Legal Resources
The following are intended as examples of Human Resource documents. You are free to alter them in any way appropriate to make them usable for your church.
The following is a free resource from Social Media Church, Life Church and Mission Hills Church.
Converge Sessions
"Navigating Changing Legal Landscapes" Zoom
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Background Checks
PreSearch Background Services, Inc. is a national leading provider of comprehensive background screening solutions. Established in 1995, PreSearch has conducted over two million background checks for churches, companies, and other organizations coast to coast. PreSearch is truly a ministry minded company. Their strong commitment is to provide the most comprehensive, user friendly background screening program for churches at the lowest possible rates, leaving more resources to be spent on ministry.
Brotherhood Mutual Insurance
Brotherhood Mutual insures churches and related ministries. They provide property and liability insurance as well as other products. Click here to go to their website.
Administrative Resources
Federal ID Number
Obtain a federal tax ID number (also known as a Federal Employer Identification Number/FEIN/EIN) through Form SS-4. Do this online at www.irs.gov you will receive your Fed ID immediately. You will need this before you can open your bank accounts.
Articles of Incorporation
Become incorporated through the state of Colorado. Do this online at www.sos.state.co.us. Look for the “Articles of Incorporation for Nonprofits.” You will need your Fed ID Number, constitution/bylaws and your dissolution designation form.
Bylaws
This document is intended to be used as an example of church bylaws and may be modified to accommodate the needs of your church. It is used by permission from Cheyenne Hills Church.
501(c)3 Non-Profit Status
Apply for 501(c)3 status through the federal government. Download Form 1024 and the instructions from www.irs.gov. The fee depends on your gross receipts. You will not have to file any annual tax reports with the IRS as long as you are officially recognized as a nonprofit.
If your church is officially affiliated with Converge Rocky Mountain, you can apply to be part of Converge Worldwide’s 501(c)(3) group status. Contact Jill Bryant at finance@convergerockymountain.org for more information.
Other Resources
Keeping Church Records
Strategic Team-Makers
Strategic Team-Makers, Inc. was founded in 1985 by Dr. Jerry Dahl as a consulting resource for businesses and churches. Jerry is a sought after marriage conference facilitator and pastor/planter ministry coach. STM also specializes in building productive relationships between church staff and leaders.
