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. 2 Corinthians 8:20-21
“Here Paul further explains the rationale behind the procedures in place for this fund-raising campaign, which amount to complete transparency before everyone involved. When other people’s money was at stake, it was not enough for Paul to be confident before the Lord of his own good intentions and the appropriate distribution of funds. Paul understood that others needed to be confident as well, and so he instituted measures to ensure openness and accountability.
First, he assembled a team of individuals, rather than simply having Titus handle matters on his own. Second, he made sure each of the individuals were men of experience and proven character. Third, this team did not consist simply of Paul’s handpicked cronies, but included delegates selected and approved by “the churches.” These measures were designed both to safeguard the collection from misuse and to avert criticism, by openly demonstrating to everyone intentional and determined accountability.”
Moyer V. Hubbard in 2 Corinthians, Teach the Text Commentary Series, ed. Mark Strauss (Grand Rapids: Baker, 2017) 139.
Complete transparency builds confidence to participate in collections, but it takes hard work. The Apostle Paul testified that they took “great pains” to put such structures in place. Hubbard smartly summarizes the procedures that were implemented, and shows how the effort engaged numerous proven people. Many don’t realize that this collection spanned churches in many nations across the Mediterranean world and took six years to orchestrate (A.D. 53-58). Doing the hard work of putting accountability structures in place undoubtedly increased giving and participation, but more importantly, made sure everything was handled with integrity before God and man.
As you may know, I serve about four days per month as ECFA International Liaison helping establish peer accountability groups around the world. I have a ministry much like the Apostle Paul working with Christian leaders in various countries to help them form coalitions of Christ-centered churches and ministries committed to following standards of faithful stewardship (doing what is right before God and man) regardless of what others are doing. It’s been a privilege to help catalyze CCFK (South Korea), CCTA (Philippines), CMASC (Australia), and AfCAA (Kenya).
Good news! God has worked in local Christian leaders in Guatemala to form CONFIABLE. CONFIABLE means “trustworthy” in Spanish and is an acronym that stands for “Concilio de Organizaciones no-lucrativas, Financieramente Integras, Auditables, Bíblica y Legalmente Establecidas” or “Council of nonprofit organizations, financially integrated, auditable, biblically and legally established.” Please pray with me for the newly-formed board and general assembly of CONFIABLE to have wisdom and strength as they “take great pains” to draft standards for Christ-centered churches and ministries in Guatemala to exhibit “complete transparency.”