Ministers to Defy I.R.S. by Endorsing Candidates

[TK Burk]

Originally Posted by ManOfWord

I found out about this a week or two ago. It infuriates me to no end!!! These guys, and I'm quite familiar with their group, do NOT speak for me, neither do I want them to swat the "bees nest", simply because THEY want to endorse from their pulpits. Ministers don't need to use their pulpits for a direct endorsement. There are many other ways to let it be known how you feel about a certain candidate.

I certainly don't want them messing up the church's tax exempt status for the rest of us!! These guys are arrogant, pompous (IMO) and really do believe that they are responsible for George Bush being elected last election. This is an elitist group who really think they have WAY more authority than they really do!

Want to know how I REALLY feel about this?

Needless to say, I will not be following their lead!

Have you ever thought about operating your church as a “Free Church”? When a church operates under that umbrella they are free from the IRS restraints in the 501c3.

[TK Burk]

Originally Posted by Pragmatist

I personally don't want my pastor or anyone else telling me who to vote for.

I agree!

[TK Burk]

Originally Posted by ManOfWord

We will NEVER change our culture through politics or political endorsements. That is the fallacy of the religious right. And remember, I am the Executive Director of a Federal PAC.

MOW, I agree with you 100%!! The only force that can bring real change is Jesus Christ and His Church!

[TK Burk]

Originally Posted by Ferd

my point is that this particular regulation seems to be heavy handed.

im not trying to change American culture in any way. but i dont mind when someone makes a challenge.

how are you harmed by this? you dont violate this restriction.

Are you a minister that is 501c3? What about your church?

[Ferd]

Originally Posted by TK Burk

Are you a minister that is 501c3? What about your church?

I am not a pastor. our church is 501c3.

My pastor (with or without the IRS Regulation) would never endorse any candidate. Our church is one of the most diverse in our area.


I still say that the option ought not be based on government regulation, but insetead be based on desire of the congregation.

[All4one]

Render unto Ceasar what is Ceasars! When you sign to accept their rules to get tax exempt status, you are binding yourself to that law! Keep your word or pay the taxes!

[TRFrance]

To me, that stuff doesn't belong in the pulpit, but and Democrat politicians have been getting away with using churches as campaign platforms for years, so... what ever.

[ManOfWord]

Originally Posted by TK Burk

Have you ever thought about operating your church as a “Free Church”? When a church operates under that umbrella they are free from the IRS restraints in the 501c3.

I feel no restraints.

[Brother Price]

If preachers would cease trying to be worldly and carnal, they would know what to do. A man of God need not tell people who to vote for or whatever. If we would teach the people to be led of the Spirit and the Word, and walk in the holiness therein, they would be able to discern correctly and their vote would reflect that.

No pastor has ever been called to preach politics. They have been called to preach the Gospel. Modern churches desire to proclaim purpose driven nonsense and church growth foolishness, when the pastors need to fall on their faces, turn to God in true repentance, get the garbage out of their churches, and proclaim what thus says the Lord.

The call is to preach the Gospel, preach truth. if a man of God has done this, and the soul has truly repented and turned to God, then that soul will vote according to what he sees.

In other words, the choice is clear, and pastors need not tell people who to vote for. I assure you, after all I have seen about Obamanation, I am not voting for that man. No pastor had to tell me to not vote for him. His policies are not godly, he is not godly.

[Steve Epley]

The black church has been doing this since the 60's without any reprocussions.