[S3EP13] Top 5 Legal Issues Facing Churches in 2026 (What Every Pastor Must Know)

What are the biggest legal risks churches are facing right now?In this episode of the Leading Smart Podcast, we sit down with church attorney Keith Richardson from Michael Best to unpack the top five legal issues impacting churches in 2026 — and what executive pastors, senior leaders, and boards must proactively address.Keith and his team work with over 400 churches nationwide, giving him a front-row seat to the real challenges pastors are navigating today.We cover:Child protection policies & abuse prevention – How to safeguard your church and properly respond to allegationsReligious freedom & First Amendment rights – What churches need to know about the right to worship and protestorsChurch leadership transitions – How to avoid messy senior pastor exits and public falloutChurch bylaws & board governance – Why outdated governing documents create personal liability for leadersAI in ministry – How artificial intelligence is reshaping church operations, sermon prep, and risk managementWhether you’re a lead pastor, executive pastor, board member, or church administrator, this episode will help you protect your church, steward your leadership well, and prepare for what’s ahead.If you’ve ever wondered:Do our child safety policies actually protect us?Could our board be personally liable?Are we legally prepared for a pastoral transition?Should we have an AI policy for our staff?What are our constitutional rights as a church?This conversation is essential listening.🎧 Subscribe for practical leadership insights, church governance strategy, and real-time guidance for leading in today’s changing legal and cultural landscape.Get in touch with Keith Richardson at MichaelBest https://www.michaelbest.com/people/keith-richardson/ Email: [email protected]📱 Follow us for more insights and resourcesInstagram: @timstevensFacebook: @timstevens💻Visit LeadingSmart.comNeed help facilitating your next staff retreat or strategic offsite? https://www.leadingsmart.com/lets-talkHouston listeners — join the Houston Roundtable on June 4th (only 25 spots). https://www.leadingsmart.com/houston-roundtableListen to Leading In Real Time Podcast Series https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLZ2wnxRYYqm_ThAiSPBwjH7vQH5i3H3aKListen to the full 40 Lessons In 40 Years serieshttps://www.leadingsmart.com/podcastDownload The Simply Strategic Show https://www.leadingsmart.com/books-2📩 Have questions or want to connect?https://www.leadingsmart.com/lets-talk🔔 Subscribe to stay updated on future episodesApple - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-leadingsmart-podcast/id1813933962Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/1IqLLXtvtZBEgRsM2gOXpO?s...