Is My New Church Ready to Receive Donations, Sign Contracts, and Host Meetings?

Jun 19

Pastor Eric is eager to start his church. With donations lined up, a venue ready for lease, and plans for informational meetings, he’s wondering if he’s good to go. Are there steps he needs to take first?

The Church Launch Legal Checklist

We've developed an 11-point Church Launch Legal Checklist to guide new churches through the essential steps before signing contracts, accepting donations, or hosting meetings. Here are the first five points to get you started:

1. Prioritize Children’s Safety

Your goal as a new church is likely to reach young families. This means building a children’s ministry that parents can trust. Implement secure check-in systems, train your workers thoroughly, and ensure a safe environment.

2. File Articles of Incorporation with Your State

Before signing any contracts or hosting events, make sure your church is incorporated. Incorporation protects you from personal liability for any obligations, accidents, or mishaps that may occur.

3. Draft Your Constitution and Bylaws

Define the structure and governance of your church. Who hires the staff? Who approves the budget? Who has the authority to fire the lead pastor? Who votes on key decisions? Answer these questions proactively to avoid future conflicts.

4. Conduct an Initial Meeting of the Board of Directors

Once incorporated, hold the first meeting of the Board of Directors. This group will oversee all corporate affairs of your church. This initial meeting fulfills legal requirements and establishes corporate formalities.

5. Adopt Key Policies to Protect Your Church

Establish essential policies to safeguard your church, including:

Cash handling policy
Counseling policy
E-communication policy
Employee policy
Confidentiality policy
Benevolence policy
Housing allowance policy
Transportation policy

Partnering for Success

Reynolds Law Group, PLLC is here to help you navigate these steps so you can focus on launching your church. We’ve partnered with Church Multiplication Network, the Southern Baptist Conservatives of Virginia, and other leading organizations to provide you with the tools you need.

For more information, email us at corbin@reynoldslawgroup.com or call 757.219.2500 to set up a Church Launch Strategy Session.

Glenn S. Reynolds, DMin, Jd

Glenn is a speaker, ordained pastor, writer, and attorney living in Suffolk, VA. Before starting Reynolds Law Group, Glenn pastored one of the largest churches in America and was the Director of Church Planting for the Iowa Ministry Network. Glenn roots hard for the Kentucky Wildcats in basketball, the Baltimore Orioles in baseball, and the Iowa Hawkeyes in football.

To learn more about Glenn, you can read his full bio here.

You can find him on Instagram @glennsreynolds