In this article, we will examine three different ways a church can get started. Starting a church in the United States is relatively simple. Please keep in mind the church is always the people, and what this article is about is the Administrative/Legal/IRS aspect of the organization. To get an approximate cost to start a [...]
We have long ago discovered that most church leaders have only a vague understanding [if at all], of why the church chose to incorporate. Therefore, there is almost always: A lack of familiarity of their church By-Laws; Thus not conducting church business in a lawful manner. Some churches have never even drafted, or worse, cannot [...]
The following are a few of the points we discuss in The Church Administration “How To” Manual. What Records Do The IRS Evaluate In An Audit? A church audit would be a programmatic oriented audit, placing emphasis on reviewing the governing documents and the minutes of the voting members and Board of Directors. In addition [...]
COST TO FORM YOUR CORPORATION AND OBTAIN YOUR 501(C )(3) EXEMPTION RULING LETTER: Please review our “More Great Samples,” for we have written this Manual to help you form your own non-profit corporation. It contains a step by step guide with sample letters to the Secretary of state. More importantly, it has sample Articles of [...]
Beginning in 1988, I [and my wife initially] have ministered (consulted) in more than 3,000 churches and ministries in four nations, and we find a re-occurring anxiety everywhere we go. In nearly all cases we find leaders striving to be accurate in their accounting practices, they truly desire to “render unto Caesar,” and yet there [...]
Over the past several years, I have spoken with more than a few pastors and church leaders who have purchased materials from promoters who advocate something called – “Corporation Sole.” It has been presented as, “THE ULTIMATE 501(C)(3) ALTERNATIVE”. Plain and simple – THIS IS A SCAM. You can read a well written critique about [...]
The first thing to carefully evaluate is WHY you are going to start a church. Unless you are clearly directed of God, and led of the Holy Spirit – please stop reading right here. Don’t do it! Especially don’t do it, if your intentions are to start a church just for a perceived monetary value [...]
I recently received an e-letter asking, “If the church is a 501(c)(3) entity, does the pastor have the right to appoint [and remove] members in position (for whatever reason)? or should such a process be done by way of a vote among the church membership or trustees?” I responded to that writer’s question with, “The [...]
We write this as a rebuttal against those advocating the “Free Church” movement; Yes, I am aware of the “Free Church” concerns: Those who express a fear of incorporating the church, and being “501(c)(3).” Essentially, the proponents of the ‘Free Church’ movement argue that by incorporating, we are allowing “Caesar’’ into our church; Or [...]
Active Ministers of the Gospel, if they are properly credentialed, are privileged to receive a significant portion of their compensation as a ‘Housing Allowance,’ free of federal [and most states] income tax – IF – and that is what is explained in this article. The unwarranted perspective of the IRS is, that the heads of [...]
Testimonials
“I have found the “The Church Administration ‘How To’ Manual very understandable in its content, it is extremely well done. Along with being spiritually uplifting and sound. I have encouraged the Pastor’s throughout my jurisdiction to use this manual as a guide to effective church management. Editorializing, this manual is ‘top shelf.’”
