Previous Constitution Party Presidential nominee and long-time pastor Chuck Baldwin challenged the audience at the Scriptorium in Taylors on Wednesday and Thursday, November 12 and 13. His topic was the failure of the American church to confront evil in society and politics, and how to build new local fellowships that will stand up for truth in all areas of life. In particular, Dr. Baldwin emphasized the need to break free of the shackles of 501(c)3 “tax exempt” status with the IRS, and presented his new Liberty Church Project for that purpose.
On Wednesday evening Dr. Baldwin told the powerful story of the “Black Robed Regiment” in America. The preaching – and practical leadership – of pastors like Jonas Clark, Peter Muelenburg, and others, was an essential element in the War for Independence. If America is to be reclaimed, we must see a return to courageous leadership from the pulpit.
On Thursday morning, Dr. Baldwin preached from Romans 13 on the proper relationship of a Christian to civil government. He contended that one who follows Christ is not to unreservedly submit to the state, but rather must only submit as the state’s commands remain within its God-given jurisdiction and do not violate the conscience. He stated that this teaching is not well-understood in American Christianity, though it is practiced regularly by believers in many other countries.
During the Thursday afternoon session, attorney Barbara Ketay presented the dangerous particulars of 501(c)3 status and its legal implications. She stated that a 501(c)3 church is a corporation existing for the benefit of the state. Like any other corporation, it has no constitutional rights except due process. Mrs. Ketay emphasized the difficulty of withdrawing from 501(c)3 status once it is conveyed, but said it is much easier to start a new unincorporated church.
On Thursday evening, Dr. Baldwin returned with his final message, on Biblical principles of natural law. Dr. Baldwin stated that if the church will appeal to natural law and focus on awakening the conscience of individuals, the soil will then be prepared for the Holy Spirit to sow the seed of the revealed law – the Holy Scriptures – and people will come to Christ. He underscored the fact that he has seen over 300 people receive the Lord in the last 3 years using this approach, whereas most churches are hard-pressed to point to even 1 or 2 new converts a year.
Dr. Baldwin’s thrust was that the church must again preach all the truth, making disciples of Jesus Christ and challenging the nations to observe all things that He commanded. This method is not antithetical to Biblical evangelism, but is indeed its foundation.
The seminar was hosted by Rev. Roy G. Magnuson, curator of the Scriptorium. The Scriptorium is a Biblical reading, study, and writing center located in Taylors, SC.
Rev. Magnuson is prayerfully considering starting a non-501(c)3 church for Upstate SC which will stand unafraid against sin and evil in every area, and will operate within a New Testament, Christ-centered model. For information, please contact him at 864-525-0717, or email
