San Diego County Backs Down

Here's the latest regarding San Diego County's insistence that a local pastor get a permit (and pay a huge fee) to host a home Bible study.

The good news is that the national outcry forced the county to back down.  As I suspected, the county was concerned about traffic and parking issues.  There are most always two sides to these stories.

In any case, it looks like the code officer was over-zealous, but clearer-thinking county officials prevailed.  Just remember, these county officials work for us.  Just because some low-level bureaucrat with Paul Blart syndrome makes a stink, you don't have to give up your freedom!  We need to obey the law, but so do they . . .

Click here: County won't force permit on Bible study leaders

Comments

[robert kellly]

Church lost engagement to culture to dialogue when upon tempted it went for the tax exempt status 501c3 non profit which was aimed by LBJ to silence christians in his senate run in 1954. We have lost channel to communicate and are shocked when we are now overrun...But God will avenge

[Chris Sherman]

Robert, not sure what a home Bible study has to do with a 501(c)(3). In a sense, LBJ did the church a favor, since the church's mission is to preach the Gospel, not get involved in the political arena.

Still, I have wondered why churches go for the 501 c3 tax exempt status since churches are already tax exempt without having to file for it. It just seems an unnecessary entanglement with the government.

[robert kellly]

Chris Well i agree ...but we are also called to be salt and church sold out and lost its salt... we are isolated from coutries dialogue now.
Why cannot churches incorporate in some other way and use expenses as business deductions....they could probably end up not paying anything...just keep hiring until your expenses cover your tax burden.

[Chris Sherman]

Robert,

Until recently churches in Virginia could not incorporate, the property was (and still mostly is) held in a private trust for the use of the church.

[beon]

Why are they non-profit, when they could expand so much quicker if they were for-profit?

Just think, Velocity Church can become Velocity Church, Inc. complete with venture capital, public stock offerings, and exotic options. The sanctified can be encouraged to invest in the church by buying shares. Of course, there would need to be merchandise at events, etc, but I think this could open the door to the next next revolution in church growth. Investing in Christ can have a whole new meaning, and will pay dividends. Seminaries will finally be able to offer MBAs.