Accountability Process
Over the course of seven years of International operations experience, Cross to Light has formed an accountability system that works when followed. It is simple and extremely effective in maintaining order. We have followed biblical principles in formulating the following accountability leadership system.
Number 1: Written Agreement
Just as the Lord has left us with His written agreement, the Bible, we have a written agreements with all officers, volunteers, church plants, project managers and fundraisers that are affiliated with Cross to Light. They agree to submit all project proposals to the leadership team for verification and approval. The project manager outlines the scope of the project defining it with specifications such as a detailed description, drawing, materials and labor needed and divides the project into phases. At least three quotes from different vendors is required.
Number 2: Leadership Verification
When a project is outlined it is submitted first to the in-country leadership team. For example, in Haiti for the church plants, this is called the Church Plant Committee. This leadership team is in charge of verifying the project. They verify it is a valid necessary project and they verify the cost estimate. Once this project is verified by the leadership team, it is then sent to the US Board of Directors for review.
Number 3: Board Review
The Board of Directors reviews all projects once a month. The projects are either approved, in need of further information, put in a waiting period or denied with an explanation.
The projects that are approved are added to the list of active approved projects for public release and are ready to receive funds from donors at that time. Approved projects are displayed on a Project Plan that has the seal of approval on it and date of approval.
No other communication of a project is allowed by any team member including verbal amounts or information except what is listed on the Project Plan. In order to avoid unnecessary confusion, projects that are under consideration but are not Board approved are not released to the public or discussed publicly until this approval process is complete.
Funds that are designated for the project are accounted to the project. Once funds are received in full for an approved project, those funds are then transferred to the project manager in charge of that project. Typically a project will be broken into phases. Once the phase that is active is complete then a report of actual expenses and photos of completion are submitted to both the in country leadership team and the US project manager so that the project can be Board reviewed to move it to the next phase.
Number 4: Faithful Stewardship
Cross to Light’s accountability process is designed to maximize accountability, verification, donor protection and facilitate good stewardship. In order for a pastor or project manager to receive a grant for a project, the project must be submitted through this system. If it is not, they will not receive the grant.
Biblical References
For God is not the author of confusion but of peace, as in all the churches of the saints. 1 Corinthians 14:33
Let all things be done decently and in order.1 Corinthians 14:40
For though I be absent in the flesh, yet am I with you in the spirit, rejoicing and beholding your order, and the steadfastness of your faith in Christ. Colossians 2:5
Prepare your work outside; get everything ready for yourself in the field, and after that build your house. Proverbs 24:27
Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight. Proverbs 3: 5-6
We invite you to receive our active project list to pray over!