Accountability in Partnerships

Accountability in Partnerships

Money is Satan’s favorite tool to destroy church leaders in the Majority World. It usually starts slowly and simply—something like this: An outsider gives a chunk of money to a pastor for a training or project. Often this amount is significant, let’s say a whole year’s salary for him. The outsider assures the pastor that they trust him and won’t require any reporting. Then someone the pastor is responsible for has a medical emergency, and without medical care they will die. The medical care costs ten percent of what was given (and the training can still be completed with the other 90 percent). Culturally, the pastor has a huge obligation to help (especially if others know he has the money). Without any accountability, it’s a huge temptation. This is usually the beginning of a path which leads to him justifying taking more and more for less and less critical expenses. Soon he needs a car, a house (all for the ministry, of course), and on and on it goes. Then next thing you know, there are projects that are funded multiple times over. Super creative reports are produced. It’s all justified in the pastor’s mind because he is doing it to meet the needs of his ministry. And it all starts with receiving a large (to him) amount of money with little accountability for its use.

To help make sure we aren’t setting our partner up to fail, we do need to provide appropriate accountability for funding. (We also need to be accountable for our side of the agreement—you can read more on that topic in the booklet “Partnering with the Church”). We definitely don’t want to be the source of causing our brothers and sisters to stumble.

So how do we hold our partner accountable? Here are a few thoughts:

1. Make sure that you have a short, simple, one-page, written policy that requires financial accountability. One of the problems with asking for accountability is that it is often perceived as you not trusting. Trust and relationship are key to getting things done in the Majority World, so perceived lack of trust can be a stumbling block. However, if it’s a written organizational policy, then it’s not personal. It’s not about trust. It’s just a requirement. By honoring the policy, they are helping you to honor your commitment to the organization. If you don’t have a policy, it’s best not to enter into any financial relationships until one is drafted.
2. Explain your policies to any prospective partner before you agree to give any money. If possible, have the written document translated. If they respond negatively, then it’s not likely they would be a great partner.
3. Start really small. Do a small pilot project together first—something that requires little funding. Even if you agree on a long-term project, start by giving only enough for the first small part. Make sure the systems for reporting go well for that first stage before you proceed.  
4. Check the receipts. In the Majority World, receipts aren’t super reliable. Most anywhere in the Majority World, you can go into any shop, buy something, ask for a receipt, and get the same response: they will ask what amount you want written on the receipt. That’s why it’s a good idea to check the accuracy of receipts you receive from a new partner. If it’s a hotel, you can generally write and inquire about their rates. With many other things, you can ask someone else who lives there, “How much does translation cost? How much is printing/photocopying? How much would a typical meal cost?” You can be fairly anonymous, and you certainly don’t need to check every single receipt—just a few of the main ones.

Conclusion

Local pastors and ministry leaders are key partners for anyone seeking to work in the Majority World. They understand the cultural context and situation much better than you ever will. They are invested in the community. And God has called them—just as He has called us—to help build His Kingdom where they live. Holding our local partners accountable in helpful, non-judgemental ways affirms their important role and calling while acknowledging that all of us can be tempted and fall. It is one element of a healthy cross-cultural partnership (you can read more about healthy partnerships in the article “How to Give Wisely”).