Politics
Politics

A Senate bid by its pastor would mean IRS scrutiny for Ebenezer

The Rev. Raphael Warnock is considering a run for the U.S. Senate against Republican U.S. Sen. Johnny Isakson. Warnock is the pastor of Ebenezer Baptist Church in Atlanta, where the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. served as as pastor during the civil rights movement. KENT D. JOHNSON/KDJOHNSON@AJC.COM

Credit: KENT D. JOHNSON / AJC

Credit: KENT D. JOHNSON / AJC

The Rev. Raphael Warnock is considering a run for the U.S. Senate against Republican U.S. Sen. Johnny Isakson. Warnock is the pastor of Ebenezer Baptist Church in Atlanta, where the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. served as as pastor during the civil rights movement. KENT D. JOHNSON/KDJOHNSON@AJC.COM
By
Aug 25, 2015

Ebenezer Baptist Church pastor Rev. Raphael Warnock is considering a run for U.S. Senate with an unusual twist — he plans to stay on the legendary pulpit.

Such a move would invite scrutiny from the Internal Revenue Service for Warnock and for Ebenezer, the spiritual home of Martin Luther King Jr.

It would still be legal for Warnock to preach and run as a Democrat against Republican U.S. Sen. Johnny Isakson, but he would have to steer clear of his candidacy on the pulpit and avoid using any church resources for his campaign.

ExploreRead more here about IRS rules, how political foes could take advantage, and what legal experts and Ebenezer members have to say.

About the Author

Greg Bluestein is the Atlanta Journal Constitution's chief political reporter. He is also an author, TV analyst and co-host of the Politically Georgia podcast.

Follow Greg Bluestein on facebookFollow Greg Bluestein on twitter
More Stories

Keep Reading

Speaker of the House Mike Johnson — pictured during a news conference in October — said Wednesday he didn't think the Election Day wins for Democrats were "any reflection about Republicans at all." (J. Scott Applewhite/AP)

Credit: J. Scott Applewhite/AP

OPINION

Republicans search for a winning formula after election setbacks

Georgia's GOP members of Congress reflect on election night shift to Democrats, with Marjorie Taylor Greene saying: Deliver on promises or ‘don’t expect return customers.'

Government shutdown is now the longest ever. Here’s how it’s affecting the state.

From air travel to food assistance to small business loans, Georgians are feeling the effects of the extended federal government shutdown.

‘Landslide’ PSC sweep jolts Georgia Democrats ahead of 2026 midterms

Georgia Democrats put Republicans 'on notice' ahead of 2026 midterms with Public Service Commission wins.

The Latest

Speaker of the House Mike Johnson — pictured during a news conference in October — said Wednesday he didn't think the Election Day wins for Democrats were "any reflection about Republicans at all." (J. Scott Applewhite/AP)

Credit: J. Scott Applewhite/AP

OPINION

Republicans search for a winning formula after election setbacks

HOUSE DISTRICT 106

Democrats head to runoff election in Gwinnett state House race

OPINION

Dick Cheney’s last public act was to fight Donald Trump

Featured

Travelers walk around the baggage claim in the South Terminal at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport on Thursday, Nov. 6, 2025. Atlanta is among the airports where the FAA will reduce flights due to the shutdown, and airports are facing a shortage of air traffic controllers. (Miguel Martinez/ AJC)

Credit: Miguel Martinez-Jimenez

Atlanta among airports where FAA will cut flights due to shutdown

The U.S. Department of Transportation will cut flights by 10% across 40 of the nation’s busiest airports on Friday to alleviate pressure on air traffic controllers.

Metro Atlanta’s water smells, tastes weird again. Blame fall and Lake Lanier.

It’s safe to drink, but a seasonal change in Lake Lanier each fall means most of the metro’s water tastes like dirt and mold.

15 family-friendly things to do in metro Atlanta this weekend

Our list of 15 family-friendly doings in metro Atlanta for Oct. 31-Nov. 2 includes several festivals, a chili cookoff, a circus and so much more.