Trusted

Association of Related Churches

Birmingham, AL

Church: Planting Support Services

About Association of Related Churches

We are a cooperative of independent churches from different denominations, networks, and backgrounds who strategically resource church planters and pastors to help them reach people with the message of Jesus.

What “Trusted” Means

Trusted ministries meet our complete baseline framework for faithful Christian operation. This ministry has been verified against eleven of fifteen criteria in The Most Trusted Standard — demonstrating doctrinal clarity, biblical stewardship, independent financial review, faithful handling of donor intent, independent board governance, conflict-of-interest protections, truthful communications, and active mission-aligned programs.

Trusted represents the foundation on which our higher designations are built. Highly Trusted and Most Trusted ministries demonstrate additional levels of public transparency and independent evaluation that go beyond this baseline.

What We've Verified

This ministry has been verified against 11 of 15 criteria in The Most Trusted Standard.

Faith Foundation

Christian Statement of Faith Affirms a clear, public statement of faith aligned with historic orthodox Christian doctrine. Verified
Biblical Mission and Stewardship Operates with a mission explicitly grounded in Christian principles and biblical stewardship of resources entrusted to it. Verified
Christian Accountability Maintains accountability to recognized standards of Christian financial integrity and ministry stewardship. Verified

Financial Integrity

Independent Financial Review Undergoes annual independent financial audit, review, or compilation appropriate to organizational size and complexity. Verified
Reasonable Compensation Practices Discloses executive compensation and demonstrates compensation practices appropriate to the organization's size, scope, and sector. Verified
Donor Intent Honored Honors donor intent on designated and restricted gifts, ensuring contributions are used as donors directed. Verified

Governance and Leadership

Independent Governing Board Operates under an independent governing board with a majority of members who are not staff, related to staff, or otherwise compromised in independence. Verified
Documented Conflict-of-Interest Policies Maintains and follows documented conflict-of-interest policies to protect the organization and those it serves. Verified
No Outstanding Concerns Shows no unresolved regulatory, legal, or accountability concerns that would compromise donor trust. Verified

Transparency and Effectiveness

Truthful Communications Communicates truthfully and accurately in fundraising appeals, public communications, and donor reporting. Verified
Active Program Activity Consistent with Mission Demonstrates active program activity consistent with the organization's stated mission and purpose. Verified
Comprehensive Public Financial Disclosure Makes complete financial records and Form 990 (or applicable equivalent) accessible to the public through recognized third-party platforms. Not verified at this tier
Public Governance and Program Reporting Publicly discloses board composition, key leadership, and detailed program information so donors can see how the organization is run and what it does. Not verified at this tier
Full Suite of Governance Policies Maintains and discloses a complete framework of governance policies, including whistleblower and document-retention policies in addition to conflict-of-interest protections. Not verified at this tier
Independent Performance Evaluation Has undergone independent evaluation of financial efficiency, program spending, and operational performance against rigorous sector benchmarks, with results confirming performance at the highest standard. Not verified at this tier

Association of Related Churches meets our Trusted tier standards. Highly Trusted and Most Trusted ministries additionally demonstrate broader public transparency and independently evaluated performance.