Answering the Call: Starting Your Ministry in 2025
By America Kimlinger
For many of us, a new year brings a renewed sense of purpose and calling. For some, this will be a special year; they will get a call from God to start a church or ministry. If that’s you, you won’t be alone in this journey.
Recently, I came across an article from Barna highlighting the increasing number of "churchless" cities across the U.S. It was startling to learn that nearly 4 in 10 U.S. adults now fall into the "unchurched" category. This statistic is more than just a figure—it represents individuals, families, and communities needing spiritual guidance and the transformative love of Jesus that your ministry can offer. The demand for new churches and ministries has never been more urgent.
Taking the leap to start a church or ministry is an incredible act of faith, but it comes with challenges. The process can often feel daunting, from navigating legal requirements to ensuring financial compliance. In this blog, we’ll explore some practical steps to help you embark on this meaningful journey with confidence.
Why Start RIGHT?
Starting a church or ministry is a profound calling, and the journey involves more than a strong vision and faith. The logistical, legal, and financial aspects can be overwhelming, which is why starting right is crucial.
Our StartRIGHT Service is designed to help you navigate the complex process of starting your church or ministry the right way. We understand your primary focus is to shepherd and serve your community, not get overwhelmed by administrative tasks. With StartRIGHT, we’ll guide you through each step, ensuring everything is set up correctly from the start. Here’s how we do it in six simple steps.
Step 1: Get Incorporated
Incorporating your church not only offers protection for you and your members but also ensures limited legal liability. With the StartRIGHT service, your dedicated specialist will work closely with you to craft articles of incorporation that meet your state’s requirements, making the process smooth and hassle-free.
Step 2: Secure Your Federal Employer Identification Number (FEIN)
Your FEIN is more than just a number—it’s your ministry’s key to opening a bank account and conducting official business. It serves as your church’s identification for both business and federal purposes. We’ll guide you through applying for the correct type of FEIN, ensuring everything is set up properly so you can focus on what matters most—your ministry.
Step 3: Create Your Bylaws
Think of your bylaws as the blueprint for how your church operates. They protect your vision and provide a clear structure for governance. Our specialists will help you create bylaws that not only protect your ministry but also ensure everything runs smoothly as you grow.
Step 4: Develop Policies and Procedures
Clear policies and procedures are essential for protecting your board, volunteers, and leadership team. We’ll provide customizable templates to help your ministry function efficiently and securely, giving you peace of mind and the ability to focus on your mission.
Step 5: Apply for 501(c)(3) Tax-Exempt Status
Achieving tax-exempt status is a game-changer. It opens doors for offering tax-deductible contributions to your donors and brings numerous benefits. With StartRIGHT, you’ll save over 100 hours as we guide you through the application process, ensuring everything is done correctly and efficiently.
Step 6: Become Legally Ordained
Being legally ordained empowers you to fully embrace your calling. With StartRIGHT, you can license and ordain ministers, including yourself as the founding pastor. This status allows you to perform weddings, visit prisons, and even receive special tax deductions reserved for legally ordained pastors.
Answering the Call Together
Starting a church or ministry is a leap of faith, but with the right support, you can thrive. If God calls you to take this step in 2025, we’re here to help you answer that call. Let’s partner together to build a foundation that will allow your ministry to grow and make a lasting impact, bringing hope and transformation to the unchurched communities across the nation.
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