Legal Guidelines for starting a new church/ministry

[riversoflife]

Hello.  I am researching starting a church/ministry in the State of Virginia.  Still praying for guidance and direction, but I feel God is leading me to start a new ministry that includes outreach (for example a food ministry).  I have done a google search, but the information is vague and everyone wants to file 5013c paperwork for this.  Could anyone help me understand some of the requirements to start a church and be eligible for tax exempt status? 

[Shammu]

I'm sorry but, I never have filed for tax exempt status for my Church.  The reason being, that the government can't tell me I can't do this or that.

[Soldier4Christ]

The IRS has all of the information and the forms necessary.

[riversoflife]

I'm sorry but, I never have filed for tax exempt status for my Church.  The reason being, that the government can't tell me I can't do this or that.

I have contacted the IRS for guidelines, but a local pastor explained that there are strict guidelines as to what you can publish and speak about - i.e. if you speak against abortion, etc - may not be able to have 501(c) 3 status.  At any rate, not sure, but prayerfully considering all options.  I do not want the gov't to tell me how to run the ministry.  My heart is to start a food ministry.   Thanks for your advice.   

[preachervern]

Pray and ask God to lead you and he will point you in the right direction, he has me a lot of time's. If I can be of any help let me know and I will do what I can, I even will come to you and the church sometime and Preach. I like to help out pastors and the church to get their church going.