Do I Need a Lawyer to Help Me Form a Church?
Sep 24, 2025It is very crucial to have a vision and passion while starting a church. But there are also important legal difficulties that come up with the spiritual aim that might be hard to grasp and deal with. A lot of church leaders want to know, "Do I need a lawyer to start a church?" This page talks about the law's rules for getting legal guidance when forming a church, how a lawyer can help, and how the Tier 1: THE STARTUP PLAN can help new churches get off to a good start without spending too much money.
What the Law Actually Says
You don't need a lawyer to start a church, which is the short answer. There is no legislation that says you have to hire a lawyer to start a business or get tax-exempt status. Many churches get formed by following government forms and rules. But the process includes:
- Becoming a nonprofit business at the state level
- Making rules and laws for the group
- Getting a 501(c)(3) designation from the IRS that lets you not pay taxes
- Following the rules that the state and the federal government have set
These steps can be legally tricky, and making a mistake could cost you time or money.
What You Might Need a Lawyer For
Even if you don't have to hire one, a lawyer who understands a lot about church law can benefit you in many ways.
- Legal Accuracy: Don't mess up your bylaws, tax forms, or incorporation papers. Get help that is specific to the size, mission, and structure of your church.
- Risk Mitigation: As soon as you can, learn about potential legal concerns, such as liability, compensation, and problems with governance. An expert can handle intricate paperwork and communications, which can save you time.
- Long-Term Support: As your church grows and faces new difficulties, get legal help.
Common Legal Issues for New Churches
Churches often have challenges that they can't fix on their own:
- The IRS may turn down or delay applications if they are lacking information or don't match up.
- Problems in registering with the state or following the regulations for raising money.
- Poor management that leads to disputes inside the firm or makes it responsible.
- Poor handling of housing and salary for pastors.
- Not being explicit about the status of employees and volunteers.
A lawyer who is familiar with church law can help you avoid these costly mistakes.
How the STARTUP PLAN Can Help You Without Costing You Much
The STARTUP PLAN is for churches with less than 900 members that need legal aid but don't want to hire a lawyer full-time. It gives:
- 10% off on legal projects that are not part of a larger project
- 25% off hourly rates for legal work
- $250 a month to ask legal questions and have papers checked over
- Access to the STRONGCHURCHES course and important legal documents
- A staff of church attorneys and an email support team that is always there for you
This way, you can get professional support when you need it and at a price you can afford.
When You Don't Need a Lawyer
You might be able to execute the first paperwork yourself if your church is small, has simple regulations, and isn't likely to get into legal difficulties. There are many official and unofficial instructions online that show you how to incorporate and gain tax-exempt status. But be ready for the time, effort, and danger of making mistakes.
How to Pick the Best Lawyer for Your Church
Think about:
- How sure am I that I can meet the needs of both the IRS and nonprofits?
- How hard are the plans for how my church will be built and run?
- Can I afford the costs of making mistakes or taking too long to file papers?
- Do I need legal help all the time as my church grows?
- Would obtaining treatment from a professional help me relax and focus on my ministry?
It might be a good idea to talk to a church law specialist if you responded "no" to any of them. In conclusion, you don't need a lawyer, although it's typically a good idea to acquire one. You don't have to hire a lawyer to start a church, but it can help you save time, minimize your risk, and make sure your ministry is successful. The STARTUP PLAN makes it possible for even small churches to have cheap expert legal advice, which helps them build a strong, legal basis from the outset.
Links Inside
Other Sites' Links
- IRS EIN Application
- IRS Form 1023 Information
- ECFA (Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability)
Warning
This blog post is not legal advice; it is just meant to give you information. For particular legal advice, please visit a lawyer who is licensed.
