Starting a Church Explained

The USA's taxing agency, the Internal Revenue "Service" (IR"S"),
is very liberal and progressive when it comes to taxing cults.
However, cults must still pay income tax, and they must still pay
Social Security tax and report income under the banking laws.

The following text is a very brief extract from the StartChurch
web site. I think it will explain the basics. You, too, may become
a church in the USA if you want: it's real easy--- see the
StartChurch web site for details: they helped me start Coyote
Wicca in California.

"The Church Of Talk Origins." I like the idea.



--- being fair use extract ---

Step 1: Incorporate

Why Incorporate?

In today's society things change so rapidly that most churches are
being left in the dust. And no number of techniques will help you
unless you orchestrate them through the proper channels. It is
very important for churches today to incorporate as it creates an
entity that can acquire property and hold assets in its name. If
you want to be believable then create an entity that is
believable. The Apostle Paul said it well in 1 Cor. 9:22: "I have
become all things to all men, that I might by all means save
some." You can only be as believable as the entity you create is
believable. Contrary to the beliefs of some, when you incorporate
your church, you are not subjecting God's kingdom to the laws of
man. You are simply creating an entity that can act in the name of
the church. Every state in America has its own set of legislation
governing the way corporations are formed. You don't need to go
and spend hundreds of dollars letting someone else do it for you
when you can do it yourself for pennies on the dollar.

Your basic blueprint for success will rest on the five steps
needed to establish your church. If you have all five of these
bases covered, you are assured success. We have been there and
have also done it. We know where the pitfalls lie and how best to
set up a church's corporate presence (Hosea 4:6). There is no
reason to reinvent the wheel when there is a perfectly good
working model already in place. Our years of experience will guide
you step by step as you incorporate your church. By the time you
are done incorporating, you will have an entity that allows your
church to set any and all possible scenarios. There is certain
language that your corporate documents need in order to create the
flexibility necessary for your church to grow and broaden its
outreach. The good news is, it certainly can be done and you can
do it yourself.

Step 2: Get an F.E.I.N.

Why Get an F.E.I.N.?

You want to make sure that your church's finances are setup
correctly. The checking account is where you store most of the
general treasury of the church. Many churches have grown to stores
millions of dollars in their general treasury. Without a checking
account, you can be assured that your church will have a difficult
time getting anything accomplished. Your church's checking account
is the lifeline of every day operations. But in order for you to
correctly open up a checking account in the name of your church,
an F.E.I.N. is needed. With it, your church can begin its daily
operations and safely store its money in the church's general
treasury.

Step 3: Write Constitution and Bylaws

Why Write Constitution and Bylaws?

All church leaders want their church government to be one that
protects the best interest of the church. There are too many
churches today operating with inadequate Constitution and Bylaws
and it can only mean one thing. They are headed for trouble.
Unfortunately, true to scripture, in every house there are vessels
of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay, some for honor and
some for dishonor (2 Tim 2:20). There will be people that will
challenge your Constitution and Bylaws with bad intentions. Your
church needs to ensure that the Constitution and Bylaws create a
full-proof method of ensuring the longevity of the church. At
Startchurch, we have already done that for you. Every possible
loop hole needs to be closed and every possible measure needs to
be taken to ensure that the Constitution and Bylaws agree with the
corporate documents. As you establish your church, you must allow
God to lead you and help you do it without having to hire outside
help. Click continue to go to the next step.

Step 4: Become a 501(c)(3)

Why become a 501(c)(3)?

This the step of steps. Many churches per every day are not able
to show their 501(c)(3)-determination letter in order for
individuals who want to make a large contribution to have the
peace of mind that their contribution is tax deductible. By
becoming a 501c3 you take a giant leap in securing the future of
the church. You have probably investigated to see how much it
would cost you to hire a CPA to do it for you and have been
astounded at the price. There is good news. You can do it yourself
and do it better than any CPA. Who knows your church better than
you? By putting in place all of the necessary steps, the future of
your church will be bright. For you never know the day that a
perfect stranger will walk into your office with a large check in
hand saying, "I want to give this to your church?" You will not
get caught off guard. You will be ready to show your proof that
you are a 501(c)(3). Click continue to go to the next step.

Step 5: Become Sales and Use Tax Exempt

Why Become Sales and Use Tax Exempt?

This final step is the one most forgotten about. Day after day
churches purchase things for the ministry and pay anywhere between
6%-8.5% sales tax. The truth is that for most churches that should
not be so. Every pastor in America would not refuse an 8% increase
in their tithes and offerings. However, too many do refuse such an
increase simply by not becoming Sales and Use Tax exempt. Not all
states collect sales tax and not all states extend this exemption
to churches. Why not have the exemption? That is part of being a
good steward. If you are ready to get your church off to a good
start then now is the time to act. Don't let the time pass you by.
The earlier you start the better you will start.

Step 6: License Your Ministers (Optional)

One of the greatest advantages of establishing a church is your
autonomy. When a church is autonomous, it a has a greater ability
to establish relationships with other churches regardless of their
denominational backgrounds. Additionally, it brings your church
the ability to license ministers in accordance with the
convictions of the leadership's heart. When licensing, one must
keep in mind that it is God who ordains and man simply recognizes
what God has already done.

The word license as found in Webster's dictionary is defined as
"permission granted by competent authority to engage in a business
or occupation or in an activity otherwise unlawful." Here we see
that when your church grants a ministerial license it is granting
someone the authority to perform certain acts that he/she would
not otherwise be able to perform. Examples are marrying, funerals,
pastoral counseling, clergy-penitent rules, special rules for
filing taxes, etc. Whenever your church grants a license the
government accepts it as valid and allows the person to exercise
the rights and privileges that come with being a licensed or
ordained minister.

--
Prison for Rove, Hell for Bush2!

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