Legal Guidance for Churches and Ministries

LCMS members receive 20% off by clicking “see pricing” below.

HELPING YOUR CHURCH ADVANCE THE GOSPEL

Affordable Religious Freedom Legal Help for Churches

Partnering with Church of God State Offices Nationwide

Partnering with Church of God State Offices Nationwide

What would it mean for your ministry to lose its freedom to operate according to its faith?

We believe churches and ministries are essential in illuminating truth and eternal hope in our society. This light—the Gospel—is one that culture and many of our laws seek to dim.

That’s why Alliance Defending Freedom established the Church & Ministry Alliance.  

We exist to safeguard your religious freedom from cultural pressures and an overreaching government. We want to equip your ministry with legal support and education so you can freely pursue your calling.

Our team is comprised of Christian attorneys and advocates who share your commitment to and excitement for the Gospel. By joining the ADF Church & Ministry Alliance, you can confidently know that your ministry stands on a firm legal foundation.

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Is Your Church Legally Prepared?

It's becoming harder for leaders to navigate the legal and cultural issues their churches face. Many activists and government officials are pushing laws and policies that would prevent churches from operating according to their biblical beliefs. It is no longer a question of if churches will be threatened or sued for standing true to God’s Word – the question is when and where such cases will arise. Your church needs to be prepared.

How is your church preparing to handle situations that arise from sexual orientation and gender identity ideology that is contrary to biblical teaching?

These challenges can arise from employees, volunteers, youth groups, use of your facilities, and more. Your church needs to be equipped to handle these situations and be aware of changing laws so you know how to respond.You also need access to trusted legal counsel when questions arise.

Are your church’s governing documents written in a way that provides the most legal protection for your church?

Your bylaws, policies, and other governing documents can help protect your church’s religious freedom. These documents can serve as evidence of your church’s beliefs, so it is imperative that they clearly communicate what your church believes to your congregation, community, and, if necessary, the courts.

How would your church address religious freedom legal challenges?

Opponents have treated churches unfairly by denying churches equal access to government grants or property, manipulating zoning codes to prevent churches from using their own buildings, forcing churches to comply with unconstitutional regulations that violate their beliefs, and more. Your church needs to know its rights and have a legal advocate who can help when you need it.

Several Church of God State Offices have partnered with the ADF Church Alliance to prepare and protect your church – for these issues and other religious liberty challenges.

The ADF Church Alliance provides direct access to experienced religious freedom attorneys, so you can get back to focusing on what matters most: serving your community and sharing the Gospel.

Alliance Defending Freedom

The largest religious liberty legal organization in the world, Alliance Defending Freedom, has been advocating for religious freedom, sanctity of life, and marriage and family since 1994. Alliance Defending Freedom recognized the increasing legal issues facing churches, and launched ADF Church Alliance to serve the Church and keep the legal doors open for the spread of the Gospel.

4,000+
MEMBERS
ADF has more than 3,500 members part of the Alliance
1,500+
LEGAL MATTERS
ADF worked on over 1,500 legal matters on behalf of religious organizations in 2022
15
VICTORIES
ADF has won 15 cases at the U.S. Supreme Court since 2011

Member Benefits

All-inclusive religious freedom help for churches for a flat affordable annual fee.

DOCUMENT REVIEW
Send your church’s bylaws, governing documents, employment and other policies, and more to ADF attorneys. We’ll review these documents and discuss recommendations tailored to helping protect your church’s religious freedom.

ACCESS TO ATTORNEYS
Reach out to our attorneys when you have legal questions about your church’s religious freedom. If you aren’t sure if your legal question has religious freedom implications, you are still free to contact us.

LEGAL RESOURCES
Gain access to helpful articles, legal guides, and webinars that describe vital religious freedom legal concepts, summarize important court decisions and how they impact you, guide you through creating governing documents, and so much more.

GUARANTEED CASE REVIEW
If your church is involved in a religious liberty lawsuit, we will review your case in detail to determine how best to help your ministry. If necessary and appropriate, ADF’s legal team may even litigate your case directly, which would be at no cost to you.

Join Today

Rather than charging expensive fees at an hourly rate or using a retainer model that prices many churches out of getting legal help, we operate on a membership model: your church pays one affordable rate for an entire year of membership. These challenges can arise from employees, volunteers, youth groups, use of your facilities, and more. Your church needs to be equipped to handle these situations and be aware of changing laws so you know how to respond.You also need access to trusted legal counsel when questions arise.

Membership fees are based on the average weekly attendance of your church, so it is affordable for churches of all sizes. We understand that every dollar counts when it comes to budgets, and our goal is to defend your ministry’s freedom, not our bottom line.

To make it even more affordable, through our partnership with your Church of God State Office, your church gets 20% off its membership by using promo code COG20 when joining.

UP TO 150
$250
$200
151 - 500
$500
$400
501 - 1,000
$1,000
$800
1,001 - 2,000
$2,000
$1,600
2,001+
$4,000
$3,200

2

Enter code COG20 for a 20% discount

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Keep the doors open for the Gospel

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What Church of God Leaders Are Saying

I cannot be more excited to be a part of this. It’s a wonderful resource. To know there is somebody who has grappled with these issues, has been all the way to the Supreme Court, and has resources and a network of attorneys who can come alongside us, is very comforting.

Dennis Watkins
General Counsel, Church of God

I cannot be more excited to be a part of this. It’s a wonderful resource. To know there is somebody who has grappled with these issues, has been all the way to the Supreme Court, and has resources and a network of attorneys who can come alongside us, is very comforting.

Dennis Watkins
General Counsel, Church of God

Pastoring a Church in the 21st Century presents great challenges that no previous generation has ever experienced before. As the Church grows, so does the reality of someone trying to attack the Church from a legal standpoint. This is why we are very excited about our on going partnership with ADF! This relationship gives me great confidence - knowing that there is someone on our side and looking out for our best interest! The world is ever changing and our best offense in reaching lost people is a really good defense!

JC Worley
Lead Pastor, GO Church

I cannot be more excited to be a part of this. It’s a wonderful resource. To know there is somebody who has grappled with these issues, has been all the way to the Supreme Court, and has resources and a network of attorneys who can come alongside us, is very comforting.

Dennis Watkins
General Counsel, Church of God

Pastoring a Church in the 21st Century presents great challenges that no previous generation has ever experienced before. As the Church grows, so does the reality of someone trying to attack the Church from a legal standpoint. This is why we are very excited about our on going partnership with ADF! This relationship gives me great confidence - knowing that there is someone on our side and looking out for our best interest! The world is ever changing and our best offense in reaching lost people is a really good defense!

JC Worley
Lead Pastor, GO Church

I cannot be more excited to be a part of this. It’s a wonderful resource. To know there is somebody who has grappled with these issues, has been all the way to the Supreme Court, and has resources and a network of attorneys who can come alongside us, is very comforting.

Dennis Watkins
General Counsel, Church of God

Pastoring a Church in the 21st Century presents great challenges that no previous generation has ever experienced before. As the Church grows, so does the reality of someone trying to attack the Church from a legal standpoint. This is why we are very excited about our on going partnership with ADF! This relationship gives me great confidence - knowing that there is someone on our side and looking out for our best interest! The world is ever changing and our best offense in reaching lost people is a really good defense!

JC Worley
Lead Pastor, GO Church

Benefits of ADF Church & Ministry Alliance Membership

Legal Support

ADF attorneys can provide a review of your governing documents, help you understand the significance of the language used to describe your ministry, and provide sample statements for job descriptions, facility use policies, and other critical employment documents.

Resources & Education

Quarterly webinars with ADF attorneys and guests, legals guides, ministry-specific legal resources, on-demand videos of ADF attorneys answering commonly asked questions, and Christian worldview resources.

News & Insights

A monthly newsletter, breaking news emails, and Facebook updates to keep you informed of the legal, legislative, and cultural landscape.

Community Building

Attend in-person events to meet with like-minded leaders passionate about shaping culture, access our community website meant to connect you with other members and engage in meaningful discussion, and an opportunity to attend our annual Ministry Leader’s Summit.

Constituent Support

Connect congregants and community to ADF training and job opportunities, provide your members with legal and worldview resources, and gain access to our pre-recorded or live media training to prepare for media opportunities.

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Freedom For Churches

Still have questions? Let’s connect.

Please contact us by completing the form below or calling 833-233-2559. We look forward to connecting with you.

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An Affordable Membership for Ministries of All Sizes

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151 - 500

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$3,200

Over $7M up to $10M

$6,000

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$8,000

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$10,000

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Serving Your Legal Needs So You Can Freely Serve Others

Every Gospel-centered church and ministry is uniquely called to fulfill a specific mission. But in an increasingly secular culture increasingly opposed to biblical truths, these missions—integral to the body of Christ—are facing new and complex challenges. The ADF Church & Ministry Alliance exists to provide legal counsel and resources to ensure that churches and ministries are free to operate, teach, and serve consistent with God’s call.

4,100+

Members

Part of the ADF Church & Ministry Alliance
1,572

Legal matters

ADF attorneys reviewed or assisted CMA members with in 2023
15

U.S. Supreme Court Victories

ADF has served as legal counsel or co-counsel
93%

Win Rate

Over the last 10 years

Questions? We’re Here to Help.

Still have questions about membership before you join? We are here to help. Click the “contact us” button below, and someone from our team will happily assist you.

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