Quote:
Originally Posted by jaamez
Hey, Bro, would you please elaborate on this for me? I'm not rebuking or refuting, I'm sincerely curious how you support that statement. I've heard that it's harder to get tax-exempt status without an affiliation and even harder to get a bank loan should we ever decide we should purchase a building.
My brother-in-law and I are talking and praying about this as an option. Seems there's another pastor in our area bad-mouthing us because we have, evidently, stolen some of "his people." While we have never specifically asked any of them to come with us, we have not told them they are not welcome either. Some of the politicians in our district are stirring up trouble and it's making it difficult to even attend fellowship meetings. He's paying monthly dues to basically receive no support from the presbytery.
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Tax exempt is not a problem. You pretty much have it from day one, as long as it is a "normal" church situation but you still need to file with the IRS....usually just a formality.
Regarding bank loans, we've had no problem whatsoever. We've just demonstrated ability to pay. We just borrowed $150K a couple of years ago to do some things around here and hire a youth pastor. Our equity was there and we provided the bank with a business plan and it was no problem.
Regarding ordinations: Even though we are independent, in the State's eyes, we are our own "denominational" ordaining body. I can ordain anyone and it is just like any other denomination.
Regarding accountability: There is always the danger of abuse and that exists whether in a denomination or not. The key is to have good leaders on board and a good accountability system, which we have. I have a lot of authority, but it comes from trust. We still have things in place like signing a loan or selling that can't be done by be alone. It takes a board decision or maybe a congregational decision, depending on what the situation is.
Impact on our community? Being independent/non-denominational allows me to interact with MANY other churches since they can't pigeon hole us with a denomination. Interaction translates into influence. It also helps me in the political and business community as well. That may not be the case everywhere, but it is for us.
Hope this helps!
