501 C3 vs Church

501c3 vs. a 508(c)(1)(a) Free Church

Exercising First Amendment Freedoms

Kingdom League International is a Church and an association of churches, ministries and ministers. We offer a kingdom alternative to the 501c3 non-profit corporations and operate as a "free church" under the First Amendment. We've taken these steps to empower the Church to restore its voice as a moral compass in this nation.

All donations are "tax exempt" according to IRS code 508(c) and Publication 557. Click here to donate.

Paul used his Roman citizenship when it suited his purpose for advancing the gospel. We have chosen to operate within the freedoms and liberties provided by our Constitution. Jesus is the creator of the Church and established a government for the Church 2000 years ago. Our giving is not based upon the ability to receive a tax deductions but is out of love for our heavenly Father.

What Does KLI Offer?

Our apostle and founder, Tim Taylor, has done extensive research over the last few years including but not limited to a variety of historical resources, consulting with a constitutional attorney and a thorough review of the IRS code. Kingdom League International is a Church and an
association of churches, ministries and ministers. We operate under the 1st Amendment. In America we are considered a "free church" functioning under section 508(c)(1)(a) as opposed to a non-profit 501(c)3.

Consultation services are available for those who desire assistance transitioning from a 501c3 to a "free church." For covenant members of KLI (click here) who have been ordained or commissioned through KLI this service is offered as one of the benefits of covenant. For all others, Apostle Taylor is available to teach seminars, workshops or to provide consultation services to leadership teams. If you would like to request one of these services please click here and complete the form. You will receive a letter providing an overview of services with a form we use to help you discover the kind of service you'd like answer logistical questions.

The Alliance Defense Fund (ADF) Strategy

The ADF has launched a strategy called Pulpit Freedom Sunday. I appreciate the research they have done and agree with their conclusion. Their video summary above is good. Pulpit Freedom Sunday is one strategy they are using to confront the unconstitutionality of the Johnson Amendment. We support the ADF's efforts though we have been led to address this issue in a different way.

The Church vs. 501 C 3s and Re-establishing Proper Jurisdictions

A History of Religious Freedom in Our Nation - The Reformation of the Church in Europe played a huge role in the founding of this nation and provided the context which helped frame the Constitution and the Bill of Rights. The First Amendment to the Bill of Rights says, "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."

The Church was free at the founding of this nation. Their cry was, "There is no king but Jesus!" This cry was influenced by two things: the excesses of the Catholic Church which confused jurisdictional lines with civil government, and the excesses of the King of England who set himself up as the head of the Anglican Church in England. In Europe, these excesses led to the imprisonment and torture of many Christian ministers seeking to proclaim the gospel of the kingdom. Christians who came to America sought to shake off the intrusion of civil government into the Church and to follow the dictates of their consciences as framed by God's word. Ministers played a huge role in educating the population regarding politics and moral matters of the day. They were so effective that the British army named them the Black Robed Regiment (click here for an article).

Freedom of speech and freedom of religion go hand in hand. Jesus was and is the only sovereign. All authority for the Church comes through Him. The First Amendment prohibits the US government from limiting these freedoms.

A Strategy to Silence the Church - In 1811, the Episcopalian Church (a spin off from the Anglican Church in England) sought to become the first incorporated church in America. President James Madison vetoed the bill noting that civil government had no jurisdiction in such matters. Through the years a few more churches and denominations sought to become incorporated by civil government.

The adversary knew that no law could be written to silence the Church. Free speech and exercise of religion is a RIGHT. So, our adversary sought to silence the church through deceit and coercion. He schemed to get the Church to exchange her rights for privileges.

In 1954 two non-profit corporations sought to expose voter fraud in Senator Lyndon B Johnson’s 1948 election. To silence these non-profits Senator Johnson introduced the 501-c-3 corporation and the corresponding rules in the IRS code. Churches were included in the definition of 501-c-3 corporations. Congress passed these regulations. This introduced the "privilege" of civil government by allowing non-profit tax deductions for the Church. This law also gave churches access to money in the form of government grants. In EXCHANGE the government imposed rules which limit speech. We believe this is unjust, since the First Amendment prohibits abridging freedom of speech.

Applying for a 501-c-3 is VOLUNTARY for churches. However, if a church voluntarily applies, they can be granted the non-profit corporation status CREATED by the STATE. The state (government) has the right to set whatever rules it chooses for the entities it creates. According to IRS code 508c and Publication 557, churches, associations of churches and their integrated auxiliaries are already EXEMPT from paying taxes. Donating to a Church is already TAX EXEMPT.

We believe that, since Jesus birthed and created the Church, all authority for the Church comes through Him. Sadly, today 90%+ of the churches in America are 501-c-3s. Much of the church has exchanged First Amendment rights for 501-c-3 privileges. This gives the government legal jurisdiction that rightfully belongs to Jesus Christ.

I am NOT advocating disobeying civil government. As a Navy veteran I've put my life on the line for this nation. I love my country. The Bible teaches us to obey all laws unless they conflict with God's word. (Titus 3:1) I believe what lies at the core of this issue is the need to restore the boundaries of proper jurisdiction. We can then render unto God what belongs to God and unto Caesar what belongs to Caesar.