Church Law and Property Exemptions

A Biblical Forum for Disputes Between Believers

Mark Charles Bowman has provided legal services and representation to churches, religious nonprofits, and congregants for over 30 years. Mark brings his extensive experience and intimate knowledge of Christian theology and practice to all negotiations.

Mark encourages fellow Christians to abide by 1 Corinthians 6’s admonitions not to litigate against fellow believers and instead forgive and resolve disputes amongst the church body.

“When one of you has a grievance against another, does he dare go to law before the unrighteous instead of the saints?”

1 Corinthians 6:1 (ESV)

Do you have a dispute between Christians with legal implications? Are you trying to abide by Christian principles while addressing the real-world impacts and secular laws?

Whether the dispute relates to employment, real property, landlord/tenant, membership, or another dispute between professing Christians, Bowman Law Practice provides a Biblical forum and experienced negotiator to resolve it.

• Employment disputes — Disagreements between churches or ministries and their pastors, staff, or volunteers.

• Real property — Conflicts over church buildings, land, and other property.

• Landlord & tenant — Lease and rental disagreements between believers, congregations, or ministries.

• Membership — Questions of membership, discipline, and governance within a congregation.

• Mediation — A guided conversation that helps both sides reach an agreement they can live with.

• Arbitration — When the parties need a decision, a binding resolution reached on Biblical principles and the law.

Bowman Law Practice offers both remote and in-person arbitration and mediation services. Our intimate space in Lodi, California, can accommodate up to 8 people with breakout rooms.

Protecting Church Property and Tax Exemptions

Churches want to be good stewards of what they’ve been given. But your church and its assets may not be protected if the paperwork hasn’t been done. California exempts qualifying church and nonprofit property from property tax only when the right claims are filed and kept current, and an improper assessment can cost a congregation thousands.

If you want to protect your congregation and your church, you need to have your ducks in a row. We offer everything from minimal assistance with a single filing to full-service, ongoing maintenance.

• Exemption claims — Filing and renewing property tax exemption claims, including the religious and welfare exemptions, with the county assessor and the State Board of Equalization.

• Assessment challenges — Challenging improper property tax assessments on church property and pursuing refunds when taxes were charged in error.

• Changes in use or ownership — Updating exemption filings when a church buys, sells, leases, or changes how it uses its property.

• Rental & shared use — Reviewing facility-use and rental agreements so sharing your building doesn’t put the exemption at risk.

• Records & governance — Making sure deeds, titles, and organizational documents line up so the property stays protected.

Why Churches & Believers Choose Us

• Faith and law together. Mark understands Christian practice as well as the legal issues at stake.

• Over 30 years with churches. Decades of work with churches, religious nonprofits, and congregants.

• Good stewardship. Resolving matters outside the courtroom, and keeping exemptions in place, protects the resources your ministry depends on.

• Ministry discount. Discounted rates for ministries, nonprofits, and churches facing financial hardship.

Let’s Talk

Whether you’re facing a dispute with a fellow believer or need to protect your church’s property and tax exemptions, we’re here to help. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.