This article is written with the assumption that you have already prayed, fasted and asked God for direction. At this point, you are ready to form your church or ministry as a Non-Profit Corporation. Some information to get you started can be found here. Your Secretary of State’s Office will have specific requirements for your particular state.
- Choose or Reserve an Available Name. Your state office will have instructions on incorporating your church or ministry and how to conduct a name search.
- File your Articles of Incorporation and pay the filing fee. Once you file the Articles of Incorporation, your name will be registered. Some states call this Articles of Organization, Certificate of Incorporation, Certificate of Formation or a Charter. Make sure your articles conform with your state’s non-profit laws.
- Apply for your Federal 501 (c)(3) Tax Exemption. After the state returns copy of your Articles of Incorporation, you can submit your 501 (c)(3) tax exempt application to the IRS. You will need IRS Form 8718. Complete instructions are in IRS Publication 557. After the IRS has reviewed your application they will either approve it or request additional information. If your application is denied, you might want to seek the help of an attorney that specializes in non-profit organizations.
- Create Corporate Bylaws. Bylaws can be written with a self-help document, from a model set of bylaws or with the assistance of an attorney. Your bylaws set the standard by which your corporation will be governed.
- Appoint your Board of Directors. All non-profits are required to have a board of directors. The board is responsible for running the corporation and making major decisions. Most states require at least three directors, some states will allow only one.
- Hold your first board meeting. Adopt your bylaws and elect officers.
For your convenience, a list of Secretary of State Offices can be found on our Resource Page.
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Tags: form a new church, form a non-profit corporation, IRS non-profit, new church, new ministry
June 19th, 2009 at 12:35 pm
Praise King JESUS!!!
October 19th, 2009 at 1:07 am
I really like this article. Thank u for so nice article
May 1st, 2010 at 4:41 pm
Church Incorporation is divorcing Jesus Christ as your exclusive head. The early church was persecuted to death because they would not incorporate. The American Patriots fought and died so that the state would not rule over the church. Now preachers waive Jesus Christ goodbye, and adopt Caesar as head. “Thou shalt have no other gods before me” -Almighty God. Jesus Christ is to be the exclusive head and final authority and chief cornerstone. A 501c3 tax exempt corporation is a religious business and is subject to the jurisdiction of its creator, Caesar. Check out Peter Kershaw’s ‘In Caesar’s Grip’.
July 28th, 2010 at 2:28 am
HELLO FRIENDS I AM JOHNY RAJ.
I NEED A YOUR PRAYER HELP FOR MY MINISTRY.