Taking precaution so that no one will discredit us in our administration of this generous gift; for we have regard for what is honorable, not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of men. 2 Corinthians 8:20-21
“Paul saw generous financial support for the poor, with careful administration of that gift, as an integral part of biblical mission, of gospel mission…financial administration of people’s giving is stewardship of grace and obedience.”
Christopher J.H. Wright in “Paul, a New Testament Model: His Collection for the Poor in Jerusalem” in Accountability in Missions: Korean and Western Case Studies, ed. Jonathan Bonk (Eugene: Wipf and Stock, 2011) 41-42.
Faithful gift administration was integral to gospel mission for the Apostle Paul. Today, many nations lack standards for financial integrity, which is why the formation of peer accountability groups is making a difference globally. Such faithful “stewardship of grace and obedience” enhances trust and gives God’s people confidence to participate in God’s work.
This is why ECFA (Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability) exists in the USA, and why I dedicate a quarter of my time serving as “ECFA International Liaison.” I have been privileged to help national leaders form CCFK (Christian Council for Financial Transparency, Korea) in South Korea and CCTA (Christian Council for Transparency and Accountability) in the Philippines.
This is also why I am facilitating meetings in Hong Kong today and tomorrow. Dr. Sas Conradie (UK) and Mr. Chi-Chung Keung (USA) have helped rally ministry and financial professionals together and Dr. Ho Chan Hwang (South Korea) and Mr. Anjji Gabriel (Philippines) will join me in making remarks. Pray for God’s favor so that these meetings bear much fruit.