WHY-ALL-CHURCHES-SHOULD-BE-A-508C1A.pdf

https://helpinghandoutreach.org/

There is considerable confusion today on what pastors can and cannot say from the pulpit.1 Most of this confusion rests squarely on the structural foundation of the church. If the church is founded as a 501(c)(3), the church has free speech restrictions. 2 All 501(c)(3) organizations are prohibited from influencing legislation and political campaigns. 3 As social issues have become political issues, churches and church leaders are increasingly avoiding issues, avoiding taking positions, and selectively addressing Biblical principles and training Godly leaders out of fear of what might happen if they do. Now more than ever churches need to lead in the call of training and developing leaders in our communities and nation consistent with Biblical beliefs. Our hope is that professionals who advise religious leaders will remain open to learning a better way to structure churches and church ministries to affect that call. The purpose of this analysis is to show the dangers and restrictions of the church foundation as a 501(c)(3) compared to the benefits and rights of the church being a 508(c)(1)(a).