Expert: Brother Timothy Arango - 3/12/2009

Question
I am starting Christian ministry and would like to know how to legally operate. We have developed our website, mission statement, etc. and are now actively working in the ministry. I would like people to be able to donate to the work and deduct it if necessary. We pay for the work from our own money now and we’re nervous about allow others to donate to the ministry without knowing if we can accept the donations. We operate from our home at the moment. Eventually we will have a church building operating as a traditional church. For now it just the us and our website. Any  help would be a blessing.

Answer
Greetings in the precious Name of our Lord Jesus Christ!

First, my prayers are with you and any that may have joined you in your ministering the Gospel of our Lord.

When finances of a ministry are concerned, there are two camps: there are those who claim that by seeking a tax-exempt number from the IRS they are somehow limiting their ministering or becoming subservient to the government; the other group willingly agrees to apply and secure tax-exempt status under 501(c)3 of the Internal Revenue Code.  My conviction is - any ministry that seeks and secures a tax-exempt status is adhering fully to the Words of our Lord in Luke 20:25  "And He said unto them, Render therefore unto Caesar the things which be Caesar's, and unto God the things which be God's." After all, we enjoy the protection and services of our government; our Lord says that we ought to support it as well as obey Him. To do anything less would be to disobey God, and invite more confusion. When a ministry is established and members wish to support it financially, all that is required is a meticulous record keeping system to be in place. There is a good reason why our Lord's Word is clear in this matter of having our ministry affairs in order. In 1 Corinthians 14:40 we find His admonition, "Let all things be done decently and in order." These words apply not only to matters within the church but also they apply to matters outside of it as well, after all, non-believers are also watching our ways. Our testimony ought to bring glory to our Lord in all matters of our ministry, the most accountable (other than the saving and discipling of souls)should be our finances.

I have 2 sites in mind that I believe will greatly inform you on matters of ministry: http://www.jackhyles.com and http://chrisianlaw.org  I have had the pleasure and honor of attending numerous pastoral conferences, each proving to be better than the last and always further equipping me and my brethren for His service.
Your question is mostly general in scope; therefore, I would like to suggest that you follow three things: 1.) Always keep Him focused as your number one priority, in all matters - (Deuteronomy 6:5 "And thou shalt love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might.")  2.) Always make sure you and your ministry are transparent as possible -  (1 Thessalonians 5:22  "Abstain from all appearance of evil.") and 3.) Always keep in close contact with Him - (1 Thessalonians 5:17  "Pray without ceasing.")

I pray this will get you off on the right foot. Should you require more specific information, please do not hesitate to contact me and I will be glad to assist.

Bro. Timothy Arango
Jeremiah 6.16a and Luke 12