INCORPORATION, CHURCH
May Churches Incorporate?
The "church" is a body of baptized believers, called by the gospel from the "world" into a special fellowship with Christ.
We must acknowledge, however, that the church exists in the modern world of law and business. Christians are permitted to use the protection of civil government when there is no breach of fidelity to Christ and when such is expedient (see Acts 25:11; Rom. 13:1ff). One legal device at the church's disposal is the practice of "incorporation."
A corporation is a "legal entity" that exists only in contemplation of law. This mechanism creates a protective barrier between the "corporation" and the individual members who compose the organism.
Churches incorporate for certain legal benefits, like tax exemptions and protection against frivolous lawsuits.
It is important to note that incorporation does not change the fundamental nature or status of the entity or person being incorporated. A church, incorporated or otherwise, is still just a church.
This procedure does not violate any scriptural principle and is a judicious method of conducting church business in a complex legal world.
We must acknowledge, however, that the church exists in the modern world of law and business. Christians are permitted to use the protection of civil government when there is no breach of fidelity to Christ and when such is expedient (see Acts 25:11; Rom. 13:1ff). One legal device at the church's disposal is the practice of "incorporation."
A corporation is a "legal entity" that exists only in contemplation of law. This mechanism creates a protective barrier between the "corporation" and the individual members who compose the organism.
Churches incorporate for certain legal benefits, like tax exemptions and protection against frivolous lawsuits.
It is important to note that incorporation does not change the fundamental nature or status of the entity or person being incorporated. A church, incorporated or otherwise, is still just a church.
This procedure does not violate any scriptural principle and is a judicious method of conducting church business in a complex legal world.
