Incorporating your church

If you have already decided to incorporate your church, you have already discovered that you need to prepare certain legal papers that include specific language required by the Internal Revenue Service.  You may download a sample "Articles of Incorporation" for use in helping you know what information should be included before the signed documents are filed with the Secretary of State's office in Little Rock.  Always have an attorney review your draft document before the church body votes on it.

• Download Sample Incorporation Document

Political activity and the church

Wondering what your church can and cannot legally do related to political activities?  The IRS has issued new directives to their offices to enforce the law concerning non-profit organizations, including local churches, who involve themselves directly in political campaigns.  A short guide outlining what the local church is legally allowed to do without endangering their tax-exempt status is available by clicking on the link below.

• Download Political Activity Guide

Church constitution writing

Are you about to adopt a church constitution, and need to see an illustration of what many Arkansas Baptists use as a guide?  You may download this sample set of guidelines by clicking on the link below.  It is always advisable for your church to have a local attorney review your document before having the members adopt it.

• Download Sample Constitution

Need church bylaw preparation assistance?

Is your church writing or re-writing its bylaws, and wondering what this document should include?  You may download our suggestions for your church committee to consider by selecting the link listed below.  This example contains an exhaustive set of ideas most commonly included in church bylaws.  Keep in mind that bylaws are a dynamic set of guidelines that your church will want to be able to use when confusion or conflict occur.  Items included in bylaws should not mirror what is in the church constitution or articles of incorporation.  You should have your draft bylaws document reviewed by a local attorney before asking your members to vote and adopt them.

• Download Sample Church Bylaws

Planning Financial Support & Taxes for Ministers

For information on salary, housing, retirement and insurance benefits, reimbursement of expenses, and ministers' taxes, click here.