You've got to know the rules — if you want to play the game.

A topic that most pastors may find relatively dull is actually critical to the ongoing life and unity of your church.

Attorney David Middlebrook stresses the importance of Church Governance as the foundation on which the church organization depends.

In this all-new CCN series, gain the preventative legal wisdom that will protect your ministry, your people and your church.

According to attorney David Middlebrook, expert in nonprofit and religious law, too many pastors and churches are ruined by simple ignorance.

Too many pastors don't know their own rules or why they exist.

Yet, according to Middlebrook, when legal issues arise a court will go directly to the church's governance: "Bi-laws are the laws that apply to your organization... ultimately they're the rule book!"

This month, CCN invites you and your team to evaluate your existing structure and learn how to build a firm foundation for your church organization.

This broadcast will explore the questions:

• What does it mean to be a church?
• What are the distinct benefits of a nonprofit organization? Of a church?
• What documents are essential?
• What is the role of a board of directors?

Maybe it's time to dust off your rule book and make sure that everyone on your team is playing the same game!