How to Vet a Church Ministry Partner

As churchgoers ourselves, and a Gospel-based nonprofit, we know ministry support is important for a church and their congregation. And there are countless ministries to choose from with missions that your church could get behind. But choosing a ministry to partner with goes much deeper. This is a ministry your church desires to support over a prolonged period of time – a ministry that you want to come alongside with in partnership towards a common mission.

With this in mind, we want to give you some helpful tips to think about when vetting potential ministry partnerships with your church:

1. Look for Gospel Focused Ministries –

This tip comes first and foremost. There are many organizations out there doing great humanitarian work, but what should set apart potential ministry partners for your church should be ministries focus on sharing the Gospel in everything that they do. Additionally, the way that a ministry incorporates the mission to share the Gospel into the humanitarian work they are doing should closely align with your church’s values.

2. Ensure Financial Stewardship –

Churches should vet potential ministry partners to ensure that their finances are stewarded in a God-honoring way. A great way to look into this is by searching for organizations accredited by third parties such as the ECFA. This will help you know that your church’s donated funds are being put to good use.

3. Seek References –

Ask organizations for references and testimonies from other churches. Pastors who have partnered with the organization should be able to share information about how the partnership has gone, the impact they have been able to have, the quality of the communication they’ve had with the ministry, as well as any red flags to be aware of.

4. Pray for Discernment with Your Staff –

And last but certainly not least, take the vetted ministry partner candidates and pray with your staff for discernment on the partnership that will best honor God through your joined missions of sharing the Gospel.

Here are couple of verses to consider that may also help you when vetting ministries partners are:

“For the equipping of the saints for the work of service, to the building up of the body of Christ.” – Ephesians 4:12

So that with one accord you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.” – Romans 15:6

We hope that these tips are helpful when going through the process of vetting potential ministry partners for your church. It’s a big decision, and it’s our prayer that we can be source that provides guidance in seeking efforts that not only provide good deeds for those near and far but also point everyone we come in contact with towards the light and love of Jesus.

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