Christian organizations have a responsibility to be accountable both to God and to outsiders. We are judged by our appearances, and we must do nothing that might discredit our Lord before the world. The Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability (ECFA) not only provides seven Standards for its member ministries, but it has developed from its audits of ministry boards a good checklist of best practices on governance. These can be found on pages 7 through 10 of the longer document on good practices at this link.

In America, ECFA is a respected nonprofit which sets standards for ministries of all types. Over the years, their monitoring of member organizations has identified governance as one of the greatest needs to move ministries to excellence.

Other nations are beginning to create similar standards through various organizations. For more information about the Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability, go to www.ecfa.org.

Reprinted with permission from the Engstrom Institute; © 2009 Christian Leadership Alliance - (949) 487-0900. Visit CLA's website to see what they offer your organization to help build leaders and enhance organizational effectiveness!