| ECFA Standards and Best Practices |
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ECFA Standards
Accountability to God is vital, but people form their impressions of both people and organizations by looking at the outward appearances (1 Samuel 16:7). The basis for establishing ECFA and developing Seven Standards of Responsible StewardshipTM is stated clearly by the Apostle Paul in 2 Corinthians 8:21 (NIV): “For we are taking pains to do what is right, not only in the eyes of the Lord but also in the eyes of men.” Or, as the New American Standard puts it in verses 20 and 21, “taking precaution that no one should 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.” The Standards, drawn from Scripture, are fundamental to operating with integrity.
The ECFA Standards are seldom changed, providing members a steady baseline for consistent application of the Standards. The brief statements included in the Standards have significant implications; the Standards are simple but not simplistic. These are not Standards that allow for grading on the curve. Rather, they are pass-fail Standards. If a member fails even one of the Standards, it is disqualified from ECFA membership.
ECFA Best Practices
While ECFA Standards are fundamental to the accountability process, they are only a starting point to operating a church or other charity with integrity.
In addition to the Standards, ECFA has developed a series of best practices which encourage organizations to strive for every higher levels of excellence.
Best practices are always relative. To determine which practices are "best" for your organization, you must first identify what results your organization is trying to achieve.
One of the following documents has been customized for churches:
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