Can pastors and church committees require their staff to..?

...show up at every church function? Every Wednesday night, every Sunday morning, Sunday School, big church and Sunday night? Seriously, can they legally make you go to something you aren't being paid for and should be something you do because you WANT and it's voluntary? Seriously? Can they do this? I'm talking about secretaries, financial secretaries and the like.

Pascha

My guess is that's its probably not legal even for a church to require extra work which is not paid. But perhaps it is not seen as work, and is just social pressure. Most churches hire employees from their own congregation, so they aren't equal opportunity employers to begin with. Can you convert to another religion and still keep your job? I doubt it.

Churches get away with a lot of things because lawyers and judges don't want to go against a church. They are even exempt from the financial reporting to the state that other non-profits are required to do. That is the case even when they receive government funds to run social programs. So, that gives some people powerful in a church the attitude that they can just tell others what to do in their lives.

It may be time to look for employment somewhere else.

physicist

Yes and No, everyone in this country has the right to quit if they do not like the working conditions.

If attendance is required for a volunteer then they should just stop volunteering.

If they are a paid employee and are required to attend when they are not being paid then they can report it to the department of labor.

Coke

It is called condition of employment and should have been spelled out when the job was offered. If not written in job description, then you might have a reason to object.
Churches are exempt form some laws, this would have to be taken up with someone in church.
If you quit you can solve the problem if you don't want the extra duties.

Quammen

At my church this also includes custodians................

I would also love to know if this is legal................or if the church employees should be paid since they are required to be there.

At our church, employees also have time cards and are not allowed to punch in early or late - but are docked if they are late.

However, meetings, ministries and all services are required. It doesn't seem right...................

fanofchan

They might be able to have expectations that staff attend services, however, I wouldn't think they could force you to attend all services. Do you have to call in sick?

I would think you should be compensated if it is required.

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