The sermon I’m preparing for from 1
Corinthians 16:1-4 touches on aspects of international aid in support of
Christian ministries. As Dr. Warren
Wiersbe has noted, “It is unfortunate when Christian ministries lose their
testimony because they mismanage funds entrusted to them.”[1]
It would not be helpful to re-hash all the sad incidents that have brought
shame on the name of Christ and the Gospel.
In this short abstract, I would like to give some words of advice in
answer to the question, “How do I choose what ministry (ies) to support?” In no particular order here are 6 principles
to consider:
1.
Before giving elsewhere, have I fulfilled my primary giving
responsibility to my family and my local church? “Anyone who does not provide
for their relatives, and especially for their own household, has denied the
faith and is worse than an unbeliever” (1 Timothy 5:8, NIV); and “Therefore,
as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who
belong to the family of believers” (Galatians 6:10, NIV).
2. Is there theological
soundness? Does this ministry embrace
what is considered orthodox Christianity?
Orthodoxy must not be confused with a religious organization. There is a body of doctrine – the Christian
faith – that is identifiable. Often
these truths are evidenced in the ancient creeds of the Church: the Apostles,
The Nicene, etc. Our own Statement
of Faith at Elk Point Baptist Church is an excellent summary of “the faith
that was once for all delivered to the saints.”[2]
3. Is there a clear, understanding of the Gospel
and discernible advancement of the Gospel message? The greatest blessing of the 16th
Century Reformation was the recovery of the Gospel. To Luther’s amazement he learned that the
Gospel: “. . . is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone
who believes . . . [and] in the
gospel the righteousness of God is revealed—a righteousness that is by faith
from first to last, just as it is written: “The righteous will live by faith.””
(Romans 1:16–17, NIV). (See also
Romans 3:21-26) The Gospel summarily is
that all who through repentance and faith in the Person, the life, the death
and the resurrection of Christ, on behalf of sinners, will be imputed the
righteousness of God; justified freely by grace.
4. Is there an intentional
and evidential strategy to help without creating dependence? Firmly shaped by the material of ‘When Helping Hurts: How to Alleviate
Poverty Without Hurting the Poor and Yourself (Steve Corbett and Brian Fikkert), according to the authors, one of the biggest mistakes that North American
churches make—by far—is in applying relief to situations in which
rehabilitation or development is the appropriate intervention. There are times
when giving money is the right thing to do and usually that is the easy thing
to do. But far more often, we need to give time, attention and
discipleship. Too often, people try to help the poor with a handout whereas what they
really need is someone to walk alongside them to think through how to use the
assets they already have to better their own situation. Outside help should
always enable them to become independent, and not cause greater dependence.
5. What is the role of
prayer in this ministry? Greg
Steir writes, “Ministries that consistently pray with a heart of faith can
navigate through economic, strategic and personnel challenges and come out
stronger as a result. The ministries that don’t pray will be unable to fully
accomplish the purposes God has for it.”[3] “And pray in the Spirit on all occasions
with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always
keep on praying for all the Lord’s people. Pray also for me, that whenever I
speak, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery
of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare
it fearlessly, as I should.” (Ephesians 6:18–20, NIV)
6. What is the evidence of
accountability and responsibility? “Then, when I arrive, I will give
letters of introduction to the men you approve and send them with your gift to
Jerusalem.” (1 Corinthians 16:3, NIV). “We want to avoid any criticism
of the way we administer this liberal gift. For we are taking pains to do what
is right, not only in the eyes of the Lord but also in the eyes of man. In
addition, we are sending with them our brother who has often proved to us in
many ways that he is zealous, and now even more so because of his great
confidence in you.” (2 Corinthians 8:20–22, NIV)
- Is there an independent board that accepts responsibility for the activities of the organization and oversees its operations? Is a copy of the financial statements provided to anyone who requests it?
- Does this ministry have measurable ways to ensure financial integrity? What kind of accountability structures does it have?
- How does this ministry raise funds?
- How much of my donation actually gets to the need?
I noticed
that the organization that we support (Canadian Counsel of Christian Charities)
and often consult has a website dedicated to helping Christian ministries
acquire new donors. This is a helpful
tool.[4]
It was
part and parcel of genuine Christianity that those impacted by the love of
Christ and the Cross of Jesus are generous.
Let us be discerning in our generosity.
[1] Wiersbe,
Warren W.. Be Wise (1 Corinthians): Discern the Difference Between Man's
Knowledge and God's Wisdom (The BE Series Commentary) (p. 178). David C. Cook.
Kindle Edition.
[2] The
Holy Bible: English Standard Version.
(2016). (Jud 3). Wheaton: Standard Bible Society.
[3] https://www.dare2share.org/blog/7-characteristics-i-look-for-in-ministries-i-support-financially/
[4] https://www.cccc.org/news_blogs/john/2012/10/16/a-new-tool-for-finding-christian-ministries-to-support/
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