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Law & Ministry Update

The latest news about emerging legislative and judicial developments affecting Christian ministries. Scroll down for Volume 4 case reviews and Episode 3 of the podcast.

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In episode 3, attorneys from Brotherhood Mutual provide key insights to help ministries consider the implications of providing for the physical security of their ministries and people.

Read the Latest Case Reviews

This edition explores a tragic case that sparked urgent questions about a ministry's duty and responsibility when it comes to protecting guests from danger. Plus, the team reviews an additional five cases, including why safety shortcuts can cost millions, and how to protect security volunteers from liability.

Download Vol. 4 - November 2025 or read the case reviews below.

State Cases

Vol. 4 Case Review: Do ministries have a duty to protect guests from danger?

Paulson v. Grace Baptist Church: When tragedy struck a homeless shelter operating on church-leased property, it sparked questions about duty and responsibility. The case illustrates a critical reality: outreach without adequate safety measures can expose ministries to significant legal consequences.

Take a Deeper Dive: 4 minute read

Vol. 4 Case Review: Can ministries be held liable for poorly-planned employee safety drills?

Lopez v. Catholic Charities: A recent Nebraska Supreme Court case reminds ministry leaders that even the best safety plans can backfire if not carried out with care.

Take a Deeper Dive: 4 minute read

Vol. 4 Case Review: Ministry road trips: Can ignoring safety prove costly?

Salliotte v. Ford Motor Company: For churches and ministries, this case is a reminder of how quickly a ministry trip can turn into tragedy—and how courts may view responsibility when it does.

Take a Deeper Dive: 4 minute read

Vol. 4 State Law: Are your security volunteers legally protected?

Idaho recently introduced new legislation designed to protect both volunteers and the ministries they serve when responding to threats or acts of violence.

Take a Deeper Dive: 4 minute read

Federal Cases

Vol. 4 Case Review: Can the state deny the right to adopt based on religion?

Bates v. Pakseresht: The Bates ruling reaffirms an expanding legal principle: The government is not permitted to compel private citizens to endorse beliefs that conflict with their conscience as a condition of participating in a government-sponsored program.

Take a Deeper Dive: 5 minute read

Vol. 4 Case Review: Do tax deductions for donated items require proper documentation?

Besaw v. Commissioner: This decision highlights how ministries play a vital role in protecting their donors’ tax benefits. When documentation is incomplete, the IRS may deny those deductions, damaging donor trust and discouraging future generosity.

Take a Deeper Dive: 4 minute read

More Podcast Episodes

Podcast Episode 2 - October 2025 | Watch Now

Join our in-house attorneys, Charles Hedman and Joshua Lederman, as they discuss updates to statutes of limitations and how they could affect ministries. Plus, get insight into ways to safeguard the children and youth in your care. The two cases reviewed were part of Law & Ministry Update (Vol 3 - October 2025).

Podcast Episode 1 - July 2025 | Watch Now

In-house attorneys, Steve Case and Charles Hedman, discussed the June 2025 U.S. Supreme Court decisions on being “religious enough” and on transgender treatment bans. Plus, they shared insight on how to prepare for a visit from ICE. The Supreme Court cases reviewed were part of Law & Ministry Update (Vol 2 - July 2025).

More Case Reviews

The team from Legal AssistSM is monitoring cases to provide ministries with timely updates and actionable insights from an insurance and risk management perspective. From Supreme Court rulings to emerging state laws, the goal of each Law & Ministry Update is to inform and empower ministries to adapt and thrive in an increasingly complex legal environment.

Brotherhood Mutual is pleased to provide Legal AssistSM as a complimentary resource. Services through Legal Assist aim to provide general legal information to our current and prospective policyholders.

Information provided is intended to be helpful. It does not constitute legal advice and should not be used as a substitute for advice from a licensed attorney in your area. No attorney/client relationship is established through this process. No legal advice will be provided. We strongly recommend regular consultations with a local attorney as part of your risk management program.