Christians spend about five times more mission dollars on issues related to poverty than they do on evangelism and church planting

Very powerful statement by D.A. Carson.

“Judging by the distribution of American mission dollars, the biggest hole in our gospel is the gospel itself.”

Explains why stewardship doesn’t end with giving of the money: Must ask (research) tough questions:

• What is the mission of the organization?
• Does its spending priorities match (as closely as possible) the mission?
• Is the organization transparent with its finances: Can the donor readily access statements such as last year’s Income and Expense Statement, A current Balance Sheet, an this year’s budget? Is this information available on the organization’s website (if not why!)?
• Are Generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) followed?
• Are the books annually audited by a organization (like an accounting firm) external to that organization? Is the audit information public? (The EBM disaster is a case to point!)
• Is the organization accountable to the some external integrity organization? (like the ECFA)

Conclusion: Give with the heart … but also with the head!

Baptist Haiti Mission

While not an ECFA member, provides good financial transparency

http://www.bhm.org/about-us/annual-financial-report/