Author Archives: Jay Butchko
Teaching Church Law to Ordination Candidates
Had a great time teaching Church Law, Finance and Administration to the Ordination Candidates of the Peninsular Florida District Council of the Assemblies of God. The locations were Sarasota, Deland, Kissimmee and Key West. Thank you to all the District School of Ministry students!
US Attorney General on Protecting Religious Liberty
Dear Clients and Friends, On October 6th the Attorney General of the United States the Honorable Jeff Sessions issued a memorandum to governmental agencies and departments on Religious Liberties. It is a most interesting read. The memorandum was issued pursuant to President Trump’s Executive Order No. 13798 (May 4, 2017), which directed the Attorney… Read More »
Housing Allowance Struck Down Again
Dear Clients and Friends, On October 6th a federal judge in Wisconsin has struck down as unconstitutional the Housing Allowance. Expect an appeal. If the Court of Appeals accepts the case it could rule on the actual underlying issue of whether the clergy housing exclusion is constitutional. Then off to the Supreme Court. I… Read More »
Six Tips After a Hurricane
1. First off, know your rights. After a hurricane, you may have issues with your church and property ranging from determining who is responsible for cleaning up to knowing when to keep making rent or mortgage payments. Because state laws and individual insurance policies vary, check with your insurance company or local authorities to know… Read More »
New Ad Announcement
I am excited to announce a new ad has gone out.
Certified Church Business Administrator
I am excited to announce on July 6, 2017 The Church Network renewed my credentials as a Certified Church Administrator. Continuing with these credentials and educational requirements allows me to be current in church business administration trends which in turn helps me serve you.
Church is Sued for Publication of Baptism Leading to Kidnapping
The Oklahoma Supreme Court recently decided a church court case. In John Doe v. First Presbyterian Church U.S.A. of Tulsa, Oklahoma and James D. Miller (Okla. Feb. 22, 2017), a nonmember filed suit against the church and its minister, alleging torts and breach of contract after he was baptized and notice of his baptism… Read More »
EEOC Expanding Title VII protections to Gender Identity
Without legislation from Congress the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission has decided on its own to interpret protections against “sex” discriminations to include Gender Identification. It has recently restated its position publicly which is a concern. Does this mean stronger enforcement is around the corner? The EEOC is responsible for enforcing federal laws that… Read More »
EEOC expanding Title VII protections to Gender Identity
Without legislation from Congress the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission has decided on its own to interpret protections against “sex” discriminations to include Gender Identification. It has recently restated its position publicly which is a concern. Does this mean stronger enforcement is around the corner? The EEOC is responsible for enforcing federal laws that… Read More »
Minnesota Supreme Court Ruling on Church Defamation Suit
A divided Minnesota Supreme Court on Wednesday settled the question of whether the state’s courts have any business settling claims of defamation made by church officials while excommunicating parishioners. In this case, the Court was presented with the question of whether pastors and their church can be held liable for statements the pastors made… Read More »
