Many experts believe to reach the spiritual needs of this generation the answer is found in church planting. Why? Because new churches can better meet the needs of each new generation by presenting Biblical truths in the cultural context that best reaches those people.
Things to consider in starting a new church:
- Two common ways new churches are started - 1) Have an existing church sponsor until it's self-supporting or 2) Begin a Bible study with the goal of building it into a new church.
- Draft a church constitution and by-laws. Include a statement of faith. These documents serve as a guide to building up your new church.
- Determine how the church will be organized. Incorporation as a 501(3)C non-profit it not required for churches but has many advantages such as not paying federal income taxes. The help of an attorney practiced in church law is recommended.
- Obtain Federal and State ID numbers that make your purchases of church supplies exempt from sales tax.
- Find a location to hold services. You could start out in your living room, use space in an existing church or school, or lease a storefront. Start small, but plan for growth and don't get locked into a long lease.
- Spread the word about your new congregation. Walk the community around your new church and invite neighbors to join you. Post flyers in community centers and run an ad in the local newspaper.
- Last, but not least - protect the new ministry with proper church insurance. Most new churches do not realize the importance of having insurance before they launch their first service. We can offer you a church policy that is specifically designed to give you the coverage you need at the price you will like. With over 10 years of experience in the Church Insurance marketplace, we have the expertise and experience that you need.
A basic policy for a new church should include the following:
- Liability limits at $3,000,000 liability aggregate, $1,000,000 per occurrence and $5,000 Medical expenses
- Liability coverage for trustees, officials and members of the boards of governors within the scope of their duties. This is called directors and officers coverage.
- Volunteer workers when acting within the scope of church activities
- Sexual misconduct or molestation liability coverage. Coverage starts at $50,000 and can go as high as $1,000,000. With Pedafiles coming into churches because churches are desperate for volunteers, this coverage is a must for a new church.
- Church personal property covered for "direct physical loss" and replacement cost coverage
- Pastoral counseling liability coverage - $3,000,000 liability aggregate, $1,000,000 per occurrence
- Premiums can be tailored to meet your needs depending on the size of your ministry. Depending on the state you live in, we can offer you a policy in the range of $600-$1,200 a year.
These coverage's are a good starting point for a new church. As the ministry grows, we can provide you with a broader policy that will protect your building's, offer you work comp insurance, and many other coverage's.
Give us a call for a free quote - 770.466.1000 or 770.361.5309. We work with churches in the states of Georgia, Florida, and Alabama.