New ECFA Initiative Makes Accreditation, Services and Resources Accessible to More Church Congregations
Existing Members Benefit from Initiative as Well
WINCHESTER, Va., June 4, 2012 /
Christian Newswire/ -- As part of its mission to help Christian nonprofit organizations – including church congregations – be more financially accountable, ECFA announces its new Church Initiative, making accreditation, services and resources accessible to more churches.
The Church Initiative also makes it simpler for existing ECFA-accredited churches to access exclusive governance, financial and stewardship resources, and to take advantage of the organization's "5/50/500" member-referral program.
"ECFA's new Church Initiative is essential for leading churches to faithfully demonstrate their commitment to established standards in financial accountability, fundraising and board governance," said Dan Busby, president of ECFA. "Fraud is on the increase in churches, and a lack of accountability continues to be a black eye to the Gospel."
"A commitment to excellence in church administration that comes through obtaining ECFA accreditation will further the cause of Christ both within and outside the church," he said.
Under the Church Initiative, modification to the prior fee schedule makes it more affordable for local congregations to earn ECFA accreditation. Smaller congregations unable to take advantage of accreditation services can subscribe to ChurchWise, a three-tiered subscription service that provides access to church-related governance, financial, and stewardship documents, and webinar training.
Through the Church Initiative, ECFA's website has been revamped to make it simpler for churches to access the information they need to be accountable to their members and the public.
ECFA accreditation reflects biblical doctrinal mandates that govern board policies and make-up, financial oversight, use of resources and legal compliance, transparency at all levels and faithful stewardship.
"In a world filled with doubts, the last thing a church needs are doubts about how it handles its finances. And it never will if it opens its doors to ECFA," said Dr. Joel C. Hunter, senior pastor at Northland Church, A Church Distributed, in Longwood, Fla.
"ECFA's role as an advocate for evangelical organizations helps defend churches' interests as the government establishes policy for religious institutions," Hunter said.
ECFA, founded in 1979, provides accreditation to leading Christian nonprofit organizations that faithfully demonstrate compliance with the ECFA standards pertaining to financial accountability, fundraising and board governance. For more information about ECFA, including information about accreditation and a listing of ECFA-accredited members, visit www.ecfa.org or call 1-800-323-9473.
To schedule an interview with Dan Busby, an executive staff member of ECFA or forum speakers, contact Ty Mays at 770-256-8710 or tmays@inchristcommunications.com.
