Financial Integrity Of Leaders

by | Mar 18, 2015 | Finances | 0 comments

There is a question I encounter  or more of a statement that is often raised by people who support charitable projects, whether it be locally or globally. The question usually is this, “How can I know that the monies that I give are not just being siphoned off for administration or to pay large salaries to the executives?” It’s a fair question and one that even I ask as I work in and among non-profits. How can you know?

There was a time that I would indiscriminately give to every telemarketer or door knocker or petitioner who would ask me for money. I no longer do this because I have chosen to set certain criteria in my life by which I evaluate whether I will give or not to that ministry or group. Maybe it is because I began to see finances as a sacred trust that if used properly could help to alleviate suffering but if used incorrectly only enables the problem to continue. What are the benchmarks that I use?

First, I want to know the character of the individual who leads the organization.  An organization is simply the lengthened shadow of a person (Emerson). The character of the leadership defines the organization. I am not as interested in the stated goals or the books written or teachings.  I want to know whether the character of the person actually reflects the values that I embrace.  How do I do this? I do not research the charities websites. The website’s purpose is designed for marketing the charity. I research the leader through the internet, financial sites, government tax returns; whatever may provide a better understanding of who gives oversight.

It’s a stated axiom that organizations usually are started by entrepreneurs who see a need and seek to meet it. Yet quite often (though not always) with success can come a shift in perspective. The organization can begin to take on a life of its own  With success can also increase the need for more money: salaries, marketing, television or radio costs, and the list goes on (At this writing a televangelist is fund raising for a $65 million dollar jet). None of these are wrong in themselves and can be necessary tools to increased effectiveness.  I am not even opposed if it is clearly stated that a certain percentage goes towards fixed expenses. I prefer an effective administrative structure as opposed to ineffectiveness that can lead to a wasting of resources.

For me this is where the character of the leader comes into play. The leader creates a culture of integrity in both conduct and the use of resources. That’s why I think that the Biblical admonition to “know those who labor among you” (I Thess. 5:12) is important.

Secondly, I am no longer impressed by stated large numbers that cannot be substantiated by facts. If a ministry states that a million people were saved last year then the records should be made available and shown to be so. Expanding numbers without being able to substantiate the facts for me reflects the character of the leader. When a leader states that a million people attended and hundreds of thousands were saved there should be records that indicate such. Even statistical analysis can easily show the numbers in a given crowd or at least approximate it. Yet expanding the numbers can also be a marketing tool that is used for fund raising purposes.

I personally choose to give to those who reflect the values that I embrace and have shown themselves to be men and women of integrity and honor. I am but a steward of God’s resources and entrusted and accountable to God for the use of such.

“Know those who labor among you and are over you and admonish you; And to esteem them very highly in love for their work’s sake”.

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Dave Griggs, MDiv

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