At a time when some faith-based groups are under scrutiny for their financial operations, the Church of the Nazarene has received accreditation by and has been approved as a member of the Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability (ECFA). ECFA accreditation is based on seven standards of responsible stewardship, including financial accountability, transparency, and ethical fundraising. The Church of the Nazarene joins more than 2,000 evangelical organizations, churches, and educational institutions that have earned the right to display the ECFA seal. When an organization is accredited by ECFA, it demonstrates its willingness to follow the model of biblical accountability. "ECFA is extremely pleased that the Church of the Nazarene has been approved as an accredited member," said Kenneth Behr, president of ECFA. "We look forward to providing the general, district, and local levels of the church with resources enabling it to advance God's purposes in an even greater way." "We find great meaning in joining with 2,000 religious organizations for the common cause of holding fast to best practices of financial responsibility" remarked David P. Wilson, general secretary of the Church of the Nazarene. "Being part of this broader faith community can only enhance the existing standards by which we operate as God's people who comprise the Church of the Nazarene." According to Marilyn J. McCool, general treasurer of the denomination, "This membership recognizes the Church of the Nazarene's continued commitment to fiscal responsibility. Considering that generations of generous giving enabled our ministries to reach around the globe, we seek the highest level of financial accountability to our donors. ECFA can provide tools and resources to help us be consistent in our understanding of faithful financial stewardship." ECFA, based in Winchester, Virginia, was founded in 1979 and provides accreditation to evangelical Christian nonprofit organizations that faithfully demonstrate compliance with established standards for financial accountability, fund-raising, and board governance. For more information about ECFA, including details about accreditation and a listing of accredited members, visit www.ECFA.org or call 1-800-323-9473. Holiness Today, January/February 2008

 

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