501c3…The Truth Will Set You Free
Saturday, 06/06/26 at 07:37
A Voice Shouting
Date: 6/5/2026
If you live in the U.S. you likely attend a church that has incorporated as a 501c3 church. And, like you, I never gave it much thought. I was under the impression that churches were required to take this step in order to qualify for tax exempt status. What I found out was rather shocking and I encourage you to do your own research in order to verify if what I am sharing is the truth.
Over the past 10 years I have had an incredibly difficult time finding a church that closely followed the biblical practices of the Book of Acts. Every church I attended seemed to settle on “happy talk” messages that were soothing to the ear, but lacked the staying power to change hearts and minds. There was little to no mention of sin, repentance, judgment, or the wrath of God. There were little or no messages on the times, nor the signs of the times. Where did the tough talk go? Sadly, what comes from the pulpits today are watered down, feel good messages that are quickly forgotten and largely lack the power to sanctify the soul.
Recently, I attended a church that was beginning a 10 part series intended to entice people to partake of church membership (that’s another subject that I may address in another warning). The Pastor discussed how the church was started, including the process of establishing by-laws, etc. He shared the first by-law which stated that the church was a 501c3 “Corporation”. Then next to the word “Corporation” he put in parentheses “church” (this was his addition so that the people could understand that Corporation meant church). Something didn’t sit right with me so when I got home I did some research about 501c3 churches. I highly encourage you to do the same. Here’s what I found:
When a church applies for 501c3 status they complete an application to be incorporated with the State. They file the application with the Secretary of State, who then approves their “license” to incorporate within the state they are filing. Once approved, the church (or denomination, ministry, etc.) is now licensed to operate under the rules and regulations of the IRS. This is a binding contract by which the church is under the authority (both legally and theologically) of the government. This means that your church has transferred the headship of the church from Jesus to the IRS. Your church is now regulated by the State. Church leaders are no longer allowed to speak freely. When Peter and John were told they couldn’t publicly speak the name of Jesus they rejected that demand and stood on the authority of God above all else (Acts 4, 4:19). However, today the 501c3 churches have placed the State and their regulations above the authority of God and His word.
To make matters worse, all churches already have tax exempt status without the need for 501c3. Yes, you heard that right. Our Founding Fathers knew the importance of keeping the State out of our churches, so the constitution allows churches to form without government intrusion. There is no need for a church to apply for tax exempt status…and doing so for reasons of tax exemption is a lie. Next, when a church applies for 501c3, they lose their first amendment rights…and therefore no longer enjoy the freedom of speech. So all sermons are regulated by the State. All 501c3 Pastors are limited in what they can say or not say. If a Pastor says anything contrary to what the IRS allows, they are breaking the law and can be held liable.
Pastors are not allowed to speak against any politician or government agency or institution, legislation, other religions, etc. They can’t support the 2nd Amendment, support the pro-life movement, encourage anyone against abortion, etc. This list of restrictions goes on, but I ask you to do your own research. Go to Youtube and research “Exposing 501c3 Churches”. You’ll find everything you need to better understand this important issue. Take this to the Lord and ask for His guidance on how He would have you personally respond to this topic.
With this said, it is far easier for me to understand why I’ve had such a hard time finding a church that moved me via the Holy Spirit. The Church is not a building, a denomination, a legal entity, nor is it a “Corporation”. Sadly the American church has now become a corporation, rather than what God intended it to be: the Body of Christ (born-again believers in Jesus Christ). Sadly, these churches are led by Pastors who have sold out to man rather than faithfully and fearfully serving the Most High God.
To find out if your church is a 501c3 you can search in the following IRS website at this link:
Is it possible that Revelation 18:4-5 might, in part, apply to this topic? “Come away from her, my people. Do not take part in her sins, or you will be punished with her. For her sins are piled as high as heaven, and God remembers her evil deeds.”
444News note: 444 Prophecy News has never been or will be 501c3.
