Para-church Ministries

Ministries other than churches that operate as an independent religious group may still be protected by the law, much like a church is.

Some of the factors a court may use to determine whether a group is “religious” are listed below. If you are uncertain as to whether your group is protected as a Christian ministry, please contact us, and an Alliance Defending Freedom attorney will respond to your questions.

Courts have looked at the following factors in determining whether an organization is religious or secular:

• whether the entity operates for profit or as a nonprofit organization;
• whether it produces a secular product;
• whether a government agency has determined the entity’s religious status;
• whether the entity’s articles of incorporation or other pertinent documents state a religious purpose;
• whether the entity represents itself to a church, the public, and the government as a secular or sectarian body;
• whether a church is intimately involved in the management, day-to-day operations, and financial affairs of the entity;
• whether a church supports or is affiliated with the entity;
• whether the entity adheres to or deviates from an original religious purpose;
• whether employees must subscribe to a statement of faith; and
• whether the entity conducts religious activities, services, or instruction.

Courts will weigh these factors (and perhaps others) in determining if an organization is protected as a religious group, so it is important that you have your situation reviewed by attorneys if you have any doubt about the status of your ministry.

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