I received an email from a church leader expressing how excited his church was to become a partner in ministry. The church was ready to add our organization into their giving budget. A development officer loves to receive emails like this and I was thrilled with this opportunity to build a relationship with a new church! However, the last line in his email read, “Would you please send us your organization’s statement of faith. We could not find your beliefs listed anywhere on your website. It is very important that we align with you doctrinally.” No problem, I thought! We are a 154 year old Christian organization, affiliated with the Kentucky Baptist Convention. Of course, we have a statement of faith, but where? As stewards of our organization’s values and principles, this inquiry posed a crucial challenge. Our historical legacy of 154 years, along with our affiliation with the Kentucky Baptist Convention, carries a deep-rooted commitment to Christian principles. But this situation unveiled a startling truth—we lacked a formal Statement of Faith. This realization prompted a series of inquiries, which regrettably yielded no production of such a document. We held bylaws, a constitution, and a covenant agreement, yet the absence of a formal Statement of Faith was a surprising gap.

Tragically, this scenario is far from isolated. The dearth of a Statement of Faith isn’t just a missed opportunity; it’s a substantial liability for any Christian nonprofit. It leaves room for ambiguity, misinterpretation, and potential deviations from the organization’s core mission.

At its essence, a Statement of Faith is a formal document articulating the bedrock beliefs and theological underpinnings that guide an organization’s actions and decisions. It serves as a compass, illuminating the path of alignment and offering a safeguard against unintentional dilution of core doctrines.

In a different instance, a co-board member for another non-profit ministry recently resigned because she did not align with the ministries views on homosexuality and the LGBTQ+ movement . This nonprofit organization had a statement of faith, but they did not require their board members to sign it. The nonprofit’s leaders assumed that their board members would naturally align with their belief system. However, this is not always the case and should never be assumed. How often have we seen board members sway a good intentioned organization away from its original mission into a secular minded agency. Oh how we must protect our Godly missions at all cost!

An organization’s Statement of Faith should not be hidden, but should be listed clearly, placed on an organization’s website. The Samaritan’s Purse does an excellent job in displaying their beliefs. You can find out exactly what they believe within two clicks.

The Salvation Army is very transparent with their statement of faith and goes even further by listing specific moral applications to cultural issues.

ith societal complexities evolving, a Christ-based nonprofit’s possession of a Statement of Faith is more pivotal than ever. It serves as the bedrock that upholds unity, preserves direction, and fortifies the organization against secular deviations. For a Christ-based nonprofit organization, having a statement of faith serves several important purposes:

1. Identity and Unity. Where the essentials are not defined, room may be left for wavering over belief and practice. A statement of faith serves as a unifying factor for the organization’s members and supporters. It helps create a sense of identity and belonging among those who share similar beliefs. Confessing our faith together preserves harmony. A Statement of faith will unite like minded individuals to the organization, ultimately strengthening the agency.
2. Direction. An effective statement of faith helps to protect the future of the agency.  A strong statement of faith actively confirmed is used as a compass to steer the direction of the organization. Tough decisions may be prefaces with the question, “Does this action align with our Statement of faith?” Without creedal guard rails an agency may more easily veer onto the soft shoulders of theological error.  Good statements actively used help protect the future of a Christ based agency.
3. Alignment with Mission and Values: A statement of faith helps clarify the organization’s foundational beliefs and values. It ensures that the organization’s activities and decisions are consistent with its religious principles and mission. This alignment is crucial for maintaining the organization’s integrity and purpose.
4. Transparency and Accountability: By clearly stating its beliefs, a Christ-based nonprofit organization communicates its stance to its stakeholders, including donors, volunteers, beneficiaries, and the general public. This transparency fosters trust and helps people understand the organization’s motivations and objectives.
5. Guidance for Decision-Making: A statement of faith provides a framework for decision-making within the organization. It helps leadership and staff members make choices that are in line with their religious convictions and avoids potential conflicts or inconsistencies.
6. Protection of Doctrinal Integrity: For faith-based organizations, maintaining the integrity of their theological beliefs is essential. A well-defined statement of faith helps guard against the dilution or distortion of core doctrines that define the organization’s religious identity.
7. Legal and Regulatory Compliance: In some cases, having a statement of faith can be important for legal and regulatory reasons. It can help establish the organization’s religious nature and its right to operate according to its faith-based principles. A statement of faith is a document of protection for Christian agencies in todays cultural landscape.
8. Decreases Confusion and Controversy: Without a clear statement of faith, there might be confusion about the organization’s beliefs and practices. This could lead to controversies, misunderstandings, or misrepresentation by external parties.
9. Donor and Supporter Expectations: Donors and supporters often have specific expectations about the values and beliefs of the organizations they choose to support. A statement of faith helps manage these expectations and attract individuals and groups that share similar convictions.

It’s worth noting that while a statement of faith is valuable for many Christ-based nonprofit organizations, its wording and content can vary widely depending on the organization’s specific theological tradition, denomination, and emphasis. It’s important to craft the statement carefully to accurately reflect the organization’s beliefs. This task is best accomplished by the organization’s board of directors.