encoded>
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		<title>Comment on How Much Should a Senior Pastor be Paid? by Sarah</title>
		<link>http://churchlawblog.com/?p=96&#038;cpage=1#comment-875</link>
		<dc:creator>Sarah</dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Tue, 12 May 2009 15:56:43 +0000</pubDate>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://churchlawblog.com/?p=96#comment-875</guid>
		<description>I am curious, is it as vital for a small, growing church to have a compensation study done for their Senior Pastor?  I firmly believe that it is important for the membership to be informed.  I also believe that if there is potential for problems with the membership regarding a pastor or compensation, this should be addressed and the root of the problem flushed out.</description>
		<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>I am curious, is it as vital for a small, growing church to have a compensation study done for their Senior Pastor?  I firmly believe that it is important for the membership to be informed.  I also believe that if there is potential for problems with the membership regarding a pastor or compensation, this should be addressed and the root of the problem flushed out.</p>
]]></content:encoded>
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		<title>Comment on Church Security by Bill</title>
		<link>http://churchlawblog.com/?p=56&#038;cpage=1#comment-874</link>
		<dc:creator>Bill</dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Wed, 06 May 2009 18:59:14 +0000</pubDate>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://churchlawblog.com/?p=56#comment-874</guid>
		<description>Church Security is key. No armed gaurds but maybe metal detectors. I realize this is not good, but with churches the size of football arenas, what else can you do?</description>
		<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Church Security is key. No armed gaurds but maybe metal detectors. I realize this is not good, but with churches the size of football arenas, what else can you do?</p>
]]></content:encoded>
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	<item>
		<title>Comment on How Should Your Church Respond to the Swine Flu? by Sarah</title>
		<link>http://churchlawblog.com/?p=94&#038;cpage=1#comment-873</link>
		<dc:creator>Sarah</dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Tue, 05 May 2009 18:01:32 +0000</pubDate>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://churchlawblog.com/?p=94#comment-873</guid>
		<description>I don&#039;t believe that it will change the way we do things at our church.  I believe that it is smart to take precautions, however, we may be taking them a little far.  Good hygiene is vital in any environment, and hopefully now people will put it into practice and maintain it from here on out.  In my opinion, church should not stop because people have the flu.  This is a disease that happens every year, this one just has a new name.</description>
		<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>I don&#8217;t believe that it will change the way we do things at our church.  I believe that it is smart to take precautions, however, we may be taking them a little far.  Good hygiene is vital in any environment, and hopefully now people will put it into practice and maintain it from here on out.  In my opinion, church should not stop because people have the flu.  This is a disease that happens every year, this one just has a new name.</p>
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		<title>Comment on Identification System for Children&#8217;s Ministry by Sarah</title>
		<link>http://churchlawblog.com/?p=91&#038;cpage=1#comment-872</link>
		<dc:creator>Sarah</dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Tue, 05 May 2009 17:58:34 +0000</pubDate>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://churchlawblog.com/?p=91#comment-872</guid>
		<description>My church is operating a label system.  It is a two part process.  One label has the room and a number assigned to it.  The second has the room, the same number as the first, and space for childs name, allergies, parent&#039;s name, and parent&#039;s Sunday School class.  This system works well, however, we only use it to a certain age.  After that, the children are checked in through an attendance book, but no identification is provided by the parent.</description>
		<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>My church is operating a label system.  It is a two part process.  One label has the room and a number assigned to it.  The second has the room, the same number as the first, and space for childs name, allergies, parent&#8217;s name, and parent&#8217;s Sunday School class.  This system works well, however, we only use it to a certain age.  After that, the children are checked in through an attendance book, but no identification is provided by the parent.</p>
]]></content:encoded>
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		<title>Comment on Training Your Children&#8217;s Ministry Workers by Sarah</title>
		<link>http://churchlawblog.com/?p=88&#038;cpage=1#comment-871</link>
		<dc:creator>Sarah</dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Tue, 05 May 2009 17:54:20 +0000</pubDate>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://churchlawblog.com/?p=88#comment-871</guid>
		<description>I really apprecaite this information.  I volunteer at my church and I was not aware of the &quot;Always&quot; and &quot;Never&quot; rules.  I will share this information with my church. I do know that it is harder to follow each guideline when you are short staffed in the volunteer arena.  Do you have any suggestions to address this issue?</description>
		<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>I really apprecaite this information.  I volunteer at my church and I was not aware of the &#8220;Always&#8221; and &#8220;Never&#8221; rules.  I will share this information with my church. I do know that it is harder to follow each guideline when you are short staffed in the volunteer arena.  Do you have any suggestions to address this issue?</p>
]]></content:encoded>
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		<title>Comment on Screening Program for Church Workers by Sue</title>
		<link>http://churchlawblog.com/?p=72&#038;cpage=1#comment-870</link>
		<dc:creator>Sue</dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Mon, 04 May 2009 15:28:05 +0000</pubDate>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://churchlawblog.com/?p=72#comment-870</guid>
		<description>Great information.  I will be ordering a copy of the Guardian System to share with our leadership team.</description>
		<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Great information.  I will be ordering a copy of the Guardian System to share with our leadership team.</p>
]]></content:encoded>
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	<item>
		<title>Comment on How Should Your Church Respond to the Swine Flu? by Sue</title>
		<link>http://churchlawblog.com/?p=94&#038;cpage=1#comment-869</link>
		<dc:creator>Sue</dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Mon, 04 May 2009 15:26:03 +0000</pubDate>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://churchlawblog.com/?p=94#comment-869</guid>
		<description>I think the &quot;swine flu pandemic&quot; is a little over blown.  We have numerous hand sanitizers available throughout the church and encourage people to avoid physical contact for the time being.  People need to use common sense, even when regular colds make the rounds.</description>
		<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>I think the &#8220;swine flu pandemic&#8221; is a little over blown.  We have numerous hand sanitizers available throughout the church and encourage people to avoid physical contact for the time being.  People need to use common sense, even when regular colds make the rounds.</p>
]]></content:encoded>
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	<item>
		<title>Comment on General Disaster or Threat Policy by Mary Goodwin</title>
		<link>http://churchlawblog.com/?p=69&#038;cpage=1#comment-868</link>
		<dc:creator>Mary Goodwin</dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Mon, 04 May 2009 15:11:29 +0000</pubDate>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://churchlawblog.com/?p=69#comment-868</guid>
		<description>We are not prepared and have begun discussions to formulate a plan and make church safety a priority.  Thank you for addressing the &quot;that would never happen here&quot; mentality.</description>
		<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>We are not prepared and have begun discussions to formulate a plan and make church safety a priority.  Thank you for addressing the &#8220;that would never happen here&#8221; mentality.</p>
]]></content:encoded>
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	<item>
		<title>Comment on Training Your Children&#8217;s Ministry Workers by Daniel</title>
		<link>http://churchlawblog.com/?p=88&#038;cpage=1#comment-815</link>
		<dc:creator>Daniel</dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Wed, 29 Apr 2009 19:09:21 +0000</pubDate>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://churchlawblog.com/?p=88#comment-815</guid>
		<description>At my church, we have someone who wants to volunteer but had some kind of conviction when he was a teenager. He has indicated that it was a misunderstanding and he has not been in trouble as an adult. Do you think we can let this person volunteer if he receives training?</description>
		<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>At my church, we have someone who wants to volunteer but had some kind of conviction when he was a teenager. He has indicated that it was a misunderstanding and he has not been in trouble as an adult. Do you think we can let this person volunteer if he receives training?</p>
]]></content:encoded>
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	<item>
		<title>Comment on Church Security by Tom</title>
		<link>http://churchlawblog.com/?p=56&#038;cpage=1#comment-756</link>
		<dc:creator>Tom</dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Mon, 27 Apr 2009 20:37:23 +0000</pubDate>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://churchlawblog.com/?p=56#comment-756</guid>
		<description>I think that is is almost impossible to be an open entity, such as a church, and be totally secure. It is a risk and with more and more people on the planet everyday, the risks increase. The best thing to do is be vigilant and watchful.</description>
		<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>I think that is is almost impossible to be an open entity, such as a church, and be totally secure. It is a risk and with more and more people on the planet everyday, the risks increase. The best thing to do is be vigilant and watchful.</p>
]]></content:encoded>
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		<title>Comment on Should People Be Allowed to Bring Guns to Church? by John A.</title>
		<link>http://churchlawblog.com/?p=63&#038;cpage=1#comment-156</link>
		<dc:creator>John A.</dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Tue, 07 Apr 2009 21:18:00 +0000</pubDate>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://churchlawblog.com/?p=63#comment-156</guid>
		<description>As a church leader in the previous years I think it would be a real mistake to permit guns in the church.  Unless you hire off duty policy officers or engage in a security firm, no guns by congregants!</description>
		<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>As a church leader in the previous years I think it would be a real mistake to permit guns in the church.  Unless you hire off duty policy officers or engage in a security firm, no guns by congregants!</p>
]]></content:encoded>
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	<item>
		<title>Comment on Should People Be Allowed to Bring Guns to Church? by Drucella</title>
		<link>http://churchlawblog.com/?p=63&#038;cpage=1#comment-35</link>
		<dc:creator>Drucella</dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Mon, 30 Mar 2009 21:08:39 +0000</pubDate>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://churchlawblog.com/?p=63#comment-35</guid>
		<description>I believe the individual church should make the decision.</description>
		<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>I believe the individual church should make the decision.</p>
]]></content:encoded>
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	<item>
		<title>Comment on Should People Be Allowed to Bring Guns to Church? by Sarah</title>
		<link>http://churchlawblog.com/?p=63&#038;cpage=1#comment-34</link>
		<dc:creator>Sarah</dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Thu, 26 Mar 2009 13:57:33 +0000</pubDate>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://churchlawblog.com/?p=63#comment-34</guid>
		<description>I fully support the idea of letting individuals having the right to carry in church.  It can be beneficial for additional security for the church and the people attending.</description>
		<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>I fully support the idea of letting individuals having the right to carry in church.  It can be beneficial for additional security for the church and the people attending.</p>
]]></content:encoded>
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		<title>Comment on Volunteer Screening by Kim Jenkins</title>
		<link>http://churchlawblog.com/?p=51&#038;cpage=1#comment-33</link>
		<dc:creator>Kim Jenkins</dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Wed, 25 Mar 2009 12:29:51 +0000</pubDate>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://churchlawblog.com/?p=51#comment-33</guid>
		<description>We do a background check on all volunteers that work with kids age 18 and under.  I believe it has saved us much heartache.  At first some were resistant but now it is just commonplace.  We also have a check in/out security for our kids grade 5 and under.  How about you--how are other churches providing security for your kids?</description>
		<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>We do a background check on all volunteers that work with kids age 18 and under.  I believe it has saved us much heartache.  At first some were resistant but now it is just commonplace.  We also have a check in/out security for our kids grade 5 and under.  How about you&#8211;how are other churches providing security for your kids?</p>
]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title>Comment on Church Security by Sarah</title>
		<link>http://churchlawblog.com/?p=56&#038;cpage=1#comment-32</link>
		<dc:creator>Sarah</dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Wed, 18 Mar 2009 19:14:10 +0000</pubDate>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://churchlawblog.com/?p=56#comment-32</guid>
		<description>I am appreciative of this information regarding security for my church. I would even go so far as to train all that are willing in security measures, this may then lead to better overall personal security as well.  I fear that in our society, this will not be a one time matter.  All we can do is prepare for it in the future and hopefully not see any fatalities with the next incident.</description>
		<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>I am appreciative of this information regarding security for my church. I would even go so far as to train all that are willing in security measures, this may then lead to better overall personal security as well.  I fear that in our society, this will not be a one time matter.  All we can do is prepare for it in the future and hopefully not see any fatalities with the next incident.</p>
]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title>Comment on Board of Directors by Sypsustoccats</title>
		<link>http://churchlawblog.com/?p=34&#038;cpage=1#comment-31</link>
		<dc:creator>Sypsustoccats</dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Fri, 13 Mar 2009 00:47:08 +0000</pubDate>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://churchlawblog.com/?p=34#comment-31</guid>
		<description>Thank you!</description>
		<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Thank you!</p>
]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title>Comment on Are Your Church Leaders Exposed to Personal Liability? by Sypsustoccats</title>
		<link>http://churchlawblog.com/?p=38&#038;cpage=1#comment-30</link>
		<dc:creator>Sypsustoccats</dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Thu, 12 Mar 2009 00:12:07 +0000</pubDate>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://churchlawblog.com/?p=38#comment-30</guid>
		<description>Thank you!</description>
		<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Thank you!</p>
]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title>Comment on Volunteer Screening by Mary Goodwin</title>
		<link>http://churchlawblog.com/?p=51&#038;cpage=1#comment-29</link>
		<dc:creator>Mary Goodwin</dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Wed, 11 Mar 2009 15:26:02 +0000</pubDate>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://churchlawblog.com/?p=51#comment-29</guid>
		<description>After discussing it for many months, our church is just now starting to conduct background checks on volunteers working with children and we hope to expand the screening program to other volunteer areas. We have not encountered any resistance.  Everyone recognizes the need for protection and the potential for liability.</description>
		<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>After discussing it for many months, our church is just now starting to conduct background checks on volunteers working with children and we hope to expand the screening program to other volunteer areas. We have not encountered any resistance.  Everyone recognizes the need for protection and the potential for liability.</p>
]]></content:encoded>
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	<item>
		<title>Comment on Volunteer Screening by Sarah</title>
		<link>http://churchlawblog.com/?p=51&#038;cpage=1#comment-28</link>
		<dc:creator>Sarah</dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Tue, 10 Mar 2009 15:28:05 +0000</pubDate>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://churchlawblog.com/?p=51#comment-28</guid>
		<description>I believe that the hesitancy exists because some churches believe in the don&#039;t ask don&#039;t tell.  They think that bad things surely cannot happen in &quot;my&quot; church.  I currently volunteer in my church, but have not reached out to see if we could screen.  I was not when I started, but I would not be offended at all, to be asked for the protection of the children and the church.  I have a child in our Sunday school and would be more comfortable with knowing they were checked before their term as volunteer began.</description>
		<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>I believe that the hesitancy exists because some churches believe in the don&#8217;t ask don&#8217;t tell.  They think that bad things surely cannot happen in &#8220;my&#8221; church.  I currently volunteer in my church, but have not reached out to see if we could screen.  I was not when I started, but I would not be offended at all, to be asked for the protection of the children and the church.  I have a child in our Sunday school and would be more comfortable with knowing they were checked before their term as volunteer began.</p>
]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title>Comment on Are Your Church Leaders Exposed to Personal Liability? by Randall Ellis</title>
		<link>http://churchlawblog.com/?p=38&#038;cpage=1#comment-27</link>
		<dc:creator>Randall Ellis</dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Thu, 05 Mar 2009 18:01:12 +0000</pubDate>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://churchlawblog.com/?p=38#comment-27</guid>
		<description>That is a valid question.  As church members in the event that any liability claim should arise it could severely impact the church and congregation.  Would this also include any volunteers to be added to a claim?</description>
		<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>That is a valid question.  As church members in the event that any liability claim should arise it could severely impact the church and congregation.  Would this also include any volunteers to be added to a claim?</p>
]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title>Comment on Should your church seek recognition of tax-exempt status from the IRS? by Randall Ellis</title>
		<link>http://churchlawblog.com/?p=44&#038;cpage=1#comment-26</link>
		<dc:creator>Randall Ellis</dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Thu, 05 Mar 2009 17:58:53 +0000</pubDate>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://churchlawblog.com/?p=44#comment-26</guid>
		<description>In my opinion it would be well worth the church to register as a recognized tax exempt organization.  This would insure contributors assurance of the status for contributions donated by them.</description>
		<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>In my opinion it would be well worth the church to register as a recognized tax exempt organization.  This would insure contributors assurance of the status for contributions donated by them.</p>
]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title>Comment on Are Your Church Leaders Exposed to Personal Liability? by Sarah</title>
		<link>http://churchlawblog.com/?p=38&#038;cpage=1#comment-25</link>
		<dc:creator>Sarah</dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Wed, 25 Feb 2009 16:20:25 +0000</pubDate>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://churchlawblog.com/?p=38#comment-25</guid>
		<description>As a church member, do I have any rights to ask about our organizational documents?  I would like to see if my church is covered.</description>
		<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>As a church member, do I have any rights to ask about our organizational documents?  I would like to see if my church is covered.</p>
]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title>Comment on Super Bowl Parties by Marilyn</title>
		<link>http://churchlawblog.com/?p=16&#038;cpage=1#comment-24</link>
		<dc:creator>Marilyn</dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Tue, 24 Feb 2009 15:18:59 +0000</pubDate>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://churchlawblog.com/?p=16#comment-24</guid>
		<description>I&#039;m just curious about what kind of deals Sports Bars make to show twenty different sporting events to their paying customers. Does the NFL make them pay some kind of fee?  How do they not go broke paying for so many different events?  It&#039;s not like with music where you can just pay a licesing fee is it?   And why would church&#039;s be singled out for throwing a once yearly party that they don&#039;t charge admission for?  Don&#039;t the sponsors still get their commercials seen?</description>
		<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>I&#8217;m just curious about what kind of deals Sports Bars make to show twenty different sporting events to their paying customers. Does the NFL make them pay some kind of fee?  How do they not go broke paying for so many different events?  It&#8217;s not like with music where you can just pay a licesing fee is it?   And why would church&#8217;s be singled out for throwing a once yearly party that they don&#8217;t charge admission for?  Don&#8217;t the sponsors still get their commercials seen?</p>
]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title>Comment on Are Your Church’s Wireless Microphones Illegal? by admin</title>
		<link>http://churchlawblog.com/?p=22&#038;cpage=1#comment-23</link>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Fri, 20 Feb 2009 17:09:55 +0000</pubDate>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://churchlawblog.com/?p=22#comment-23</guid>
		<description>That is a great question.  To determine whether your church&#039;s microphones are legal, a good place to start is to take an inventory of your wireless microphones.  Make a written summary of each microphone’s manufacturer, model number, and MHz rating or number. The MHz number could be on the microphone, the transmitter, or could be described in any literature that came with the microphone.  Then, you need to have your church’s sound professionals make an assessment as to whether or not you are operating in the 700 MHz range.  If you are, you will need to make a decision about changing the operating frequency or obtaining new microphones.  You might also complain to your vendor for selling you equipment that they knew or should have known was of questionable legality. Finally, you will need to register with the FCC to reduce or eliminate any church exposure for violating these new rules.</description>
		<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>That is a great question.  To determine whether your church&#8217;s microphones are legal, a good place to start is to take an inventory of your wireless microphones.  Make a written summary of each microphone’s manufacturer, model number, and MHz rating or number. The MHz number could be on the microphone, the transmitter, or could be described in any literature that came with the microphone.  Then, you need to have your church’s sound professionals make an assessment as to whether or not you are operating in the 700 MHz range.  If you are, you will need to make a decision about changing the operating frequency or obtaining new microphones.  You might also complain to your vendor for selling you equipment that they knew or should have known was of questionable legality. Finally, you will need to register with the FCC to reduce or eliminate any church exposure for violating these new rules.</p>
]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title>Comment on Are Your Church’s Wireless Microphones Illegal? by Randall Ellis</title>
		<link>http://churchlawblog.com/?p=22&#038;cpage=1#comment-22</link>
		<dc:creator>Randall Ellis</dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Thu, 19 Feb 2009 23:04:21 +0000</pubDate>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://churchlawblog.com/?p=22#comment-22</guid>
		<description>It is amazing that the FCC will feel the need to license this equipment utilized by churches.  We were unaware of the change in this law.  Thank you for being diligent to alert churches of this and other pertinent changes.</description>
		<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>It is amazing that the FCC will feel the need to license this equipment utilized by churches.  We were unaware of the change in this law.  Thank you for being diligent to alert churches of this and other pertinent changes.</p>
]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title>Comment on Board of Directors by Charles</title>
		<link>http://churchlawblog.com/?p=34&#038;cpage=1#comment-21</link>
		<dc:creator>Charles</dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Thu, 19 Feb 2009 23:00:18 +0000</pubDate>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://churchlawblog.com/?p=34#comment-21</guid>
		<description>In my experience working with church boards they were just as your article states.  Basically recipients of reports and things that had already taken place and were decided by the Senior Pastor or Executive Management team.  It&#039;s time the role of boards of directors be held accountable for the nonprofit organization.</description>
		<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>In my experience working with church boards they were just as your article states.  Basically recipients of reports and things that had already taken place and were decided by the Senior Pastor or Executive Management team.  It&#8217;s time the role of boards of directors be held accountable for the nonprofit organization.</p>
]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title>Comment on Are Your Church’s Wireless Microphones Illegal? by Daniel</title>
		<link>http://churchlawblog.com/?p=22&#038;cpage=1#comment-20</link>
		<dc:creator>Daniel</dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Thu, 19 Feb 2009 21:30:41 +0000</pubDate>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://churchlawblog.com/?p=22#comment-20</guid>
		<description>How do we know if our church&#039;s microphones are legal?</description>
		<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>How do we know if our church&#8217;s microphones are legal?</p>
]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title>Comment on Board of Directors by Daniel</title>
		<link>http://churchlawblog.com/?p=34&#038;cpage=1#comment-19</link>
		<dc:creator>Daniel</dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Thu, 19 Feb 2009 21:27:35 +0000</pubDate>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://churchlawblog.com/?p=34#comment-19</guid>
		<description>Our church is led by the pastor with the assistance of the Elders. Is that the same as a board of directors?</description>
		<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Our church is led by the pastor with the assistance of the Elders. Is that the same as a board of directors?</p>
]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title>Comment on Board of Directors by Mary</title>
		<link>http://churchlawblog.com/?p=34&#038;cpage=1#comment-18</link>
		<dc:creator>Mary</dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Tue, 17 Feb 2009 13:01:10 +0000</pubDate>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://churchlawblog.com/?p=34#comment-18</guid>
		<description>Thank you for the information.  It is time to locate our corporate documents and gather our board members for some serious discussions.</description>
		<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Thank you for the information.  It is time to locate our corporate documents and gather our board members for some serious discussions.</p>
]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title>Comment on Are Your Church’s Wireless Microphones Illegal? by Mitchell Meinders</title>
		<link>http://churchlawblog.com/?p=22&#038;cpage=1#comment-17</link>
		<dc:creator>Mitchell Meinders</dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Tue, 10 Feb 2009 17:29:12 +0000</pubDate>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://churchlawblog.com/?p=22#comment-17</guid>
		<description>Are the laws the same in every state for the microphones?</description>
		<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Are the laws the same in every state for the microphones?</p>
]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title>Comment on Are Your Church’s Wireless Microphones Illegal? by Jeff Atkinson</title>
		<link>http://churchlawblog.com/?p=22&#038;cpage=1#comment-16</link>
		<dc:creator>Jeff Atkinson</dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Fri, 06 Feb 2009 20:31:14 +0000</pubDate>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://churchlawblog.com/?p=22#comment-16</guid>
		<description>I found your site on technorati and read a few of your other posts.  Keep up the good work.  I just added your RSS feed to my Google News Reader.  Looking forward to reading more from you down the road!</description>
		<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>I found your site on technorati and read a few of your other posts.  Keep up the good work.  I just added your RSS feed to my Google News Reader.  Looking forward to reading more from you down the road!</p>
]]></content:encoded>
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	<item>
		<title>Comment on Harsh Rules Regarding Charitable Contribution Deductions by Gayle</title>
		<link>http://churchlawblog.com/?p=10&#038;cpage=1#comment-15</link>
		<dc:creator>Gayle</dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Tue, 03 Feb 2009 23:00:30 +0000</pubDate>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://churchlawblog.com/?p=10#comment-15</guid>
		<description>There are already regulations in other countries where there is no tax benefit for charitable contributions and it did not necessarily impact contributions as a whole.  No matter what the IRS does to change it&#039;s guidelines, it will not change my giving.</description>
		<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>There are already regulations in other countries where there is no tax benefit for charitable contributions and it did not necessarily impact contributions as a whole.  No matter what the IRS does to change it&#8217;s guidelines, it will not change my giving.</p>
]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title>Comment on Super Bowl Parties by Sharon</title>
		<link>http://churchlawblog.com/?p=16&#038;cpage=1#comment-14</link>
		<dc:creator>Sharon</dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Tue, 03 Feb 2009 22:55:02 +0000</pubDate>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://churchlawblog.com/?p=16#comment-14</guid>
		<description>I think that it is wonderful that Congress and finally the NFL have made provision for the new guidelines permitting the airing of the Super Bowl.  As a former youth worker the Super Bowl is such a great event to make available to your youth groups.  It is a viable tool for the youth to invite friends and bring them to an environment for ministry.  Where I do not agree is the limitation for smaller churches that may not already have large screens and sound equipment from participating in such an event.  Many smaller churches could even join together if they were permitted to rent the needed equipment for events like this.</description>
		<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>I think that it is wonderful that Congress and finally the NFL have made provision for the new guidelines permitting the airing of the Super Bowl.  As a former youth worker the Super Bowl is such a great event to make available to your youth groups.  It is a viable tool for the youth to invite friends and bring them to an environment for ministry.  Where I do not agree is the limitation for smaller churches that may not already have large screens and sound equipment from participating in such an event.  Many smaller churches could even join together if they were permitted to rent the needed equipment for events like this.</p>
]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title>Comment on Harsh Rules Regarding Charitable Contribution Deductions by Elsie</title>
		<link>http://churchlawblog.com/?p=10&#038;cpage=1#comment-13</link>
		<dc:creator>Elsie</dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Sat, 31 Jan 2009 18:01:44 +0000</pubDate>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://churchlawblog.com/?p=10#comment-13</guid>
		<description>I believe all of these rules could possibly impact such things as the manner in which  individuals choose to give.  For example, it is easier to keep up with giving records if it is done every 3 months, twice a year, etc., rather than on a weekly, bi-monthly basis and this could result in a strain on the monthly operations of a church.</description>
		<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>I believe all of these rules could possibly impact such things as the manner in which  individuals choose to give.  For example, it is easier to keep up with giving records if it is done every 3 months, twice a year, etc., rather than on a weekly, bi-monthly basis and this could result in a strain on the monthly operations of a church.</p>
]]></content:encoded>
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