Rendering Unto God

News: The obscure National Christian Foundation has developed a whole new way to collect from Christians and dispense to the cause.

By Michael Reynolds

December/January 2006 Issue

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"When you choose to work with the National Christian Foundation, you get a partner that shares your Biblical perspective on giving…. We teach [donors] valuable ways to invest dollars into God’s Kingdom, rather than surrender those dollars to the federal government.”

IN 1982, TERRY PARKER, a seasoned Atlanta evangelical and lawyer, created the National Christian Charitable Foundation. Parker’s vision grew into a nationwide premier support network for Christian charities. His method was so cutting edge that he sought a ruling from the Internal Revenue Service to ensure it was legal. Nearly 25 years later, Parker’s organization, now known as the National Christian Foundation (NCF), has become a leading financial delivery system to the evangelical movement, having channeled nearly $1 billion to ministries, schools, conservative think tanks, and political activists around the country.

Tucked next to two large hospital complexes on the northern perimeter of Atlanta, NCF operates so far under the public radar that even Parker’s hometown newspaper, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, has never featured it in an article. But, with more than $450 million in assets, NCF is the sixth-largest donor-advised fund in the nation. As such, NCF serves as a conduit through which benefactors can funnel cash, real estate, stocks, and other valuables to the charities of their choice—and earn a bigger tax break than by giving directly to a private foundation. As a bonus, these funds virtually guarantee anonymity for the benefactor. It usually takes a minimum of $10,000 to open a donor-advised fund with NCF. Although the contributor does suggest where the money should go, the final decision rests with NCF.

PARKER’S BLUEPRINT FOR the NCF grew out of his law practice arranging adoptions for children of unwed mothers and setting up charities for philanthropists. In 1982, an individual who wanted to give a sizable amount of money away, and yet have some degree of control over its ultimate destination, came to Parker for help. “He was looking for a giving alternative with a Christian focus,” Parker says. “It occurred to me upon consulting with him that the creation of a Christian Community Foundation would not be that difficult.” Parker didn’t invent donor-advised funds, but he was the first person to adapt them to religious fundraising.

From 1982 until the mid-1990s, the foundation’s growth remained modest. But during 1998, the first boon year for NCF’s donor-advised funds, $263 million poured in. Parker credits the growth primarily to the group’s ability to make it easy for would-be donors to contribute noncash gifts, such as real estate, bonds, and other assets. In recent years, Parker’s organization has grown exponentially, in part by creating a nationwide network of 27 local offshoots. These groups are able to tap into NCF’s expertise and draw donors with complex financial assets. In 2004, NCF paid out $170 million in grants—roughly one-and-a-half times the amount it disbursed the previous year.

In 2003, the last year for which records are available, NCF’s biggest donations were $6 million to the Christian Stewardship Foundation, a local offshoot in the Milwaukee area;

$3.5 million to the Foundation for Christian Stewardship, a local offshoot in Irvine, California; $3 million to Dawn Ministries; $2.7 million to Focus on the Family; $2.5 million to Helping Hands Ministries; and $2.4 million to Campus Crusade for Christ International. Conservative Christian legal powerhouses, the Alliance Defense Fund and the American Center for Law and Justice, received $663,100 and $137,850 respectively. The Discovery Institute, bastion of Intelligent Design, got $176,000. NCF’s largesse has also enriched small charities, such as Helping Hands for Single Moms and the Saint Dismas Jail Ministry. Then there are those among NCF’s list of grantees that might not readily be associated with the foundation’s pledge to exclusively support groups that “further the gospel of Jesus Christ.” These include the American Conservative Union Foundation, the Heritage Foundation, the Cato Institute, Free Congress Foundation, Accuracy in Media, the Federalist Society, and Judicial Watch, among others.

Charity Navigator, the Consumer Reports of the philanthropy world, gives NCF its top four-star rating for efficiency. The Chronicle of Philanthropy notes that it pays out about 40 percent of its assets each year—an astonishing rate, considering the average foundation annual payout is around 16 percent. But donor-advised charitable funds across the board are coming under increased scrutiny by the IRS. Philanthropy watchdogs have also raised questions about foundations that give lucrative business to individuals who serve on their boards—something that NCF does routinely.

Until recently the NCF board consisted of just three directors: Parker plus two other well-known evangelicals, authors/financial planners Larry Burkett and Ronald Blue. (Blue ran Gary Bauer’s 2000 bid for the presidency.) As part of its 2004 annual financial report to the IRS, the group notes payments of $464,595 to Blue’s firm for services rendered. But Blue’s company wasn’t the only one linked to a director who profited from business with NCF. During 2002, Parker’s law firm received about $180,000 for services rendered, in addition to his $150,000 NCF salary. Law firms connected to two of the foundation’s salaried officers received about $155,000 for work performed from 2002 to 2004.

Asked whether such practices raise the specter of “self-dealing,” NCF director of marketing Steve Chapman replied that “all of NCF’s dealings with our investment managers are treated completely equally, including our dealings with Ronald Blue & Company (RB&Co.), and all of NCF’s dealings with RB&Co. have been arm’s-length transactions.”

Illustration By: John Hersey

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I am with a church in southern West Virginia. I don't know if this is the correct place to send this, but I am trying to find somewhere that we can get some financial help in rebuilding our church. If you can help, we can surely show you we are in need of help. This is a poor area, not much work. I hate to go on and bother you.We appreciate any help you can give , if you choose to. Thank you for your time. Jennifer Dotson

Posted by:Jennifer DotsonMay 28, 2007 5:13:41 PMRespond ^

I'm mindful that Jesus was once taken upon a mountain, and told if He would bow down to the speaker, He could have all the treasures of the earth. Was His reply, "No, this earth's treasures belongs to my Father."? Jesus drove the money changers out of His Father's temple. Money didn't drive Jesus if the Bible is truthful. So why does the conservative "christian" right act like the crusaders of the middle ages, but with invcentives to give, and give more money in the name of Jesus Christ. Didn't Jesus mention render unto Caesar what is his, and to God what is His"? Give God money also? God don't want YOUR money, He wants YOU if you allow. Greed corrupts. It still does when it tries every means in the name of Jesus Christ to convert non-believers, not to the true faith but to the beliefs of the conservative right wingers, hence the Iraq war continues regardless thousands of our own people and Iraqis harmed. Why does the conservative religious right still believe the war is justified? Their role model happens to be the president of the United States who is now disappointing them?

Posted by:Dale LovinsJune 7, 2007 5:12:09 AMRespond ^

Well Dale -- I can tell that even though you quote scripture, you end up misquoting it. The teaching of giving to God is revealed to us in the Book of Matthew, Chapter 12:41-44: “And Jesus sat over against the treasury, and beheld how the people cast money into the treasury: and many that were rich cast in much. And there came a certain poor widow, and she threw in two mites, which make a farthing. And he called unto him his disciples, and saith unto them, Verily I say unto you, That this poor widow hath cast more in, than all they which have cast into the treasury: For all they did cast in of their abundance; but she of her want did cast in all that she had, even all her living.” In the Old Testament, the Jews were mandated to give 10% of their gross earnings. In the New Testament we are told to give freely, and to not even let our left hand know what the right hand is doing. Matthew 6:2-4 tells us about this : “Therefore when thou doest thine alms, do not sound a trumpet before thee, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward. But when thou doest alms, let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doeth: That thine alms may be in secret: and thy Father which seeth in secret himself shall reward thee openly.” In other words, the 10% restriction is no longer required. In Luke 6:38 Christ tells believers “Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again.” Christian believers tithe and donate to the Christian Church and Christian Charities, that perform “good works” for the Glory of God. God bless, Stever

Posted by:SteverJune 26, 2007 6:23:41 PMRespond ^

I was too sleepy to read the whole article but the implication seems to be that unethical financial dealings were done. I certainly condemn such practices. But if people want to raise billions of dollars to promote their causes, is that a sin?

Posted by:Michael BowmanAugust 6, 2007 10:42:37 PMRespond ^

"The God I believe in isn't short of cash, mister." -a U2 song 'nuff said......

Posted by:big krisyAugust 19, 2007 8:42:37 AMRespond ^

Is giving a crime. Yes, when the giving doesn't go to God but to religious political organizations that kill in the name of God. Smoe how I just don't think God likes people who kill in his name.

Posted by:bobr900August 23, 2007 11:07:13 AMRespond ^

I am seeking Grants for our Jesus House, An Aftercare Facility for Just released christian prisoners. We have just recently obtained a 46 bed facility here in Indianapolis, Indiana. Our ministry is Jesus Inside Prison ministry, Inc. www.jipm.org Thanks!

Posted by:William BumphusSeptember 22, 2007 12:35:33 PMRespond ^

Christian Greetings in sweet and precious name of Lord Jesus Christ. Beloved brother the meaning of my mail to spare the new vision witch God has given me. To share with you. In the whole World. So I am sending only FIVE questions to you. If you can understand this FIVE questions in the whole BIBLE. You might have understood very little part about BIBLE. There are so many mysteries in the BIBLE. Lateran we will reveal, whenever you understand of this FIVE questions and answers you have to send me. If you are notable to understand we will ready to send you the verifications to these questions, now I am doing God’s service. I read Bible so many times. As learned lectures and instructors I am expecting favorable reply with correct answers to my questions. Don’t be angry upon me this is my humble representation. My anxiety to settle my suspicions and secrets made me to write like this,. Settle my suspicions and secrets made me to write like this with heartiest wishes .In the Holy Bible they are so many closed secrets which we all ready try to explain you and so By the help of the Holy Spirit. We both together will meet and explain to the whole world. You please try the secrets from the Bible and our only work is to enlarge knowledge and to research the Bible Secrets. We are prepared to share all information relating to God and will send you if you kindly accept our offering. If there are other big matters in conference. We will definitely. I can interpret all the intricacies of the same subject, We are instantly ready to help un propagate God `s knowledge to all Christian elders and Servants, We informed you before headed but regrettably you not communicated anything to us, We consider A God` s sent opportunity, To cultivate friendship with you, In continuation of my questioner I am adding some truths for your notice. Jehovah shown as God in [Old Testament] and Jesus shown as great God and over all in [N.T] are not only true. Truth was told as mystery and proverbs and beyond understanding. It is understood you are going to perform meetings. Request your honor do not propagate false. We were at last days .God is revealing fresh revelations about one true God. John 17; 3 Try to write answers to my questions Great mystery hidden in them, we are sending [5] questions only. Please think, And send your reply [1] God have not Given any law book - -only ANGEL had given the law book ;-the Acts 7:35 This Moses whom they refused, saying, Who made thee a ruler and a judge? The same did Godsend to be a ruler and a deliverer by the hand of the Angel, which appeared to him in the bush. [Acts-7: 38-This is he, that was in the church in the wilderness with the Angel which spake to him in the mount Si`na, And which our fathers :who received the lively oracles to give unto us:] Acts7:53;-Who have received the law by the disposition of Angels, and have not kept it . Galatians –3:19 wherefore then serveth the law? It was added because of transgressions, till the seed should come to whom the promise was made; and it was ordained by Angels in the hand of a mediator. [2] In the beginning who declared himself as God is not God People does not know about God, until Jesus Christ come to world and telling about God.( Mathew 11:27. All things are delivered unto me of my Father: and no man knoweth the son, but the Father; neither knoweth any man the Father, save the son, and he to whomsoever the son will reveal him. Luke 10:22) 1st. John 1:18. No man hath seen God at any time; the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared him. (John 5:36-37). But I have greater witness than that of John: for the works which the Father hath given me to finish, the same works that I do, bear witness of me, that the Father hath sent me. And the Father himself, which hath sent me, hath borne witness of me. Ye have neither heard his voice at any time, nor seen his shape. (1st John 5:20). John 18:38. Pilate saith unto him, What is truth? And when he had said this, he went out again unto the Jews, and saith unto them, I find in him no fault at all. Jesus Christ exposed the God . [3] Jesus Christ told us every thing indirectly. Why did Jesus says without FORGIVENESS OF SINS with CLOSED EYES and EARS? Mark 4:12-13. That seeing they may see, and not perceive; and hearing they may hear, and not understand; lest at any time they should be converted, and their sins should be forgiven them.(John 16;25-29]. [4] Ages from Adams to Jesus [to the death of Jesus] how they can be saved or enter in the Kingdom of God ? JOHN: 14;6 Jesus saith unto him I am the way the truth and the life no man cometh unto the father , But by me . ACTS:4;12 Neither is there salvation in any other for there is none other name under heaven given among men where by we must be saved? [5 ] I am asking you .Do you know JESUS ? Read verse Micah 5; 2 but thou, Bethlehem Ephratha though thou be a little among the thousands of Judah , Yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel , whose going forth have been from of old from everlasting . You know the ruler is JESUS , Do you know how many times he descended in the world still how many times he will descend . what is the number of incarnation of Jesus Christ in the world. If you can answer this question I praise God and give honor. Seethe verse --1st PETER 5; 19-20 In the Journey to Canan Isreal Drank of the spiritual ROCK that followed them and that ROCK was JESUS CHRIST.1ST corin 10; 4-See-1st Preter 1; 20 .Probably mysteries can be revealed only by the Holy Spirit throw comprehension. I have got publications with me readily available disclosing these eternal truths. They can be supplied to the diligent and deserved people. Details of books available with us 1) A challenge of truth 2) Thunder of truth part I Concealed Majestic Sovereign King, Part II Existence of the Almighty swallowed by the angel of his presence 3) Real facts about Jesus 4) Complete comment on Holy Spirit (under print) 4) Way of Gods salvation. Please have them and examine the contents of the books. Those who are desire of going through this matter are welcome and to them the books will be sent. Still are got some more books showing many faces of religion. Due to financial constrain I am not able to publish. We have discovered some intricate secrets equivalent to the ones unrivaled by some great philosophers, exponents and researchers of the Bible in the form of a treatise-of course, some of which are under Print. If you want revelation I will come to your meetings, Conferences and clear all mysteries so I need VISA---FLIGHT ticket to come to your place. A few of the book s are here with us dispatched for your kind perusal, to enable us kindly intimate your postal addresses. It is encouraged me to share with you. In this great ministry I appreciate for your letter in full details to preach the gospel to the whole world in the days to comeHe is expressing about me and about the ministry. James—1;27----Matthew –25; 35-40 like this word .God is teaching me. Then only He sent me back in to the world. After that over God began to use me in to many places. This is my hunger to fulfill this same ministry earth of this world. my main Team and desire to do the same ministry in to this whole world. About the ministry is going on in the people of Born crippled [Handicapped by legs, Blind, Dumb and Mad or unsound mind peoples] We are able to look after them through out their life Diseases witch are not cured by any medicines and by any doctors throw our prayers many will be succeeded in the presence of God. Those who are possessed by Devils, Evil spirits , idolaters powers we will keep them till they are keeping well. All are coming to me for the prayer. This is how we are reaching the goal. We are praying our ministry worldly people Doesn’t know about this ministry. If you can guide by the Holy Spirit any way you can help to our ministry . So that our God may bless you abundantly in future .You kindly pray for my ministry here. www.onlytruegodministries.com DIVINE GRACE ORPHANAGE & DESTIFURE WELFARE CENTER Organized by; Church of the only true god ministries. H.No. 12/111 8th Ward Pentapadu 534166, West Godavari Dist, Andhra Pradesh, South India, Phone No. 08818-210229, --- +918818241180 --Cell : +919866035499 Your Full Name ;- ISUKAPATI VIDYANADH s/o -MANIKYAM With best regards

Posted by:Isukapati vidyanadhOctober 16, 2007 6:30:49 AMRespond ^

Dear Isukapati: Your comments are so long I fear no-one will read them. And the english you use is so extraordinarily bizarre it is hard to understand you. Sorry, but brevity and conciseness might help your cause Pastor Jennifer

Posted by:Pastor JenniferNovember 10, 2007 8:21:34 AMRespond ^

TO WHOMEVER IT CONCERNS AND ANYONE THAT WILL HELP:

___________________________________ __________________________________________________

My name is Angie; I am 41 years old… a single Mother. I have an only child, a daughter, she is 13 years old and “special-needs“. We are separated from her Father and have been since May of 2005, when he lost his temper and threatened her and we temporarily moved into a local Women’s Shelter for 5 weeks… this was all done at the strong recommendation of D.C.F. Due to the fact that he not only verbally abused us both, but emotionally as well... Since then, and only through the assistance of many wonderful angels, we were able to secure an apartment of our own with a subsidized rent and only thru major assistance on many occasions from local charities, my family, and our Church have we been able to hold on to it… once again we are being faced with this same dilemma of “running-on-empty” with no place to go…
...having utilized ALL possible charitable assistance locally and still needing help in the most extreme way... I am seeking out any way to find the means to satisfy my family’s needs.

We are routinely under the care of several various offices at The County Mental Health Department and receive our Psychiatric and therapeutic care from them. We each have a case manager that oversees the "summary" of our care. I also have a Vocational Advocate that is trying to help me to get a good job... one with more pay and benefits and less physical stress... One that will satisfy my family’s needs... ( however since I am so limited, with the difficulties going on with my daughter and with my own physical and psychiatric issues, I’ve been unable to get work )… my Anxiety Disorder and physical problems manifested beyond what I could handle at the job that I had held or 2 1/2 years... I had to quit 3 weeks ago... Regrettably without another job lined up... This was not the way I intended for things to happen, but my mental and physical body seemed to implode upon itself.

I suffer from Fibromyalgia, Rheumatoid Arthritis, a torn ligament in my right hand ( given in a rage to me by Felicity ), relentless sciatica pain, a lesion in my brain and herniated discs in every section of my back, as well as early stages of Degenerative Disc Disease… In addition to those physical difficulties, I suffer from Bipolar Disorder and frequently recurring Migraine Headaches… I have severe IBS, I have post Gastric-Bypass concerns, a chronic thyroid condition, costrochrondrosis ( stress-related chest pains ), and a debilitating, persistent insomnia… I have also developed a progressive Anxiety Disorder that makes it more and more traumatic for me to leave the apartment... I am, however, truly trying to do everything I can to help my family be the best it can be…

> Most of our debt is medical... hospitals, labs, Doctors...
> I have no Credit Cards, nor do I really want one... they present too much opportunity to forget what you earn and spend...
> Also we own no property with which to "borrow" equity from...

Daily I pray that I WILL SOMEHOW... with GOD's HELP and HIS GRACE do my best to keep my promise to HIM to do my very best to make this a make BETTER 2008 than the year 2007 was for us…

The past year was VERY difficult for us… It was laden with illness and ordeal and many, many obstacles of all types… I, myself, have been hospitalized for my own Bipolar Disorder 3 times within the past year alone at Flagler Hospital’s Psychiatric Ward as well as having had to undergo an incredibly emotional, urgent and Complete Hysterectomy in May…

My daughter was hospitalized in October at A local Children’s Psychiatric Center (where she has already had 3 earlier Admissions ) for multiple psychiatric conditions… She suffers from Bipolar Disorder/ADD/ADHD/ODD and a rage disorder… This was her 4th such hospitalization so far… following the ACE Program, if still needs be... she has been recommended by her doctors, therapist, and case manager to take part in a residential program… Mostly due to her behavioral disorder… this can be violent… verbally, emotionally, and even physically… ALL NEARLY TOTALLY DIRECTED AT ME… other people sometimes catch a trace of the rage within my daughter… ( people such as her friends and sometimes even her teachers), her Dad will catch a sporadic errant gust once in a while but… ”Hurricane Felicity” storms only at my house ( or in my car ) and/or solely at me…

I am told by her “TREATMENT TEAM” that possibly the reason she does this is because she feels closest to me and even perhaps for some reason, she might blame me for NOT protecting her in a situation where she feels like I should have been able to do so… we have yet to find out what that is or if something even happened for real or if she just feels like being a bully… because she is not very obliging in her therapy with regards to talking about her true thoughts and feelings… we just don’t know what goes on inside her head… I worry so much that SOMEthing REALLY did happen to her at some point... but her therapist and I just haven't been able to find out what... If anything…

We are REALLY struggling… medically… spiritually… socially… financially… and MOST importantly as a FAMILY… we are just REALLY struggling in general… I often feel like I am trying to dig my way out of the Grand Canyon with a toothpick… and I am finding out that it just can not be done… at least NOT so far as I’ve been able to find…

I do know that I like myself less and less everyday as this continuing crises saga goes on and on and on… My feelings of impotency as a parent have taken a huge toll on how I feel about myself in general… I have reached the point where I don’t know how to separate the parts of me… and yet I know that SOMEHOW I have to find a way…

I applied for Disability SSI for us both over 2 years ago and, though we SHOULD BOTH qualify without difficulty, our cases and “stuck”...I have also been trying for a Government Grant that will help to allow me to work from home... I want to write... Poetry and also Novels...

According to the online tests and evaluations that I have taken, I have the aptitude for ( and the desire -I already knew this- to write... I can do that from home... But we must continue to have an income that will satisfy our regular needs.

I have a spiritually-based-romance novel begun and an outline for 3 others... Thus, I hope, to be able to provide me with an adequate income as well as the freedom to be where and what I need to be to be a better advocate for myself and for my daughter... I am, thus far, having such a difficult time getting the correct information for such an undertaking... So far everywhere I’ve looked; it seems to be a scam… everyone wants me to buy information in order to apply for a Federal Grant… I don’t think I am supposed to have to do that… besides, I can’t afford to do that anyway… Can someone help me pursue this avenue...?

I am not looking for a “Business-Opportunity”... I WANT and NEED to WRITE... But I also MUST provide for my family... I NEED SOME REAL HELP TO BE ABLE TO REACH MY OWN FULL POTENTIAL...

My time and my health and my energy and my money ALL go towards trying to help my daughter… we are in such a huge debt in ALL THE AREAS OF OUR LIVES!!! I can no longer clearly see a positive escape from the abyss we are now living in… I feel like I am doing EVERYTHING I possibly can and she is getting further and further out of control… she is so unhappy and unable to make decisions that make any sense or connection to things that seem “normal”… I feel as if I could lose her to this unhealthy and malevolent thing that is inside her for good if I can’t find a way to get through to her NOW… RIGHT NOW!!!

I’ve been told by her care team, that Felicity not only uses me and manipulates me; but that I am, in essence, “enabling” her… we are under close study by the D.C.F. because of our uncertain family history… I just don’t know where to turn or what to do… I am told that she CAN do this but that she chooses to NOT do it… and that she CAN listen but that at home and/or for me she just WON’T!!!

I’M SO AFRAID AND I JUST DON’T KNOW WHAT TO DO ANYMORE!!!

… We struggle HARD in ALL the arenas of our life, spiritual, physical, financial, social, and every-other-which-way there is… most of all, we struggle to maintain ourselves as a FAMILY UNIT...

___________________________________ _____________________________________

I just don’t know how I'm supposed to be able to provide all the things that I must provide for us to live, how I am to stay-the-course, to be there for her, to somehow regain and retain myself in the process… I want to be the Child of GOD that HE wants me to be and the type of MOTHER that MOTHER MARY wants me to strive to be… and STILL somehow find and hold onto my sanity, strength, spirituality, and to our home…
___________________________________ __________________________________________________

PLEASE PRAY THAT IT IS GOD’S WILL THAT WE ARE ABLE TO FIND THE WAY TO SATISFY OUR FAMILY’S NEEDS AND ALSO WE HELP FELICITY REALIZE HER TRUEST and FULLEST POTENTIAL!!!

___________________________________ ________________________________________________

Angela Faye-Masters Cancio

cancio.angie@yahoo.com

Posted by:Angela Faye-Masters CanciApril 2, 2008 4:54:12 AMRespond ^


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