Financial Beliefs
IOM Financial Beliefs
IOM believes that the financial assets and opportunities entrusted to us do not belong to the ministry. IOM has been called to use the funding to set the captives free from spiritual, psychological and physical bondage. Not only does the ministry use contributions to practice "in-house" ministry but IOM financially supports other ministries that assists it in accomplishing the mission. This is carried out by "tithing" a minimum of 10% of all general account funds.
We endeavor to follow these guidelines:
IOM AMERICA belongs to the Kingdom of Heaven. We understand that our ministry is a small, but needed portion of the Father's Vineyard. We commit to our donors to use all funding to promote the work of the Kingdom.
IOM commits to avoiding a buildup of material possessions and/or finances. We endeavor to keep our ministry efficient and functional. We commit to being careful not to overlook the corruption that often times come with "extra cash". Our staff and volunteers are consistently reminded of this principle in their ministry and personal lives.
It is our goal to offer our services free of charge. We offer all "in house" publications, audio CD's, DVD's, and newsletters on a "suggested donation" basis. That means we do not expect payment for our products. It should be understood that if IOM chooses to submit any of our materials to a publishing house for print and distribution, we will respect the financial guidelines set forth by their corporation, although we will offer substantial discounts on all books published by these corporations.
We have no fees established for individual, family or group counseling that takes place at IOM. All sessions are financially cared for by a donation fund if the counselee is unable to contribute a pre-established "suggested donation" (board approved suggested donation = $80 per hour and $50 per ½ hour). We commit to never turning anyone away for financial reasons.
Our speakers do not charge for consultation or public speaking. We will accept honoraria only when offered.
We will not charge individuals and/or ministries for reproducing our materials. Each party must agree not to add or delete words, pictures or other related content from the publication.
Any and all contributions that are given to special projects (with the exception of staff salaries) will be used exclusively for their designated purpose. We commit not to extract any type of fees and/or costs from these gifts.
It is of highest priority that IOM's service providers receive their payments promptly. Therefore, it is our belief that all operational costs are to be paid before executive staff salaries.
If book, CD or DVD royalties come into play, IOM commits to giving 20% of all profits to needy individuals and/or ministries. Expenses will not be paid until the 20% has been distributed. At no time will the profits be used to financially benefit the author outside of assisting in the predetermined salary established by the Board of Directors.
IOM commits NOT to "go into debt" for any reason. All purchases are made by existing funds. No credit cards will be used, nor will loans be taken out for ministry needs.
IOM commits NOT to participate in any type of multilevel marketing plan. We believe these programs tend to take advantage of relationships and focus on wealth.
IOM will use 100% of all designated giving, except for executive staff salaries, for the intended purpose.
We are committed to making use of funds in the most conservative way. All purchase requests will be evaluated based on needs and cost effectiveness without jeopardizing quality.
IOM will not use desperate pleas and fancy fundraising techniques to raise money. We believe God is the provider of our every need. We also understand that asking with the right motive is critical in receiving blessings from God. Therefore, IOM will inform interested individuals/groups of the present and future opportunities available within the ministry.
We endeavor to make a point to pray through all major purchases before moving ahead. IOM's founders, Steve & Jane Phinney, commit to regular prayer over the ministry, its finances, supporters, staff, clients and volunteers. We have found many rewards in the unique ways that God has provided. For example; an office supply company donates to IOM by allowing us to order a designated amount of product on a monthly basis. Another individual offers support through free dry-cleaning services.
It is important to keep IOM efficient; therefore we make use of resources in the community to accomplish our mission. This is primarily done through our volunteers. We are daily thankful for our small group leaders, lay-counselors, church representatives, internet technician, editors and our Board of Directors.
We issue tax-deductible receipts for all funds and materials donated. To avoid the cost of extra mailings, these are issued on an annual basis.
It is our policy and practice not to sell or rent our mailing list to anyone, nor will we use our mailing list or e-list to promote other ministries other than those that we personally support.
We believe that those interested in donating to our ministry should give to their local church first before considering giving to IOM. This is a guideline our staff, volunteers and Board Members are strongly encouraged to maintain, and we ask that our supporters do the same. Giving to IOM should not be in place of, but in addition to, substantial giving to one's local church. Since most of our support comes from individual donors, and because IOM is actively involved in serving churches, we welcome being included in church mission budgets.
IOM realizes our donors give out of sacrifice and a sincere desire to invest in God's work. We consider each and every gift to be a special contribution from God. Therefore, we manage all gifts prayerfully and with a heart of integrity.
IOM AMERICA's finances are carefully monitored by a CPA on a regular basis. Our CPA will be more than happy to provide a financial overview of our expenditures, including staff salaries and benefits, and other distributions of funds to anyone upon request. Outside of the personal financial records of staff, which are confidential, all of the ministries finances are an open book. IOM AMERICA endeavors to follow the financial principles and priorities stated in Randy Alcorn's book Money, Possessions and Eternity (Tyndale House Publishers, 1989, 2002). We personally thank Eternal Perspective Ministries (Randy Alcorn) for their Biblically sound perspective regarding God's miraculous plan of economy.
What Our Donors Can Expect
We believe it is critical for you as a potential donor to ask these questions before you decide to give to IOM or any other organization.
Are there things about this ministry that make it uniquely worth investing in instead of thousands of other good causes?
IOM is unique because it provides a direct and straight forward approach to counseling, public speaking and writing. We avoid using worldly ideas in presenting the truth. The ministry commits to standing firm in the Truths stated in the scriptures. (Please see our Statement of Faith)
Before giving elsewhere, have you fulfilled your primary giving responsibility to your local church?
We believe that all para-ministries are to function in support of the local church. If the donor is a Christian and is not connected to a local church, we are committed to encourage them to give to their local church as a top priority. "Giving need not end in the local church, but it should begin there." —Randy Alcorn
Have you not only studied the literature from this ministry, but talked with others who know it close up but have no vested interest in it?
Upon request, IOM America is more than willing to provide interested donors with a list of individuals, groups and churches/ministries, and their contact information, that have ministered to through our organization.
Does the ministry staff demonstrate a servant-hearted concern for those to who they minister?
Our staff and volunteers are dedicated to serve others. Seeing is believing, so we invite you to observe our workers in action. This can be accomplished by attending events or by visiting the corporate offices. By personally observing workers, we believe you will see the heart of servant leadership.
Do the organization's workers demonstrate a sense of unity, camaraderie and mutual respect?
One of the significant ways unity, camaraderie and respect can be determined is by way of observation of co-workers in the work place. We encourage all potential donors to spend time volunteering before they donate. This is an ideal way of getting to know the "inside track" of the ministry, as well as the hearts of those that serve on a day-to-day basis.
Have you talked directly with people at the "lower levels" of this ministry, not just executives and PR people?
By calling the front desk of the ministry, you will be blessed by the honesty and integrity shown in their willingness to answer any question asked, outside of confidential staff/client information. (Call 602-292-2985)
Is this ministry Biblically sound and Christ-centered?
This is the most important "claim" of IOM AMERICA. We endeavor to conduct ministry and business according to the Divine Word of God. We do not pretend to have all the answers, therefore; if any Christian discovers Biblical guidelines being violated, we are open for correction.
What kind of character, integrity, purity and humility is demonstrated by the ministry leaders?
We know of only two ways you can discover the purity and character of a ministry leader, that of watching and asking. Each leader, staff or volunteer, should be willing to answer any question you might have regarding personal purity and integrity.
What kind of accountability structure does the organization have?
Each of the staff and volunteers are strongly encouraged to maintain a relationship with a mentor of their choice.
The CEO/Executive Director has five accountability partners; the chairman of the Board, two businessmen, a medical doctor and the CEO's wife.
Regarding the personal finances of the CEO/Executive Director, he and his wife follow the principles presented by Crown Ministries.
The ministry finances are closely monitored by a CPA on a regular basis, as well as by the Treasure of the Board of Directors.
Biblical doctrines taught, counseled or written are monitored by staff, volunteers, board members and "readers" outside of the ministry.
Is this ministry teachable and open to improvement to become more strategic in their efforts?
One of the key ways of discovering whether or not the ministry is teachable is by watching to see if they are consistently finding more of a Biblical way of conducting ministry. The leaders of IOM are always in search for God's perspective on all areas of ministry. The CEO takes a minimum of 4 "spiritual retreats" per year in order to search the scriptures and pray for God's leading on writing projects, leadership issues and ministry projections.
What view of God and people is demonstrated in this ministry's fundraising techniques?
IOM and their leadership have learned the hard way regarding fundraising. We are quick to admit that we have tried "fleshly" ideas in keeping the bills paid. Due to the impact that God has made on Steve & Jane Phinney through Randy Alcorn and Crown Ministries, significant changes have been made.
How much money does the ministry spend on overhead expenses and fundraising, and how much in actual ministry to people?
Most of the funding given to IOM is used to conduct free counseling, consulting, conference expenses, small group activities and producing materials that are usually given away. All designated salary monies are used for that purpose, although the CEO often times uses his personal funds to assist the ministry. IOM presently spends less than $100 per month on fundraising.
Does the ministry show a clear understanding of cross-cultural ministry factors and local conditions and how the flow of money may affect them?
IOM is dedicated to financially supporting ministries that meet the same guidelines they endeavor to maintain. We at IOM do not believe we are "God's gift to mankind". We focus our donor dollar on organizations that assist us in accomplishing the mission God has called us to. One of the burdens IOM bears is for the Ugandan people. Materials are provided for mission work; as well as trips taken as God calls. To see a list of organizations that IOM financially supports or recommends, click on Missions at www.iomamerica.org.
Does the ministry speak well of others and cooperate with them?
One of the ways you can witness a ministries' ability to partner with other organizations is by who they promote in their literature, or on their website, and who they dedicate ministry hours to. Please take time to view the ministries IOM supports or recommends on their website. IOM Supportive Ministries
We endeavor to "come along side" churches and ministries to equip their workers to be more comfortable and adequate in ministering unto others. We see this as our primary objective and mission. IOM faithfully works with all interested attendees in order to build up the local church. We do not see ourselves as competition but rather a tool that can be used to better equip their workers.
Is this ministry pervaded by a distinctly eternal perspective on life, ministry and resources?
It is our belief that all of our activities are to be for "eternal weight of glory". If they are not, we expect others to confront us with the truth. Even though we have not embraced the fullness of the message of "all things are to be eternal," we strive to listen and carefully execute the changes that God has in store for this little ministry.
These questions were provided by Randy Alcorn, Eternal Perspective Ministries, 39085 Pioneer Blvd., Suite 200, Sandy, OR 97055
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