DON’T LET THE WRONG STRUCTURE DERAIL YOUR CALLING
Many new ministries unintentionally choose unsafe structures. Let’s make sure you’re building the vision God put on your heart, on solid ground.
Let’s Unpack How a 508(c)(1)(a) Are Different Than PMA, SSM, and 508 Trusts
With wise counsel and sound setup, your ministry can expand safely—without exposing your church to unnecessary risk.
When God places a calling on your heart, the kind that keeps you awake at night thinking about people you want to reach, lives you want to help, and the Gospel you feel compelled to share. The last thing you want is to accidentally build that calling on a foundation that won’t hold.
Watch the video below to better understand what to watch out for.
Expert Advice
So many first-time founders fall into the trap that Tracy and Cleveland spoke about without even knowing it. Far too many aspiring pastors and ministry leaders are being pulled into self-supporting ministries, private ministerial associations, 508 “trusts,” and other unofficial setups that sound spiritual… but aren’t legally legitimate.
In fact, many influencers and online promoters are not tax professionals at all. They create fancy-sounding language, sprinkle in religious vocabulary, and present it as “another way” to set up a church — when in reality, they’re leading faithful people into structures that the IRS recognizes as noncompliant or even fraudulent.
At Helping Hand Outreach, Our Mission Is Simple
We’re living in a time (especially in 2025) where churches are under more scrutiny than ever — legally, culturally, and politically. This means the type of structure you choose determines whether or not:
*** Your ministry is truly protected ***
*** Your speech stays unrestricted ***
*** Your donors are safeguarded ***
*** Your church is viewed as legitimate in the eyes of the law ***
*** You avoid landmines that could collapse your ministry later ***
This is why the IRS created Section 508(c)(1)(A) specifically for churches, conventions and associations of churches, and integrated auxiliaries. It is a completely different classification from the public-charity 501(c)(3)… and it was written to preserve religious liberty.
*** Not trusts ***
*** Not private associations ***
*** Not self-proclaimed alternative models ***
Just real churches with real legal standing. If God called you, He intends to equip you. Part of that equipping is making sure your church or ministry isn’t vulnerable to the wrong advice, the wrong structure, or the wrong “shortcut.
Reach out, we’re here to answer your questions… we have the answers. Contact us today to start your church or ministry: (253) 459-9553.
“Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.” Proverbs 16:3
Also, if you’d like to stay up to speed on current issues and updates that may impact your organization, sign up for our newsletter down below. We send it out once a week with relevant information to ensure your church and/or nonprofit remain in compliance. It’s our goal to ensure your rights and freedoms are protected. There’s a lot to keep track of, but that’s what we do best. Let us save you the hassle.
