Several of you, our donors, have inquired if Focused Living pursued the Small Business Association Payroll Protection Plan loan being offered by the government. Our financial team met 3 times for the sole purpose of discerning: What’s the wise thing to do (Eph 5:15,17)? Though many local churches and faith based non-profits chose to pursue this loan based on their unique financial situation, we unanimously chose not to.  God’s abundant provision in the past years has given us some margin to withstand a potential downturn in giving due to the economic impact of the virus.  Current economic uncertainty did not make this loan request necessary to support the ongoing operations of FLM.  In the end, we chose not to disrupt the faith of so many in God’s supply towards FLM’s needs over the last 26 years.  We joyfully submit to God’s timing and provision as we move forward.

Our conviction is that there is not just one way, or even just one biblical way, to fund non-profit Christian ministries. The philosophy of funding that God has called FLM to is somewhat unique.

First, we are committed to providing a ministry where men, and the friends they invite, feel safe. They will never experience someone making an appeal for money. That is why we do not solicit funds through support letters, host fundraising events, or personally solicit money. We do, however, pray often, trusting that the Lord will graciously move the hearts of men who have been touched by this ministry. The Lord has faithfully upheld this ministry since 1993 through the giving of individual donors and we commit ourselves to joyfully live under God’s provision.

Second, the Ministry Associates have requested that they never know who gives nor how much or how often. They ask in order to keep their motives pure so they can invest time and effort into any of the men in the ministry and not just those whom they know give money. We have operated the ministry since its inception under this philosophy of minimal information on financial needs and no direct solicitation.

As a ministry, we hold the conviction that the local church is God's primary vehicle for ministry and advancement of His Kingdom. Therefore, we request that those considering donating will first tithe to the local church before making a love offering to Focused Living Ministries

Presently, three men work full-time as Focused Living Ministry Associates:

• David Andes (Director)
• Karl Reed (Ministry Associate)
• Jason Yarborough (Servant Leader/Treasurer)

Other part-time paid staff include:

• German Wright (Ministry Associate)

These four are based in Columbia, SC and primarily serve the men and churches of Columbia, though they periodically minister nationally and internationally.

Out of every dollar given approximately 81 cents goes to salaries and benefits while the other 19 cents goes toward ministry expenditures (mileage, meals, printing, office, books, travel, materials, technology, etc.). The ministry is entirely supported by the gifts of individuals and churches. Each staff member draws a salary set by the Core Brothers (Board of Directors) and they give 100% of all honorariums from speaking to the ministry. We are a debt-free ministry paying all bills each month.

Focused Living Ministries is fully incorporated under the articles of both the state of South Carolina and the Federal Government making all Donations tax deductible.

For both our protection, as well as for the ministry, we have contracted with a CPA firm to prepare our yearly taxes as well as to audit and oversee our books.