Below is some of the legal information you will need as you begin a new church:

The State of Ohio
We would recommend checking your church's name with the Ohio Sec. of state's office - click here to visit site. This site tells you how to create a non-profit organization (which is where a church is, legally, according to our state's government). Then search the names and apply for your non-profit status. You will fill out a form describing what you are doing. You also must appoint a statutory agent, who is the legal link to the state of Ohio. Then, every five years, the statutory agent will receive a "statement of continuing existence" which must be completed (along with $25) to remain "active" in the eyes of the state of Ohio. Your initial filing must have $125 to accompany it in order to be approved.

Federal Government
It's important to obtain your EIN (employer identification number). to Click here to fill it out the application online and get your number almost instantly. For instructions on this form, click here. This is the number you will use to open a bank account.

Preschool Policies:
In a day of increasing litigation and churches being sued it is vitally important to have preschool policies in writing. We have sample policies available. Background checks for preschool, children's and student workers are mandatory.