God's Supply
Timeless wisdom from a pioneering missionary.

Frank Lofaro | posted 5/13/2009

As we all know, the Christian nonprofit world faces tremendous economic challenges. Here at Christian Leadership Alliance (CLA), we have heard much about that struggle from our thousands of members nationwide. Ministries have cut annual budgets. Many have had to lay off staff and downsize in order to be fiscally wise. The next 12 months or so are a critical time for all of us.

But let's never forget that God is in control. He knows our needs, and he will provide. We at CLA certainly understand, as we too have had to make tough decisions and budget reductions in order to be prudent. This season is a challenge for everyone. But our God will provide.

One of my favorite quotes on this topic comes from Hudson Taylor, a pioneering missionary and founder of the China Inland Mission. He said, "God's work done in God's way will never lack God's supply". For many CLA member organizations, God's work is ministering directly to the felt needs of hurting people, being involved in direct evangelism, and teaching the next generation. For CLA itself, God's work is helping ministries achieve the highest standards of organizational excellence. When we achieve what God has given us to do, we help Christian nonprofits best achieve the work God has given them to do.

Even as we all face challenges in the current economy, I want to pause for a moment to thank God for his many blessings over the past year. In April 2008, Christian Management Association and Christian Stewardship Association joined forces to create Christian Leadership Alliance. That synergy has borne much fruit.

For example, CLA leads a new collaborative effort with World Vision, Azusa Pacific University, and the Evangelical Christian Credit Union called the Engstrom Institute (EI), a knowledge management initiative honoring the late Ted Engstrom. EI's mission is to strengthen the organizational effectiveness of Christian churches and parachurch ministries worldwide.

In 2008, we also launched Outcomes, which has received glowing reviews from our readers. Our website (ChristianLeadershipAlliance.com), electronic newsletter, and downloadable resources have had a positive impact on ministries nationwide. A new educational teleseminar series has also proven very popular. In 2009, even more teleseminars are planned.

With nearly 2,000 in attendance, the 2008 CLA National Conference set a new record. We received great feedback about its intensive training institutes, workshops, and seminars. The CLA Steward Leadership Institute also had record attendance. We feel that these successes have set the stage for great things in 2009. In fact, the resources and support that CLA provides to ministries nationwide is more important now than ever.

And that brings us back to the challenges ministries are facing today. How do we meet the needs of those we minister to while adjusting to today's realities? I think Hudson Taylor's statement really addresses that question. We all should be asking, Are we indeed doing God's work in God's way? One key element of doing it God's way is making sure that everything is done with integrity. That commitment is why CLA chose Path of Integrity as the theme for this year's national conference. We believe that now more than ever, it is critical that Christian ministries and leaders uphold the highest levels of integrity. Difficult times test character, and we must not compromise.

Finally, Taylor says that when doing God's work in God's way, we will never lack God's supply. God ultimately decides the nature of that supply. Sometimes that supply is much-needed financial resources. Sometimes it is through inspired insights and innovations. In fact, today is the ideal time to innovate in delivering ministry services and products. Some of America's leading organizations implemented highly successful innovations during hard times. God's supply can also come through mergers, partnerships, and collaboration with fellow ministries. In some cases, it comes from a divinely inspired restructuring of ministry priorities. Sometimes that supply is volunteers who bolster ministries during critical times. Regardless, we are in the hands of a good God.

Hudson Taylor had it right: As we commit to doing God's work in God's way, he will supply. I look forward to a wonderful year of innovation, collaboration, and success together.