home > discussions > ask the experts

Have a pressing question about ministry?
Our panel of experts is ready to help.

Ask the Experts

ask the experts

Q & A
Before you ask …

Our experts have helped dozens of ministries with their tough questions. Choose a category related to your question and see if your question has already been answered.

Or search the complete list of expert Q&As


meet the experts
Richard R. Hammar
Church Law, Tax:
Richard R. Hammar

An attorney and CPA, Richard Hammar specializes in legal and tax issues for churches and clergy. He serves as legal counsel to the Assembly of God denomination. A graduate of Harvard...

more
David Staal
Children's Ministry:
David Staal

With Kids Hope USA, David seeks to reach and rescue a growing generation of at-risk kids by partnering with local churches and nearby elementary schools. Formerly, he was the director...

more
Michael J. Allison
Insurance, Law:
Michael J. Allison

Specializing in church law, ministry liability, and insurance issues that affect religious institutions, Michael Allison has provided legal guidance to Brotherhood Mutual, the company...

more
Jack Crabtree
Student Ministry:
Jack Crabtree

With more than three decades of involvement with teens, Jack Crabtree brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to churchsafety.com. Jack joined Youth For Christ on Long Island in...

more
Vonna Laue
Audits & Finance:
Vonna Laue

Licensed as a California and Colorado CPA, Vonna Laue is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, the Society for Human Resource Management and the National...

more
Kathleen J. Turpin
Employment Law:
Kathleen J. Turpin

Kathleen Turpin is an employment law expert and a licensed attorney in Indiana. She joined Brotherhood Mutual as a litigation specialist in 1996 and now oversees the company's employment...

more
Michael McCarty
Background Screening:
Michael McCarty

Mike McCarty is the President of Safe Hiring Solutions LLC a global background screening firm headquartered in Danville, Indiana, with clients that range from large corporations to...

more
Elaine L. Sommerville
Tax & Finance:
Elaine L. Sommerville

Elaine L. Sommerville is licensed as a certified public accountant by the State of Texas. She has worked in public accounting for the past 23 years, primarily focusing on tax compliance...

more
Frank Sommerville
Law, Tax & Liabilities:
Frank Sommerville

Frank Sommerville is a shareholder in the law firm of Weycer, Kaplan, Pulaski & Zuber, P.C. in Houston and Dallas, Texas. He received his Bachelor's degree in business from Texas Wesleyan...

more
Michael E. Batts
Nonprofit Accounting:
Michael E. Batts

Mike Batts is the founder and managing shareholder of Batts, Morrison, Wales & Lee, P.A., a CPA firm dedicated exclusively to serving nonprofit organizations and their affiliates. ...

more
David Middlebrook
Law:
David Middlebrook

With an emphasis on representing tax-exempt organizations, David Middlebrook is licensed to practice law in Texas, Colorado, and the District of Columbia. His clients include all types...

more
most recent Q&As
Issuing W-2s for Wages of $100 or Less

Q  |  How do we handle FICA and Medicare wages that have been withheld?

read the expert's answer

Restricting Activities of Transgender Church Member

Q  |  Can we restrict member's activities after a sex change?

read the expert's answer


This publication is designed to provide accurate and authoritative information in regard to the subject matter covered. It is sold with the understanding that the publisher is not engaged in rendering legal, accounting, or other professional service. If legal advice or other expert assistance is required, the services of a competent professional person should be sought. "From a Declaration of Principles jointly adopted by a Committee of the American Bar Association and a Committee of Publishers and Associations." Copyright © 2008. Brotherhood Mutual Insurance Co. & Christianity Today. All rights reserved.