If a Canadian church is seeking a name change, the steps are available on the CRA website. Please inform the respective classis regarding the name change so that the denominational data base can be updated. If you have questions please contact the Canadian office.
If a US church is changing its name the process is a little different because churches are considered under the denomination's umbrella federal employer ID number (FEIN).
-The church/council approves the name change and reflects this in their minutes and is signed by office bearers.
-File articles of amendment with your state. Each state has a codified process for accepting articles of amendment and name changes. It is also a good time to thoroughly review your entire articles of incorporation to see if you want to amend any other parts.
-Amend the church's bylaws: Your bylaws also need to be amended to reflect your church's new name. Do not throw away the old bylaws! Rescind the old bylaws and adopt the new ones as of the council meeting date that approves the new bylaws.
-Let the classis and denomination know. The denomination makes an annual report to the IRS regarding church updates, including name changes. If you have questions please contact the US office.
Whether you are affiliated with a Canadian or US church, please (please!) scan your articles of incorporation and bylaws to a safe online storage space and email/send a copy to the CRCNA archives office at Calvin University.
Calvin University Archives, 1855 Knollcrest Circle SE; Grand Rapids, MI 49546; [email protected]; 616-526-6916
It is essentially the same process so you will need to evaluate why you would go the route of applying for a DBA instead of making an official name change.
Posted in: Process for Church Name Change?
Is this a US or Canadian church?
Posted in: Process for Church Name Change?
If a Canadian church is seeking a name change, the steps are available on the CRA website. Please inform the respective classis regarding the name change so that the denominational data base can be updated. If you have questions please contact the Canadian office.
If a US church is changing its name the process is a little different because churches are considered under the denomination's umbrella federal employer ID number (FEIN).
-The church/council approves the name change and reflects this in their minutes and is signed by office bearers.
-File articles of amendment with your state. Each state has a codified process for accepting articles of amendment and name changes. It is also a good time to thoroughly review your entire articles of incorporation to see if you want to amend any other parts.
-Amend the church's bylaws: Your bylaws also need to be amended to reflect your church's new name. Do not throw away the old bylaws! Rescind the old bylaws and adopt the new ones as of the council meeting date that approves the new bylaws.
-Let the classis and denomination know. The denomination makes an annual report to the IRS regarding church updates, including name changes. If you have questions please contact the US office.
Whether you are affiliated with a Canadian or US church, please (please!) scan your articles of incorporation and bylaws to a safe online storage space and email/send a copy to the CRCNA archives office at Calvin University.
Calvin University Archives, 1855 Knollcrest Circle SE; Grand Rapids, MI 49546; [email protected]; 616-526-6916
Posted in: Process for Church Name Change?
It is essentially the same process so you will need to evaluate why you would go the route of applying for a DBA instead of making an official name change.