STRONGChurches is a legal done-for-you online learning system and toolkit designed to help churches protect themselves from legal risks, ensure compliance, and build a strong foundation for ministry growth.

STRONGChurches is designed for pastors, church leaders, administrators, and ministry teams who want to safeguard their church legally and operationally.

We offer legal and strategic services, including:

• Church formation & 501(c)(3) applications

• HR and employment best practices

• Trademarks and intellectual property protection

• Volunteer and child safety policies

• Financial and tax compliance guidance

You can check out all our products here.

Without legal protection, churches are vulnerable to lawsuits, IRS penalties, and financial risks. STRONGChurches helps ensure your church is legally secure and compliant with all necessary regulations.

While churches automatically receive tax-exempt status, registering as a 501(c)(3) provides additional legal protection, tax benefits, and credibility when receiving donations.

To safeguard your church’s name, we recommend trademark registration. STRONGChurches offers full trademark services to ensure no other entity can claim your church’s identity.

Yes! An employee handbook establishes clear policies for staff expectations, hiring, termination, workplace ethics, and conflict resolution, reducing the risk of disputes and legal claims.

Misclassifying staff can result in IRS penalties. Employees typically work set hours and follow employer guidelines, while independent contractors have more flexibility and autonomy.

Yes! A pastoral housing allowance allows ministers to exclude a portion of their income from taxes, providing significant tax savings. We help churches structure this benefit properly.

Designated donations (e.g., for missions or building funds) must be used for their intended purpose. Misusing these funds can lead to legal issues and loss of donor trust.

While churches are not required to file IRS Form 990, maintaining transparent financial records is crucial for accountability and donor confidence.

Churches should implement internal controls, including dual authorization for large transactions, regular audits, and clear budget oversight.

Our membership provides access to video lessons, downloadable HR and legal templates, financial guides, checklists, and compliance tools for churches.