Forums: Discussions for entrepreneurs and small business.

 

I am a newly ordained minister through the Universal Life Church Monastery. I am trying to start a new congregation in the Middlesex County area. We are going to hold meetings at Russell Library to elect officers, set up articles of incorporation, establish Church Constitution and By-laws and apply for 501(c)(3) status. I contacted the Middletown Board of Education and inquired about renting school facilities. They said I will need to obtain a $1,000,000 insurance certificate. I asked the Middlesex County Chamber of Commerce about Church membership and they are going to mail me information regarding benefits. I went into the Small Business Administration`s website and was referred to SCORE for business advice. I would like to meet with a counselor prior to our church orientation meeting.  We`re a modest little church with limited finances. I plan on writing grant proposals in the future. Please tell me what  organizations may help me start-up my church.

Rev. Val

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Rev. Valerie D. Bailey Interfaith Community Church

I am a bit of a religious buff, and have a good firm knowledge of denominational history, but I have to admit I had to Wikipedia the ULC. Very interesting stuff.  I am sure you have tried this route, but I would wonder if the ULC in Modesto would have some information on establishing a church. 

I have helped start a traditional church about 10 years ago.  I came in after the land was purchased and the slab had been poured (so it was easier for me than the original group). 

I remember it was an enormous amount of work just getting it set, but the hardest part was getting bank financing for our $5M building.  We were fortunate enough to have some big dollar members who backed our loan. 

We were, however, sued by the school district over our tax status (we were exempt, but the district marked us as non-exempt on the day we bought the property until we established a building).  We eventually lost in appeals and had to pay taxes + interest.  So be very careful and make sure you have a good attorney look everything over.

Setting up a church as well as gaining parishoners is going to be a big job. 
*  Start small.  Our church originally started in a retail strip center until we made the "leap of faith". 
*  Create a website (that was huge for us). 
*  Get your name out there - have a carnival, garage sell at the church, or just something to get people to your door. 
*  Contributions will be key to building and growing your church. 

I don`t know if that helps, but above all my friend, pray for guidance.

Good luck!
-BigTop