Was it a sin for me to lower myself in order to elevate you by preaching the gospel of God to you free of charge? I robbed other churches by receiving support from them so as to serve you. And when I was with you and needed something, I was not a burden to anyone, for the brothers who came from Macedonia supplied what I needed. I have kept myself from being a burden to you in any way, and will continue to do so. 2 Corinthians 11:7-9
“Whatever we do in foreign countries should strengthen the indigenous works that are already there, not compete with them. We should help indigenous ministries in poorer countries without colonizing them . . . Wisdom and experience suggests the following guidelines for helping God’s servants in poorer countries:
1. Never support individual missionaries directly. Choose only those who work under the oversight and discipline of well-established native mission boards or evangelistic teams. Send all support to the parent mission.
2. Hold the mission board accountable. Funds should not be controlled solely by one person. Make sure that both the leader of the group and also a treasurer or other unrelated party knows of funds being sent so that nothing is hidden.
3. Require audited financial statements from each mission showing all funds received from all sources, foreign and domestic, and an itemized report of all disbursements.
4. Obtain reports from trustworthy Christians who have visited the ministry and can vouch for its integrity and effectiveness. The word of the leader should be verified by added witnesses.
5. On the other hand, don’t necessarily be deterred by negative criticism. Every good work will be condemned by someone who is envious or jealous. Evaluations must be impartial and without prejudice.
6. Don’t send too much too soon. Very few works can handle a sudden influx of cash.
And one last note: Think twice before sending support for distribution through a U.S. mission that maintains a branch operation in the same locality as the indigenous mission. U.S. missionaries may be tempted to use the funds to exercise control or even divide the indigenous work.”
Bob Finley in “Send Dollars and Sense: Why giving is often better than going” article in Christianity Today dated 4 October 1999.
This article highlights themes that reinforce what I have been speaking on at the Evangelical Missiological Society conference this weekend. I have found these themes consistent with findings in my work as ECFA International Liaison, as well as in my service as a board member for Pioneers Hong Kong.
In sending funding abroad for missions, rather than giving to individuals, please support structures that have good governance and oversight and that exhibit financial accountability and transparency. When we do this we work to ensure that our help does not hurt the growth of indigenous efforts.
Local churches must support local ministry. There are exceptions to this, however. For example, the Apostle Paul did not take money in ministry situations if there was a chance that financial support might seek to control ministry. In those cases he relied on his tent-making work and outside support.
Upon my return home tonight, I have a two-hour Skype to launch a cohort of students through my online course, Faith and Finances, at Asian Theological Seminary. My ongoing service in Asia has been rewarding as I focus on partner with faithful workers and support organizations following the guidelines above.