Start with a teacher and a bible. The first churches were all at the homes of believers. I would start by treating it like a bible study and grow it as interest increased.
It would start at a scenic overlook, or somewhere that you can see nature and God's creations in all of it's glory. Bring lawn chairs and hold your ceremonies at dawn or at sunset. Invite friends and family, but let them know that everyone is welcome.
Church isn't a building. Religion isn't confined to an indoor space. In fact, people get sick and tired of that. Break out of the normal. Also, forget the costumes, the lectern and all of the usual church trappings. Jesus didn't need those things, and he was arguably pretty successful.
That's a corporation; a fictional person. The church, that is, the Temple of God, is YOU. When getting together with other believers this strengthens your voice before God. The Bible teaches that all that is needed is 2 or more. A bible study meets this criteria.
Yes...I understood that you want a church. Apparently you want to be recognized as a church. My suggestion was to protect you from future harassment. You can still meet as a church, sing, pray and sermonize without the hassle of gov't oversight as a bible study group. It may be important down the road. You would be an underground church.
The government has no authority to do the things you are referring to. Read the First Amendment.
The only reason some churches have had issues is because they asked permission from the IRS, which is not necessary. But once they ask permission, and permission is granted, then they have to follow the arbitrary rules of the party that granted the permission.
I refer you to the First Amendment, and also Luke 11:52.
Okay, here is how you do it. Invite people to your house to hear about Jesus. The first message was "Come and See." Make that your primary message. Forget all the other junk, Christ did not come to improve the church of the day. Churches make it too complicated.
Start with a teacher and a bible. The first churches were all at the homes of believers. I would start by treating it like a bible study and grow it as interest increased.
Yeah, it should be simple.
All that's needed is the bible. You are a seeker as others are. There's no teacher, but Him.
A church can be anywhere there is a Bible, Bible believing teacher, and other people who want to learn God’s word.
Seriously, I would start it OUT OF my own home.
It would start at a scenic overlook, or somewhere that you can see nature and God's creations in all of it's glory. Bring lawn chairs and hold your ceremonies at dawn or at sunset. Invite friends and family, but let them know that everyone is welcome.
Church isn't a building. Religion isn't confined to an indoor space. In fact, people get sick and tired of that. Break out of the normal. Also, forget the costumes, the lectern and all of the usual church trappings. Jesus didn't need those things, and he was arguably pretty successful.
Great idea, and something I've been thinking about.
Are you asking what the laws are, as far as being a church that is recognised by the state?
No. Churches don't need permission from the state.
I'm asking how people would recommend starting one, practically speaking.
i guess I was asking from the perspective of being tax exempt and all of that jazz.
That's a corporation; a fictional person. The church, that is, the Temple of God, is YOU. When getting together with other believers this strengthens your voice before God. The Bible teaches that all that is needed is 2 or more. A bible study meets this criteria.
I understand, but "all of that jazz" is not necessary.
there used to be online churches where all you needed to do was fill out the paper work. or are you real serious?
Both. Not a huge church, but a small group.
under the radar. Don't collect tithes and it becomes a bible study.
I don't want a Bible study. I want a church.
Yes...I understood that you want a church. Apparently you want to be recognized as a church. My suggestion was to protect you from future harassment. You can still meet as a church, sing, pray and sermonize without the hassle of gov't oversight as a bible study group. It may be important down the road. You would be an underground church.
The government has no authority to do the things you are referring to. Read the First Amendment.
The only reason some churches have had issues is because they asked permission from the IRS, which is not necessary. But once they ask permission, and permission is granted, then they have to follow the arbitrary rules of the party that granted the permission.
I refer you to the First Amendment, and also Luke 11:52.
Okay, here is how you do it. Invite people to your house to hear about Jesus. The first message was "Come and See." Make that your primary message. Forget all the other junk, Christ did not come to improve the church of the day. Churches make it too complicated.