Rapidly Growing ECFA Reaches 1,700-Organization Mark

Contact: Ty Mays, 770-256-8710

WINCHESTER, Va., Sept. 20, 2012 /Christian Newswire/ -- With the addition of Seattle-based Mars Hill Church as its newest church, ECFA now numbers a record-breaking 1,700 churches and Christ-centered nonprofits in its accreditation. ECFA has grown from 1,500 accredited organizations in only 18 months.

"We are pleased to welcome Mars Hill Church as ECFA's 1,700th member," said Dan Busby, ECFA president. "By meeting the stringent criteria ECFA applies to all applicants, this certifies to supporters of the church and the public that Mars Hill meets the highest standards of financial ethics, faithfulness and accountability."

"At Mars Hill, we are dedicated to utilizing the resources entrusted to us in faithful adherence to our mission to make disciples and plant churches in the name of Jesus," said Pastor Mark Driscoll. "In proactively submitting ourselves to the scrutiny of ECFA, we openly state our commitment to proclaim Jesus to our communities with utmost ethical honor."

Driscoll, founding pastor of Mars Hill Church (www.marshill.com), is one of the world's most quoted and downloaded pastors. He was named among the "25 Most Influential Pastors of the Past 25 Years" by Preaching Magazine. Founded in Seattle, Mars Hill is the third fastest-growing and 28th largest church in the United States. It is composed of 14 smaller congregations that meet in four states, each led by elders and deacons and dedicated to serving Jesus and people in the context of their local community.

Every organization privileged to display the ECFA seal of approval agrees to operate on the foundation of God-honoring, biblical principles. ECFA Seven Standards of Responsible Stewardship™ include transparency in all fiscal matters, acting on the intent of givers and in their best interests, sound governance, responsible use of resources and compliance with laws. Adherence by all members is verified by an annual review process. 

The rapid addition of 200 new ECFA accredited organizations since March 2011 is a clear indicator of the rising need for confidence among donors to place their trust in worthy organizations. The increasing diversity of ministry size and mission among member organizations is demonstrating ECFA's assistance in assuring fiscal responsibility globally among the body of Christ.

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.