Although there may seem to be a church on every corner, there is always a need for new churches to serve people who aren't reached by existing congregations. To start a new church you need to take time to make sure both the administrative and spiritual bases are covered.
Instructions
Spiritual Considerations
1. Consider your fitness for starting a new church. You need to make sure you have the education and administrative skills for the job. Although a degree in religion may not be required, it helps to have developed theological and pastoral skills.
2. Assemble a team of ministry professionals. You should plan to meet regularly with other pastors and Christian lay leaders for prayer and encouragement. They can also serve as an advisory committee that helps you organize the new church.
3. Review your reasons for starting a new church. Your motives should reflect a desire to build the kingdom. Desire for personal fame have no place in starting a church.
4. Pray often. Keep your faith strong and your vision of a new church clear by spending time in prayer.
Administrative Considerations
5. Decide how the church will be started. Two common ways new churches are started are 1) having an existing church sponsor the new church until it's self-supporting or 2) beginning a Bible study with the goal of building it into a new church.
6. Draft a church constitution and by-laws. Include a statement of faith. These documents serve as a guide to building up your new church.
7. Determine how the church will be organized. Incorporation as a 501(3)C non-profit it not required for churches but has many advantages such as not paying federal income taxes. The help of an attorney practiced in church law is advisable.
8. Obtain Federal and State ID numbers that make your purchases of church supplies exempt from sales tax.
9. Find a location to hold services. You could start out in your living room, use space in an existing church or school, or lease a storefront. Start small, but plan for growth and don't get locked into a long lease.
10. Spread the word about your new congregation. Walk the community around your new church and invite neighbors to join you. Post flyers in community centers and run an ad in the local newspaper.
Tags: starting church, church need, church will, existing church, make sure, your church
