In this episode of the Church Law Podcast, Erika Cole, The Church Attorney®, sits down with Dr. Warren Bird—one of the nation’s foremost researchers and authors on large churches—to explore the future of the large church in 2025 and beyond. From pastoral succession and multisite models to digital ministry and community impact, Dr. Bird shares fresh insights from decades of groundbreaking research. Whether you’re a pastor, church leader, or nonprofit executive, this conversation will equip you with the data and perspective to lead with wisdom, innovation, and integrity.

Key Topics Discussed:

• Why the 2025 large church survey is unique and timely

• The current state of America’s largest churches since the pandemic

• Which models (planting, multisite, mergers) seem most sustainable for the next generation

• How large churches are serving their local and global communities

And more! Whether you’re a pastor, church leader, or believer who longs to see true reconciliation, this conversation will equip and challenge you to become a bridge-builder in your own community.

SHOW NOTES

What's really happening inside America's largest and most influential churches? Is the church back better than ever? If you serve a church from 1,000 to 100,000, you can help my friend Dr. Warren Bird find out and put the results back in your hands. Take the survey at bit.ly/largechurch2025

Learn more about Warren and his work at www.warrenbird.com

Join the Faithful Foundations Membership today at the current price until October 1! 2025 Faithful Foundations Membership enrollment

Download your FREE copy of The Church Attorney Legal Audit® System document checklist here, and check out Episode 29 (“Using a Legal Audit to Position Your Church for the Long Haul”) to learn about the importance of a legal audit for your church.

Unlock exclusive insights and expert advice by subscribing to The Church Attorney® YouTube Channel! Get access to video podcasts, live recordings, and much more—designed to help you navigate the legal landscape of church management with confidence. Don’t miss out—subscribe today!

Questions? Comments? We welcome them! Please contact Erika Cole at erikacole.com. Erika reads each comment and may answer your question in an upcoming episode.

See all episodes of Church Law.

The Church Law podcast is part of Gloo LLC’s ChurchLawAndTax.com.

Erika E. Cole, Esq., known as The Church Attorney®, is the creator of The Church Attorney Legal Audit® System, a proprietary legal audit process that helps church leaders be confident they are operating with integrity, and avoiding costly risks. Learn more at erikacole.com.

In this episode of the Church Law Podcast, Erika sits down with Latasha Morrison—speaker, author, certified trainer in cultural intelligence and unconscious bias, and founder of Be the Bridge.

Latasha has devoted her life to racial reconciliation and equipping church leaders to foster unity in the body of Christ. Together, we explore the church’s responsibility to lead the charge in healing racial divides, why cultural intelligence matters in ministry, and how pastors and leaders can move from good conversations to lasting transformation.

You’ll hear:

• Why the church must step into its God-given role as a reconciler
  

• Common barriers leaders face when addressing race—and how to overcome them
  

• Practical steps to start cultivating cultural intelligence in your congregation
  

• A hopeful vision of what racial unity in the church could look like
  

Whether you’re a pastor, church leader, or believer who longs to see true reconciliation, this conversation will equip and challenge you to become a bridge-builder in your own community.

SHOW NOTES

Learn more about Latasha and her work at:

• https://bethebridge.com/

• https://latashamorrison.com/

Register for the virtual 18th Annual Church Law & Leadership Summit and enter code PODCAST20 to receive a 20% off discount! Also, if you purchase a Team Package by September 10th, you’ll receive my exclusive training: ​“What Every Church Board Needs to Know”(a $197 value – FREE!). Plus, all summit registrants will also be entered into a giveaway for a chance to win a copy of Dr. Nicole Massie Martin’s book, Nailing-It: Why Successful Leadership Demands Suffering and Surrender! https://churchattorney.thrivecart.com/clls-registration/?coupon=PODCAST20

Join the Faithful Foundations Membership today! 2025 Faithful Foundations Membership enrollment

Download your FREE copy of The Church Attorney Legal Audit® System document checklist here, and check out Episode 29 (“Using a Legal Audit to Position Your Church for the Long Haul”) to learn about the importance of a legal audit for your church.

Unlock exclusive insights and expert advice by subscribing to The Church Attorney® YouTube Channel! Get access to video podcasts, live recordings, and much more—designed to help you navigate the legal landscape of church management with confidence. Don’t miss out—subscribe today!

Questions? Comments? We welcome them! Please contact Erika Cole at erikacole.com. Erika reads each comment and may answer your question in an upcoming episode.

See all episodes of Church Law.

The Church Law podcast is part of Gloo LLC’s ChurchLawAndTax.com.

Erika E. Cole, Esq., known as The Church Attorney®, is the creator of The Church Attorney Legal Audit® System, a proprietary legal audit process that helps church leaders be confident they are operating with integrity, and avoiding costly risks. Learn more at erikacole.com.

In this special episode of the Church Law Podcast, Erika Cole, The Church Attorney®, gives you an exclusive preview of the 18th Annual Church Law and Leadership Summit, happening Thursday, September 18, 2025.

With the theme “For Such a Time as This: Standing Firm, Serving Strong,” this year’s Summit is more than just an event—it’s a divine appointment for pastors, church leaders, and faith-based executives. Erika reflects on the 18-year journey of the Summit, from its early days as a local in-person gathering to now serving over 1,200 leaders from all 50 states through a dynamic online format.

You’ll hear about the history, purpose, and impact of this unique gathering, plus a breakdown of the sessions, speakers, and special opportunities awaiting attendees. Whether you’re leading a congregation, managing church operations, or navigating the challenges of ministry in today’s legal and cultural climate, this episode equips you with insight and inspiration to step into leadership with wisdom and confidence.

SHOW NOTES

ACT NOW! Register by September 2nd for the Virtual 18th Annual Church Law & Leadership Summit with the coupon code BIRTHDAY and receive an exclusive preview of the first month’s lesson of the Faithful Foundations Membership ($80 value). All summit registrants will also be entered into a giveaway for a chance to win a copy of Dr. Nicole Massie Martin’s book, Nailing-It: Why Successful Leadership Demands Suffering and Surrender! https://www.erikacole.com/summit2025

Join the Faithful Foundations Membership today! 2025 Faithful Foundations Membership enrollment

Download your FREE copy of The Church Attorney Legal Audit® System document checklist here, and check out Episode 29 (“Using a Legal Audit to Position Your Church for the Long Haul”) to learn about the importance of a legal audit for your church.

Unlock exclusive insights and expert advice by subscribing to The Church Attorney® YouTube Channel! Get access to video podcasts, live recordings, and much more—designed to help you navigate the legal landscape of church management with confidence. Don’t miss out—subscribe today!

Questions? Comments? We welcome them! Please contact Erika Cole at erikacole.com. Erika reads each comment and may answer your question in an upcoming episode.

See all episodes of Church Law.

The Church Law podcast is part of Gloo LLC’s ChurchLawAndTax.com.

Erika E. Cole, Esq., known as The Church Attorney®, is the creator of The Church Attorney Legal Audit® System, a proprietary legal audit process that helps church leaders be confident they are operating with integrity, and avoiding costly risks. Learn more at erikacole.com.