An Open Letter to Pastors of Incorporated Churches

Dear Pastor:

What I am about to share with you may be the most important information you’ve read in a long time. How you respond to it will have a profound effect, not only on your local church but on the American Church as a whole. Yes, it is that serious.

I hope you will read what I am about to write prayerfully and Biblically.

The sin I am referring to is the sin of 501(c)3 incorporation of churches.

Imagine a wife legally joining herself to another man. What husband would tolerate such behavior? What kind of man would he be if he passively put up with his wife committing legalized adultery? God is obvious in His Law that He hates adultery:

You shall not commit adultery. Exodus 20:14

Paul writes in Ephesians 5:25:

Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her.

Revelation 19:7-9 reveals the marriage feast of Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God, with the Bride, His Church:

Let us rejoice and exult and give him the glory, for the marriage of the Lamb has come, and his Bride has made herself ready; it was granted her to clothe herself with fine linen, bright and pure"— for the fine linen is the righteous deeds of the saints. And the angel said to me, "Write this: Blessed are those who are invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb." And he said to me, "These are the true words of God."

The Old Testament says it like this:

For your Maker is your husband, the Lord of hosts is his name; and the Holy One of Israel is your Redeemer, the God of the whole earth he is called. Isaiah 54:5

God likens physical adultery to spiritual adultery:

Surely, as a treacherous wife leaves her husband, so have you been treacherous to me, O house of Israel, declares the Lord. Jeremiah 3:20

What does this have to do with the Church? Everything! Most of the churches in the United States of America are participating in this same sin. How may you ask? It is through submitting the Church to the State through incorporation.

The Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary defines incorporation as:

1 a: to unite or work into something already existent so as to form an indistinguishable whole, b: to blend or combine thoroughly

2 a: to form into a legal corporation, b: to admit to membership in a corporate body

3: to give material form to : EMBODY

When a church incorporates, it becomes united "into something already existent to form an indistinguishable whole.” How many "blend or combine thoroughly" the Church? When the Bride of Christ incorporates with the State "the two become one flesh." (Genesis 3:24)

The second definition is the legal side of the term. To understand this, let us consult the Cornel Law School's legal definition:

A corporation is a legal entity created through the laws of its State of incorporation. Individual states have the power to promulgate laws relating to the creation, organization and dissolution of corporations.

Since when did God give the State permission to create, organize, and dissolve the Church? Never! Neither did He give any church leaders the right to join the Church with the State through incorporation.

Biblically speaking, the Church is the Bride of the great Bridegroom, Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ is not only the Husband of the Church; He is her Founder and Creator:

Jesus said to Simon Peter, 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

Except the Lord build the house, they labor in vain that build it. Psalm 127:1 

The house of God is the church of the living God. 1 Timothy 3:15 

Built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone, in whom the whole structure, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord. In him you also are being built together into a dwelling place for God by the Spirit. Ephesians 2:20-22

And he is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent. Colossians 1:18

When a church voluntarily incorporates, the separation between Church and State is destroyed. Jesus Christ, the sovereign head of the Church, is replaced by a new sovereign. The local expression of the Bride of Christ becomes the wife of a new husband once the corporation papers are accepted. The problem with this is as Jesus so eloquently stated in Matthew 6:24:

No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money.

Speaking of money, the main reason most churches incorporate is because of money. First of all, Church leaders want the tax-breaks that not-for-profit corporations benefit from in the United States. They also believe the only way people can write off contributed money is through incorporation. No one does their homework to find out that the True Church already has these rights because of Church and State's separation.

They don't tell you that once the church becomes a fictitious legal person created by the State, it becomes taxable. The State cannot tax the True Church because of the separation of Church and State. The Church is non-taxable. But now that the church has blended with the State through incorporation, it is taxable. The next hoop an incorporated church must jump through is to apply for tax-exemption through the 501(c)3 line of the tax code. Once this happens, the marriage is complete.

The other monetary reason churches incorporate is because of the fear of being sued. They don’t tell you that incorporated churches are sued all the time, and savvy attorneys know how to "pierce the corporate veil." Church leaders line up to voluntarily fill out their incorporation papers out of fear, misinformation, and because of money.

I know from experience that it is possible to plant, pastor, and administer a church that does not incorporate with the State because I did it. I was the pastor of an unincorporated church here in Connecticut for over twelve years. The only inconvenience I had was when stores such as Staples asked for the tax-exemption number. I would explain to them that a church is automatically “tax-exempt.” They would look at me with a blank expression because they need a number to put into their computer. 

If paying sales tax was the price we had to pay to remain the Bride of One Husband, we gladly paid. My point is that it is possible to be an unincorporated church in the United States. I could write a book on this, but for now, I offer these words of encouragement. It is possible to not incorporate.

By the way, all contributions to churches that remain churches are automatically tax-deductible, so there’s no excuse here. Even if they weren’t, that would be no reason to wed your church to the state through incorporation.

As a side note, the Church exists in many oppressive nations such as China. However, to legally run a church in many of these countries, you must register the church. If you do not, you may be closed down or put in prison. Non-state churches are illegal, but thanks to the faithful pastors in these countries, they meet anyway. How ironically sad that the Church in the United States voluntarily does what the oppressed Church must do in other nations.

Through incorporation, the State has the legal authority in the United States to dictate what the Church can and cannot preach or do. At this present time, the State exercises some interference, but that can and will change in the blink of an eye.

The State has no say in churches that are not incorporated. I am not referring to the duty the government has to arrest any person or persons who are engaged in illegal and immoral behavior. The Bible supports this in Romans 13.

When a church incorporates, it gives the government the right to curb, dictate, or interfere with its activity. Here is an article that outlines the ways in which incorporated churches give control over to the State. This is from an organization that helps churches incorporate, so they know what they are talking about. Among these controls is Section 501(c)(3) limits organizations from engaging in substantial efforts to influence legislation:

A church or religious organization will be regarded as attempting to influence legislation if it contacts, or urges the public to contact, members or employees of a legislative body for the purpose of proposing, supporting, or opposing legislation, or if the organization advocates the adoption or rejection of legislation. IRS Publication 1828

The word “church” here does not mean a congregation that has not subjected itself to the State through incorporation. This kind of church can do whatever it believes God wants them to do. That means they can speak against and lobby against abortion, sexual immorality, and so on.

One incorporated church went too far against the State. As a 501(c)3 corporation, they influenced legislation more than the State thought it should. It was brought to court and lost. It had to pay fines and, I’m sure, accumulated substantial legal costs. It went all the way to a Federal Appeals court where the church lost.

One website that aids churches in the sin of incorporation publish articles for incorporated churches on matters such as “Same-Sex Marriage, Now Transgender Bathrooms; What Churches Should Know” Again, read “Churches” as “incorporated Churches.”

I think it will be a matter of time before the State will require all 501(c)3 incorporated churches to do things that compromise the gospel. I hope that I am wrong, but given that corporations answer to the State, why not? 

There is only one way out. It is for the Church, in whatever local expression She has, to repent of this sin. The repentance can only be accomplished by each church dissolving their 501(c)3 not-for-profit corporate marriage with the State. Only then will God pour out His blessing once again upon His Beloved Bride. Until then, Christ will remain a jealous Husband and the Church, a cheating Bride.

Pastor, you have a duty and responsibility to undo this sin. You have a significant influence in your church and people will listen to you. Since your parishioners follow your lead, the burden lies upon your shoulders. 

Now that you have this information, what are you doing to do about it? I am glad to help you in any way I can. I do not promise that dissolving your church corporation will be easy. I do not promise that things will go smooth for you once you do. In fact, your difficulties may increase. But that is no reason to disobey God. He promised that in following Him, you will have difficulties in this world. He also promised that He has overcome the world.

I close with a thought from the book of 1 John 2:28

And now, little children, abide in him, so that when he appears we may have confidence and not shrink from him in shame at his coming.

Someday, we will all face the great Bridegroom of the Bride. When He comes, I pray that we will be able to look Him in the eye in confidence because we obeyed Him in every way. Dissolve your church corporation. Release the Bride!

In Christ

Yet Another Plea for the Bride of Christ to Divorce the State

If you are a member of a church here in the United States of America, your church is most likely not the Body (Corpus) of Christ, but a Corporation of the State. I would say that over 98% of churches in America are State Corporations. The remaining 2% are either house churches or churches that understood the apostasy of incorporation.

I planted a church and pastored that church for over 12 years that never stopped being part of the Body of Christ because it was not incorporated. It is possible to maintain the separation of Church and State, but it isn't easy.

The First Amendment clearly states: 

Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances. (emphasis mine)

What is incorporation?

It is the voluntary petition to create a fictitious legal entity that can act like a person (a body, which is the root of inCORPoration). This fictitious entity can buy, sell, trade, and act like a person. If sued, the corporation is responsible, not any individuals. Your incorporated church is just like MacDonalds, Burger King, Pepsi, Bank of America, and so forth.

There are many reasons why churches seek to incorporate, but outlining these reasons is not the purpose of this article. The purpose of this article is to confront incorporated churches with the truth that they have voluntarily "wed" the Bride of Church's expression in their midst with the State. 

When a church incorporates, there is no longer a separation of Church and State.

The reason is the Church voluntarily petitioned the State to become part of the State. The Church becomes part of the State because, as stated above, the State plays God by creating a fictitious legal entity. Part of this pact is the agreement that once "created" or incorporated, the State has authority and jurisdiction over what it created. There are benefits to incorporating, but the benefits do not justify the compromise these churches commit by bringing their local church under the jurisdiction and control of the State. The State takes care of its own, at least for a time.

Many pastors will shrug articles like this off with hardly a thought. But I have a question for you and for these pastors. What does Jesus Christ think about His Bride being "created" by, joined with, and presided over by the State? 

The Bible says the head of the Church is Christ (Ephesians 5:23). It means that no one can serve two masters. (Matthew 6:24). God says to have no other gods before Him. (Exodus 20:3) 

While the State has a Biblical role in punishing evildoers, evil being defined as the violation of the Law of God (1 John 3:4), the State does not have authority or jurisdiction over the Church of Jesus Christ. In other words, the State does not have Biblical authority to dictate what the Church does or doesn't do or say. The First Amendment recognizes this Biblical principle.

It is sad how the Church in America has compromised the Body of Christ's status and wed the Bride to the State through incorporation. It is more than sorry. It is, in my opinion, the foundational sin in America today. The Church cannot and will not have any voice to fight the spirit of this age as She fornicates with the State through incorporation. 

It is sad also to see how pastors appear to be so brave standing up against the State during COVID-19 by continuing to meet, sing, pray, worship God and do what the Bride of Christ is supposed to be doing during such a confusing and deceptive time as this. 

Pastors, if you want to do the right thing, don't just defy the State by doing what the Church is called to do anyway.

Get on your knees and repent of the unholy and ungodly wedding between your church and the State through incorporation. Stop being a business man or woman and start acting like the pastors of old who protected and defended the Bride, even if it costs you your life.

Until then, stop disobeying your sovereign head, the State, and do what your Husband tells you to do!

Welcome to The New Church of the USSA

(All the items listed below are a combination of mandates that are listed on different church websites in Connecticut and throughout the United States of America or are legal truths of incorporated churches)

In the New Church: 

• Since we are an incorporated “church” we must comply with the Secretary of State who is our sovereign head.

• You must obey your governmental leaders.

• You must obey your church leaders who obey your governmental leaders

• You have to register online before you attend.

• You have to receive confirmation before you show up.

• If too many are registered, you will be put on a waiting list.

• We practice contact tracing on behalf of the State so please inform us if you are sick or have tested positive for COVID-19.

• If you receive confirmation to attend, you must wear a mask.

• Wear gloves if you have to touch anything or anybody.

• Hand sanitizer is distributed all throughout the sanctuary.

• You have to maintain at least 6 feet social distancing.

• To not touch anyone!

• Do not hug!

• To not greet anyone with a” holy kiss”!

• To not extend the “right hand of fellowship”!

• No praising God through the singing of hymns, songs, or songs of the Spirit.

• Offering will no longer be part of the service. Buckets are placed at the entrance for your safety.

• Do not come to the altar for prayer!

• If you are sick, stay home! We will not pray for you in person. There will be no laying on of hands.

• There will be no communion.

• There will be no baptisms.

Failure to comply with any or all of the listed mandates can and will result in excommunication and/or expulsion from our church.

And don’t forget to enjoy the liberty to worship we enjoy here in the United States of America.

Final note:

God has not called me to lead a church at this time, but if there are Christians who want to gather as a non-incorporated, non-statist, non-comforming church, please let me know. I would lead such a church as this. Or if there is such a church meeting here in Connecticut, please let me know. It would be refreshing to worship with dangerous Christians.

God have mercy on us!

The Consequences. of Taxing 501(c)3 “Churches”

Most "churches" in the USA destroyed the separation between Church and State by voluntarily filing with the State to become corporations created by the State. Because of the separation of Church and State, the Church is already non-taxable. Once a Church becomes a corporation, it now is a taxable entity created by the State. This newly formed taxable corporation then needs to apply for not-for-profit status under the 501(c)3 code of the IRS. And, yes, these not-for-profit corporations adopt a business model of operation offering their "services" in exchange for money. By the way, if you argue these not-for-profit corporations should pay taxes (essentially eliminating the 501(c)3 tax exemption line in the tax code), then you need to argue that all not-for-profit corporations should pay taxes as well.

As a side note, a “church” that registers with the State to become a corporation and later receives 501(c)3 status under the tax code is, by the nature of being a 501(c)3 corporation, limited to do only the certain functions listed in their By-laws. As 501(c)3 corporations, they also are forbidden from contributing to political campaigns, officially influence elections or legislation, and may only do a limited amount of lobbying. Finally, 501(c)3 corporations are open to public scrutiny, which the public can obtain copies of any non-for-profit’s tax returns, and can find out salaries and other expenditures.

So, if you argue for the taxation of these “churches”, you are saying you want these “churches” to do whatever they want for profit, have the ability, not only to contribute to political campaigns and speak about legislation, but have the right to do extensive lobbying, and have the right to be secretive about their finances, financial activities, salaries, and expenditures.

I’m not sure too many people are comfortable with “churches” having this much power, particularly in the political realm.

Personally, I believe pastors and churches compromise their true calling to be the Body of Christ and destroy the separation of Church and State when they sought legitimacy from the State by becoming a Corporation with not-for-profit status. I pastored a church for over 12 years that did not register with the State and maintained separation of Church and State. I hope someday "churches" will stop acting like business and start acting like the Church.

Non-Essential Business or The Church Victorious?

I just learned that Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker proclaimed Illinois churches will be closed for a year, or longer. How impressive, church and governmental leaders have accomplished in a few weeks of COVID-19, what the Caesars, Communists, Fascists, Tyrants, and haters of Christianity have been trying to do for millennia - shut down the Church.

How quickly church leaders have acquiesced and even admitted, through passivity, the verdict of the State of just how irrelevant they really are. In direct violation of the Scripture’s command to not neglect meeting together (Hebrews 10:25), pastors have shown just how “non-essential” the American Church is by closing their doors for who knows how long. We can go to Walmart, Cosco, Homedepot, but heaven (or should I say "hell") forbid people to gather for worship.

“But we fear COVID-19”, you say. Can anyone point me to a Bible verse that proclaims that we are supposed to live in fear of anything? Where does it say that God will protect us except against COVID-19? Even more, where does it say that we should fear anything but God?

I would argue that it is times of crisis like this that the Church, Christians, and especially pastors are the most relevant to society. I poked fun at pastors by rewriting the mandate given in James 5:14

𝐼𝑠 𝑎𝑛𝑦𝑜𝑛𝑒 𝑎𝑚𝑜𝑛𝑔 𝑦𝑜𝑢 𝑠𝑖𝑐𝑘? 𝐿𝑒𝑡 ℎ𝑖𝑚 𝑐𝑎𝑙𝑙, 𝑡𝑒𝑥𝑡, 𝑜𝑟 𝑒𝑚𝑎𝑖𝑙 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑒𝑙𝑑𝑒𝑟𝑠 𝑜𝑓 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝐶ℎ𝑢𝑟𝑐ℎ, 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑙𝑒𝑡 𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑚 𝑝𝑟𝑎𝑦 𝑟𝑒𝑚𝑜𝑡𝑒𝑙𝑦 𝑓𝑜𝑟 ℎ𝑖𝑚 𝑎𝑠 ℎ𝑒 𝑎𝑛𝑜𝑖𝑛𝑡𝑠 ℎ𝑖𝑚𝑠𝑒𝑙𝑓 𝑤𝑖𝑡ℎ 𝑠𝑎𝑛𝑖𝑡𝑖𝑧𝑒𝑟 𝑖𝑛 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑛𝑎𝑚𝑒 𝑜𝑓 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝐿𝑜𝑟𝑑.

The actual verse says,

𝐼𝑠 𝑎𝑛𝑦𝑜𝑛𝑒 𝑎𝑚𝑜𝑛𝑔 𝑦𝑜𝑢 𝑠𝑖𝑐𝑘? 𝐿𝑒𝑡 ℎ𝑖𝑚 𝑐𝑎𝑙𝑙 𝑓𝑜𝑟 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑒𝑙𝑑𝑒𝑟𝑠 𝑜𝑓 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝐶ℎ𝑢𝑟𝑐ℎ 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑙𝑒𝑡 𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑚 𝑝𝑟𝑎𝑦 𝑜𝑣𝑒𝑟 ℎ𝑖𝑚, 𝑎𝑛𝑜𝑖𝑛𝑡𝑖𝑛𝑔 ℎ𝑖𝑚 𝑤𝑖𝑡ℎ 𝑜𝑖𝑙 𝑖𝑛 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑛𝑎𝑚𝑒 𝑜𝑓 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝐿𝑜𝑟𝑑.

It is a command for elders to be present with a sick person to pray for them in person, even touching them to anoint them with oil. I wonder how many people lay ill or dying alone during this crisis that needs or needed this kind of pastor and this kind of prayer.

Are you a non-essential pastor? Are you an irrelevant Christian? Does it matter to you whether your Church is closed or not? You have to answer that question for yourself.

There is no service, no group, or no individual more essential than the Body of Christ. Tell me, what is of greater importance than:

Salvation
Prayer
Anointing with Oil
Baptism
Communion
Corporate Worship
The Preaching of the Word
The Teaching of God’s Word
Marrying People in the Lord
Burying People in the Lord?

We are coming to a time when Christians may have to decide what we really believe. Are we vital or “non-essential”? Each one must decide for him or her self.

I am not pastoring a church at this time in my life. I know that if I were or if God called me back into pastoral ministry, I would defy any governmental mandates commanding me not to do what God has called the Church to do. I wouldn’t command you to come. That’s between you and God, but I would be prepared to lead worship, preach the word, pray, and administer the sacraments.

If the government continues to mandate the closing of churches, would you stand and say like Peter in Acts 5:29, “𝑊𝑒 𝑚𝑢𝑠𝑡 𝑜𝑏𝑒𝑦 𝐺𝑜𝑑 𝑟𝑎𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑟 𝑡ℎ𝑎𝑛 𝑚𝑒𝑛.”? There may come a time, no, there will come a time when Christians will, once again, be put to the test. If you cannot answer that question with a resounding “yes and amen”, then you have just become part of a non-essential business.

Modern Day Pastors

April 21, 2020

The Civil Magistrate and the Closing of Church

Does the Government have the authority to forcibly close Churches in a time of crisis, and should Christians comply?

It’s a good question. It seems easy to answer, but there is more to the subject than meets the eye. During this time, taking time apart to stop the spread of a potentially deadly disease is a wise thing to do. Many pastors are adapting quickly to continue providing spiritual leadership online. Good for them!

But back to the question, however. Does the Government have the right and authority to close the Church forcibly, and should Christians comply? Furthermore, how much control does the Government have over the Church in the USA? The answer may surprise you.

Many do not realize that most churches in America agreed to be controlled by the Government. This agreement started when someone, usually the pastor, voluntarily signed their Church up to become a State corporation. When churches incorporate, they agree to make the State their sovereign head and, in many states, give the State a wide-ranging regulatory authority over them.

What is a corporation? It is a fictitious legal “Person” created by the State. Most churches incorporate for the advantages and protections of the corporate legal structure, believing this is the only way to receive tax-deductible contributions. However, the Church is “non-taxable,” and all donations are automatically tax-deductible. The only reason an incorporated church needs to apply for 501(c)3 exemption is that it gives over its legal status of being part of the Church and becomes a State corporation, it becomes taxable because it is now a State created fictitious “person.” Now that it is taxable, it must apply for 501(c)3 tax-exemption. Some incorporate because they want liability protection. Given the fact that the corporate veil can be pierced reveals this is not a good reason to incorporate.

The incorporation of churches nullifies the line that once existed between Church and State once a church incorporates.

Why is it that American pastors rush to the State to become incorporated while, at the same time, the underground church is growing by leaps and bounds in oppressed countries? Many Christians don’t realize there are plenty of churches in tyrannical nations such as China. But Chinese officials are careful to monitor them to be sure they continue to comply. They have to be State licensed churches to stay open.

We’ve seen the State oppress the Church all throughout history. Brave men and women such as Richard and Sabina Wurmbrand of Romania refused to submit to communist oppression by being imprisoned and even tortured for Christ instead of becoming stooges for the State church. Instead of selling out to the State, Richard and Sabina suffered unimaginable atrocities for the cause of Christ and the Underground Church.

Compare that to the American Church, who, far too often, has adopted a business model of operation. Is it any wonder it seeks legitimacy through incorporation. Too many have become program-personality-entertainment-centered churches doing whatever it takes to survive. How different is that mentality from the New Testament Church that thrived in the hostile Roman Empire competing against countless religions, including the worship of the emperor as a symbol of the State?

So, if and when you hear Christians lamenting and bemoaning the supposed oppression of their church, remind them their church signed up for it when they signed their incorporation papers.

Jesus Christ said, “No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money.” (Matthew 6:24) It’s time for the American Church to get out of bed with the Government through incorporation and become the Glorious Body of Christ once again. There may come a time when we will be required to defy the Government and gather for worship. (Acts 5:29) That time may even come during times of an epidemic where sick people need love, care, and hands-on prayer. (James 5:14+15)

Does the Government have the right and authority to close the Church forcibly, and should Christians comply? My answer is “Yes” and “No.”

Yes, the Government has the right and authority to close the 501(c)3 State Corporation church. Yes, members of incorporated churches should comply.

And

No, the Government does not have the authority to forcibly close the true Church. No, members of the true Church should not comply. For goodness sake, stay home for safety safe, but don't do it because the Government closed the Church through force or threat of force.

The American State “Church”

How interesting that in China it is a crime to NOT put your church under the authority of the government but here in the US one of the first things a "church" does is voluntarily become a State corporation and then file for 501(c)3 tax exemption as a State corporation.

"One recent case of persecution is Pastor Wang Yi of the Early Rain Church in Chengdu. Wang Yi committed no crime, but he was sentenced to nine years in prison and fined the equivalent of $7,500 (USD) for refusing to put his church under the authority of the Chinese government. After a year in prison, he was tried in a secret one-day trial that even his wife wasn’t allowed to attend." From a recent email sent by Voice of the Martyrs