Church Legal Check-Up
Answer for where your church is today and you’ll see which steps are done and which still need work.
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1.IncorporationOur church is incorporated as a nonprofit corporation rather than running as an informal association.
2.BylawsWe've adopted bylaws that say who decides what (elders, board, members, pastor), and our leaders know them and actually follow them.
3.Church assetsThe church has its own EIN and bank account, and offerings never run through a personal account, even temporarily.
4.Your tax-exempt strategyWe've decided our tax-exempt approach (automatic church status, filing Form 1023, or a denominational group exemption), and donors get compliant giving receipts.
5.Child protection policyWe have a written child protection policy covering background checks, check-in and check-out, reporting procedures, and volunteer training.
6.InsuranceOur insurance includes general liability, abuse and molestation, directors and officers, and property coverage, and it meets our lease or rental requirements.
7.Convictions in writingOur statement of faith and membership requirements are available in writing.
8.Employment basicsEvery staff member, volunteer, and contractor is classified correctly, and our ministerial roles are documented.
9.Meeting placeWe've reviewed our lease or rental agreement in detail and thought through the risks that come with our space, like stairs without a ramp or no cameras in the kids' area.
10.Crisis response planWe know our first step, our first phone call, and what to avoid when a legal issue comes up.
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Canon Legal helps new churches set up the right structure, policies, and protections from the start. Bring your results to a consultation and we'll work through the open steps together.
(916) 216-9436sean.oneal@thecanonfirm.com