Church Law: A Concise Legal Handbook For Ministers, Pastors, and Church Leaders - Paperback

by Charles Craig Lantz (Author)

It is imperative in the day and age in which we live (2025) that Christian leaders understand the law as it relates to Pastors, Churches, and non-profit religious organizations. Christian Leaders must have an understanding of the laws affecting Pastors and why they are important for Church boards and ministers to know. Craig Lantz, PhD, uses court cases to help define and explain the legal distinction of ministerial status and its implications for Pastors and Church boards. This brief and concise handbook on Church Law addresses clergy employment contracts, compensation, termination, legal privileges and conditions of ministers, and the legal authority of ministers on behalf of the Church. Also, the more common theories of clergy legal liability are examined. The laws of today are more complex than they ever have been, and lawyers are in the business of making "BIG BUCKS." They do this because, unfortunately, many Pastors and Church leaders are ignorant about the law. There are NOW more legal problems and lawsuits against Churches than in any period of history. Therefore, ministers and leaders must be aware of legal issues and potential problems that can come their way if they are not careful in handling Church members, non-members, and counseling situations, in particular. Church leaders must become aware of the potential legal problems that can result from relationships with parishioners, as well as legal problems with employees. Pastor, beware of the dangers that are lurking in the world of Lawyers, Politicians, Judges, local county and state governments, as some have been corrupted. Every Pastor, Full-Time Church Leader, and Christian Minister needs to purchase a copy of this concise handbook on Church Law. This edition is a complete update, edited, and revised in 2025.

Author Biography

Charles Craig Lantz, M.A., Ph.D. is a passionate BIBLE and THEOLOGY scholar, he has ministry experience in college and youth ministry, and has been involved in several mission outreaches overseas to Europe in Ireland, Germany, England, Holland, and Norway, as well as outreaches in South America to the Capital of Brazil, Rio De Janerio. Lantz graduated from Western Michigan University in 1986, with a Bachelor's of Science degree. While attending WMU he became very involved in student ministry, campus evangelism, and desired to serve GOD on a full-time basis ministering primarily to college and university students until retiring in 2004. During his days of campus ministry, Lantz earned graduate and post-graduate degree's in Theology, Biblical Studies, and Religious Studies. He has authored 12 books and is currently working on a Doctor of Theology degree with a focus in APOLOGETICS.