1. WHAT ARE THE DETAILS OF YOUR ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE?
Central Missionary Clearinghouse is recognized by the Internal Revenue Service as a 501(c)(3) tax exempt organization. CMC was organized “to promote Christianity and its principles through evangelism and missionary endeavors, including the establishing of churches and schools, translating, printing and distributing Bibles and Christian literature, and the use of all media available to present acceptably the message of Christianity.” (Quoted from the Charter) CMC has a board of directors, who see that the organization functions as legally incorporated and approved by the Internal Revenue Service. More importantly, the directors oversee this ministry; seeing that it maintains its doctrinal position, its scriptural purpose and its financial integrity.
2. WHAT IS YOUR DOCTRINAL STATEMENT?
We believe the New Testament Church is the pillar and ground of the Truth and the only depository of doctrine. Each missionary, therefore, must agree with the doctrine of the church of which he is a member (See Question 5 & 10). The directors hold to our statement of faith commonly held by fundamental Baptist called The Articles of Faith. A copy will be sent on request.
3. WHAT IS CMC'S PHILOSOPHY OF MISSIONS?
Basic to the philosophy of CMC is the concern that a missionary be sent to the field without control by outside organizations of people, other than his home church, his supporting churches and the Holy Spirit. In practice, this means we do not dictate to the missionary how he spends his money, how much money he can receive, or how or where he works. Agreement between CMC policies and the missionary requires certain divisions of income, such as personal support, ministry support and ministry expenses, which are for the missionary's protection. Providing for honest things, not only in the sight of the Lord but also in the sight of men." (2 Cor. 8:21) The missionary's financial arrangements are confidential to us and any information must be given by the missionary, not by our office.
4. WHAT ARE YOUR QUALIFICATIONS FOR MISSIONARIES?
There are no qualifications such as age limit, health, education, etc. The procedure for using CMC’s services is as follows: A missionary is sponsored by the church where he is a member. He is recommended by his own pastor and commissioned by his home church. In addition, he must have the recommendation of two other fundamental Baptist pastors. These three pastors (that he has chosen) become his “Mission Board.” Each missionary candidate is screened and qualified based upon the recommendation of his sending and sponsoring churches. The integrity and character of every missionary is of vital importance to CMC.
5. WHAT ARE THE PRIMARY FUNCTIONS OF CMC?
CMC exists to serve the churches and missionaries by processing funds for missionary endeavor. We receive gifts from the donors, issue tax-deductible receipts, accumulate the funds in each missionary’s account, prepare complete reports for the missionaries and in every way we know, provide information for the missionary that will be helpful in his relationship with the churches. Our ministry includes getting the funds to the missionary by the last business day of the month, using whatever method agreed upon with the missionary. On the missionary’s instructions, we maintain savings accounts, building funds, furlough funds, emergency funds, etc.; we make bill payments, insurance premium payments and keep up hospitalization and retirement programs, as well as making quarterly tax payments. We also provide legal documentation that is necessary on the field in which they serve, as well as verifying the financial information needed by the missionary and validating their income as required in their personal and professional endeavors.
6. IS CMC FILLING A NEED?
Although several churches are helping missionaries by serving as their home-base, most do not have the resources to process large numbers of gifts and handle the details involved. CMC is organized to provide that service. It seems our work is acceptable to both missionaries and pastors. Without any advertising, we receive inquiries from missionaries almost every week. We feel that we are filling a need, and if so, the churches and missionaries will use us. If not, then we are satisfied, because we are simply trying to bring Glory and Honor to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
7. HOW MANY MISSIONARIES AND CHURCHES DOES CMC SERVE?
Currently the CMC family consists of about 700 missionary families, serving in approximately 88 countries, in addition to home missions. In the past three years, CMC has processed gifts from more than 6000 churches, as well as another 8000 individual donors. It should be noted by individual donors that CMC makes every effort to abide by the Revenue Code governing non-profit organizations. We are committed to honor all designations of donors consistent with CMC policies and revenue laws. However, discretion in use and disposition of all tax-deductible gifts, whether designated or undesignated, is under the control of the Directors. If any designation is unacceptable, the donation will be returned.
8. WHICH FIELDS ARE OPEN TO YOUR MISSIONARIES?
The field is the world and CMC will serve any mission field where the missionaries desire to go. CMC does not exercise control over where the missionaries serve. In fact, we do not consider any area of the world off-limits to the missionary enterprise. CMC has included a page where you can view a list of mission fields where missionaries using CMC are presently ministering.
9. IN VIEW OF YOUR LACK OF ORGANIZATIONAL CONTROL OVER THE MISSIONARIES, HOW DO YOU DISCIPLINE THEM?
When a missionary is associated with CMC, he signs this agreement: "The missionary agrees to the following procedure if in the opinion of CMC it becomes necessary. In the event a question shall arise concerning the legal, moral, doctrinal or financial integrity of the missionary, CMC shall ask for a meeting with the three pastors who signed the letters of recommendation. CMC will give them, and only them, any evidence it has to offer. The missionary is to be given sufficient notice to enable him to attend the meeting, if he desires. If these pastors decide to withdraw their recommendations, this agreement will be terminated, and the churches so notified. CMC would then continue to handle funds only in its function as a service to churches, without further responsibility to the missionary."
10. WHAT IS YOUR FINANCIAL POLICY?
Although several churches are helping missionaries by serving as their home-base, our missionaries are not asked to subsidize CMC or to support its operation. Missionaries are asked to “pay their own way.” CMC operates on a fee-based structure per designation rather than a percentage of support. At this time, the fee is $3.00 per gift. This covers expenses for receiving, processing and receipting of donors. We do have a General Fund, and any donation to help the home office would be greatly appreciated. The increasing number of missionary families utilizing CMC facilities with only word-of- mouth endorsement indicates satisfaction with CMC’s financial policies. Any questions about these policies should be addressed to the CMC office.
11. WHERE SHOULD OUR MISSIONARY SUPPORT BE SENT?
All operations of CMC have been consolidated in the Houston, Texas area. Therefore, all missionary contributions and support should be sent directly to our one mailing address:
CENTRAL MISSIONARY CLEARING HOUSE
P.O. Box 219228
HOUSTON, TEXAS 77218-9228
Field addresses for missionaries are available by calling 1-800-CMC-PRAY. Our fax number is 281-599-7511.
