You have the desire to share your spiritual beliefs with others, and you want to start your own church to do so. If you relate, you know that many questions surface as you move forward through this journey. Though the process feels daunting, some resources will make this transition less overwhelming. When you’re ready to learn more and get your questions answered, then keep reading to discover how to start your own church.
1. Start your vision.
Starting a church requires that you have both a vision and a plan. This means having experience in the field of ministry as a preacher. It also means understanding all of the responsibilities that come along with owning a church. For example, you have to find ways to raise money, bring in followers, handle finances and business-related costs, and make time to create worthwhile and insightful mass and programs. To put it simply, it’s no easy task. However, with a strong vision and a will to spread your faith, there’s no doubt that you’ll be able to make this work as long as you put in the time and appropriate effort.
2. Consider the location.
An important part of opening a church is deciding on a base location. If you’re thinking of starting a church in San Francisco, for example, then it’s crucial to get to know the area. This is important regardless of where you decide to start your church because it allows you to understand your potential reach for congregation members. Plus, you’ll want to be familiar with the Bay Area so that you know how to travel efficiently to get wherever you need to be on time. On a final note, remember to contemplate the relocation costs that come with moving to this specific region. This way, you’re well-prepared for whatever your new location has to offer.
3. Spread the word.
You want to reach many different people through your church. By starting your own church, you’ll open up the doors to connect with characters you may not typically reach. However, getting followers to flock to your church isn’t as simple as it seems. Generally speaking, you have to compete with other churches of the same religion, too. With this in mind, it’s a good idea to create advertising tools.
For example, create your own customized business cards. These business cards are a great way to spread the word about your service. Plus, these custom business cards are better than a standard business card. When creating your own business card, you get to share your contact information, your church’s location, and a couple of details about your ministry in a variety of unique business card designs. After all, older generations that are potential followers may prefer business cards over social media.
Other than a business card, you should also consider using social media to advertise your ministry. Using social media to advertise is a great way to reach younger followers. As a business owner and minister, it’s important to have a diverse gathering at your church. By creating a social media page with your own design and information, young people will be more apt to stay informed and attend too.
4. Think about the business side.
You want to spread your beliefs, but at the end of the day, you’re a business owner too. Though you’re likely concerned with your ministry and its influence, it’s also critical to manage the business side of things. Your church is likely to be considered a non-profit business. According to the IRS, this doesn’t mean you’re fully exempt from income tax. To file for an exemption, you must obtain and provide a letter of determination.
Many non-profit businesses aren’t required to pay the tax rates that traditional businesses do. However, it’s always best to speak with a tax consultant to work with the correct tax strategies and come up with a tailored tax plan that works for you. Accountants will be able to help you figure out tax cuts, exemptions, payments, or any tax benefits. In turn, by hiring someone who knows tax strategies, you can worry about spreading your faith to your community.
