KNOW WHERE YOUR GIVING IS GOING

If God owns everything - and He does - then we are merely stewards of the resources He gives us. To do our job wisely, we must strive to ensure that our charitable giving is both effective and efficient. Only then will we be worthy of the Lord's commendation: Well done, good and faithful servant!

About 80% of the money used for evangelism comes from North America. American Christians, therefore, have an awesome responsibility. Not only must we avoid fraudulent and deceptive organizations, we must also choose from among an overwhelming array of legitimate and worthy appeals. Most people give in response to emotional or persistent appeals. Few take the time to check out an organization to see whether the need is justified or whether the group produces good results.

Questions to ask before you give:

Are the leaders marked by godly characteristics? Not only must leaders be competent and qualified to do their jobs, they should have a biblically-based vision that can be communicated to their donors in clear, measurable terms. Most important, they should have a growing, vibrant relationship with Jesus Christ.

Is the ministry active in God's "hot spots?" Many organizations develop their own plans and assume that God will bless them. Others, however, take the time to find out what God is doing and where He is working, then align themselves with His purposes.

Is the ministry innovative? Dynamic ministries often create, experiment, and challenge; refusing to get bogged down in routine. They see things other ministries might not, such as how to turn a short-term opportunity into a vehicle for long-term growth. They also make mistakes. If you want your church or organization to be innovative, you need to be willing to tolerate errors. Effective ministries take risks, and use mistakes as a platform for discovery.

Is the ministry growing and cooperative? Successful ministries invite donors to invest in and be part of the ministry. Ministry workers are likewise attracted and motivated. These organizations are willing to partner with like-minded people and organizations. When the Billy Graham team comes to a city, for example, they don't build an organization to launch their crusades. Instead, they work with existing churches and ministries, pooling the resources of countless committed Christians - and as a result, denominational barriers crumble and souls are won to Christ.

Is the ministry goal-oriented? Effective ministries have a clear sense of what God wants them to do and how He wants them to do it. They are committed to their goals, regardless of how their actions might be perceived. While they are open to suggestions, they never let funding - or the lack of it - dictate their goals and decisions.

Is the ministry accountable? Having established goals, effective ministries hold themselves, and their staff, accountable to accomplish these objectives. Instead of measuring the activity level, they measure progress and results. Also ask if there is a credible board of directors in place who hold the leaders accountable.

Is the ministry endorsed by a strong track record? The best indicator of what a ministry will do is what it has done.
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