Faith

Day 14

In the nonprofit world there are two distinct groups; faith based groups and non-faith based groups.  Non-faith based groups are often seen as more accepting and multicultural than faith based organizations.  Government funding and private funding  is more readily available for non-faith based nonprofits.  In today’s world, Christian faith based nonprofits are less trusted, less funded, and seen by many as more corrupt and intolerant than their counterparts.  Non-faith based nonprofits strongly defend their non-faith status out of fear they might lose it.  However, if we look more closely at faith based and “non-faith” based groups, we discover both are faith based.

From birth, everyone seeks to understand the world and their place in it.  The world is much greater than our ability to comprehend.  Our favorite word as a child is “why”.  Why is the sky blue?  Why is grass green?  Why is the sun hot?  Why is uncle Frank bald?  Science and spirituality are birthed from these questions.  Faith is required to fill in the blanks of the unknown and unknowable (although some scientist may argue everything is knowable).  No matter what approach, what belief system, what philosophy, all people are faith based.

Because organizations are made up of people, all organizations are faith based as well.  The difference is where their faith is placed.  Non-faith based groups place their faith in themselves, in policy and procedure, in their leader, in public opinion, and in their own sense of right and wrong.  Maintaining faith in these temporal variables is difficult.  Public opinion pressures leaders to change course, the pendulum of policies and procedure swings to keep pace and right and wrong moves into murky shades of grey.   

An organization which places it faith in God is built on a solid foundation.  It recognizes His authority and is rooted in His word.  It is made up of people who recognize their gifts and limitations and are designed to work in concert, none more important than another.  However, the people in Christian faith based organizations are not immune to afflictions of the world an neither will the organization.  Conflicts occur, but God is reliable.  Through His guidance, conflict is no longer a villain but a teacher.   

Connections will place it’s faith in God.  We will seek His will in every action and ground our policies in His word.  When conflict arises we will view it as an opportunity learn and grow together.  We will stand firm even in the face of public opposition, trusting God has our back.  Connections will live at peace with our community, sharing the love of Christ with all.  

The passages below illustrate the importance of becoming properly faith based as individuals and organizations.  Romans 1:20 speaks of the vastness of creation which inspires the “why”.  Ephesians 4:13-15 encourages us to place our faith in Jesus.  Are Christian faith based organizations corruptible?   If so, how can they avoid becoming corrupt?  

Romans 1:20 (New International Version)

20For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse.

Ephesians 4:13-15 (New International Version)

13until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.
14Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of men in their deceitful scheming. 15Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ.