Is there a government agency where churches have to register and their identities can be verified?
2007-02-13 14:25:26 · 10 answers · asked by J R 1 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
To be considered a viable church, they have to incorporate, so check with the board of corporations in the state where they do business. It's a matter of public record.
2007-02-13 14:37:28 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
If a church wants to claim tax exemption status from the government then they have to register with the IRS. Other than that, anyone can rent a building, put a sign out front claiming that it is a church and do whatever they want that doesn't violate the law.
That having been said, if you want to investigate a church or ministry there are many avenues that you can follow. You can search public records or just do an Internet search and find out something about their history.
2007-02-13 22:33:42 · answer #2 · answered by Martin S 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You can make consideration by yourself:
1. Reading the Holy Books.
2. Learning about the perfect life of the Prophet.
3. Verifying with the conformity to the prophecioes of the previous religions.
3. The influence of His religion in the world.
2007-02-13 22:35:12 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
While a church may apply for as a non-profit organization so that it can collect offerings, the government in no way can (or should) register or regulate them. That is what "separation of church and state" is all about. The government can in no way regulate, or license a church.
So, no, there is no government agency that can verify the ID of a church.
2007-02-13 22:31:47 · answer #4 · answered by dewcoons 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Not in this country there is a separation of church and state however you can ask yourself does this group believe in and teach the Bible as its authority or does it rely on tradition or doctrine does its members read and APPLY the Bible in its life ? are they manifesting the "fruitage of the Spirit? are they faithfully following Jesus teachings and example do they publicly teach the word from house to house as Jesus and his followers did ? is what they teach in harmony with the Bible do they answer the questions from the Bible or give their own point of view do they live by its guidance 24/7 do they teach what is popular or what is true ? Do they make known Gods Name as found at Ps 83:18? do they have a paid clergy class ? if so run to the nearest exit neither Jesus or any of his Apostles charged for any thing do they have love among themselves ? do they all teach in agreement ?ie if you went to their place in michigan USA or ankorage Alaska or Paris france or Stutgart germany or Nairobi Africa or Moscow Russia will you hear the same thing if so that is very Good how do the members treat one another do they have class , race or wealth distinctions if so leave if they ask you for money or a tithe leave it is UnScripturall Jesus abolished tithing 2,000 yrs ago theese are Just a few examples another is do they have pictures ,statues thet they worship or any image or object if so leave Exodus ch 20 tells us not to do that if you have any more questionn let me know best wishes Gorbalizer
2007-02-13 22:52:00 · answer #5 · answered by gorbalizer 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you want to know if they can really give receipts for charitable gifts, you can check with government agencies, or ask them to show you their documents.
If you want to know how "genuine" the church is, you can find out what denomination they are with, and look up the denomination (with Google).
And finally, you can attend the church a few Sundays, and find out how they are. If they have a cell group or small group ministry, you could join one of the small groups, that could really give you the flavour of the church.
(Some denominations, you might not care for, but still like the local church. Some denominations could really represent what you feel about God and Jesus Christ, but a particular local church might now seem so hot for you. So it is really worth checking it out for your self. Find out how the members feel about eachother, aobut their leaders, etc. (If they don't like their leaders, or if they are quoting them all the time: two extremes that are warning signs).
2007-02-13 22:35:34 · answer #6 · answered by Mr Ed 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You must be Talking Religiously and Legally.
To Tell if their real "of GOD", you Listen to what they have to Say, if it don't line up with what GOD says in the Word of GOD (Bible), and if Your Spirit causes you to Feel like your Washing your Feet with your Socks on, then I would find another Church Building or Ministry and Listen to them, till you Find a Real One.
Spirit Beareth Witness to Spirit.
2007-02-13 22:37:13 · answer #7 · answered by maguyver727 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
usually, you can check for an address, telephone number, phone book listing...something to verify that they actually exist.
fortunately...and unfortunately at times...the first ammendment keeps churches from having to register for anything but tax purposes.
2007-02-13 22:30:21 · answer #8 · answered by κερυξω 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
if they keep tossing the love gift plate around and making you feel guilty if you dont give, then its not legit
2007-02-13 22:31:35 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Accept Jesus Christ,and you will know all truth.
2007-02-13 22:35:54 · answer #10 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋