Starting A Church

[nv54]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? Kansas

Searching for info on the regulations for starting a church in Kansas. Through some search engine attempts the info for my state of Ks is not producing any results...Contacting the Secretary of State is my only assumption at this point? Suggestions are most welcome.

 

[FlyingRon]

They are not allowed to have regulations about establishing a church. What are you after? In Kansas you don't even need to register with the state (or other body) to be allowed to solemnize wedding. You just need to declare such when you sign the marriage certificate.

 

[Antigone*]

Non-denominational churches can be very profitable ventures for pastors.

 

[FlyingRon]

Yes, it can be. But the question is why does he think he needs to do anything.

There are a few I can think of, but which one depends on the answer:

1. Start a church organization: Nothing required
2. Open a bank account in the church name: Most likely takes at least a fictitious name filing.
3. Perform marriages in Kansas: nothing required
4. Conduct services somewhere: May run afoul of local land use laws.
5. Recognized by the IRS as tax exempt: This one is what many people think about first

There are tons of commercial and free entities on starting church, just google "starting church".

I still have my Universal Life Church ordination papers around here.
Perhaps I'll change my name to ReverendRon

 

[justalayman]

I'm thinking either for the purposes of a tax "benefit" or to argue the use of some otherwise illegal drug. That seems to be the two big reasons I see people wanting to start their own church.

 

[racer72]

I still have my Universal Life Church ordination papers around here.
Perhaps I'll change my name to ReverendRon

Some states, including mine, no long recognize ULC ordination. You also have be ordained by a recognized church to perform marriages in my state.

The former Rev. racer72.

 

[tranquility]

I agree.
--Rev. tranquility.

 

[Antigone*]

Out here in California being a pastor of your own mega church (even not so mega) can be quite profitable. I've worked on analyzing financials for some of these guys and it really ticked me to see $400,000 housing allowance for the pastor - that was over and above his 260K a year salary.