Planting Churches Among the City's Poor - Volume 2

358 • P LANTING C HURCHES AMONG THE C ITY ’ S P OOR : V OLUME 2

The Church and State World Impact

I. Under what structure can the church do business? A. Under World Impact, a denomination, or sending church 1. The church can operate under World Impact until there is indigenous leadership and the missionaries exit. 2. The church may decide to stay under a denomination or sending church even with indigenous leadership. B. As an unincorporated association C. As a separate corporation II. What does the church need to open a bank account? A. Use an existing World Impact, denomination, or sending church bank account. B. Open as an unincorporated association. 1. What banks require varies. If they seem to be asking too much, consider another bank. 2. Possible requirements. a. Form SS-4 (attached) to get a federal identification number b. By-laws (in English) c. Minutes with a resolution to open an account d. 501(c)(3) recognition (see section IX) – this is not needed for an unincorporated association . C. Open as a separate corporation. 1. Need federal tax identification number (use form SS-4 [attached] to file for this number 2. Need by-laws (in English) 3. Need minutes and resolution to open an account 4. Need articles of incorporation 5. May require 501(c)(3) recognition (see section IX) – this is not needed unless you already have 501(c)(3) recognition . D. Do not open an account in an individual’s name. 1. Commingles funds with the individual. 2. Prevents proper controls and record keeping. 3. Provides source of temptation.