What We Offer
You may have found thousands of resources offering spiritual guidance for those starting churches, but to whom do you go for guidance in establishing your church legally? While some young ministries are able to afford legal professionals for the task, most find it financially impossible to hire the services of an attorney or CPA, as the cost can easily run up into the thousands. That is precisely why Reverend Raul Rivera and his wife, Genel, felt it was time for a ministry like StartCHURCH to offer unique support to the Body of Christ.
Nine Years in the Making
Nine years in the making, StartCHURCH began publishing do-it-yourself resources in July of 2000, with the objective of empowering men and women of God with the information that they need to legally establish their churches. This, explains Reverend Rivera, was accomplished through carefully researching within each of the fifty states the laws that apply to incorporating a non-profit, receiving the Federal Employment ID number, writing a Constitution and Bylaws, and obtaining 501(c)(3) recognition. They also provide guidance in setting up a licensing program and becoming Sales and Use Tax exempt, among other things. Once the Rivera’s finished researching the laws governing churches and ministries, they packaged that information into user-friendly state packages with Interactive CD's that give the reader step-by-step instructions.
Resources Not Found in Bible Colleges
When asked about the conception of StartCHURCH, the reverend mentioned his many years of ministry experience, during which time there was one need repeatedly articulated to him by peers in the ministry. Numerous men and women in the Body of Christ were called to pioneer new churches yet had no idea how to establish their churches as legitimate non-profit organizations. With regards to legality, they were left wondering and hesitant, without an affordable remedy. “Bible colleges and religious programs of study do not generally prepare undergraduates with this practical information,” he states, “and therefore, many ministers feel intimidated by the whole process.” That is why Reverend Rivera feels strongly about the company’s objective. Numerous individuals who have purchased the unique products offered by the company have described StartCHURCH as a “much needed ministry in the Body of Christ."
What Churches Does StartCHURCH Serve?
When asked about the churches that StartCHURCH has served, Reverend Raul stated that churches, nationally and internationally, including Puerto Rico, Canada and other continents have been served. However, he feels that StartCHURCH's biggest and most rewarding service has been the fact that churches and pastors, whether Baptist, Evangelical, Pentecostal, Spanish, Korean, COGIC, Assembly of God, or Catholic, have come together at many of the Church Tax and Compliance conferences hosted by StartCHURCH and started new and wonderful relationships that continue to this day. That alone fulfills the word that Raul heard from the Lord when he was just a boy in his teens.
Many Pastors Have Found the Help They Need!
Over the last several years many pastors and churches have found the help they need from StartCHURCH. Reverend Raul states that it has been a "blessing being part of what God is doing in America today. The Body of Christ is moving forward by breaking away from many of the unfruitful traditions of men while allowing the Holy Spirit to breathe life-giving direction into the Church. As a result many un-churched people that would not have otherwise been reached are now a vital part of new churches that have sprung up all over the country."
How StartCHURCH Helps Churches!
From the very beginning, Reverend Raul has been driven by the conviction that every church served by StartCHURCH is autonomous and that StartCHURCH is privileged to serve those churches by meeting all of their startup and IRS compliance needs. This, he says, is accomplished through empowering knowledge, Advanced resource tools, and a hard-working and competent staff that remains ready to serve!