WOULD PAUL QUALIFY FOR 501c3 STATUS?
The following was taken directly from the IRS:
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In determining if a religious organization is a church within the meaning of IRC 170(b)(1)(a)(i), 508(c)(1)(A), or 6033(a)(2)(A), consider if the organization has the following characteristics:
A distinct legal existence;
A recognized creed and form of worship;
A definite and distinct ecclesiastical government;
A formal code of doctrine and discipline;
A distinct religious history;
A membership not associated with any other church or denomination;
A complete organization of ordained ministers ministering to their
congregations;
Ordained ministers selected after completing prescribed courses of study;
A literature of its own;
Established place of worship;
Regular congregations;
Regular religious services;
Sunday schools for the religious instruction of the young;
Schools for the preparation of its ministers; and
Any other facts and circumstances that may bear upon the organization's
claim for church status.
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Now we have one simple question:
Would Paul have qualified?
If not, then how is it that we can follow him, and yet we can qualify?
Think on these things.
Clyde Pilkington
Gladstone, VA
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