How to Start a Bible Institute
There are numerous Bible Institutes in our country. Some are dedicated specifically to teaching and training church members for ministry work. Some are dedicated to the translation of Scriptures into the many languages that currently do not have Scriptures they can read. Still others are dedicated to the 'evidences' or proofs for the validity and accuracy of the Bible. Starting a Bible Institute is a challenging endeavor and has many legal requirements that must be met to qualify as a non-profit organization.
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Things You'll Need
- EIN number.
- Organizational Constitution
- Set of By-Laws
- IRS Form 1023
- State License
- Insurance
- Curriculum
Instructions
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The Legal Requirements
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A Bible Institute, like a church, needs a constitution and by-laws. Create the Bible Institute's constitution (or charter) and by-laws. A constitution outlines the mission and the purpose of the Institute while the by-laws spell out how the structure will operate and detail the rules governing the organization. Samples of these documents are plentiful online and can be adapted to the use for your Institute. Make sure, if you are adapting a document that is already written, that you read it in its entirety as many of these samples may have sections that do not pertain to your purpose as a Bible Institute. To effectively create these documents, you must know the 'Mission Statement' or purpose for your organization. Whether the Institute you start is primarily for training in or translating the Bible, it must be clearly stated in the Mission Statement and be a part of the constitution.
You will have to decide on a name for your Bible Institute. Ensure that there is not another Bible Institute with an identical or similar name. You can do this through using Google, or your state's corporations website and performing a search for names of non-profit organizations.
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You will need the EIN even if you aren't planning on hiring right away. Obtain an Employer Identification Number or EIN from the IRS website. This is essential even if there are no plans to hire or pay employees right away. The EIN number must be put on all legal documents, including those needed in opening a bank account for the Bible Institute.
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A Bible Institute would technically qualify as a non-profit. Complete IRS Form 1023. This is the document you will need to obtain a non-profit 501(c)3 status. In order to complete this form, you will need to have your leadership structure in place with identifiable individuals completing the tasks for management, finances and other aspects of the work of the Institute. There are two options for filing this form.
First, you may print out the form and fill it out by hand and send certified copies of the constitution and by-laws signed by the leadership of the Institute. As of June 2010, the fee for filing this form by hand is $400.
Second, you may use the new IRS online wizard to help file this form. The fee for using the automated wizard as of June 2010, is $300.
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In most states, it is illegal to operate without a license. Obtain the necessary state licenses to legally operate the Institute in the state you are in. You may also have to check with the zoning officials to make sure there aren't requirements for the regular use of a physically located building. These licenses are usually found at the local business tax office in your city or county.
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Accidents can happen anywhere even at a Bible Institute. Obtain an inexpensive insurance policy. If the Institute will be hosting people onsite, you will need an insurance policy to defend against the possibility that someone would get hurt on the property, or against a possible theft of needed computer equipment in the training rooms. There are numerous options online for insurance policies for churches or non-profits.
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A Bible Institute will need curriculum to teach. Purchase or create the curriculum you will use. If the purpose of the Institute is to train others in ministry, you will need to have the curriculum to use to teach with. If the purpose is in the translation of Scripture, you will still need to have some sort of training curriculum. There are a number of companies online that can sell you the materials you will need.
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Tips & Warnings
On top of all the legal steps necessary, in any spiritually based endeavor, prayer might be considered an essential part of even the most mundane of steps.
References
Resources
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