Incorporations

Why no - Not incorporated but not sure it makes any difference

 

When you remain silent, you may have spoken, but your vote does not get counted!:laugh:

 

me nethier

 

I've served on staff at two churches that are incorporated.

From a legal standpoint it provides for some protections.

I don't particularly care if a church is or not but there are benefits.

 

Don't know about our current church, but I thik so, I know our previous church was.

 

I know a church that folded when it was sued by a non-Christian. It did not have any protections in place.

 

I am aware that incoropating with the state means that offers protection from lawsuits, but there are some aspects that bother me.


"-The state is sovereign over the corporation

-a corporation is a creature of the state

-a corporation is a state franchise

-Incorporation is a state privilege

-a corporation is subject to the laws of the state

-its powers are limited by law

-it must obey the laws of its creation

-a corporation has no constitutionally-protected rights"


http://www.scribd.com/doc/2465478/Church-Incorporation-The-Great-Apostasy



There has been much written on this subject, I suggest people look into it further.

 

I chose "Other Answers." I have only been in incorporated churches, and have made some limited study of the ramifications, so am not at this time ready to make a final pronouncement of my stand on the issue. I have heard Bro. Greg Dixon Sr. from Indianapolis, Indiana make his case for non-incorporation, and have read a part of his book, which is basically the same as his presentation. Of course some of you may know that Indianapolis Baptist Temple was chosen by the "Powers That Be" for a public example of what will happen if you buck the system.

As we approach days when religious tolerance will become religious intolerance, this may become a bigger issue. Serving Caesar and serving God, can we do both? Read "God and Caesar" by Eidsmoe for further info.

Look back at early church history. Why were early Christians persecuted in the Empire? Because they wouldn't acknowledge Ceasar as a god, thereby acquiescing to the authority of the state.

Just some thoughts, as I said, I'm not ready to come down on one side or the other, but we need to look into these matters now, before the crisis, instead of waiting until Caesar is standing at the door of the church and then do a "knee-jerk" reaction which may be the wrong response.

 

Indianapolis Baptist Temple made some bad decisions that had nothing to do with integrity and honesty and everything to do with ignoring 1 Peter 2:13-17. Deciding to not pay taxes isn't something that I can Scripturally justify. But I digress...

Not being snarky just suggesting that there are far better ways to object to something but continue to be Scriptural in your attempts to change the system.

I don't want this to break down into an argument about taxes and such.

 

Churches can decide to change its bylaws if it wants. However if it changes to not be incorporated that hold all of its members liable to any action taken against the church and its members. The last time I started a church the insurance company would not give us insurance unless we were incorporated or under a mother church.

 

God will take care of His churches, we don't need the states assistance.

 

So we shouldn't insure our church property or vehicles?

 

Cults and their leaders would say the same thing. The BFA thought the same thing. So are you declaring that you can easily sit by and watch Satan work with no boldness on your part? Can you explain why the apostles prayed for boldness then?

Can you explain why churches have dissolved today because of law suits and no legal protections in place. I know of one a few years ago that was sued by a non-Christian and dissolved because of no legal protections in place. We inherited their equipment after they disbanded.

 

Who would ever think that it might be ethical to have ample insurance to cover people who were killed or injured for life in an accident but instead let the rich folks be held liable for damages and risk what their family owns.

 

I don't know the rules for churches being incorporated. Does that mean the pastor is a shareholder? Does he get paid by dividends? Can it be publicly traded? Does it mean that the Pastor reduces his liability for bad sermons? What are the tax rules for churches? Do they get the same benefits as pastors? Are the shareholders double taxed? Are these type of churches limited liability organizations? I have a lot of questions before I can answer.

 

Do you think Jesus or the apostles would have insurance? Trust God.

 

I like that Avatar!!! :thumbs:

 

Yes, it rings of Jesus Christ. The founding fathers were in rebellion, it is nothing to celebrate.