Category: Uncategorized

Don’t Wait Until a Problem Arises

Many churches think about legal documents only after a disagreement, accident, or government inquiry. By then, valuable opportunities to prevent problems have often passed.

Late summer is an excellent time to review governing documents, child protection policies, employment handbooks, facility use agreements, security plans, and insurance coverage before fall ministries begin.

An afternoon of preparation today can prevent months of difficulty tomorrow.

“A prudent man foreseeth the evil, and hideth himself…” (Proverbs 22:3a).

Protecting the Next Generation

As Sunday school classes, Christian schools, nurseries, youth ministries, and bus routes begin another year, now is the time to ensure volunteer screening, background checks, supervision policies, and emergency procedures are current.

Parents entrust churches with their greatest treasures—their children.

Strong policies not only reduce legal risks, but also demonstrate a ministry’s commitment to loving families well and protecting every child entrusted to its care.

Legal Questions Should Never Stop the Gospel

Many pastors hesitate to ask legal questions because they fear the cost.

That is exactly why Christian Law Association exists.

Whether the question involves church governance, property matters, employment concerns, religious liberty, nonprofit compliance, or another ministry issue, our desire is to help before a small concern becomes a larger problem.

One phone call often provides peace of mind—and allows pastors to return their focus to where it belongs: faithfully shepherding God’s people.

“Commit thy works unto the LORD, and thy thoughts shall be established.” (Proverbs 16:3)

Every day, pastors, churches, Christian schools, and ministries contact Christian Law Association with urgent legal questions they cannot answer alone. Because of the faithful generosity of friends like you, many receive experienced legal assistance at no charge.

Your prayers sustain us. Your financial support allows us to continue standing beside those who faithfully proclaim the Gospel and defend religious liberty across America.

If Christian Law Association has encouraged you or if you believe this ministry is needed now more than ever, would you prayerfully consider a special gift this month? Together, we can help ensure that no Bible-believing church or ministry has to face legal challenges alone.

“Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.” (Galatians 6:2)

As families return from vacations and children prepare to head back to school, many churches begin one of their busiest seasons of the year. Sunday school classes resume, Bible studies begin again, choirs restart rehearsals, Christian schools welcome students, and ministries that may have slowed during the summer quickly regain momentum.

While schedules become fuller, our calling remains unchanged.

The Apostle Paul reminded believers, “Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord…” (1 Corinthians 15:58a).

Satan never takes a season off. While churches prepare lesson plans, outreach events, and school openings, the enemy continues looking for opportunities to discourage pastors, divide congregations, burden ministries, and create legal obstacles that distract from the Gospel.

Many of the calls Christian Law Association receives each August reflect this transition into a new ministry year. Churches are reviewing child protection policies before welcoming children back into classrooms. Christian schools are updating employee handbooks and enrollment documents. Ministries are reviewing insurance coverage, transportation policies, security procedures, volunteer screening, and governance documents. These preparations may seem administrative, but they are acts of faithful stewardship.

The Lord has entrusted every church with more than a building. He has entrusted people, testimony, resources, and opportunities to proclaim Christ. Protecting those ministries allows churches to continue focusing on the work God has called them to accomplish.

Preparation is never a substitute for faith. Rather, preparation is often an expression of faith. Noah built the ark before the rain came. Nehemiah prayed—and posted guards. Joseph prepared during years of plenty before famine arrived. Scripture repeatedly shows God’s people planning wisely while trusting completely in Him.

As another ministry season begins, may every church continue to preach the Gospel boldly, disciple believers faithfully, and carefully protect the ministries God has entrusted to their care.

Christian Law Association considers it a privilege to stand beside pastors, Christian schools, camps, and ministries every day. Whether answering a simple legal question or helping through a significant challenge, our desire remains unchanged—to remove distractions so churches can remain focused on reaching souls for Christ.

Thank you for praying. Thank you for giving. Together, by God’s grace, we continue defending those who faithfully proclaim His Word.

As summer draws to a close, churches across America are preparing for one of the busiest seasons of the year. Attendance rises and ministries resume as congregations return to the familiar rhythms and routines of autumn.

But this fall is more than just the beginning of the next ministry school year. It is also the church’s opportunity to be a steady light in an increasingly uncertain culture.

Every year, Christian Law Association receives calls from churches facing challenges that would have been almost unheard of a generation ago. Questions involving religious liberty, church governance, employment issues, child protection, facility use, security planning, digital ministries, and nonprofit compliance continue to grow in both number and complexity.

Yet God’s calling has not changed.

The local church remains His plan for proclaiming the Gospel, discipling believers, strengthening families, and offering hope to a world desperately searching for truth. In times of uncertainty, people are often more willing than ever to listen to the message of Christ.

That is why preparation matters.

As ministries reopen for a busy fall season, now is an excellent time to review governing documents, update child protection and volunteer policies, evaluate church security plans, confirm insurance coverage, and ensure that ministry practices continue to reflect both Biblical conviction and sound stewardship. These practical steps help protect the testimony God has entrusted to each ministry.

The Apostle Paul encouraged believers to, “Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong.” (1 Corinthians 16:13)

That command seems especially fitting today. Our culture may continue to shift, but God’s Word remains unchanged. His truth is still sufficient. His Gospel is still the power of God unto salvation. His church is still called to faithfully proclaim that message until Christ returns.

At Christian Law Association, we consider it a privilege to help pastors, churches, Christian schools, camps, and ministries navigate today’s legal challenges so they can remain focused on tomorrow’s eternal opportunities.

As you prepare for another ministry season, remember that your faithfulness matters more than ever. Every Sunday sermon, every children’s lesson, every Bible study, every visit, every prayer, and every Gospel witness has eternal significance. While the legal landscape may become more complicated, our mission remains wonderfully simple—to faithfully serve the Lord and boldly proclaim His truth.

Thank you for allowing Christian Law Association to stand beside you as your legal missionary. Together, by God’s grace, we will continue defending the freedom to preach the Gospel until He comes.

As America approaches another anniversary of independence, we are reminded that our freedoms did not come without sacrifice. Among the most precious liberties our founders sought to preserve was the freedom to worship God according to the dictates of conscience. Today, churches, Christian schools, pastors, and believers continue to face legal challenges that threaten those freedoms. Every day, the Christian Law Association receives calls from ministries seeking help in matters involving religious liberty, church governance, property disputes, employment issues, and constitutional rights.

As we celebrate our nation’s heritage, please remember the ongoing need to defend the freedoms that allow the Gospel to be preached without government interference. Your prayers and support enable CLA to continue providing legal assistance to those who faithfully serve the Lord. “And where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.” (2 Corinthians 3:17b)

Though it’s a bit of a tongue twister, the United States is celebrating its bisesquicentennial—its 250th birthday! On July 4, 1776, fifty-six patriots signed the Declaration of Independence. The signers represented the original thirteen colonies. Notable figures like Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Jefferson, and John Adams signed the document, as well as John Hancock, who famously signed with an extra-large signature. The story, perhaps apocryphal, notes that Hancock said, “There, John Bull can read my name without spectacles.” John Bull, of course, was a common nickname for England and the British people.

As our patriotic songs remind us, America truly is the “sweet land of liberty.” America is a nation that has been particularly blessed by God. There is no doubt that our Founding Fathers could never have predicted that America would become such a superpower. By any standard, we have much for which to be grateful.

Just as brave patriots fought for our independence during the Revolutionary War, patriots continue to pray for America, to serve God in America, and to actively exercise their religious liberties.

The Christian Law Association salutes our nation’s 250th birthday, and we proudly stand for the First Amendment rights of God’s people as they proclaim the glorious message of the Gospel of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Happy Birthday, America! May God never remove His amazing hand of protection!

When most people think of Wall Street in New York City, the first thing that comes to mind is that it is one of the most influential financial centers in the world. But the building at 26 Wall Street is the Federal Hall National Memorial. When the Constitution was first adopted, this building served as the nation’s first capitol, and George Washington took the oath of office as the first president of the United States, approximately where a statue of him now stands.

In that first Inaugural Address, President Washington wisely acknowledged the providence of God in the establishment of our nation, saying, “it would be peculiarly improper to omit in this first official act my fervent supplications to that Almighty Being who rules over the universe, who presides in the councils of nations, and whose providential aids can supply every human defect, that His benediction may consecrate to the liberties and happiness of the people of the United States.”

President Washington also said, “In tendering this homage to the Great Author of every public and private good, I assure myself that it expresses your sentiments not less than my own, nor those of my fellow citizens at large less than either. No people can be bound to acknowledge and adore the Invisible Hand which conducts the affairs of men more than those of the United States.”

In the hundreds of years that have passed since that auspicious first inauguration, many unbelievers have attempted to completely rewrite the early history of our nation. Some even claim that the Founding Fathers were secular-minded children of the Enlightenment who did not have God in their thoughts at all. In complete contrast, President Washington’s speech as the first President of the United States specifically stated that the people of America have a special duty to adore the Lord our God and to admit that His Invisible Hand controls the day-to-day lives of people everywhere.

America, America, God shed His grace on Thee!

Above the main entrance of the United States Supreme Court Building in Washington, D.C., a phrase is plainly engraved for all to see: Equal Justice Under Law. Based on language in the first section of the Fourteenth Amendment, this phrase captures the important American ideal that every citizen, regardless of rank or wealth, can enjoy the liberties of these United States.

Some years ago, a survey was taken in some foreign nations asking about their impressions of the justice system in the U.S. Many people thought that good legal results were almost always obtained by wealthy people, while poor or underprivileged people typically received substandard justice.

As it turns out, the American system of justice is actually the international gold standard. By and large, our constitutional system of government provides an amazingly fair system for the citizenry. But it is true that people who are extremely wealthy can sometimes cause great problems for people of lesser means. For example, if a wealthy person knows he will ultimately lose a case, he may file a lawsuit anyway, knowing that the legal expenses associated with the case can deeply financially harm Christians and churches who do not have large bank accounts.

At the Christian Law Association, it is our mission to make absolutely certain that when God’s people are sued for the faith, they can be represented in court by competent attorneys, even when our clients are not wealthy. As a matter of policy, CLA never charges a single penny when we represent Bible-preaching churches who have been wrongfully sued for the faith.

Equal Justice Under Law is a great slogan, and we are thankful that it is a cornerstone of the American justice system. But we are always profoundly grateful for our supporters who make it possible for us to protect God’s people when powerful people pursue them for practicing their Biblical faith. As we have for decades, we proudly defend the rights and Christian liberty of Bible-believing Christians.

In ministry, much of the focus is naturally placed on serving others—preaching, teaching, discipling, and reaching the community. Legal matters, policies, and documentation can sometimes feel like distractions from that calling rather than a part of it.

However, Scripture consistently reminds us that faithfulness is seen not only in the visible work of ministry, but also in the care and stewardship behind the scenes.

When a church takes time to clarify its leadership structure, it is not merely handling paperwork—it is protecting unity. When a ministry updates its policies, it is not simply meeting requirements—it is creating an environment where people can be served with consistency and integrity. When a believer seeks guidance before responding to a difficult situation, that person is not acting out of fear, but out of wisdom.

These quieter decisions often go unnoticed, but they play a significant role in sustaining long-term ministry.

We regularly hear from pastors and leaders who say, “I just want to do what’s right.” That desire is both simple and powerful. And in many cases, taking a thoughtful, informed approach to legal matters is part of living out that commitment.

It is also worth remembering that you are not alone in these situations. Many others are navigating similar questions—how to respond, how to prepare, and how to move forward in a way that honors both their faith and their responsibilities.

Approaching these matters with care does not weaken a ministry’s spiritual focus—it strengthens it. It removes unnecessary obstacles, reduces confusion, and allows leaders to move forward with confidence and peace.

In the end, legal stewardship is not separate from ministry—it supports it.

As you continue serving, we encourage you to view these responsibilities not as burdens, but as tools. With the right guidance and preparation, they can help preserve the work God has entrusted to you and allow it to continue for years to come.

Every day, the headlines remind us that our world is moving farther away from Biblical truth. Nations once greatly influenced by Christianity are now embracing secularism, false religions, moral confusion, and philosophies that deny the saving power of Jesus Christ. In many places where churches once flourished, unbelief and indifference now prevail.

Here in America, we are witnessing a similar decline in morality and spiritual conviction. Dishonesty, rebellion, and immorality are increasingly accepted as normal. Many openly reject Biblical standards while embracing the mindset that life on earth is short and should be spent pursuing personal pleasure, success, and the so-called “American Dream,” rather than living sacrificially for the will and glory of God. This self-centered philosophy has led countless young people into lives without lasting purpose.

At the same time, many schools, media outlets, and cultural influences promote ideas that oppose the clear teachings of God’s Word. Our children and grandchildren are constantly exposed to messages that deny truth, weaken faith, and encourage compromise.

Yet amid the darkness, there is still hope— because God always has a faithful remnant. Across America and around the world, there are pastors who still preach the Bible without apology, missionaries who continue carrying the Gospel to the lost, churches that still stand for truth, and Christians who are faithfully witnessing to their neighbors, coworkers, and communities.

Many believers are praying earnestly for revival. Parents and grandparents are teaching their children the Scriptures. Soul winners are still handing out Gospel tracts. Young people are still surrendering their lives to serve Christ. God is still saving souls, changing lives, and building His Church.

This is not the time for Christians to retreat in fear or remain silent. This is the time to stand faithfully, lovingly, and courageously for the Gospel of Jesus Christ. The answer to the problems of our nation will never be found merely in politics, entertainment, or social reform. True hope is found only in Jesus Christ, whose precious blood was shed for the salvation of mankind.

At CLA, we must continue encouraging churches, pastors, missionaries, and believers everywhere to remain steadfast in proclaiming the Gospel and defending Biblical truth. The work of Christian education, publishing sound materials, supporting ministries, and strengthening local churches is more important now than ever before.

The CLA exists to encourage believers to stand firm in their faith, provide Christ-honoring resources, and promote the unchanging truth of God’s Word in a changing world. Through faithful churches and dedicated Christians working together, we can continue reaching souls and strengthening future generations for Christ.

The Apostle Paul declared in Romans 1:16, “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth.”

May we never become silent witnesses. The world desperately needs the truth of God’s Word, and the Lord has entrusted that message to us. Let us pray more fervently, witness more boldly, and stand more faithfully than ever before.