The Reasons Why Churches Want to be Accredited by the ECFA
The Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability (ECFA) is an American financial standards association that works specifically with Christian organizations and churches that are tax exempt.[1] The ECFA was founded in 1979, over 40 years ago. It has over 2,400 members.[2] You may be asking yourself, “Why would a church want to be accredited by the ECFA?” Well, there are a few reasons why a church would want to be accredited by the ECFA.
· In response to the COVID-19, the ECFA is waiving the $500 application fee.[3] If anyone ever wanted to sign up with the ECFA and become a member, then there is no better time to apply than right now.
· The ECFA is a trusted association. Becoming an ECFA member is a life changing step. The more trust that the ECFA church has, the more resources it has to give back. An ECFA member has the ability to change lives by giving back to their fellow Christians, churches, or other people who don’t know about Jesus Christ.[4]· The ECFA website (www.ecfa.org/) offers financial management tools and other resources. This helps ministries uphold their high financial standards, which establishes trust with the church’s volunteers and givers.[1]
· ECFA is providing churches who are considering to become ECFA accredited with free confidential coaching.[2] If your church is considering joining the ECFA, then click on the Join ECFA page at www.ecfa.org/JoinECFA.aspx.
Now that you know some of the reasons why over 2,400 members have partnered with ECFA, you should think about if ECFA is right for you and your church. Having an extra asset to assist the Church could only help advance the word of Jesus Christ.
If you do decide to sign your church up for the ECFA, then you will be required to have a financial statement and an audit written. You will need to consult with an expert. In that case, don’t hesitate to contact CPA and owner of L. V. Browne, CPA, Lakeesha Browne at [email protected].
[1] “ECFA.” ECFA, www.ecfa.org/. Accessed 28 Aug. 2020.
[2] “ECFA.” ECFA, www.ecfa.org/. Accessed 28 Aug. 2020.
[3] “Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability.” Wikipedia, 6 Aug. 2020, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Evangelical_Council_for_Financial_Accountability. Accessed 28 Aug. 2020.
[4] “ECFA.” ECFA, www.ecfa.org/. Accessed 28 Aug. 2020.
[5] “ECFA.” ECFA, www.ecfa.org/. Accessed 28 Aug. 2020.
[6] “ECFA.” ECFA, www.ecfa.org/. Accessed 28 Aug. 2020.
