Author: Todd

During the holidays, the request for help from Christians across America doesn’t pause. In fact, this season often brings an increase in calls from pastors, churches, and believers facing unexpected challenges.

At the Christian Law Association, our mission to serve God’s people continues every day of the year. Our attorneys and staff remain available throughout the Christmas season—because ministry moments don’t wait for office hours. In fact, each year, our team fields even calls on Christmas Day.

It is our joy and privilege to serve those who are standing for their faith, especially as we celebrate the One whose birth brought light and hope to the world.

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was enacted in 1990 for the purpose of protecting people with disabilities from discrimination in employment and in many other aspects of life. When people think of the ADA, they often think of handicap accessible restrooms or the detectable warning surfaces at street corners that cue blind people that they are approaching an intersection.

The law also mandates employers with fifteen or more employees—including religious organizations—to provide qualified individuals with disabilities an equal opportunity to benefit from the full range of employment-related opportunities available to others.

The ADA even restricts questions that can be asked about an applicant’s disability before a job offer is made. Under the ADA, employers must make reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals unless it is considered a hardship to do so.

If you have concerns about what you may or may not ask of a potential employee or about the kinds of accommodations you are expected to provide,  contact our offices for specific answers to your questions.

Christian ministries are thankful for all the contributions they receive. Most commonly, people give their tithes and offerings in the form of cash, check, or electronic contribution. Sometimes, however, people donate physical items.

It is not uncommon for people to donate new computers to the church. Such gifts are considered in-kind donations. Churches generally acknowledge all such contributions, but the IRS requires formal acknowledgment if the value of the donated item exceeds $250.

Most churches issue a letter or statement to acknowledge in-kind donations, but these documents must include specific information:

• The church name and address
• The name of the donor
• The date of the contribution
• A detailed, accurate description of the item
• A statement about whether any goods or services were provided in exchange for the donation

Interestingly, though you should provide an accurate description of the donated item, you should not declare its value. For example, you might say “a desktop computer,” but you should not say “a desktop computer worth $1,500.”

Some organizations issue in-kind donation receipts as each gift is given while others wait until the end of the year to provide such statements for the entire year.

Contributions can be confusing. Some people wonder about getting tax-deductible receipts for donating their labor, for receipts for donated items, and for many other things. There is not sufficient space here for answers to all of these questions. If you have questions about the proper way of acknowledging the generous contributions of your supporters, please contact our offices for additional assistance.

When most people think of the Christian Law Association (CLA), they immediately think of Dr. David Gibbs, Jr., our founder and tireless advocate for religious freedom. While he is the face of our ministry, the reality is that a dedicated team of staff members works quietly and diligently behind the scenes every day to support churches and Christians across the nation.

From attorneys and legal assistants to administrative staff and co-counsels across the nation, each member of our team plays a crucial role in ensuring that the CLA can continue its mission. They research, file, and defend cases; provide guidance to churches facing legal challenges; and keep the ministry running smoothly so that the work of protecting religious liberty never stops.

But CLA’s work doesn’t stop with our staff. It is made possible by the prayers and faithful support of individuals like you. Your encouragement, and your intercessions strengthen our efforts and allow us to stand boldly for the rights of Bible-believing Christians in every state.

Every case we handle, every church we protect, and every Christian family we serve is a testament to what can be accomplished when people commit their time, talents, and prayers to a cause greater than themselves. Behind every victory in the courtroom is a team of people laboring faithfully—and a network of supporters holding them up in prayer.

Thank you for standing with us. Your support is helping to safeguard the freedoms that allow churches to worship, preach, and serve without fear, today and for generations to come.

In the fall of 1621, about fifty English Pilgrims and about ninety Wampanoag people set aside three days, marking their successful first corn harvest after a difficult first year in America. Nearly half of the original Pilgrims had died during the first winter, and some had died at sea before they ever even landed in Plymouth.

Since that time, U. S. Presidents like George Washington and Abraham Lincoln proclaimed national days of Thanksgiving. President Lincoln’s Proclamation said, “The year that is drawing toward its close has been filled with the blessings of fruitful fields and healthful skies. To these bounties, which are so constantly enjoyed that we are prone to forget the source from which they come, others have been added, which are of so extraordinary a nature that they cannot fail to penetrate and even soften the heart which is habitually insensible to the ever- watchful providence of Almighty God.”

When we lose our ability to be thankful, we lose the ability to sense the workings of our loving Heavenly Father. When our hearts are filled with thanks, we are on the path of blessing. When we fail to be thankful, we have taken steps onto the path of destruction.

The Word of God is abundantly clear on this topic. The Apostle Paul wrote, “In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you” (1 Thessalonians 5:18). And Colossians 3:15 says, “Let the peace of God rule in your hearts…and be ye thankful.” And we must remember the beautiful words of Psalm 136:1, “O give thanks unto the Lord, for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever.”

As God’s people, we have never-ending reasons to be thankful for a merciful, powerful God Who watches over us, Who stands beside us, even when our hearts are breaking.

As citizens of the United States, we should be constantly thankful for the freedoms we have enjoyed, for our ability to worship God openly, and for the manifold blessings our nation enjoys. At the Christian Law Association, we are thankful for the way God has given us success in innumerable cases through the years, for the honorable, Bible- believing churches we have been privileged to defend, and for our unfailing supporters whose sacrificial gifts continue to make our work possible day by day.

November is a season of gratitude. As we gather around our tables with family and friends, we pause to thank the Lord for His goodness, His provision, and most of all, His liberty. The Bible reminds us, “Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty” (2 Corinthians 3:17)

Every day, the Christian Law Association hears from pastors, teachers, students, and believers across America who are experiencing challenges to their faith. These men and women are not seeking conflict; they simply desire to live out their Christian convictions in peace. Yet time and again, they are told “no” by government officials, employers, and even schools.

Our mission remains unchanged since 1969: to provide free legal help to God’s people wherever their freedoms are challenged. This ministry is possible because of friends like you who pray and give. You are standing in the gap for churches and families who would otherwise have nowhere to turn. This month, I ask you to do three things:

1. Pray for the urgent cases we are handling across the country.
2. Share the work of CLA with your church family and friends.
3. Consider a special donation to help us meet the growing needs before year-end.

Together, we are defending liberty for today and preserving it for generations to come. Thank you for
standing with us in this vital cause.

As the leaves begin to change and the pace of life shifts, fall offers a natural moment for churches to pause and reflect on their ministry practices. The busyness of summer ministries often reveals areas where procedures could be improved—whether in safety, volunteer management, or communication. Taking time now to review and update your church’s procedures helps prevent small issues from becoming major obstacles later in the year. This seasonal reset allows your church to move forward with greater clarity and confidence.

Fall is also the gateway to some of the most significant events on the church calendar. With Thanksgiving and Christmas approaching, many churches ramp up their outreach and special services. Having clear, effective procedures in place ensures that these events run smoothly and safely. It also helps volunteers feel prepared and supported, reducing burnout during the busiest time of year. Reviewing procedures now gives your leadership team a chance to align everyone around shared goals and expectations for finishing the year strong.

In addition to operational improvements, fall is an ideal time to address important legal considerations that affect your church. Make sure your child protection policies are current and that all volunteers have completed necessary background checks. Review your insurance coverage to confirm it adequately protects your property, staff, and events. Ensure compliance with local regulations related to gatherings, food service, and accessibility to avoid unexpected legal complications. Taking these steps now safeguards your church and allows ministry to flourish without unnecessary risk.

Ultimately, fall is a season of preparation and harvest. By conducting a thorough checkup on your church’s procedures—including legal safeguards—you set up your ministry for success in the months ahead. Whether it’s safety protocols, volunteer training, or outreach plans, small adjustments made now can lead to a stronger finish and greater impact for your congregation and community. Embrace this season as a time to refresh, refocus, and recommit to serving God faithfully through every opportunity.

We are thankful to see growing churches that need to obtain larger properties for their churches. Here are some important tips to keep in mind before agreeing to purchase a property.

1. Have the building inspected.

Church buildings, even relatively new ones, can have all kinds of problems. Before you purchase a new property, be sure you have top-notch inspectors thoroughly check out the physical condition of the building so that you are not surprised with huge bills later.

2. Check the zoning.

Especially when you plan to convert the use of a building—say from a store to a church—it is important to know that the location of the building may be used for church services.

3. Check for liens.

Be sure to employ a professional to make sure that there are no liens on the property you want to purchase. You absolutely do not want to be in a situation where you unwittingly take on debt associated with the property you plan to buy—debt you knew nothing about prior to signing those purchase documents.

4. Contact CLA.

Purchasing a new facility for your church is an extremely important venture. Take advantage of the experience of the seasoned attorneys of the Christian Law Association who can help make sure your sale is handled efficiently and that you avoid surprises that may irreparably harm your ministry.

While our nation has a conservative administration in office, the challenges to religious liberty have not disappeared—they have only shifted. Churches, pastors, and individual Christians are still facing pressure in courts, schools, workplaces, and communities that require both Biblical wisdom and sound legal counsel. CLA remains committed to standing beside God’s people, protecting their right to preach, teach, and live out the Gospel without compromise.

In fact, times of seeming favor can be some of the most dangerous. Opposition to Biblical truth is not bound by political climates, and the freedoms we enjoy today must be diligently guarded for the generations to come. The need for vigilance and preparation is greater than ever, and that is why the work of CLA is so vital. We ask for your continued prayers and financial support as together we labor to ensure that churches and believers remain free to serve Christ faithfully—no matter what direction the culture or government may take in the future.