Top 10 Documents a Church Needs
Karen Kippert
Last Update 3 years ago
1. Articles of incorporation
The most authoritative legal document a church has.
2. Corporate annual reports
A simple form that takes only a few minutes to complete. In many states, incorporated churches are required to file this annually with the secretary of state.
3. Constitution or bylaws
A church’s rules of internal administration.
4. Financial records
Reviewed regularly by the church board, insuring that appropriate safeguards are in place and asking questions about anything they don’t understand or that seems irregular.
5. List of members
Review it periodically to be sure it is up to date.
6. Minutes of membership and board meetings
Records should be kept of all meetings in which decisions are made on behalf of the church.
7. Insurance policies
Church treasurers/administrators must know how much coverage the church has.
8. Tax records
These include payroll tax forms, housing allowance designations for your pastors, contribution records, and any other forms you have filed with federal, state and local governments.
9. Employment records
These include applications for employment, reference checks and other documents relating to your employees.
10. Deeds
Can you locate the deed to your church properties.