The Trump administration grants Texas megachurch pastors expanded political influence through IRS policy change

Rep. Nate Schatzline, a pastor at Mercy Culture Church in Fort Worth, recently addressed a gathering of conservative activists, emphasizing the growing role of religious leaders in political engagement. The Internal Revenue Service recently updated its stance, allowing religious leaders to endorse political candidates from the pulpit, effectively overturning a decades-old tax law that previously restricted such activity. Schatzline stated the change affirmed what the church community already believed: the government cannot prevent religious leaders from participating in civic matters.

Schatzline, who has long advocated for the right of pastors to speak on political issues, expressed enthusiasm about the new policy. He urged pastors to take a more active role in social and political discourse, arguing that politicians should not be more vocal on social issues than religious leaders. His remarks were made to a group affiliated with the True Texas Project, a Tarrant County-based organization that plays a key role in shaping conservative legislative priorities, including opposition to immigration and LGBTQ+ rights, and support for conservative education policies.

For years, pastors have sought the right to engage in political advocacy as part of their religious duties. Now, with the IRS policy change pending judicial review, some religious leaders are encouraging congregations to push for greater political involvement from their churches. Texas is expected to be a central battleground for these developments, given the state’s large number of megachurches and the prominent role pastors play in social and political discussions.

Texas is home to more than 200 megachurches, and pastors there have historically held significant influence in shaping public opinion and policy. Experts note that the state is likely to be the testing ground for new ideas around religious political engagement. Schatzline, in a follow-up interview, mentioned that his church’s nonprofit, which previously supported candidate elections, is collaborating with President Donald Trump’s National Faith Advisory Board to expand its efforts and mobilize churches for greater civic participation.

Officials from the White House and the advisory board have not commented on the matter. Schatzline emphasized that pastors can and should play a more active role in civic life, reflecting the broader trend of religious leaders taking on expanded political responsibilities. This shift aligns with a growing movement among megachurches and their leaders to influence public policy and social issues through their platforms.

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