Should churches be incorporated? – Webinar

Church incorporation is a matter of stewardship and of managing liability. Incorporation creates an important shield of liability for your members and for your church. Can you imagine a scenario where an injury or abuse allegation claim might challenge your gospel witness in your community? That is a very real scenario that could challenge the very existence of your church. How can you maintain the religious freedoms and protections that define separation of church and state while still stewarding the ministry you have been called to lead? Attorney Rob Showers will address these common questions and more related to managing liability and protecting the Christian ministry you are called to by our Lord Jesus Christ.

Specifically for churches in Virginia but in other states and jurisdictions, don’t miss this webinar to help you think through the benefits of incorporation while still holding to your convictions and values as a Christian ministry. Learn how to assess these benefits and how to move your church toward a healthy and thriving governance model that stewards mission and liability.   

This event will be free for ECAP Members and $20 for non-members.

Presenters: 

About NorthStar Church Network: 

NorthStar Church Network is a diverse family of autonomous congregations committed to practicing Baptist distinctives and strategically advancing the Great Commission of Jesus Christ. Our Network is comprised of almost 170 churches in Northern Virginia/DC.

While respecting and advocating for the autonomy of the local church, practices of Network churches are consistent with the NorthStar core beliefs and values.

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Robert Showers co-founded Simms Showers, a Baltimore, Maryland-based law firm, in 2002 as a principal partner and now heads up the firm’s new Northern Virginia/Metropolitan D.C. office. His practice focuses on civil and commercial litigation and church, nonprofit, and business law. Showers regularly handles numerous lawsuits for and against churches, nonprofits, and small businesses. He also provides guidance on a variety of matters, including risk management, tax exemption, land use, and employment issues to defend against current or future legal liability.

Showers has served hundreds of churches, denominations, and nonprofits nationwide throughout his career, including the Southern Baptist Convention, the Assemblies of God, the Presbyterian Church of America, Americans United for Life, and Youth With a Mission. Prior to entering private practice in 1989, Showers served as Deputy Assistant Attorney General and served as Executive Director of the National Obscenity Enforcement Unit (NOEU), later called the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), within the US Department of Justice.

Showers sits on numerous boards. He serves as past president on the national board of directors of Christian Legal Society, and as chairman of Gateway Community Church. He previously served as a member of the Southern Baptist Convention’s executive committee.

Showers earned his law degree from Wake Forest University School of Law in 1980. He earned his undergraduate degree from Wake Forest University in 1977.