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| Do you attend a church or a 501-c3 nonprofit organization? |
Posted: 02/05/2007
Do you attend a church or a 501-c3 nonprofit organization?
My view of the church and what its responsibilities are have changed over the past few years. My new biblical outlook on church life has raised a lot of questions for which I wasn’t getting straight answers. For instance, why are there unbelievers in membership? Where are the elders? Why is the song service valued over the preaching of the Word? Why do we count those who raise their hand for salvation, saved? Why does the church beg for money and implement giving campaigns? Why do people hop around from church to church? Why don’t we practice the conflict resolution found in Matthew 18?
From my observations, the model we have in the Bible doesn’t look like what we call church today. It has been severely molded by our secular culture. Many people attend and belong to church because they like the community and the programs it offers. They are faithful in attendance and giving but have never had a born again experience.
The word church comes from the Greek word "ekklesia.” This word simply means "a called out assembly." The "Church of God" is then identified to be a "called out group of God's people" joined together by one purpose or goal of worship and service to God.
What we have seen in America today is that churches have become a place to serve everyone, a faith-based organization, which includes the people that are lost and those that have been saved. There is such a blend of people that churches must water down the message in order to maintain the so called “flock.” The term “true church” was probably coined because today’s church now contains a mass amount of unbelievers. These numbers must be maintained and entertained, otherwise, in business terms, it may affect the church’s bottom line.
It has been a case of many men and women having great intentions, but following the wrong model. I have heard many pastors say, “What works at our church won’t necessarily work at another.” Obviously, pastors that follow the model in scripture would never say anything like that because the model for the church we have in scripture is never failing. I have always wondered how we have strayed so far away from the biblical model. One day, while in my office, it hit me. I thought to myself, “If someone plants a church, what’s one of the first things they try to get out of the way?” There it was; our 501c3 status.
I had some information in my office and after reviewing it, I came to realize that we have followed the government’s model for an organization closer than we have followed the Lord’s. For example, the first thing on the list for filing for tax exempt status is to formulate a mission statement of how you are going to serve the community. Stating you are just going to equip and train believers sounds too exclusive, so we’ve included wording about all of the programs we have to offer.
Secondly, they want you to form a board of directors for your new organization. I’m sure the Apostle Paul would have said, “You meant qualified elders, right?” Then, they want you to file to be incorporated. Hmm, it’s beginning to feel more and more like a business--but wait, there’s more! Next on the list is to draft bylaws and then develop a strategic plan to grow. Then, develop a budget and business model. Since the biblical model is not too impressive, we choose to use one from one of our newly appointed board members who is a CEO in the business world. As you can see, in just 50 years since churches were added to section 501c3, we have followed the government’s guidelines closer than we have followed God’s.
501c3, good or bad, has had a very distinct effect on churches and how they operate. It has shushed the church on any topics concerning politics and has eliminated a powerful influence that it had on shaping public policy. In essence, the church was bought by the government for a few tax breaks in exchange for saving a few pennies here and there for never addressing political matters from the pulpit. Then, we took the government’s outline on how to build a church, which is basically building a business.
Now, the modern day church looks exactly like the largest not-for-profit community service organization in America--the YMCA. I love the Y, but I would not say I love the ministry of the Y. It is a health club, a safe place for families, and a place to go to have fun. The YMCA boasts having introduced millions of people to sports. One of their themes, “It’s more than a gym, it’s a community,” sounds a bit like the theme of the modern day church. Go to www.YMCA.net and view their website and compare it with most church websites. They are almost identical. Sadly, the modern day church has a lot in common with the YMCA.
Pastors who want to build churches by attracting people through programs and community, the YMCA could use your help. No one would say the YMCA functions like a church, but we can say many churches function like they are a YMCA. The question remains--what are you a part of?
Psalm 127:1 Unless the LORD builds the house, They labor in vain who build it; Unless the LORD guards the city, The watchman keeps awake in vain.
Distributed by www.ChristianWorldviewNetwork.com
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501c3
| Posted On: 03/12/08 03:33:15 PM |
Age 42, AZ |
I don't know if this is the place to ask this question but I need advice on how to file for taxes next year. I wiil not file for a 501c3 because I feel it's not the Godly thing to do. I have a Television Ministry I'm airing and people are starting to send donations. I don't know how to file tax wise and it's starting to bother me it's even an issue when God is the one that gave me the money for outreach. Can someone help on what I file next year.
Thank You
Veronica
City of Refuge Ministries
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Coincidence?
| Posted On: 02/12/08 02:24:31 PM |
Age 42, NC |
Great article! Many of the observations listed in the article are thoughts I have had in the past.
I have attended a new church in the area called C3. It is a church far different then what I am used to. The music ministry is more contemporary with loud drums, electric guitars and loud singing. It is more like a rock concert every Sunday.
Now this church has two services on Sunday and regularly have about 2000 in attendance in each service. I have never experienced this.
Since this was new to me, I tried to keep an open mind. Everyone seemed to enjoying themselves. But something seemed to be missing.
The weekly 'sermons', if you want to call them that, did not have much meat on them. I have heard the term 'candy-coated', and now I know what that means.
It is OK to have a good time at church, but there must be reverence first. Even communion is given as an afterthought.
Then, on top of that, they are always trying to sell you something.
I then stumbled across this article, and noticed the name of the statute that gives the Church the tax exmempt status, 501-C3.
Then I thought about it. The name of the church is called C3! Now I am sure they will say that C3 stands for something else, but to me, there is too much of a coincidence.
I Googled C3 and came up with at least four churches that call themselves, C3. And they all seemed to have the same format.
Then I questioned, is the reason they named their church C3 because that was there sole reason for opening up a tax exempt 'business'? There focus seemed to be more on money than GOd.
Yes, it seems they have found a Church Business model that has proven to bring in the flock, and therefore the tithing. They keep the messages short, and simple, and keep the demands on the congregation low, so they will keep coming back.
I find myself believing that they have found a way to Franchise religion, and they are more than willing to 'plant' more franchises where ever they can turn a 'profit'.
Since this was new to me, I tried to keep an open mind. Everyone seemed to enjoying themselves. But something seemed to be missing.
The weekly 'sermons', if you want to call them that, did not have much meat on them. I have heard the term 'candy-coated', and now I know what that means.
It is OK to have a good time at church, but there must be reverence first. Even communion is given as an afterthought.
Then, on top of that, they are always trying to sell you something.
I then stumbled across this article, and noticed the
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Re: Do you attend a church or a 501-c3 nonprofit organization?
| Posted On: 02/13/07 12:24:02 PM |
Age 48, OH |
As an employee of our local YMCA, I take issue with one point. It needs to be clear that the YMCA is NOT supposed to be a church. It's ministry is meant to reach out beyond the Biblical limits placed upon the "ekklesia," the called-out body of believers.
In other words: Let us please have the honesty to properly differentiate between a "church" and an outreach, based on Christian principles, to anyone who wants to participate. Some Y's (including ours) have chaplains, who refer unchurched people to churches. That is the proper province of YMCA's - not to serve as a church, but to support Christian principles and standards of behavior.
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- Re: Re: Do you attend a church or a 501-c3 nonprofit organization?
| Posted On: 06/29/07 04:58:46 PM | | Age 50, TN |
A friend directed me to your article. Thanks for your willingness to broach this subject. I've been writing and publishing on this very issue for years. I've found that it's been a rather touchy subject to address with many pastors.
The problem, however, goes far above and beyond merely the 501c3. It really begins with the "corporate mindset" that occurs when churches organize as corporations, rather than as churches. It sets up the entire corporate infrastructure and everything that goes along with it.
Unfortunately, once the infrastructure is in place it's not so easy to convince church leaders to dismantle it and operate as "just a church." It's much easier for me to deal with legally than it is for many pastors to deal with emotionally. However, for those who are willing there are solutions.
Heal Our Land Ministries
http://hushmoney.org
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Re: Do you attend a church or a 501-c3 nonprofit organization?
| Posted On: 02/12/07 07:00:03 AM |
Age 33, IN |
Amen...Brothers and Sisters, do not be found asleep when the master of the house returns. The church of today (the buildings called Life Centers) ARE ASLEEP. Ask your heavenly Father to open your eyes and heart to the truth... The modern church does not honour God it honours man. Ask your leaders to explain exactly what Jesus commanded us to do? They'll tell you all sorts of half truths, but they won't tell you the simple truth. Repent and Believe for the Kingdom of God is near. We are to tell them about Jesus. We're not to win souls through battle and strife. By attending one of the Life Centers in America, like the YMCA, you have become distracted and therefore fallen asleep. Every one of these corporations offer programs for finances, mission trips, social events...etc. None of them will tell you exactly what Jesus asked us to do. Read the bible and understand the simply truth of his message.
For those few who understand this article, fear not for these things must be before the return of our master. Be not afraid for this is the Apostasy.
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Re: Do you attend a church or a 501-c3 nonprofit organization?
| Posted On: 02/11/07 01:03:53 PM |
Age 37, OR |
I completely agree with this article. I think Pastors who realize the dangerous truth about being yoked with the 501c3 need to ask for God's forgiveness and help. God will protect them as He protected Joshua and the Israelites when they were deceived into making a covenant with the Gibeonites. The remant church is present within the 501-c3 church bodies, but sadly so are many who are deceived into believing they are born again. As Daniel remained a witness being part of the Babylonian system so we must continue to be a witness to this dying world and if that means one day our own government or church is going to punish us for speaking the truth from God's word, then we need not fear as God will be with us in the fire. Pastors and churches who are caving in because of fear or deception need our prayers and we need to share this truth to them in love. Everything we do has to be in love.
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Re: Do you attend a church or a 501-c3 nonprofit organization?
| Posted On: 02/08/07 07:31:01 AM |
Age 56, TX |
well...after reading much FEEDBACK on this article - it looks like it touched a nerve!
PRAISE GOD! Christians are SUPPOSED to 'stir ourselves up' in the word of our testimonies about GODS' GOODNESS AND HIS MIGHTY DEEDS in our lives, to be the 'witness' for HIM and the Kingdom of Heaven. HOWEVER, it sounds like many of YOU readers 'think' there is such a thing as a 'PERFECT CHURCH'. Let me remind you, that as soon as you think you have found one (church that is perfect), IF YOU begin to go there - THEN IT WON'T BE PERFECT ANYMORE! Remember, 'whatsoever a man sows, that and that ONLY shall he reap! We are instructed to pray for our leaders (pastors, elders, instructors, etc.), NOT to condemn them. Also, my bible still says: "to give a 'brother' an extra amount of grace as a brother/sister offended is harder to be won back over than an entire city".
BE BLESSED!! - SO, YOU CAN BE A BLESSING TO OTHERS!!!
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Re: Do you attend a church or a 501-c3 nonprofit organization?
| Posted On: 02/07/07 09:12:15 PM |
Age 63, OR |
Excellent observations. First hand experience, obviously.
Even the smallest of "apostolic" churches(Acts church founders of first century) had, and now have, the same problems.
A small church fellowship I attend (only about 50+ active attendees) has three "paid" elders and most do not teach (a Biblical requirement of elder qualification). Even if a member donates an offering for a specific use, the elders choose to distribute the way they want...not as the giver specifies.
Whether large or small, most churches allow "cliques" to form and avoid the Matthew approach to dealing with problems - hence it takes a public expose of sexual deviancy before Ted Haggard's church board did anything to confront his sin; and he's just one amongst many sinning in the pulpit.
A likely reason whay churches are run as a corporation or business is because many pastors jump from corporate America and implement church growth, worldly programs, fund raisers, etc. based on what the skills they brought with them from their former secular jobs.
Your mention of a church having "unsaved members" is astonishing yet easily understood. There's more focus on getting visitors into a church member program than discerning whether they are actually saved or not. I know because I stopped attending an evening study group at one church which used the group as a catalyst to raise up church elders and leaders...but the teaching elder invited known unsaved new church attendees to the group. Mixing a little leven in the loaf spoils the whole lump!
Church today has become little more than a socialistic country club atmostphere of fun seekers - not God seekers!
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Re: Do you attend a church or a 501-c3 nonprofit organization?
| Posted On: 02/07/07 06:15:28 PM |
Age 41, NM |
I'm saddened as I read most of the comments on your article. You have a valid point about 501c3 status and the "possible" influence that may have on church organizations and pastors. I practice tithing, and I love to tithe. I love to give over the tithe. I am saddened when I don't have the means to give more. I never think twice about tax-deductibility when I give. I don't even understand the insinuation. If I was giving to get in return why would I give a dollar to get thirty cents back? That makes no sense to me. Furthermore I am a pastor, and yes our organization has 501c3 tax status. But my only motivation in incorporating is to honor Romans 13 and submit to the governing authorities which God placed over me. If the government threatened to take away our 501c3 status for preaching the Word of God - I'd give it back in a heartbeat. But until then, I can do what God called me to do and submit to the governing authorities at the same time. I hope that's honorable. I sure want to be.
But what hurts when I read these comments is how so many just want to dump on the "church", and criticize leaders as greedy. Perhaps some of you have legitimately had pastors who were wrongly motivated, but that does not mean that all of them are.
I truly believe that for all its problems there are many church organizations that have 501c3 status and whether good, bad or indifferent, God still uses them.
I think of some new friends Juan and Beverly. They're in their 50's and were gloriously saved in my church in October. In November I had the priviledge of baptizing them. Since then they have had more problems in life than most people I know - but they still trust God. They still seek to obey. They still come for prayer every day at 8:00. They witness to people. They tell people how wonderful it is to serve God-even though life still has problems.
What an honor it is to have been a tool in God's hand and see this great transformation of character, even though my church is a 501c3 organization. I could give you dozens of other examples of God doing wonders in our midst.
The thing is, my Bible still says, ALL THINGS ARE POSSIBLE WITH GOD. That means God can even use me in an imperfect church organization. Praise God. What a powerful God I serve.
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- Re: Re: Do you attend a church or a 501-c3 nonprofit organization?
| Posted On: 06/03/07 11:24:26 AM | | Age 38, TX |
Great comments from everyone. What has been said is not condemnation, but rather sounding the alarm. Bringing things to the attention of God's people. If this is wrong, then Jesus was wrong when He warned the people about the pharises or Paul was wrong for warning us about the false prophets and others.
I am a young pastor and I did not want to be bothered with 501(c)3filing. I was doing some research on this very same subject and issue, and the Lord led by here. God is Good!
But I know of other Young pastors who have been led to believe that if they are going to start a church, the should or must file as non-profit. The Lord has told be to stay away form this. For one, I did not want to have strings attached to the government, and two, Paul did say pay your taxes.
I was a Deacon once. I could tell you some stories, but I'll just close with this.
The bible tells us to, "Do not let you good be evil spoken of." With this in mind, I chose to stay away from 501(c)3 status.
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Re: Do you attend a church or a 501-c3 nonprofit organization?
| Posted On: 02/07/07 04:27:19 PM |
Age 51, MO |
Pastor Ray, you're on the right track as are several others who have commented. Briefly, the practice of religion is not taxable (Congress shall make no law...). Therefore, the 501(C)3 is entirely unnecessary re: the issue of taxation. Secondly, as a creature of the state, a 501(C)3 by law must advocate public (government) policy; that is, the current unjust war, the coddling of sodomites, the murder of unborn children, etc. For the time being they've chosen not to prosecute adverse views. Time will tell.
Buy why would the church of Jesus Christ want to be a creature of the state? Are a few liability perks worth the price of muzzling the whole gospel? If you can't teach people how to live and protect the flock, thus exposing the multitudinous fraud/debaucheries of the state and its various tyrants, what's the use? We have one King, Jesus Christ. All the others are pitiful mockers. SDG, Curt Frazier
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Re: Do you attend a church or a 501-c3 nonprofit organization?
| Posted On: 02/07/07 12:14:44 PM |
Age 26, TX |
Yeah, I agree with the above post--Ray, let's hear what you've found the church to truly be. Like you, I've questioned the appendages that are attached to the Scriptural definition of "church." It would be interesting to see what you have found in you study. Thanks!
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