Why Not Transparency?

ACCOUNTABILITY: the quality or state of being accountable; especially : an obligation or willingness to accept responsibility or to account for one's actions .

As we continue to find answers through TELL A FRIEND...ASK QUESTIONS theme, among the most compelling, certainly controversial, is how WOFF raises money. This leads to WHERE DOES THE MONEY GO?

Given WOFF'S apparent success in some legal battles, it is likely that this organization is willing to produce a substantial amount of money toward legally defending their actions.

WW wouldn't blame the untrained eye who might perceive that the types of attorneys, meaning by reputation and size, as well as their apparent success, would appear to make this organization invulnerable.

Smoke and mirrors, my friends. Smoke and mirrors.

It is one of the benefits of winning in court.

Now people can talk themselves into fearing this organization who stood up to it's detractors, having won vindication through the legal system.

Now, an organization can threaten to sue any comer who perceives it might threaten it.

Again, smoke and mirrors.

So, if you have so much money to spend on defending yourself, where could THAT money go toward making a difference (as in feeding hungry people etc)?

Now mind you, this is a litigious society and people are prone to sue for most any reason.

That said, now you go and give everybody the impression that you're going to sue at the drop of a hat, could give people like WW and smart readers of this blog, license to conclude that:

1. You indeed have a sizeable warchest, ready to use for the next fight. 

2. You're bluffing.

3. You DON'T have a war chest but can come up with the money fairly easily.

ASK QUESTIONS:

• How do you get your money?
• Where does it go?
• Why aren't you transparent?
• So, you have THAT MUCH money to throw around?

Enter the Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability

From it's website...

ECFA is an accreditation agency dedicated to helping Christian ministries earn the public's trust through adherence to Seven Standards of Responsible Stewardship.

ECFA accredits its members and holds them to high standards of accountability with respect to governance, financial management and stewardship/fund raising.

ECFA's Seven Standards of Responsible Stewardship™, drawn from Scripture, are fundamental to operating with integrity.

The basis for establishing ECFA and developing Seven Standards of Responsible Stewardship™ is stated clearly by the Apostle Paul in 2 Corinthians 8:21 (NIV):

    "For we are taking pains to do what is right, not only in the eyes of the Lord but also in the eyes of men."

Accountability to God is vital, but people form their impressions of both people and organizations by looking at the outward appearances (1 Samuel 16:7).

The ECFA standards are seldom changed, providing members a steady baseline for consistent application of the standards. The brief statements included in the standards have significant implications; the standards are simple but not simplistic. These are not standards that allow for grading on the curve. Rather, they are pass-fail standards. If a member fails even one of the standards, it is disqualified from ECFA membership.

(Thanks to the ECFA)

WW looked up WOFF to see if they are members. Here's a screen shot from the ECFA website from 1/7/12:

So, it IS possible to safely and responsibly exist as a religious organization, all the while conducting business as usual and easing the minds of your followers and community.

There are MANY religious organizations that are members of this accredited organization. Has WOFF considered joining?

ASK MORE QUESTIONS:

• WHY PUT UP WITH ALL THE QUESTIONS ABOUT YOUR FINANCES?
• WHY NOT SUBMIT TO TRANSPARENCY SO THAT YOU OPERATE YOUR ORGANIZATION WITHOUT AN EVER GROWING INTEREST IN YOUR FINANCES, AMONG OTHER THINGS?
• IF YOU HANDLE YOUR FIGHTS LEGALLY, WOULDN'T IT MAKE SENSE TO DO THIS LEGALLY TOO?

It is WW's considered opinion that WOFF's budget cannot afford little fights with media and individuals that they might PERCEIVE as threatening. It would be prudent to carefully consider ANY fight because little ones will only drain their resources as it would lead to unwanted media attention which would lead to government investigation. Multiple legal battles at the same time or even in series would financially hurt this organization. One little fight could turn into a big one with another BIG one taking charge about the same time. This is as clear as day. You simply can't fight everybody.

And, if the federal government enters this chapter through investigation, then game over.

So, the more ambitious the projects, the more questions drawn from business as usual activities, the more the vulnerability.

The more vulnerability, the more people are prone to TELL A FRIEND.

The more the friend is told, the more questions:

The size, fear and secrecy ASSOCIATED with WOFF only brings to those not inside, wanting to know WHY?  This system of operating is bringing growing attention. This is no longer a group of people in Rutherfordton, NC wanting to know, the whole country and those around the globe are starting to ask questions.

The window available now toward fixing those perception issues, issues with things the media and ultimately feds might find interesting, letting people leave WOFF without fear, accounting for finances, among other things....is still open. But for how long?

On the next blog: 

A Senate Finance Committee Investigation....on RELIGIOUS organizations. No finds on the first try. But the second one.......

Stay Tuned

WOFFWATCHER