Churches are not merely "exempt" from taxation because they make application to IRS for that legal "privilege", they are non-taxable because of First Amendment. It's a matter of jurisdiction. The government may only tax that which it has jurisdiction over.

Interestingly enough, even IRS acknowledges that churches are tax-exempt and tax-deductible without ever applying for that status. In their words, it's "automatic" (Pub. 557 and IRC Sec. 508). Furthermore, contributions to churches are also "automatically" tax deductible (Pub. 526). Why then do churches subordinate themselves to IRS, and thereby waive many important constitutionally guaranteed rights? Why do they agree to numerous restrictions imposed on them by 501c3 status? Certainly not because they were well informed. It only happens out of ignorance.

"My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge." (Hosea 4:6)

Many a preacher is getting fed up with having their tax-exempt status held over their head, and used as a mechanism for restricting their speech. The 501c3 is a huge liability to all but most politically correct of churches.

Churches generally organize as 501c3 at advice of their attorney; but those who did so only got one side of story. Just wait until you hear "the rest of story."

For materials on how to unlicense your church, or to organize a "free-church", call 1-417-337-7533, ext. 1, or visit us on web at: http://hushmoney.org. You may also request to have a brochure mailed to you.

Tragically, some of people who have thoroughly analyzed church licensure issue, and who are most disturbed by it, are often very ones who have abandoned organized church altogether. In all too many cases, rather than working to reform church, they have deserted it and are no longer a part of any organized Christian fellowship, not even a well-organized home church. Our message must be reform, not escapism. This author regularly receives inquiries for information regarding unlicensed churches in various localities around country. I have never held myself out as maintaining a contact database to network wayfaring Christians with unlicensed churches. To do so would be contrary to very purpose of my calling. I want to encourage people to stay in their church and work to reform it, not to abandon their government-licensed church as soon as they become aware that there is an unlicensed church across town. If everyone who became troubled by this issue were to simply pack up and leave, who would remain to reform church?

Leaving a church must be last resort, and then reuniting in a new church fellowship should be of highest priority. Seeking a church that is already unlicensed need not, and should not, be highest priority. This author has seen some Christians forsake many weeks and months of regular assembling because of a stubborn refusal to darken door of any licensed church. Is such conduct biblically (or even historically) supported? Hardly. Many of Founding Fathers faithfully attended Anglican Church, in spite of their personal disdain for any State sanction of religion. They would not have done so had their attendance violated Law-Word or their own consciences.

These men understood principles of Reformed Faith: ecclesia reformata, semper reformatum: church reformed, always reforming. It was because of their continued and committed reforming presence (and yes, they were communicant members ) that a majority of Anglican churches, particularly those in southern colonies, had shifted their position from Loyalist to Patriot, and actively supported American independency. Patriotic Americans today cannot ever hope to reclaim their liberties apart from first reclaiming America's churches. Only work of reform can accomplish that, and one can only reform that which he actively participates in.

While some may have a legitimate legal cause for not becoming a "member" of a 501c3 church, there is no biblical support for a believer to refuse church attendance on basis that he is unable to identify a non-501c3 church in his community. Sadly, many have done precisely that, and are thereby "forsaking assembling of ourselves together, as manner of some is" (Heb 10:25). It is a sin to terminate church membership over 501c3 issue, in same way that it is a sin to divorce one's wife over State marriage license issue. God holds us accountable for covenants we make, including unrighteous ones made in ignorance (those in doubt, review Joshua 9, and Israel's covenant with Gibeonites). Covenants may not be abrogated without incurring God's judgment (see 2 Samuel 21:1-3).

While pastors and ministers need to know that incorporation and 501c3 are a serious problem, and an affront to Christ's Sovereign rule over His church, they also need to know that there are workable solutions. The fact is that far too many people have done nothing more for clergy than to point accusatory finger, then leave them with nothing to remedy their problems. The reality is that there are numerous issues (property and assets, banking, polity, denominational affiliations, etc.) which could make unlicensing some churches a daunting process. For this, they will need competent assistance. That's what this ministry does--provide solutions to those pastors and ministers who sincerely desire Jesus Christ as Sovereign of their churches and ministries.