The Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability (ECFA) announced in late July the accreditation of the International Mission Board (IMB), the Richmond, Va.-based global missions arm of the Southern Baptist Convention, the nation’s largest evangelical denomination.
In receiving accreditation from ECFA (www.ecfa.org), the IMB has submitted its financial records to the highest level of scrutiny and met all criteria to receive the ECFA seal of financial integrity.
“With 1.7 billion people worldwide who have little or no access to the gospel, it is a privilege for ECFA to accredit IMB, one of the leading ministries making disciples of all people to fulfill the Great Commission,” said Dan Busby, ECFA president.
IMB President Tom Elliff said, “The IMB has always been conscious of its financial responsibility to Southern Baptists, who sacrifice in order to help take the saving message of Jesus Christ to those who haven’t heard. We are pleased to add ECFA accreditation as continued assurance to our constituents that we consistently conform to the highest standards of accountability.”
Currently funding about 4,900 field personnel around the world, the IMB and its overseas partners saw more than 266,000 baptisms in the most recent reporting year and more than 24,000 new churches started.
The IMB budget for 2013 is $323.8 million, including a national goal of $175 million in the annual Lottie Moon Christmas Offering. Ministries include evangelism, discipleship, church planting and disaster relief.
The IMB passed all of ECFA’s evaluation according to the ECFA Seven Standards of Responsible Stewardship, including financial accountability, transparency, sound board governance and ethical fundraising.
“As International Mission Board recognizes that over 6,000 people groups still live with little or no access to the gospel, donors to its ministries may give with confidence of the highest financial integrity,” Busby said.
(ECFA)
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