Is being a member of the Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability (ECFA) a safeguard against financial and leadership mismanagement?Below are two links to stories, with the first (dated December 10, 2018) being how the ECFA found no problems at Harvest Bible Church and the leadership of James MacDonald in regards to financial abuse:www.harvestbiblechapel.org/2018/12/10/ecfa-again-confirms-harvest-bible-chapels-financial-integrity/The next link is that of the removal of James MacDonald dated Janruary 17, 2019:www.chicagotribune.com/suburbs/ct-met-harvest-bible-chapel-james-macdonald-on-leave-20190117-story.htmlIn my denomination (COGOP) there is much made of being a member of the ECFA as to accountability. As a matter of fact, our financial reports to the assembly by the International Offices has had little detail (salaries and expenses by position and department). However, the visiting representatives to the assembly from ECFA are treated like celebrates and old friends. I struggle with the issues of the membership receiving marked difference in information than strangers who do not attend, are not members and do not support the denomination. We are a profit center to their ministry and the continued client relationship depends on their interactions with top leadership.Now I know critics are not above using incomplete information and audits to bring down leadership. Just look at the COG history when it comes to the audit used against AJT. I also know that membership in the ECFA is not accountability to the members to do the giving. Just how much information can you get from your church? When you ask, is the response one of if you come to our offices we will show you the accounts?
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