Ravi Zacharias International Ministries / RZIM 
The information on this page was last updated 10/17/2022. If you see errors or omissions, please email: [email protected]
Summary
Ravi Zacharias International Ministries (RZIM) is a Bible-based ministry with the main focus towards worldwide evangelism undergirded by apologetics, reaching the thinker and opinion makers of the world. With a commitment to strengthening the church, the organization trains emerging leaders through its programs and leadership development curricula. RZIM recognizes that historically the benefits and ethics of any culture are powerfully influenced and molded by the intellectuals and entertainers of society. Moral values do not only enter through the door of reason, but also through the window of the arts and media. With this in mind, this ministry is geared to communicating the Gospel to people on their territory, and presenting the credibility of Christianity as the only reasonable option by which people should live.
Contact information
Mailing address:
Ravi Zacharias International Ministries
3755 Mansell Rd.
Alpharetta, GA 30022
Website: www.rzim.org
Phone: (770) 449-6766
Email: [email protected]
Organization details
EIN: 133200719
CEO/President: Michael Ramsden
Chairman: Mr. Ron Eastman
Board size: 16
Founder: Dr. Ravi Zacharias
Ruling year: 1984
Tax deductible: Yes
Fiscal year end: 09/30
Member of ECFA: No
Member of ECFA since:
Purpose
The purpose of Ravi Zacharias International Ministries is to reach and challenge those who shape the ideas of a culture with the credibility and the beauty of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Their purpose statement defines the invitations RZIM accepts and empowers their daily work on the frontlines and behind the scenes. The vision of RZIM is to build a team with a fivefold thrust of evangelism, apologetics, spiritual disciplines, training, and humanitarian support so that the mandate of I Peter 3:15 might be fulfilled: to set apart Christ in our hearts as Lord and always be prepared to give a reason for the hope that is within us, with gentleness and respect, all for the glory of God. RZIM seeks to be on the frontlines of responding to the challenges to the gospel, whether in the academy, political arena, or a more intimate setting. They believe that the truth must be presented winsomely in its life-changing appeal, yet God alone can transform the heart. Thus, they are committed to meeting people where they are and dealing with the questions they are asking, questions that reveal what they are really thinking. According to RZIM, answering questions skeptics and seekers are not asking and leaving unanswered the questions they are asking is precisely the reason many today are disillusioned with Christianity and are looking for the spiritual in some escapist form. Harnessing all current technology and using every available track, RZIM seeks to reach the thinker within their comfort zone and are able to appeal to a wide audience.
RZIM is a nonprofit organization and contributions to it are fully tax deductible to the extent allowed by law. In addition, it is a member of the Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability (ECFA).
Mission statement
The primary mission of Ravi Zacharias International Ministries (RZIM) is to support, expand, and enhance the preaching and teaching ministry of Ravi Zacharias, distinctive in its strong evangelistic and apologetic foundation, intended to touch both the heart and the intellect of the thinkers and opinion-makers of society with the Truth of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Statement of faith
We believe in God the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth; And in Jesus Christ his only Son our Lord; who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead and buried; the third day he rose from the dead; he ascended into heaven, and sits at the right hand of God the Father Almighty; from there he shall come to judge the quick and the dead.
We believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic church, the communion of the saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting.
We believe the Old and New Testaments to be the infallible Word of God; inerrant as originally given, verbally inspired by God, the complete and sufficient revelation of His will for salvation and conduct.
We believe in the Great Commission; to proclaim the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ to the uttermost parts of the earth. Amen.
Donor confidence score
Transparency grade
D
To understand our transparency grade, click here.
Financial efficiency ratings
Sector: Educational Media
| Category | Rating | Overall rank | Sector rank |
| Overall efficiency rating | | 256 of 1077 | 13 of 47 |
| Fund acquisition rating | | 576 of 1078 | 27 of 47 |
| Resource allocation rating | | 191 of 1078 | 10 of 47 |
| Asset utilization rating | | 369 of 1077 | 20 of 47 |
Click here to read Ravi Zacharias International Ministries / RZIM's response to our ratings
Financial ratios
| Funding ratios | Sector median | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 |
Return on fundraising efforts Return on fundraising efforts = Fundraising expense / Total contributions | 8% | 8% | 9% | 9% | 7% | 11% |
Fundraising cost ratio Fundraising cost ratio = Fundraising expense / Total revenue | 7% | 8% | 9% | 9% | 7% | 10% |
Contributions reliance Contributions reliance = Total contributions / Total revenue | 94% | 96% | 95% | 97% | 96% | 96% |
Fundraising expense ratio Fundraising expense ratio = Fundraising expense / Total expenses | 7% | 8% | 9% | 11% | 11% | 11% |
Other revenue reliance Other revenue reliance = Total other revenue / Total revenue | 6% | 4% | 5% | 3% | 4% | 4% |
| Operating ratios | Sector median | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 |
Program expense ratio Program expense ratio = Program services / Total expenses | 82% | 86% | 85% | 83% | 83% | 84% |
Spending ratio Spending ratio = Total expenses / Total revenue | 87% | 100% | 99% | 78% | 58% | 90% |
Program output ratio Program output ratio = Program services / Total revenue | 69% | 86% | 84% | 65% | 48% | 75% |
Savings ratio Savings ratio = Surplus (deficit) / Total revenue | 13% | 0% | 1% | 22% | 42% | 10% |
Reserve accumulation rate Reserve accumulation rate = Surplus (deficit) / Net assets | 21% | 0% | 1% | 22% | 66% | 27% |
General and admin ratio General and admin ratio = Management and general expense / Total expenses | 12% | 6% | 6% | 6% | 6% | 5% |
| Investing ratios | Sector median | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 |
Total asset turnover Total asset turnover = Total expenses / Total assets | 0.79 | 0.88 | 0.82 | 0.73 | 0.81 | 2.06 |
Degree of long-term investment Degree of long-term investment = Total assets / Total current assets | 1.65 | 2.64 | 2.73 | 2.58 | 2.50 | 1.19 |
Current asset turnover Current asset turnover = Total expenses / Total current assets | 1.34 | 2.33 | 2.23 | 1.90 | 2.02 | 2.46 |
| Liquidity ratios | Sector median | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 |
Current ratio Current ratio = Total current assets / Total current liabilities | 13.47 | 5.05 | 5.04 | 5.53 | 3.47 | 5.11 |
Current liabilities ratio Current liabilities ratio = Total current liabilities / Total current assets | 0.07 | 0.20 | 0.20 | 0.18 | 0.29 | 0.20 |
Liquid reserve level Liquid reserve level = (Total current assets - Total current liabilities) / (Total expenses / 12) | 7.32 | 4.13 | 4.32 | 5.18 | 4.24 | 3.92 |
| Solvency ratios | Sector median | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 |
Liabilities ratio Liabilities ratio = Total liabilities / Total assets | 12% | 7% | 7% | 7% | 12% | 16% |
Debt ratio Debt ratio = Debt / Total assets | 0% | 0% | 0% | 0% | 0% | 0% |
Reserve coverage ratio Reserve coverage ratio = Net assets / Total expenses | 104% | 105% | 114% | 127% | 110% | 41% |
Financials
| Balance sheet | |||||
| Assets | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 |
| Cash | $8,029,877 | $6,636,519 | $7,785,485 | $6,231,022 | $1,471,455 |
| Receivables, inventories, prepaids | $451,224 | $267,331 | $225,317 | $1,177,823 | $1,003,431 |
| Short-term investments | $5,717,322 | $6,626,588 | $6,784,586 | $6,246,950 | $7,957,298 |
| Other current assets | $1,608,565 | $1,765,428 | $1,319,718 | $0 | $0 |
| Total current assets | $15,806,988 | $15,295,866 | $16,115,106 | $13,655,795 | $10,432,184 |
| Long-term investments | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Fixed assets | $23,826,315 | $24,407,728 | $23,644,187 | $18,923,779 | $592,868 |
| Other long-term assets | $2,156,097 | $2,041,531 | $1,847,218 | $1,576,379 | $1,414,364 |
| Total long-term assets | $25,982,412 | $26,449,259 | $25,491,405 | $20,500,158 | $2,007,232 |
| Total assets | $41,789,400 | $41,745,125 | $41,606,511 | $34,155,953 | $12,439,416 |
| Liabilities | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 |
| Payables and accrued expenses | $1,456,356 | $1,463,523 | $1,525,148 | $2,777,867 | $1,014,556 |
| Other current liabilities | $1,672,761 | $1,568,905 | $1,389,586 | $1,157,544 | $1,026,035 |
| Total current liabilities | $3,129,117 | $3,032,428 | $2,914,734 | $3,935,411 | $2,040,591 |
| Debt | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Due to (from) affiliates | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Other long-term liabilities | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Total long-term liabilities | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Total liabilities | $3,129,117 | $3,032,428 | $2,914,734 | $3,935,411 | $2,040,591 |
| Net assets | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 |
| Without donor restrictions | $35,917,636 | $32,390,629 | $30,664,325 | $23,837,142 | $5,068,670 |
| With donor restrictions | $2,742,647 | $6,322,068 | $8,027,452 | $6,383,400 | $5,330,155 |
| Net assets | $38,660,283 | $38,712,697 | $38,691,777 | $30,220,542 | $10,398,825 |
| Revenues and expenses | |||||
| Revenue | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 |
| Total contributions | $35,203,535 | $32,664,650 | $37,853,660 | $45,608,743 | $27,237,967 |
| Program service revenue | $860,686 | $1,037,457 | $772,125 | $1,212,148 | $943,821 |
| Membership dues | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Investment income | $116,409 | $152,134 | $145,552 | $135,527 | $116,359 |
| Other revenue | $638,845 | $457,039 | $269,121 | $396,817 | $199,952 |
| Total other revenue | $1,615,940 | $1,646,630 | $1,186,798 | $1,744,492 | $1,260,132 |
| Total revenue | $36,819,475 | $34,311,280 | $39,040,458 | $47,353,235 | $28,498,099 |
| Expenses | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 |
| Program services | $31,555,839 | $28,967,947 | $25,222,684 | $22,755,468 | $21,509,180 |
| Management and general | $2,379,672 | $2,087,585 | $1,949,035 | $1,678,770 | $1,277,636 |
| Fundraising | $2,909,855 | $3,036,550 | $3,397,504 | $3,097,280 | $2,873,691 |
| Total expenses | $36,845,366 | $34,092,082 | $30,569,223 | $27,531,518 | $25,660,507 |
| Change in net assets | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 |
| Surplus (deficit) | ($25,891) | $219,198 | $8,471,235 | $19,821,717 | $2,837,592 |
| Other changes in net assets | ($26,523) | ($198,278) | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Total change in net assets | ($52,414) | $20,920 | $8,471,235 | $19,821,717 | $2,837,592 |
Compensation
| Name | Title | Compensation |
| Ravi K Zacharias | Chairman and CEO | $365,315 |
| Robert Grinnell | Vice President, Development | $222,632 |
| Sarah Davis | Director / Executive Director | $216,037 |
| Jeanette Chuquiure | Chief Financial Officer | $177,412 |
| Stuart McAllister | Regional Director, Americas | $173,892 |
| Margaret Zacharias | Vice Chairman of Ministry | $158,611 |
| Naomi Zacharias | VP, Wellspring International | $148,288 |
| Robert Ditmer | Director, Media Department | $129,068 |
Compensation data as of: 9/30/2015
Response from ministry
"When RZIM began in 1984, we made some defining decisions. One of the most important commitments was to be the kind of organization within which the supporter would be kept informed and have the ability to have heart-engaging involvement in this ministry. Everyone who shares our burden must be involved because of a joint vision, a studied trust, and a generous heart to reach the mind of the work for the cause of Jesus Christ.
From the very beginning, the friendship, faithfulness, and generosity of our supporters have played a defining role in RZIM's bold and strategic efforts around the world." - Ravi Zacharias
The information below was provided to MinistryWatch by the ministry itself. It was last updated 10/17/2022. To update the information below, please email: [email protected]
History
Ravi Zacharias is Founder and President of Ravi Zacharias International Ministries (RZIM), which celebrated its thirtieth anniversary in 2014. Dr. Zacharias has spoken all over the world for 43 years in scores of universities, notably Harvard, Dartmouth, Johns Hopkins, and Cambridge. He has addressed writers of the peace accord in South Africa and military officers at the Lenin Military Academy and the Center for Geopolitical Strategy in Moscow. At the invitation of the President of Nigeria, he addressed delegates at the First Annual Prayer Breakfast for African Leaders held in Mozambique.
Mr. Zacharias has direct contact with key leaders, senators, congressmen, and governors who consult him on an ongoing basis. He has addressed the Florida Legislature and the Governor's Prayer Breakfast in Texas and Louisiana, and has twice spoken at the Annual Prayer Breakfast at the United Nations in New York, which marks the beginning of the UN General Assembly each year. As the 2008 Honorary Chairman of the National Day of Prayer, he gave addresses at the White House, the Pentagon, and The Cannon House. He has had the privilege of addressing the National Prayer Breakfasts in the seats of government in Ottawa, Canada, and London, England, and speaking at the CIA in Washington, DC.
Born in India in 1946, Ravi immigrated to Canada with his family twenty years later. While pursuing a career in business management, his interest in theology grew; subsequently, he pursued this study during his undergraduate education. He received his Master of Divinity from Trinity International University in Deerfield, Illinois. Well-versed in the disciplines of comparative religions, cults, and philosophy, he held the chair of Evangelism and Contemporary Thought at Alliance Theological Seminary for three and a half years. Dr. Zacharias has been a visiting scholar at Ridley Hall, Cambridge (then affiliated with Cambridge University, now more recently allied with Cambridge and affiliated with Durham University) where he studied moralist philosophers and literature of the Romantic era. He has been honored with the conferring of six doctoral degrees, including a Doctor of Laws and a Doctor of Sacred Theology.
Mr. Zacharias has authored or edited well over twenty books including the Gold Medallion winner Can Man Live Without God (Word, 1994), Walking from East to West (Zondervan, 2006), The Grand Weaver (Zondervan, 2007), Has Christianity Failed You? (Zondervan, 2010), Why Jesus, (FaithWords, 2012), and Beyond Opinion (Thomas Nelson, 2007), which includes contributions from RZIM's global team. His latest books are a graphic novel version of The Lamb and the Fuhrer (Kingstone Media: June 2014) and Why Suffering?, coauthored with Vince Vitale and released by FaithWords in October 2014. Several of his books have been translated into Russian, Chinese, Korean, Thai, Spanish, and other languages.
Ravi has appeared on CNN, Fox, and other international broadcasts. His weekly radio program, "Let My People Think," airs on 2152 outlets worldwide, his weekday program, "Just Thinking," on 721, and his one-minute "Just a Thought," on 488. Various broadcasts are also translated into Romanian and Turkish, and "Let My People Think" airs as the Spanish-language program "Pensemos" on over 250 outlets in sixteen countries. Additionally, his television program, "Let My People Think," is broadcast internationally in several countries including Indonesia. RZIM is headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, with additional offices in Canada, India, Singapore, the United Kingdom, the Middle East, Hong Kong, Romania, Turkey, Austria, Spain, and South Africa. Dr. Zacharias and his wife, Margie, have three grown children. They reside in Atlanta.
Program accomplishments
RZIM offers a wide range of training programs, including the Oxford Centre for Christian Apologetics with educational options ranging from one day to two years in length, the RZIM Academy with structured core modules and electives, the annual Understanding and Answering Islam seminar, and Summer Schools in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom.
In addition, RZIM has developed a number of resources geared toward churches and groups such as the ASK Youth Apologetics Series.
RZIM's 47 itinerant speakers have addressed audiences in a variety of strategic settings around the world including the United Nations, the U.S. Capitol, the National Day of Prayer, the Mormon Tabernacle, and a diverse array of colleges and universities.
Needs
Establishing the RZIM Institute for Apologetics and Contemporary Thought
In 1984 Ravi Zacharias International Ministries began with a handful of friends and a specific calling: to reach and challenge those who shape the ideas of a culture with the credibility of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Since that time RZIM has continued to grow as the Lord has increased both the size and scope of the ministry. The global organization now has around 50 public ministry team members worldwide with offices in twelve countries and a larger staff supporting these efforts.
For over two decades, the Cecil B. Day Building on Peachtree Corners Circle in Norcross, Georgia, has served as the home for RZIM. While this space has been a blessing, RZIM's current ministry opportunities have now exceed the capacity of this facility. In order to enable RZIM to continue to reach the world, we are seeking the establishment of the RZIM Institute for Apologetics and Contemporary Thought (RZIM Institute). A new permanent home that would serve as the international headquarters. It will serve as site to host seminars, symposiums, and individual study as well as a place for resident and guest faculty. The facility will include an extensive library and a state-of-the-art media center with technological capacity to communicate globally in all forms of media. With increased abilities to better use technology and media, RZIM will be able to increase its international impact by taking advantage of the teaching and mentoring faculty in Oxford and the global speaking team through live-streaming capabilities. The new facility at the RZIM Institute will not only make high quality ministry training more accessible to a wider audience, but also less expensive. In short, the mission of the RZIM Institute is to multiply the impact of worldwide evangelism through apologetics by preparing and equipping people all over the world to answer the deepest questions of life.