CHURCH PLANTERS

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Comment by Mark H. Stevens, Th.D on November 9, 2009 at 9:31pm

Comment by Mark H. Stevens, Th.D on October 24, 2009 at 7:45am

How Do I Get Tax-Exempt Status?

What is 501(c)(3)
Church leaders are often confused by their friends (or their Attorney's), when they are told they must "Get" a 501(c)(3). What they mean to say is, "Do you have a favorable "Ruling Letter" from the IRS." When a church chooses to file the IRS Form 1023, they will receive this letter.
The Church must meet both the organizational and operational test. Whereas Section 501(c)(3) of the US Tax Code (and its’ various sub sections) describe the various organizations exempt from paying taxes, and requires specific (organizational) IRS terminology written in their Articles of Incorporation. The tax code does not define a "church." The IRS has been careful not to ever officially in any way endorse any definition of "church," or any list of criteria. The Courts have adopted a 14 point (operational) test as a matter of common law. The IRS has implicitly followed this test without ever officially adopting it. A church would have to "substantially" meet this test, (but would not have to meet every one of the 14 points) to be tax exempt. The 14 points are listed below.
Deductibility of contributions is determined under sections 509 and 170. Section 508 speaks to reporting requirements, and 508(a) requires all new non-profit organizations to file Form 1023 for recognition of exempt status within 15 months of their organization. However - 508(c) exempts churches from the requirement of filing the IRS Form 1023.
Is A Church Subject To Federal Income Tax Without An Exempt Ruling Letter? NO! Churches are immune (exempt), as long as they meet the 1) organizational and 2) operational test found in the Internal Revenue Code 501(c)(3), that is "organized and operated exclusively for religious purposes," (and this "purpose" must be so stated in the churches Articles of Incorporation), and the 14 common law criteria.
"IRS News Release 1930" issued to IRS agents, lists guidelines for determining whether an organization is a church. An organization would have to "substantially" meet this test, but not all of the 14 points have to be present. Following is the 14 point list:
1. A distinct legal existence.
2. A recognized creed and form of worship.
3. A definite and distinct ecclesiastical government.
4. A formal code of doctrine and discipline.
5. A distinct religious history.
6. A membership not associated with any other church or denomination.
7. A complete organization of ordained ministers ministering to their congregations.
8. Ordained ministers selected after completing prescribed courses of study.
9. A literature of its own.
10. An established place of worship.
11. Regular congregation.
12. Regular religious services.
13. Sunday School for the religious instruction of the young.
14. School for the preparation of its’ ministers.
If the church is structured and functioning according to the above – IT IS a 501(c)(3).
For more specific information, contact an Attorney or C.P.A., who fully understands these issues. THE PURPOSE OF THE 14 POINT CRITERIA The IRS uses this criteria to screen out the phony "house church," often designed as a means of tax evasion – a money laundry scheme. This statement is not, in any wise, meant to cast aversion on the many great outreaches of today’s churches, which meet in the homes of their members, or for that matter are in the beginning stages of a new church.
But situations do exist where "churches" were established by anti-tax activists for the sole purpose of avoiding taxation. Then having paid $25.00 for a sham Ministerial Credential from the Universal Church of the Whatever; incorporated as a "church;" invited all their friends and neighbors to join and donate their income in exchange for tax deductible receipts. Having purchased a hunting lodge or duck pond for their "religious retreat," they now pose as a tax exempt "religious organization." They will likely not "measure up," when screened against the required "purposes" clause of the Articles of Incorporation, and the above 14 point list.
It is also worth noting, that it is not only the Church that is tax exempt – but the Synagogue, Wicca (organized witchcraft), and all the other "Religious Organizations," who deny Jesus as the Christ, are also exempt. So you see – it is not a "church" issue, it is a "religious" issue.
You can easily determine this fact for yourself by looking at the instruction sheet on how to fill out this Form. http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/i1023.pdf Look carefully on the first page of the instruction sheet, lower right hand side. See:
PURPOSE OF FORM. - Below that read:
1. "Completed form 1023 is required for section 501 (c)(3), unless it meets one of the exemptions in 2 below:"
2. "Organizations not required to file Form 1023, - The following types of organizations may be considered tax-exempt under section 501 (c)(3), even if they do not file Form 1023:
1. Churches, including synagogues, temples and Mosques
2. Integrated auxiliaries of churches and conventions or associations of churches ….... "
Note – The author has underlined the points above for emphasis only.
SUMMARY: As shown in the IRS’ own printed word – the church is exempt of all taxes, even if they do not file the Form 1023. The church is automatically 501(c)(3).

Comment by Mark H. Stevens, Th.D on October 24, 2009 at 7:25am

Church Growth!

Why don’t we experience it ?

1. The Aquarium Syndrome - Churches have become aquariums, or holding pens for Christians.

4 Now when he had left speaking, he said unto Simon, Launch out into the deep, and let down your nets for a draught. 5 And Simon answering said unto him, Master, we have toiled all the night, and have taken nothing: nevertheless at thy word I will let down the net. 6 And when they had this done, they enclosed a great multitude of fishes: and their net brake. (Luke 5)

2. Not Realizing Our Potential

29 And now, Lord, behold their threatenings: and grant unto thy servants, that with all boldness they may speak thy word, 30 By stretching forth thine hand to heal; and that signs and wonders may be done by the name of thy holy child Jesus. 31 And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness. (Acts 4)

3. The Violent Take it by FORCE! Time to get in the devil's face.

48 And it came to pass, when the Philistine arose, and came and drew nigh to meet David, that David hasted, and ran toward the army to meet the Philistine. (I Sam. 17)

4. Evangelism doesn’t work from pulpits very well. Works better in the street.

19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: 20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen. (Matt. 28)

5. Pentecostal Prayer and Praise

7 But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth. (Acts 1)

32 And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness. (Acts 4)



6. Must have a STRATEGIC PLAN

10:1 After these things the Lord appointed other seventy also, and sent them two and two before his face into every city and place, whither he himself would come. 2 Therefore said he unto them, The harvest truly is great, but the labourers are few: pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he would send forth labourers into his harvest.

7. Discipleship vs. Membership - Disciples beget disciples, members come once a week.

23 And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me. 24 For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: but whosoever will lose his life for my sake, the same shall save it. 25 For what is a man advantaged, if he gain the whole world, and lose himself, or be cast away? 26 For whosoever shall be ashamed of me and of my words, of him shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he shall come in his own glory, and in his Father's, and of the holy angels. 27 But I tell you of a truth, there be some standing here, which shall not taste of death, till they see the kingdom of God.

Comment by Mark H. Stevens, Th.D on October 24, 2009 at 7:14am

Acts 6:5 "And the saying pleased the whole multitude: and they
chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Ghost, and Philip,
and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolas a
proselyte of Antioch:"

Of these seven, of course, Stephen was the most known to us. These
men were above reproach. They were men of high character. These men
would be fair in all their dealings. Some believe that many of these
were Hellenist (Greek Jews), but I believe they were a cross section
of men of God, so that each one would be representing their own group.
Proselyte means a new comer. In Hebrew, it meant stranger. Philip
and Stephen are really the only two out of the list that the Bible
tells us anything else about. These are like many deeply sincere
people in the church today who really work in the background and do
not feel the need to be recognized by others.

Acts 6:6 "Whom they set before the apostles: and when they had
prayed, they laid [their] hands on them."

This is just a ceremony to anoint these men to the job they are
to do. They were installed formerly when the apostles laid hands on
them.

Acts 6:7 "And the word of God increased; and the number of the
disciples multiplied in Jerusalem greatly; and a great company of the
priests were obedient to the faith."

We see, here, that, these apostles having their priorities
straight caused the Word of God to increase greatly. A church is only
as powerful as the prayers that go up for it. These apostles spent
much time in prayer and their ministry was powerful because of it.
Disciples, here, is the same as followers of Christ. This strong
message of God's Word even convinced many of the priests and they
believed, also.
Lets’ Examine the lineup God ordained for the Church! Most teaching on the Ministry Gifts Exclude the Deacons and I believe that is to the detriment of the church that is why I opened discussing Deacons. These are the duties of a Deacon:
1. To care for the Widows and the Fatherless. The benevolence ministry in the local church SHOULD be managed by the DEACON…not the PASTOR!
2. Deacons should be the leaders of church outreach (See Phillip)
3. Deacons should be your leaders in Church Education. (See Stephen)
4. Deacons should be the overseers of church finances and resources (Not the Pastor) this goes against the mindset of most Churches! Especially in Pentecostal and Holiness churches. Many Baptist churches EMPOWER the Deacons and those churches that have Godly Deacons FLOURISH! Why because that is the way God established it! This is why it is important to have men FULL of the Holy Ghost, FULL of wisdom, and FULL of the Word holding the OFFICE of Deacon. Unfortunately we have made the office of Deacon a “flunky” position with NO AUTHORITY!

5. Deacons should be father figures for the fatherless boys in the congregation. When I accepted Christ at the age of 14 in Richmond, Virginia, the church I attended had a strong Deacon board that played basketball with the teen boys, taught a youth Bible Study, Ran the Boys Scout program, and created a Junior Deacon Board. All of these things helped me make a decision for Christ because there were strong men showing me the way!
6. Deacons should take Communion to the hospitals and Nursing Homes.
7. Deacons should be at the forefront of outreach in the community. (Remember Phillip and Stephen)
8. A Deacon should be an example of male spirituality and strength in the church and the community. I remember all of the Deacons in my church were known throughout the community. Even unsaved people knew the Deacons because of the works they did in the community. (Youth Activities, Feeding Seniors, delivering groceries)
9. As the office of Deacon was slowly eroded in the church a rise in ethical problems arose. Deacons are the key to good stewardship in local churches, if they are chosen with Biblical guidelines. (Full of The Spirit – Full of the Word – Full of Faith)

Comment by Mark H. Stevens, Th.D on October 23, 2009 at 8:59am

The demonic walls of separation in the Protestant church MUST come down. How can we preach to the Catholic about the mote in his eye, while we the Protestants have a beam in our own? The saints of God must gather at the foot of the cross of Jesus. The Word of God must be all of our training manuals. Salvation by grace through faith is what caused Martin Luther to start the first reformation; we have departed from this in a great way. The doctrine of salvation through grace and faith has to be the preeminent prime directive for the church. Paul said it best in Romans 1:16, “For I am not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God unto salvation, to the Jew first and to the Gentile.” We must rally around the Gospel of Christ as our anthem and battle cry. Paul also said, “Woe unto me if I preach not the Gospel.” What is the Gospel? It isn’t politics, it isn’t prosperity, and it isn’t divine healing or speaking in tongues. These things have their place but they cannot replace the simplicity of the Gospel. Jesus came to save the world! Salvation is a free gift that is for all that desire it. This is what Martin Luther nearly died to protect. Paul did die to protect this doctrine! All of the disciples died for this message of hope in Christ. Let us not stain their memory by dividing over things that don’t impact salvation.

Salvation of the soul is the main issue, what does it profit a man to gain the whole world and lose his soul. Eternity is a long time, Insuring people spend it with the Lord is more important than insuring they have wealth! What do you think can help usher in the Second Reformation?

Comment by Mark H. Stevens, Th.D on October 5, 2009 at 8:04pm

Comment by Bishop Michael Daniels on September 25, 2009 at 8:11pm

http://www.1shoppingcart.com/app/?Clk=3284126

Comment by Pastors Alex and Regina Weeks on September 15, 2009 at 4:40pm

Abundant Life Church is seeking team members who are interested in helping to plant a multicultural and nondenominational church in Austin, Tx. This isnt your traditional church, we are seeking believers, those who are still questioning there beliefs, unsure or those who have never attended a church in there lives. The ministry will be very evangelistic and seeker friendly in nature. We are in the planning stages and will be holding meetings via conference call. Our leadership team will be making a second visit to Austin in the near future to fellowship and pray with our new team members. The leadership will also be preparing for the transition to Austin in late Spring of 2010 permanently. It is our hope to start building a core membership prior to launch and begin reaching more people effectively for Christ. If you feel remotely interested in helping or have resources to bless the ministry, we would be grateful to have you on our team.

Please shoot us an email to let us know your level of interest. alchurchaustin@aol.com

Regards,

ALC Staff

Please feel free to forward this message to anyone seeking to enter the ministry or be support persons. We will be offering internships and missionary opportunities.

Comment by Pastors Alex and Regina Weeks on September 15, 2009 at 4:32pm

Abundant Life Church is seeking team members who are interested in helping to plant a multicultural and nondenominational church in Austin, Tx. This isnt your traditional church, we are seeking believers, those who are still questioning there beliefs, unsure or those who have never attended a church in there lives. The ministry will be very evangelistic and seeker friendly in nature. We are in the planning stages and will be holding meetings via conference call. Our leadership team will be making a second visit to Austin in the near future to fellowship and pray with our new team members. The leadership will also be preparing for the transition to Austin in late Spring of 2010 permanently. It is our hope to start building a core membership prior to launch and begin reaching more people effectively for Christ. If you feel remotely interested in helping or have resources to bless the ministry, we would be grateful to have you on our team.

Please shoot us an email to let us know your level of interest. alchurchaustin@aol.com

Regards,

ALC Staff

Comment by Coe Terrence Bass Sr. on August 23, 2009 at 9:59pm

Is there a way according to scripture that a member can or should be excommunicated.
i am faced with a problem, that has to be addressed for the safety of our church.
Can this be done legally?
I need answers quickly

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