Nonprofit Law for Religious Organizations: Essential Questions & Answers »

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.

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)

Part I. Creation Of A Nonprofit Organization.

Chapter 1. Nonprofit Organizations – Generally.

Chapter 2. Governance: Principles And Documents.

Chapter 3. Religious Nonprofit Organizations And Churches – Generally.

Chapter 4. Administration Of A Congregational Church.

Chapter 5. The Board Of Directors.

Chapter 6. Conflicts Of Interest.

Chapter 7. Expenditure Of The Religious Nonprofit Organization's Funds.

Chapter 8. Acquiring Tax-Exempt Status.

Chapter 9. The Irs Annual Information Return.

Part II. Ministers, Employees, And Volunteers.

Chapter 10. Clergy, Ministers, And Pastors.

Chapter 11. Employee Rights.

Part III. Operation Of A Religious Nonprofit Organization.

Chapter 12. General Operations.

Chapter 13. Charitable Giving Rules.

Chapter 14. Combination Of Entities.

Chapter 15. Liability Of Religious Organizations.

Chapter 16. Insurance Coverage Considerations.

Chapter 17. Real Property And The Religious Nonprofit.

Chapter 18. Competition And Commerciality.

Chapter 19. Intellectual Property.

Chapter 20. Lobbying And Political Activities.

Chapter 21. Employee Compensation.

Chapter 22. Intermediate Sanctions.

Chapter 23. Unrelated Business Activities.

Chapter 24. Irs Audits Of A Religious Nonprofit Organizations.

Part IV. The Constitution, Religious Freedom, And Interaction With The Government.

Chapter 25. Protection Of Religious Liberties.

Chapter 26. Guidance On Partnering With The Federal Government.