In my walk with the Lord, which began back in the 1970s, I have witnessed the incredible resilience of the local church. I have seen lives transformed by the Gospel and communities healed by the power of the Holy Spirit. But lately, a heavy concern has taken root in my spirit—a concern regarding the “marriage” between the Lord’s house and the State’s regulations.
At Trifecta Living, we focus on the harmony of Body, Soul, and Spirit. But how can the Spirit of a church be free when its “Body” is legally bound to a government contract?
The 501(c)(3) Compromise
For decades, churches have operated under the assumption that tax-exempt status is a necessity. Since it was codified in 1954, most churches have made official applications to the IRS to become a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation.
We do this for “protection” and “benefits,” yet we preach from the King James Bible that the Lord is our only Provider. This brings us to a difficult question: Do we truly believe our own preaching?
“And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.” — Matthew 16:18
If we believe the gates of hell cannot prevail against the Church, why are we so afraid of functioning without a government-approved tax status? We are willing to keep meticulous records of a member’s tithing—often for the sole purpose of a tax deduction—which makes me wonder where our true focus lies.
A House Divided
The compromise is subtle but dangerous. We claim to be autonomous, yet we submit our Constitution and Bylaws to the State for approval. We preach that the Head of the Church is Christ, yet we sign documents that give the government the right to inspect church property and question our practices.
We are talking out of both sides of our spiritual mouth.
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We trust the finished work of the Cross for our eternal salvation.
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We do not trust God for the starting and maintaining of a local church.
As the scripture warns us in 2 Corinthians 6:14:
“Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?”
The Shift in Authority
I am an Independent Baptist, and I believe in the congregational authority of the local assembly. However, I see more and more churches listing deacons as “Admins” or “Directors” in their corporate filings.
This is more than just “paperwork.” It is a shift in the very foundation of the church. In a New Testament church, the authority rests in the body as a whole under Christ. By adopting a corporate structure, we are turning the House of God into a business board. This is foolishness.
The Proof is in the Pudding
If you believe what you preach, then it is time to act on that faith. The proof is in the pudding:
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Drop the 501(c)(3) status.
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Sever the ties with State-mandated incorporation.
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Serve God with complete faith in His provision.
We cannot claim to be a “set apart” people while we are legally “incorporated” into the world’s system. It is time for the local church to stand on its own two feet, leaning only on the Everlasting Arms.
What’s it going to be, Church? Faith in the State, or Faith in the Savior? The ole 501