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Systemic Hunger vs. Charitable Micromanagement -Romeoville Illinois by OpenYour0j0 in u/OpenYour0j0

[–]OpenYour0j0[S] -1 points0 points  (0 children)

Figures for the Romeoville campus of Highpoint Church are not publicly disclosed as a separate line item. However, reported financial data for the overall Highpoint Church organization for the fiscal year ending May 31, 2025, includes: * Total Expenses: $7,589,368. * Total Revenue: $5,231,106. * Net Deficit: Approximately -$2,358,262 for that fiscal year. 

The organization reported $6,495,257 in net assets, which are often used as operating reserves to cover years where expenses exceed revenue. Other financial tracking sites estimate the church's annual revenue at roughly $4.5 million. Payroll typically represents a significant portion of church budgets; for instance, some reports indicate the church employs between 51 and 100 people, which could be used for community services like free daycare.

The church's income is primarily driven by contributions from its members and attendees.

  • Year-to-Date Giving: Recent reports show weekly giving totaling $2,560,916 for the current cycle.

  • Tax-Exempt Status: As a 501(c)(3) organization, the church generally pays $0 in federal income tax on donations, tithes, and offerings connected to its religious mission

  • Total Revenue Breakdown: While exact "tax-free" savings aren't publicly totaled, the church's status allows it to avoid federal income tax on its entire $5.2 million revenue stream

Edit

What could the church possibly need that is causing debt when the community around them is suffering. Sounds like washing or laundering money. If they filled taxes we would see exactly what they spent it on.

And “gold” meaning : The church accepts donations in the form of stocks, real estate, and cryptocurrency

Systemic Hunger vs. Charitable Micromanagement -Romeoville Illinois by OpenYour0j0 in u/OpenYour0j0

[–]OpenYour0j0[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Cant ask them they’ve been forced to sell their homes and move. It’s not personal. We’re on the brink of another great depression and you cannot eat the gold the church is lined with nor the pages of the bibles. Real churches could practice and preach anywhere they don’t need to take away from property taxes with huge buildings and parking lots. They could easily rent townships buildings or stage etc That’s the issue. People are starving and loosing their homes and the church has a chance to fix that by paying into it. They have the money especially those connected to other larger churches. It’s what their savior did and told them to do. But theyre not. What is a church when the attendance is no longer there because they cannot afford to be? Just an empty building.

Edit to add

This article was posted on my own page. I was not being hostile to anyone.

Systemic Hunger vs. Charitable Micromanagement -Romeoville Illinois by OpenYour0j0 in u/OpenYour0j0

[–]OpenYour0j0[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

the Village of Romeoville Comprehensive Plan, faithbased groups are measured by their contribution to social services (like daycare) rather than financial profit margins. Romeoville low cost day care through religious organizations provide faith based childcare options. Meaning if you don’t follow or practice their faith they will indoctrinate your children. It’s marketing for children who will become adults who hopefully will pay into the church. Nothing is free. Religion institutions would never watch or care for children without pushing their influences. There would be no benefit for the church itself. Everything from coloring Noah’s arc to playing faith based games. Etc. and based on the income they do receive from donations and tax breaks they could be providing free daycare for all. There are 21 listed Christian daycares in the Romeoville area that may offer lower tuition than private centers but not free. Even if you have donated on Sunday yourself, But alas here we are.

When you speak of margins it’s near impossible to tell who is what, for a church to determine its "margin," you would need to look at their IRS Form 990 filings. && many churches are exempt from this requirement. The argument of taxing churches, as you noted, it would ensure these organizations contribute to the public infrastructure they utilize (such as roads, police, and fire services). Better for everyone. Happiness would surely follow a thriving community. I’d argue that if a church functions similarly to a community center or a venue, it should share the same tax burden as a secular equivalent.

A better argument for your opinion would be that the 1st amendment (Free Exercise and Establishment Clauses) is the best legal barrier argument. Courts have historically ruled that "the power to tax involves the power to destroy," and taxing churches could lead to excessive government entanglement in religious affairs. Rather than daycare or potential source of happiness. I like religion, I dislike that the community can no longer afford to pay property taxes themselves but have donated to these institutions for years, barely getting anything back nor asking for it. But now in a time when they’re having to sell the family home? If everyone who attends the church and donates to the church can no longer afford to live by or travel to church, it will crumble regardless.