With IRS Backing Off, Churches Must Police Their Own Pulpit Politics

As the IRS steps back from regulating church political speech, leaders face growing pressure to adopt neutrality policies to preserve unity.

On July 8, 2025, the Internal Revenue Service announced it will no longer enforce the Johnson Amendment against houses of worship, a policy change that lifts the longstanding threat that churches could lose their tax-exempt status for endorsing or opposing political candidates. The move fundamentally shifts the balance of responsibility, placing decisions about political speech squarely in the hands of church leaders (Politico).

The Johnson Amendment, part of the U.S. tax code since 1954, barred tax-exempt nonprofits, including churches, from engaging in direct political campaign activity. While rarely enforced, it provided a legal and cultural boundary that discouraged overt partisanship from the pulpit. Without it, pastors may face mounting pressure from congregants, donors, and political operatives to declare allegiances or shape sermons around electoral themes

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Scripture also offers clear counsel on the dangers of division. In 1 Corinthians 1:10, the Apostle Paul urges, “I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another in what you say and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly united in mind and thought.” For churches with members from diverse political backgrounds, partisan endorsements can violate that principle and risk alienating congregants.

Churches are not called to be silent on moral issues—but their witness can be undermined if they are seen as aligning too closely with any political party. Jesus’ own teaching in Matthew 22:21 illustrates a clear distinction: “Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.” The verse affirms a separation of spheres, a model that many Christian leaders argue still holds wisdom today.

To protect unity and maintain a clear gospel focus, many denominations and local churches should seriously consider whether to implement internal policies that establish political neutrality without stifling moral or prophetic voice. Below is a suggested framework:

Church Political Neutrality and Endorsement Policy (Example)

1. Purpose
   This policy affirms [Church Name]’s commitment to focusing on spiritual ministry and serving all members, regardless of political affiliation.

2. Scope
   Applies to clergy, staff, volunteers, board members, and all official church functions including services, publications, websites, and events.

3. Endorsements
   No church representative may, in an official capacity, endorse, oppose, or solicit support for any political candidate or party. This includes sermons, church newsletters, official social media, and use of church property.

4. Educational Activities
   The church may engage in non-partisan voter education or civic forums if:

   • All qualified candidates are given equal opportunity to participate.

   • No preference is expressed or implied.

   • The format remains informational, not promotional.

5. Personal Political Activity
   Church leaders may express personal political views outside of official duties, but must make clear they are not speaking for the church.

6. Enforcement
   Violations may result in review by the governing body and could lead to removal from leadership roles or restrictions on participation in official activities.

7. Annual Review
   This policy will be reviewed and, if necessary, revised annually by the church council or designated leadership team.

This approach does not prohibit churches from speaking to moral, ethical, or social issues. Rather, it helps maintain a distinct identity grounded in the gospel, not the shifting tides of partisan politics. As Psalm 146:3 reminds us: “Do not put your trust in princes, in human beings, who cannot save.” Churches ultimately point people not to political power, but to spiritual truth.

With the IRS officially stepping back and the 2026 election cycle approaching, churches now face the burden of self-regulation. By adopting clear, biblically rooted policies that keep the pulpit focused on spiritual leadership rather than political strategy, church leaders can safeguard unity while preserving their prophetic voice.