Is Nonprofit Status for a Church Controlling What Is Said at the Pulpit?
The First Amendment of the United States Constitution guarantees every individual the right to free speech.
Yet, when it comes to churches and other organizations classified as 501(c)(3) nonprofits, it feels like the government is stepping in and putting handcuffs on them. To me, this is about more than just tax rules—it’s about control. The government is using these regulations to silence the church, prevent it from standing on its values, and water down its message. That’s unacceptable.
What 501(c)(3) Means
Organizations classified as 501(c)(3) by the IRS are granted tax-exempt status. But in exchange for this, they have to follow strict rules. They can’t endorse or oppose political candidates, and they can’t dedicate too much of their efforts to lobbying. These rules are supposed to keep things neutral, but in reality, they’re silencing the church. It’s a clear way for the government to control what’s said from the pulpit—and that’s not okay.
The Problem with 501(c)(3)
Here’s why I believe these restrictions are wrong and dangerous:
It Stops the Church from Standing on Its Values The church is supposed to be a voice for truth and morality, but the 501(c)(3) rules prevent it from speaking out on political issues or endorsing candidates who align with its beliefs. When the government says, "You can’t talk about this or that," it’s forcing the church to water down its message. That’s not freedom of speech—that’s control.
The Bible says in Acts 5:29, "We must obey God rather than human beings." This verse reminds us that the church’s ultimate authority is God, not the government. When regulations force churches to compromise their message, they’re being asked to disobey this biblical principle. The government should never dictate what a church can or cannot say.
The Fear of Losing Tax-Exempt Status Churches are so afraid of losing their tax-exempt status that they’ll avoid speaking on anything controversial. This fear creates self-censorship, where the church decides not to address critical issues just to stay in the government’s good graces. That’s not right. The church shouldn’t have to choose between standing on its values and keeping its tax benefits.
In 2 Timothy 1:7, we’re told, "For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love, and self-discipline." The fear of losing tax-exempt status goes against the boldness the church is called to have in proclaiming the truth.
Unequal and Confusing Rules The rules for what counts as "too much lobbying" or "political activity" are vague and unevenly applied. Some organizations seem to get away with pushing political agendas, while others get penalized for far less. This inconsistency adds another layer of control, making it even harder for churches to speak freely.
James 1:8 says, "A double-minded man is unstable in all his ways." The uneven enforcement of these rules reflects instability and confusion, which only serves to further stifle the church’s ability to fulfill its mission.
It’s a Violation of Free Speech Free speech is supposed to be a universal right, but the government has found a way to sidestep that for churches. By tying restrictions to tax-exempt status, they’re effectively saying, "You can only have this right if you play by our rules." That’s not how free speech works. The church’s voice shouldn’t be for sale.
Proverbs 31:8-9 urges us, "Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy." The church has a duty to speak boldly, regardless of government-imposed restrictions.
The Church’s Untapped Influence
Did you know that approximately 63% of the U.S. population identifies as Christian? That’s a majority—a powerful one. If the church were free to stand boldly on its values and influence society without fear of government restrictions, imagine the positive change we could see. Families strengthened, communities uplifted, and moral clarity restored to the public square. That’s why I believe the government is scared to let the church fully exercise its influence. They know that a united, unrestrained church would be a force for good, and that’s something they want to keep under control.
We Need Change
It’s time to rethink these restrictions. The church should be able to stand on its values without fear of government interference. Here’s how we can make that happen:
Allow churches to speak on political issues that align with their beliefs without risking their tax-exempt status.
Make the rules clearer so churches don’t have to live in fear of accidentally crossing a line.
Stop using tax policy as a way to control free speech.
Final Thoughts
To me, the 501(c)(3) rules aren’t about fairness or neutrality—they’re about control. The government is using these regulations to silence the church and keep it from standing on its values. That’s not what the church is called to do. It’s called to be a light in the world, to speak the truth boldly, and to stand firm in its beliefs. As Matthew 5:14-16 says, "You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead, they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven."
We need to break these handcuffs and let the church do what it’s meant to do—stand on its values, no matter what. The pulpit is no place for government control. It’s time for the church to reclaim its voice and speak boldly for the truth.