How Churches Can Engage in Public Policy Without Violating IRS Rules
Churches play a vital role in shaping communities, serving those in need, and standing up for moral and ethical issues. But when it comes to public policy and politics, many faith leaders hesitate. They want to advocate for justice, fairness, and compassion — yet they fear crossing a legal line that could threaten their church’s tax-exempt status.
That tension is understandable. Pastors and church boards don’t want to risk their ministry or congregation’s standing with the IRS, but they also feel called to speak out. The good news is that there's room for churches to be civically active, as long as it’s done within the IRS guidelines.
At Chris Sanders Law PLLC, based in Louisville, Kentucky, I work with churches, ministries, and nonprofits that want to live out their mission in public life while staying compliant with the law. My goal is to help you confidently participate in public policy discussions without fear of losing your 501(c)(3) status.
Reach out to my firm anytime to learn more about churches and public policy and how I can help your ministry stay compliant while making a difference.
What the IRS Actually Prohibits
The IRS isn’t trying to silence churches. The rules exist to keep tax-exempt organizations from acting as political campaign entities. The key rule comes from Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, which grants tax-exempt status to churches and other charitable organizations with a few conditions. The biggest restriction is the prohibition on political campaign intervention. This means churches:
Can’t endorse or oppose candidates: You can’t tell members to vote for or against a specific person.
Can’t donate money or resources to a campaign: This includes using church facilities, mailing lists, or publications for campaign purposes.
Can’t make public statements favoring a candidate: That applies to sermons, newsletters, or social media posts.
However, this doesn’t mean churches must stay silent on issues. You can — and should — talk about moral, social, and ethical topics that relate to faith and community life. When churches understand where the lines are drawn, they can confidently engage without stepping into prohibited territory.
Activities Churches Can Participate In
There’s a wide range of activities that churches can engage in that relate to public policy and civic engagement — as long as they don’t cross into partisan territory. Here are some examples.
Churches can host educational events:
Hold community forums about social issues without endorsing candidates.
Invite public officials to speak, as long as all sides have equal opportunity.
Organize voter education events that focus on issues, not parties or individuals.
Churches can encourage civic participation:
Encourage members to register to vote and participate in elections.
Provide nonpartisan voter guides that list all candidates and their positions.
Pray for elected officials and government leaders regardless of political affiliation.
Churches can address moral and social issues:
Preach or teach about justice, poverty, or the sanctity of life.
Write or share statements about biblical values that relate to legislation.
Support causes aligned with the church’s mission, such as hunger relief or housing reform.
In short, your church can be a moral voice without becoming a political campaign headquarters. The key is to stay focused on issues, not candidates.
It’s important to remember that these permissions aren’t loopholes — they’re opportunities. They enable churches to lead with integrity and faith while adhering to IRS guidelines.
Staying Nonpartisan When Hosting Candidates
Inviting public officials or candidates to speak can be a meaningful experience for your congregation, especially if your church values civic engagement and dialogue. But this is also one of the most sensitive areas under IRS rules.
Here’s what’s allowed — and what’s not when it comes to public policy.
What’s allowed:
Candidates may speak if they’re invited in their official capacity, not as campaigners.
If your church hosts a candidate forum, you must invite all qualified candidates to participate.
Any questions or topics must be presented fairly and without bias.
What’s not allowed:
Allowing campaign signs, slogans, or fundraising at the event.
Giving one candidate more time or a friendlier platform than others.
Making any statement that could be interpreted as an endorsement.
When handled correctly, these events can build trust and connection between the church and the community. But when favoritism creeps in, the IRS may see it as campaign intervention. So, before you schedule an event, think carefully about how it’s framed when it comes to public policy. A neutral, educational purpose is your best protection.
Lobbying and Legislative Involvement
With respect to public policy, churches are permitted to lobby — that is, to influence legislation — within certain limits. The IRS recognizes that faith communities often have strong moral views on public policies, and they’re free to express them.
However, lobbying must be an “insubstantial part” of the church’s activities. That means it shouldn’t consume a significant portion of your time, budget, or resources.
Examples of acceptable lobbying include:
Writing to legislators about an issue that affects your ministry’s mission.
Encouraging members to contact their representatives about pending legislation.
Submitting written testimony to a public committee on a bill.
On the other hand, lobbying becomes risky when it dominates your organization’s focus or expenses. If the IRS determines lobbying is more than “insubstantial,” your church could face penalties or even lose its tax-exempt status.
A good rule of thumb: if lobbying complements your ministry, it’s usually fine; if it defines your ministry, it’s probably too much.
Before your church gets deeply involved in advocacy, consider talking with an experienced non-profit lawyer who understands the IRS guidelines for religious organizations.
Using Church Resources Responsibly
The IRS looks not just at what churches say, but how they say it — and what resources are used to communicate it. Using church assets for partisan purposes can quickly cause problems.
Church resources include:
Facilities (like sanctuaries, classrooms, or fellowship halls)
Equipment (computers, copiers, or sound systems)
Publications (bulletins, websites, newsletters, or social media)
What to avoid:
Printing campaign materials using church printers
Letting candidates use church spaces for campaign events
Sharing partisan messages on official church social media pages
Even if individual members or leaders personally support a candidate, they must keep that support separate from church activities. A pastor, for example, can endorse a candidate as a private citizen — but not from the pulpit or in any way that appears to represent the church. Maintaining this separation protects both the pastor and the church from IRS scrutiny.
Educating Your Congregation About Civic Engagement
Churches can and should educate their members about civic responsibility. This can be one of the most positive ways to engage in public life.
Ideas for civic education that stay compliant:
Offer Bible studies or discussion groups on faith and public life.
Provide voter registration materials without endorsing parties.
Share factual information about ballot measures or legislation.
Host panels with community leaders who discuss issues respectfully.
These efforts help members think critically, pray deeply, and act conscientiously. It’s not about telling people how to vote — it’s about helping them understand their role as faithful citizens.
The result? A more informed, compassionate, and civically engaged congregation — without crossing legal lines.
Common Mistakes Churches Make
Even well-intentioned churches can accidentally violate IRS rules. Recognizing the most common missteps can help you avoid them.
Frequent pitfalls include:
Pastors endorsing candidates during sermons
Church newsletters, including campaign ads or partisan articles
Sharing posts from political figures on official church pages
Hosting candidate events without equal access
Donating church funds or facilities to a campaign
While each of these actions may seem minor on their own, collectively they can raise concerns about partisan activity. To avoid potential issues, it’s wise to consult a legal advisor before engaging in any politically sensitive activities. Taking a proactive approach allows your church to stay focused on its mission—without the burden of IRS complications.
Contact a Lawyer Who Helps Churches Engage Legally
At Chris Sanders Law PLLC, based in Louisville, Kentucky, I help church leaders, ministries, and nonprofit organizations participate in public life with confidence and clarity. You don’t have to stay silent to stay safe; you just need to understand how to act responsibly within the IRS rules.
Whether you’re writing a sermon series about justice, planning a community voter event, or considering advocacy work, I can help you build a strategy that aligns with your mission and the law. Contact Chris Sanders Law PLLC in Louisville, Kentucky, today to discover how I can assist your church.