THE StartCHURCH
ADVISOR

Empowering you with knowledge to understand the legal,
business, and tax side of church and ministry

The StartCHURCH Blog

Ever since Raul and his wife set out to start a new church, it has been their passion to share the difficult task of church management with ministers and ministry leaders. Taking courses at Bible college and attending church planting conferences are good, but optional, ideas. However, knowing and understanding the legal, business, and tax aspects of church and ministry is not optional, and getting it right is a requirement!

It is the founder's desire that every StartCHURCH blog function as a tool to help you grow strong in these areas. In each blog, you will find a wealth of information that will not only benefit your ministry, but might also help to keep you out of IRS trouble. The authors take time to research and write about the latest legal and tax changes happening in the world of ministry. They also address issues that affect pastors, leaders, and board members personally. Overall, the bottom line commitment is to empower you with the knowledge necessary to make informed decisions.

Please take some time to browse the postings. With the collective knowledge and experience that StartCHURCH brings, coupled with applicable and encouraging feedback posted by the readers, you may find these blogs are more helpful than you can imagine!

22 Oct 2017

After Disaster 2: Preparing to be Benevolent

Raul Rivera

As the Body of Christ, we are called to meet the needs of those not only in our churches, but also those within our communities. When a natural disaster occurs, we feel the calling even more so to help those who have been affected. When a church helps to meet the needs of an individual, it is commonly referred to as benevolence. While generosity…

19 Oct 2017

Revoked for One Missed Form

Raul Rivera

Pastor Howell’s administrative staff was in a frenzy. His church had created a nonprofit daycare in 2014. The daycare was serving 30 children; it was flourishing and made $170,000 in income that year. The income was enough to provide a few raises and to upgrade the educational materials. Though the daycare was prospering, the staff was somber…

17 Oct 2017

When is the Right Time for Your Church to Build?

Raul Rivera

If it has not happened to you already, there will come a time when your church will need to build because of its growth in attendance. Many church growth experts believe that when a church grows to 70-80% of its current capacity, it will not sustain any more growth without plans of an expansion. During this time, many pastors begin asking themselves,…

15 Oct 2017

After Disaster: Understanding Designated Funds

Raul Rivera

In the wake of the recent natural disasters to hit the United States, many are wondering what to do and how they can help. When we witness our neighbors and fellow citizens experience something so devastating, our hearts go out to them and we long to help. With the wildfires out West and in Montana, and the numerous hurricanes that have hit various…

12 Oct 2017

Can the IRS Tax Pastor Appreciation Gifts?

Raul Rivera

“Well done pastor!” The driving force behind what pastors and ministry leaders do is a higher calling from the Lord to help those who are hurting and in need of hearing the good news of the gospel. One of the most beautiful things in the month of October is how churches and ministries take time to celebrate pastor appreciation. Many…

10 Oct 2017

Should Your Church Rent its Facilities to Another Church?

Raul Rivera

When a young pastor of a startup church called Pastor Craig to see if his church could rent some space from Pastor Craig’s church, Pastor Craig was delighted at the thought of helping this new church since he had once been in the same boat. Pastor Craig saw it more as a stewardship responsibility for Kingdom purposes than as a way for his…

05 Oct 2017

IRS Taxes Pastor for Salary He Never Received

Raul Rivera

This time of year we get an abundance of phone calls from pastors who have still not filed taxes or from those who feel they have prepared them incorrectly. Although ministry often requires pastors to “bring things to light,” I am amazed at how many pastors each year leave their taxes and tax-related issues in the dark. Many pastors simply…

03 Oct 2017

Are There Any Benefits of 501(c)(3) for Churches?

Raul Rivera

There is a lot of information on the Internet about whether or not churches should apply for and obtain 501(c)(3) approval. There are those who say churches should not apply for 501(c)(3) approval and there are those who say churches should apply for it. I have addressed the question of whether a church needs to be 501(c)(3) approved and provided…

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You have a wonderful product that we highly recommend to any church that is serious about "the business side" of their church. You have designed a plan that is so needed for the body of Christ. We purchased the Complete State Edition, and it had everything we needed all the way to the 501(c)(3). We sent our packet to the IRS on December 30, and received our letter of determination on February 11th with no additional questions asked. We followed the plan just like you have it outlined. I must commend you for this excellent product. We saved thousands of dollars using your plan. We have also purchased your church management software and it has been a blessing likewise.
Pastor and Mrs. Mackey | Shreveport, LA

I so appreciate that you guys have the option for me to ask questions in spanish and english. I really like the way you guys have helped me. Thank you so much for your patience. Thank you and God bless you.
Elvia Magana | Templo De Dios Christian Church | Winnemucca, NV

You guys are all great over there! I'm going to be working with your company for a long time!
George Edwards | He Lives Christian Center | Clifton, NJ

Thank you so much for everything. I was reading the document, and i was so impressed! The documents are so well put together, and I can see that everything is now coming together for our ministry. I appreciate you and your company so much!
Pastor Heidie Armstrong | Faithfull Praise Ministries | East Stroudsburg, PA

I received notification last week from the IRS that Harvest Christian Ministries had been granted official tax-exempt status. I want to thank you and the wonderful staff for all of your PERSONAL and professional dealings with us during this process. I look forward to having you do our housing Allowance and Self-Employment tax exemption. Again your company has been a major blessing. I will not hesitate to let my friends and colleagues know about StartCHURCH.
Rev. Tim Tooten | Harvest Christian Ministries |

I just praise God for StartChurch, the founder and the people who work there!
Pastor Howard Jepson | Never the Less Always the More Church | Fort Worth, TX

Great and much needed information: I have been truly blessed since I have been receiving e-mails from StartCHURCH and it has helped me and others that I have shared StartCHURCH with. What a God sent opportunity to enable one to do things decently and in order and to bring glory and honor to the reputation of God our father. Also, to do that which is right in the sight of God and man. May God continue to endow you with wisdom, knowledge, and understanding, to continue to pour into the Body of Christ!
Dennis Dew | Word Ministry of La Plata | La Plata, MD

Our profuse thanks for all you and your associates have done for us in getting this incorporation completed!
Walter & Beverly Dimmitt | Abundant Life Ministries of Paseo del Norte | El Paso, TX

You are very professional and clear in your answers. I thank you for your time and assistance. I would love the opportunity to meet you someday and thank you in person. I met Brother Daniel at a conference. He was exactly as I had pictured he would be. He is such a kind, knowledgeable person. God Bless you all for the work you have done for me!
Esteban Canales | Casa De Oracion Y Sanidad A Las Naciones | Woodside, NY

I received my Approval Letter today and I just wanted to thank ya'll for the work you have done. StartCHURCH has really helped us and it is such a blessing to wake up every morning knowing we are taken care of. You can give me a call anytime to record a commercial for StartCHURCH!
Dennit Goodwin | Church Without Walls Outreach Ministries | Charlotte Hall, MD

844-921-5459

THE StartCHURCH
ADVISOR

The StartCHURCH Blog

After Disaster 2: Preparing to be Benevolent

Raul Rivera

Revoked for One Missed Form

Raul Rivera

When is the Right Time for Your Church to Build?

Raul Rivera

After Disaster: Understanding Designated Funds

Raul Rivera

Can the IRS Tax Pastor Appreciation Gifts?

Raul Rivera

Should Your Church Rent its Facilities to Another Church?

Raul Rivera

IRS Taxes Pastor for Salary He Never Received

Raul Rivera

Are There Any Benefits of 501(c)(3) for Churches?

Raul Rivera

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THE StartCHURCH
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