With the proper corporate structure, your new church may qualify for tax-exempt status. From this framework you can rewrite the sentences to accurately portray your goals. Sample sets of bylaws can be found online that provide a workable framework for a new church. Since most people are not familiar with this process it is a good idea to look for outside help. This is the moment where you set up the governing principles of the church, commonly known as the bylaws. In general, most churches belong under the non-profit category of a 501(c) category. You will likely have to do some research as well on the different types of corporations that might apply to your church. The better you are prepared and the more organized you are the smoother this process will be. This is one area where a lot of work needs to be done. If you change the name of the church, all of the paperwork associated with it will need to be redone. Essentially, every piece of paperwork filled out will need the church’s name on it. Without a name, you will be unable to proceed with a number of steps in the process, such as registering with the authorities, meeting IRS requirements and setting up the corporate structure of the church. A ministry is much simpler and has fewer rules to follow, while a church holds a higher threshold of legality. At this stage, you should also decide if you will be opening a new church or only a ministry. Surprisingly to many, the name of your church is an important starting point. In the best of worlds, you will understand all of the steps to getting your church going, and the lawyer will serve as your backup on complicated legal matters. Eventually, though, it is probably a good idea to have a lawyer look over your forms to make sure everything is in order. This process will educate you on legal requirements, regulations, licensing and financial rules. It can be desirable to work on the paperwork by yourself or with your team, as this will familiarize yourself with much of the terminology of starting a new church. There is a lot of paperwork to fill out, much of it with important legal ramifications. If you have to make changes later, it can cost a lot of time, money and energy-resources better used to strengthen your church.Īt the Universal Life Church Ministries we recommend that you consult with a qualified attorney early on in the process. It is important to know the direction you are headed before making any permanent moves. The answers to these questions will determine the scope and practice of the church, some legal requirements and more.
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