This Thanksgiving season, I’m thankful for partnering Christian organizations like the Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability (ECFA) and their mission to “enhance trust in Christ-centered churches and ministries by establishing and applying Seven Standards of Responsible Stewardship” to accredited organizations. I’m also thankful for ECFA’s recent accreditation of Bethlehem Baptist Church! As Bethlehem endeavors to be found faithful in using our resources in a wise, responsible manner, we welcome the assistance and accountability that partners like ECFA provide.

ECFA was founded in 1979, and offers accreditation to evangelical nonprofit ministry organizations—churches, schools, denominations, mission agencies, camps, etc.—that faithfully demonstrate compliance with established standards for financial accountability, transparency, fundraising, and board governance.

Today, ECFA has nearly 2,200 members, including Desiring God and Bethlehem College & Seminary. Other Minnesota members include Arrive Ministries, Grace Eden Prairie, New Life Family Services, Northwestern University, and Transform Minnesota (the Greater Minnesota Association of Evangelicals). Charter members included our own Converge Worldwide (Baptist General Conference) denomination, the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, Cru, Wycliffe, and many more. ECFA accreditation entitles a ministry to use the ECFA seal and receive other Accreditation Benefits. The continuing use of the seal depends on the ministry’s good faith compliance with ECFA Standards.

ECFA accreditation would not be possible without the diligent assistance of Bethlehem’s Financial & Property Administrators (FPA’s) and the faithful service of Bethlehem’s Accounting Department, led by Director for Finances Thayne Rossiter and supported by Bookkeeper Daewon Kim.

As we look forward in December to Month 13 of Bethlehem’s 25-month “Fill These Cities: 25 x ’25” initiative, we lean in with thankfulness to maintain and raise our financial standards—and encourage you to continue faithfully investing resources in Bethlehem ministries, as God prospers and provides.

See the corresponding press release.