IMB Meets Highest Standards of Financial Ethics to Receive ECFA Seal of Approval

Contact: Ty Mays, 770-256-8710

WINCHESTER, Va., July 31, 2013 /Standard Newswire/ -- ECFA announced this week the accreditation of International Mission Board (IMB), the Richmond, Va.-based global mission arm of the Southern Baptist Convention, the nation's largest evangelical denomination.

In receiving accreditation from ECFA (www.ecfa.org), International Mission Board 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.

Founded in 1845, IMB works with Southern Baptist churches to involve members of all ages and abilities in the task of taking the message of Christ to all peoples.  Its vision is a multitude from every language, people, tribe and nation knowing and worshipping Jesus Christ as Lord.

"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," said IMB President Tom Elliff.  "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, 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 International Mission Board 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.

International Mission Board 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," said Busby.
 
ECFA, founded in 1979, provides accreditation to leading Christian nonprofit organizations that faithfully demonstrate compliance with the ECFA standards pertaining to financial accountability, fundraising and board governance. To learn more about ECFA, including information about accreditation and a listing of ECFA-accredited members, visit www.ecfa.org or call 1-800-323-9473. 

To schedule an interview with Dan Busby, contact Ty Mays at 770-256-8710 or tmays@inchristcommunications.com.