Church Planter’s Launch Checklist
Legal, Operational, and Strategic Essentials for Starting a Church
Starting a church is a spiritual journey, but it also comes with real-world responsibilities. This checklist is designed to help you launch strong, stay compliant, and lead with clarity from day one.
1. Legal Formation
Establish your church's legal identity and ensure compliance with state and federal requirements.
File Articles of Incorporation with your state (your church’s legal “birth certificate”)
Include IRS-required language in your articles (inurement, dissolution, indemnification)
Apply for a federal EIN (Employer Identification Number)
Decide whether to apply for IRS 501(c)(3) Determination Letter
Draft and adopt Bylaws that outline:
Governance structure
Membership definitions
Quorum and voting requirements
Board roles and responsibilities
Align Bylaws with your church polity (e.g., congregational, board-led)
2. Governance
Build a healthy and functional leadership framework.
Appoint your initial Board of Directors
Decide on internal vs. external board composition
Educate board members on fiduciary duties:
Duty of Care
Duty of Loyalty
Duty of Obedience
Define the board’s role in setting policy and overseeing ministry functions
3. Employment & Staffing
Set up your church team with integrity, clarity, and legal protection.
Define role categories: pastor, associate pastor, director, coordinator, admin
Classify staff as full-time or part-time, exempt or non-exempt
Identify ministerial vs. non-ministerial employees
Draft and adopt employment policies covering:
At-will employment status
Religious job duties and First Amendment protections
Consistent pay and benefits for similar roles
4. Essential Church Policies
Establish core policies to protect your people, property, and mission.
Child Protection Policy (includes background checks, reporting protocols)
Transportation Policy (driver qualifications, vehicle safety)
Building Use Policy (member access, outside rentals)
Cash Handling & Financial Controls Policy
Accountable Reimbursement Policy (IRS-compliant expense tracking)
5. Insurance Coverage
Protect your church with the right coverage for every scenario.
General Liability Insurance
Property Insurance (for buildings and equipment)
Workers’ Compensation Insurance (as required by your state)
Directors & Officers (D&O) Liability
Sexual Misconduct Liability
Auto Insurance (for any church-owned or used vehicles)
6. Real Estate & Facilities
Choose the best gathering space for your launch season and beyond.
Decide on your space strategy:
Lease temporary space (e.g., school or theater)
Lease 24/7 facility
Purchase a building
Carefully review lease agreements for:
Triple Net (NNN) vs. gross lease
Usage restrictions and termination clauses
Zoning compliance and occupancy permits
7. Financial & Compliance Practices
Establish financial systems that support integrity and sustainability.
Set up accounting software and reporting systems
Draft and approve your first annual budget
Set controls for handling restricted funds and designated giving
Adopt formal policies for:
Conflicts of Interest
Confidentiality
Compensation for board and staff
Launch Strong with Church Launch
This checklist gives you a roadmap, but Church Launch by Reynolds Law Group, PLLC helps you walk it with confidence. From incorporation to lease reviews, bylaws to board building, we guide church planters every step of the way.
