International Office Deficit

[PastorP]

Is this reputable? If so, Int. Offices was over 1m in the red last year.

http://www.ecfa.org/MemberProfile.aspx?ID=32455

[Mat]

Is this reputable? If so, Int. Offices was over 1m in the red last year.

http://www.ecfa.org/MemberProfile.aspx?ID=32455

You asked, "Is this reputable?" Yes, in the since that many feel that being a member of the ECFA gives a level of accountability within the Christian Community. The COGOP is a new member that had to undergo examination by the ECFA and meet standards of accounting.

Concerning the deficit spending of over $1M for the year, I think this is what was presented in the Financial Director’s Report at the IA. However, it many be over two years.

Until the Assembly Minutes are published with a more detailed accounting of revenues and expenditures I have no clue as to what’s going on. There is not enough information from the ECFA or the IO reports to suggest reasons as to why the deficit spending took place. Membership in the ECFA does not address issues such as policy, projects or personnel cost that could cause such a deficit; it just reports that good accounting is taking place.

At my local church we still have business conference every quarter and the Treasurer’s Report is multiple pages that account for every cent carried over, received, spent and saved by category. We also include salaries and benefit cost for all ministers on an individual basis. Since we have a Preschool, the Church Corporate Board reviews detailed printouts every month, quarter and yearend.

I would hope that our Assembly Minutes give us as much detail as our local churches provide and give us the same access to information as the ECFA is given. Accountability to the ECFA is a good thing, but accountability to the membership and ministry of the COGOP (who give the money in the first place) is true stewardship in my book.

Mat