Webinars

Upcoming Learning Opportunities

May 22, 2025

Church Business Meetings 101

with Sarah Merkle

 

Join us for a webinar with Sarah E. Merkle, professional parliamentarian, attorney, and founder-CEO of Civility. She’ll cover essential topics for running effective church business meetings, including agendas, motions, minutes, voting procedures, and discussion. Gain practical strategies to lead with clarity and confidence. Our webinar will conclude with a brief Q&A, offering specific insights to address your questions. Don’t miss this opportunity to enhance your leadership!

 

Register Here


This webinar qualifies for CPE credit
click here for information on CPE credit
Classification: Specialized Knowledge
Program Knowledge Level: Basic - Advanced


Sarah E. Merkle is a professional parliamentarian and attorney who specializes in helping churches and nonprofit organizations navigate business meetings with confidence. For over twenty years she has advised numerous church associations and religious groups on parliamentary procedure and governance. Sarah also contributes her expertise as a Senior Editorial Advisor for Church Law & Tax.
 

June 5, 2025
Getting to Good Governance

with Frank Sommerville, JD, CPA


Good governance happens when the church has current governing documents and qualified leadership. This session will discuss the importance of quality Articles of Incorporation, Bylaws, and mandatory policies. Samples of governance documents will be provided and an explanation on how each provision plays a role in good governance.  This webinar will cover the wide variety of styles of church governance, such as congregational and hierarchical governance.

  

Register Today


This webinar qualifies for CPE credit
click here for information on CPE credit
Classification: Business Law
Program Knowledge Level: Basic - Advanced


Frank Sommerville, JD, CPA was a shareholder in the Texas law firm of Weycer, Kaplan, Pulaski & Zuber, PC for 32 years. He now practices part-time through the Law Office of Frank Sommerville. He holds a license as a Certified Public Accountant and is also board certified in tax law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. He has served nonprofit institutions of all sizes as a bookkeeper, accountant, auditor, tax advisor and advocate, litigator, and legal advisor. He regularly assists churches in preventing litigation. 

 



Previously Presented Webinars

These presentations and more are available in TCN's e-Learning Lab 

 

Achieving Long-Term Goals – How to Make it Happen

with Denise Craig

Presented on 04/17/2024
Have you ever really wanted to accomplish something, but you just couldn’t seem to get any traction? Whether it’s a professional goal, a health-related goal, or a spiritual one, there are a few things to keep in mind to help you along the way. In this free webinar, we will explore some tips, wisdom, and life hacks that can help you get un-stuck and back on track to pursue your dreams.
*At the end, there will be a bonus resource for those who want to start the process of becoming a Certified Church Administrator. *
 

Watch here

Tax & Legal Update: 2023 Year End

with Frank Sommerville, JD, CPA

Presented on 12/7/2023
This webinar will discuss year-end topics, such as contribution receipts and cutoff, W-9s for contract labor, revised W-4s for employees, retirement plan amendments and contributions, and many other topics that will help you through December’s chaos. 


Watch here

Navigating AI's Legal Landscape: Discover the Future of Church Leadership

With Erika Cole

 

Presented on 09/14/2023
In an era where technology is reshaping the way we engage with the world, it's essential for churches to explore new avenues that align with their mission. Join Erika Cole, The Church Attorney® as she delves into the realm of generative artificial intelligence (AI) and its legal implications for churches. How can church leaders effectively leverage AI to connect with an evolving society and a culture that's seeking new ways to engage? This webinar goes beyond the surface, not only acknowledging AI's vast potential, but also addressing the crucial legal and risk management facets. From harnessing AI for scripture research and sermon preparation to exploring its role in worship music and even holograms, Erika will guide us through the numerous opportunities AI presents, all while providing essential insights and cautions from a legal standpoint. As your church embraces innovation, be equipped with the knowledge to navigate AI's dynamic landscape.
 

Watch Here

Biblical Counseling: Legal Considerations to Help Your Ministry Thrive

with Mark Francis Juba 

Presented on 08/10/2023

Biblical counseling programs serve a vital role in serving the community.  However, there exist many pitfalls that could create unintended risk. This webinar provides you with the basic tools to strengthen your counseling program and seeks to give you the confidence to continue doing God’s work. 
 
First, this webinar walks through ways to mitigate risk related to the key claims normally asserted against a church’s counseling program.  These key areas include: 
1, clergy malpractice or negligent counseling; 
2, breach of confidentiality; 
3, sexual misconduct; and 
4, child abuse.
 
 Second, the webinar emphasizes the importance of proper insurance and explains professional liability insurance for such counseling programs.  
 
Third, this webinar highlights the crucial state law distinctions between: 
1, licensed professional counseling; and 
2, Christian, pastoral, and biblical counseling programs.  
Certain measures must be actively taken and prohibited to avoid triggering mandatory compliance with a state’s licensed professional counseling laws.  
 
Fourth, this webinar explores emerging legal trends (often anti-Christian) impacting Christian, pastoral, and biblical counseling programs and how to navigate them.  Plus, every The Church Network webinar attendee and My Church Law Firm Annual Membership Plan (AMP) client shall receive free sample draft counseling and related documents.  Come join us for the hour in support of your counseling ministry!

Watch here