Things you need to know concerning 501c3 Churches

501c3 Ecclesiastical Is the type of organization you are designated by the State.

Tax exempt status is granted by the Federal Government.

What is the difference between nonprofit and tax-exempt status? Nonprofit status is a state law concept. Nonprofit status may make an organization eligible for certain benefits, such as state sales, property and income tax exemptions. Although most federal tax-exempt organizations are nonprofit organizations, organizing as a nonprofit organization at the state level does not automatically grant the organization exemption from federal income tax. To qualify as exempt from federal income tax, an organization must meet requirements set forth in the Internal Revenue Code.

Things you need to know concerning 501c3 Churches

7 THINGS ALL CHURCHES SHOULD HAVE IN THEIR BYLAWS Proactively Protecting the Church’s Right to Be the Church #1: FORMAL MEMBERSHIP POLICY #2: PROCEDURE FOR MEMBER DISCIPLINE/MEMBERSHIP REVOCATION #3: PROCEDURE FOR RESCINDING MEMBERSHIP #4: JOB DESCRIPTIONS AND RELIGIOUS GROUNDS FOR LIMITING EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES #5: STATEMENT OF RELIGIOUS BELIEF REGARDING MARRIAGE #6: IDENTIFY GOVERNING BODY THAT IS THE SOLE AUTHORITATIVE INTERPRETER OF SCRIPTURE #7: DUE DILIGENCE REQUIREMENTS FOR ALL VOLUNTEERS AND STAFF WHO WORK WITH CHILDREN

Things you need to know regarding the Supreme Court Same Sex Marriages Decision

5 Things Churches Should Do ASAP Regarding the Same-Sex Marriage Law Author: Joseph Mattera

Have something in the church by laws that state that your church will not perform same sex weddings for members and non-members but will conduct wedding ceremonies for one man and one woman as biologically designed by birth (to protect against having to perform “transgender weddings” between those identifying themselves as a man and a woman) Number: 1 5 Things Churches Should Do ASAP Regarding the Same-Sex Marriage Law

Have a stipulation in your church by laws that say something like “ if our congregation is ever legally forced to perform same sex weddings, all clergy in our congregation will opt out of performing civil ceremonies and will only perform biblically based “covenant ceremonies” that bless the union between one man and one woman as biologically defined by their natural birth. Number: 2 5 Things Churches Should Do ASAP Regarding the Same-Sex Marriage Law

Every church needs to have clear criteria regarding who qualifies to be a church member –based on the biblical standards of morality and ethics as well as a process for membership termination. Once written, this section of the by laws should be given and signed off by each person before they are accepted as official church members. Number: 3 5 Things Churches Should Do ASAP Regarding the Same-Sex Marriage Law

The church should have a written policy that disallows members, non-members and non- attendees and or outsiders to rent and or use any of their facilities for same sex weddings and or any civil ceremonies related to marriage. Number: 4 5 Things Churches Should Do ASAP Regarding the Same-Sex Marriage Law

If all else fails, and the courts eventually override church by laws – then the only alternative left will be for biblically based clergy to engage in civil disobedience and refuse to comply with the law- irrespective of the penalties, consequences and cultural stigma they will receive. Number: 5 5 Things Churches Should Do ASAP Regarding the Same-Sex Marriage Law

Bylaw language defining marriage in the biblical sense doesn't mean a church won't face a suit or a complaint, but it does mean the church would be in a much better situation legally, said Erik Stanley, senior legal counsel for ADF. 5 Things Churches Should Do ASAP Regarding the Same-Sex Marriage Law