How does one go about creating a legalized church in the USA?
471829
There is a separation of Church and State... or at least there was at one time.\n\nYou go right on ahead and pray with all your might...\nNo one will stop you.\n\nIf you are inquiring about a tax write off - now is certainly the time. Visit http://www.irs.gov and register as a non-profit organization.
22886
I found a great resource from Non-Profit Guides.org...\nSee below.\n\nIt contains instructions and samples, enjoy!
837922
There is no such separation. It's not then the Constitution, the ESTABLISHMENT clause is. That prevents the Government for creating a church or saying this is the church of the United States.\n\nIf I remember right it was in the papers of Thomas Jefferson that first brought up the separation of church and state, I may be wrong, you can look it up if it's important.\n\nBut lets say a church does want federal money to provide a service to the community, say Meal on Wheels and do it at loss. That's to say the money they receive wouldn't cover the cost of the program. They decide that they would do it for their fellow man. A lot of people would say NO,  separation of church and state. I would say as long as they don't discriminate, don't discuss religion, don't wear their church uniforms if they have one, deliver the meal in an plain car marked with only Meals on Wheel, and agree to some, not a lot, of over site why not? Church's have almost always been able to deliver more aid cheaper then the government.\n\nA lot of people have taken this way too far. First it not in the Constitution and second if the rules are carefully written and any church is willing to follow them why not let them provide the service and fill the need?\n\nJust something to think about.
1129275
I would read your churches doctrinal statement.  Every church has one.  You can't say "this is how it's gonna be done" if your church doesn't do it that way.  Meet with your pastor to discuss it.
966965
Find a place to host it.  Check out the legalities involved.  Have waiver / permission forms including health insurance info.  Ask around for donations of equipment.  Contact local church camps to see if they have a program that you can get ideas from and get some input on the ins and outs and then dive in with open arms!
56920
I would recommend you start out as an assistant pastor at an already organized church, so you can gain some experience. Pastors who have been with a church for a while can offer valuable experience, and when the time comes, they would be able to help you plant your own church.
721745
I live in a small town in Kansas; right in the center of the USA.  Our population is under 30,000 people.\n\nWe have:\n\n2 Jewish synagogues\n1 Muslim Temple\n1 Pagan sanctuary\n6 Roman Catholic Churches\n4 Baptist churches\n5 (that I know of) Covens (Wiccan)\n5 Protestant churches\n1 Jahovah's Witness' meeting hall\n1 Irish Catholic church\n1 Seventh Day Adventist church\n3 Lutheran churches\n2 Jesus' Christ of Later Day Saints churches\n2 Non-denominational Christian churches\n2 Korean/Christian churches\n2 All Faith religious Centers (catering to any/all religions)\n2 Mormon Churches\n1 Bahai group\n2 New Age Metaphysical groups\n1 Church of Satan\n...  and easily 10 more churches/worhip places which, honestly, I don't know who attends.\n\nI've actually looked for a complete list of churches in Kansas, but can't find one.  There are literally thousands, of varieing faiths.  For all the variety of faiths practicing openly in Kansas, Kansas is, itself, accepted as being one of the more conservative states in our Union.\n\n  \nYou're getting the idea that we really do have a large mix of faiths/spirital practictioners in any area of the USA.  While any given religion might not actually be accepting of another; we do reasonably well at tolerating, if nothing more, people of other faiths.  And tentions/hostilities which do exist are generally demonstrated more covertly than overtly.\n\nSpecifically to Catholicism:  The Roman Catholic Churches in the USA are a bit at odds with The Vatican.  They don't adhere to Papal authority as much as The Vatican would like, and, with some frequency, are threatened with ex-communication.\n\nI hope that gives you some insight into how things work here.  Thanks.
435126
You can ordained in numerous ways. To be legal you would have to obtain a license in your state to act as a minister.\nTo get a license you would need a certificate and letter of ordination. These would need to be signed with 2 signatures from the ordaining church.\nMy organization Elohim Evangelical Ministries ordains people and I ordain about 10 people a year.
611816
why don't you try to franchise your church..\n\nand go on tv. If you have an 800 number you can get a lot of people to send you stuff.\n\ngood luck with your hummer
117627
I would first make all americans realise that this great country build on solid christian foundations realise that we have gone astray from the biblical principals and the convictions of our founding fathers. I would call for a fast and ask the nation to rededicate itself to God and cleanse the nation of all ungodliness and get rid of all idolatory and sin and once again urge people to honour God and follow what God wants us to do.
797537
Good luck!  I'm interested in the same thing where I live.  It's good to know that there are people out there in the same situation.  Sorry I can't be much help though.  The only thing I can think of would be to talk to local churches in your community and see if they would be willing to help out or if they would know how to go about it.  I wish you well.
871801
Decide which church you want to have your servide in and then invite both the priest and the pastor to officiate.  The priest can give you a blessing.  As a graduate student I took as my research project the Pre-Cana marriage preparation course offerred by the Catholic Church for engaged couples and it is a solid, excellent program to sort out issues before they become difficulties after a couple is married.  Whatever church you eventually decide to settle in does not matter.  This Pre-Cana program will help you more than I can say and give you tools to deal with problems when they arise.  Peace and joy!
413240
Check out the laws in your area but if you need to be a minister try searching in google for the Universal Life Church. It lets you become a minister on line and it's legal in some areas.
920819
Well, make sure you agree with the doctrine.  Make sure the pastor isn't a crook.  You want to feel like you "get" something out of the teachings there.  And make sure you feel comfortable with the church members.  Also, you might want to check out the various programs the church offers, if you're interested in more than attending regular Sunday services.
131384
You need to check the local zoning ordinances.  It's one thing to conduct a weekly bible study or an occasional "worship" service, but quite another thing to run a church from you home.
940680
You are a free person in the USA.  You don't have to do any of the above.  Be an atheist. Start your own church.  I always wanted start one called the Church of the All Mighty Dollar and have "In God We Trust" over the door.\n\nThrow your vote away on a third party.  Don't vote at all.  Toss a coin.  Do whatever you want in these two areas.
778504
if money is your thing.........start your own religion. lawyers are a dime a dozen