ChurchSafety

In today's world, business can bring us together. Starting a business at your church can be a powerful draw and provide an often surprising outreach opportunity.  It certainly won't be easy, but we've tried to make it simple.

• Define your goals.  A business at church can be a direct extension of your ministry or a way to drive traffic and dollars to your door.  Decide ahead of time what your goal is and investigate the tax consequences.
  
  
• Write a business plan.  Every business—including a business at church—needs a clear plan. Define immediate expectations and lay out long-term goals in your plan.
  
  
• Consult an attorney.  Seek attorney counsel on what forms or filings are required for the business.  Your attorney can also advise you on licensing and zoning requirements that you need to consider before you launch. 
  
  
• Talk to your insurance agent. Any kind of business at church will bring additional liability and risk.  Discuss the business proposition with your insurance agent—before the grand opening.
  
  

• Understand OSHA.  The Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA) set the standards for businesses to ensure the safety of their employees.  It's a good business practice to comply with OSHA requirements even though they only apply to certain church activities. It's the right thing to do.
  
  
• Comply with employment laws.  Federal employment laws clearly apply to employees of church businesses.  Know the laws and follow safe and sound employment practices.
  
  
• Engage the community. Your business may help bring people to the church.  Consider ways that you can bring the business—and the church—out into the community.
  
  
• Evaluate your business. Take time to evaluate your business and your plan.  If you find you are off course, take corrective action or consider revising the plan if you like what you see.
  
  

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