I have had several people coming to me lately asking me to act as incorporator for their 501 c 3.
There are advantages and disadvantages to this status but the first thing I make them understand is you do NOT have to have 501 c 3 status to be a church. You can incorporate as a non-profit with your state or even choose to forgo incorporation of any kind and still maintain status as a church.
The issus of regular meetings as a Bible study or a church would actually have great bearing for purposes of state being able to regulate vis a vis zoning etc.
This would be regardless of whether any money was collected period, and irrespective of its method of collection.
San Diego County has withdrawn a warning letter and cease and desist order it had issued against a pastor against a weekly Bible study held in his home, and the chief administrative officer for the governmental body has added his own personal apology to the pastor over the accusations.
"I want to offer my apology to you, your wife and your congregation for the unfortunate events of the past several weeks," said the letter from Walter F. Ekard, chief officer of the county. "My review of the situation shows that no administrative citation warning should have been issued and that a major use permit is not required for the Bible study you have in your home."
Pasor will win as long as designated a home Bible study as opposed to church.
JAG
So, is that reason behind this odd set of questions?
Quote:
Originally Posted by rgcraig
Broyles said, "The county asked, 'Do you have a regular meeting in your home?' She said, 'Yes.' 'Do you say amen?' 'Yes.' 'Do you pray?' 'Yes.' 'Do you say praise the Lord?' 'Yes.'"
Do they think these answers indicate it's a church vs a Bible study?
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Hebrews 13:23 Know ye that our brother Timothy is set at liberty
So, is that reason behind this odd set of questions?
Do they think these answers indicate it's a church vs a Bible study?
I have no idea why the county representative asked those questions.
Seriously doubt he/she had enough legal acumen to understand the nuances.
HOWEVER, the county would have a different interest in a church holding regular meetings, inteferring with local traffic etc, than a Bible study.
IMO the latter would be about as impossible to regulate as a person having regular book club, or sports club meetings. The former would place it into a more debatable area as far as state/public rights.
One of my future radio segments will deal with liability and home church meetings so I have been following this incident.
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People who are always looking for fault,can find it easily all they have to do,is look into their mirror.
There they can find plenty of fault.
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People who are always looking for fault,can find it easily all they have to do,is look into their mirror.
There they can find plenty of fault.
AFA has a petition to sign to send to the county. I signed it. That ordeal from the county is antichrist and communistic!
__________________ ...MY THOUGHTS, ANYWAY.
"Many Christians do not try to understand what was written in a verse in the Bible. Instead they approach the passage to prove what they already believe."
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People who are always looking for fault,can find it easily all they have to do,is look into their mirror.
There they can find plenty of fault.
Hybrid Mode
