Christar 
The information on this page was last updated 9/28/2023. If you see errors or omissions, please email: [email protected]
Summary
We exist because entire people groups still have NO ACCESS to the transforming love of God. Christar workers PARTICIPATE by planting churches in these LEAST-REACHED communities, where He is yet to be worshiped.
Contact information
Mailing address:
Christar
PO Box 851377
Richardson, TX 75085-1377
Website: www.christar.org
Phone: 214-838-3800
Email: [email protected]
Organization details
EIN: 274567638
CEO/President: Dr. Stephen Coffey
Chairman: Dr. Jeff Adams
Board size: 11
Founder: Benjamin Davidson
Ruling year: 2012
Tax deductible: Yes
Fiscal year end: 12/31
Member of ECFA: Yes
Member of ECFA since: 1986
Purpose
The vision of Christar is to cultivate Christ-honoring transformation in communities where He is yet to be worshiped.
Mission statement
The mission of Christar (formerly International Missions) is to glorify God by establishing churches, primarily within least-reached communities worldwide. In this endeavor, we partner with churches to send out missionaries who proclaim the gospel and equip the body of Christ.
Statement of faith
The Triune God
We believe that there is only one living and true God. He eternally exists in three persons: Father, Son and Holy Spirit, the same in essence and attributes, equal in power and glory. We believe that God, by His Word and for His own glory, created the heavens and earth out of nothing and has graciously given it to man as a gift to manage according to His purpose. God reveals Himself through that creation, His mighty deeds in history, the Scriptures and the Lord Jesus Christ. The triune God, not the creation, is the ultimate reality and standard for truth, beauty and good. The triune God has no need beyond Himself for relationship and love; the triune God models within Himself self-giving, love and relationship.
(Genesis 1:1;31; Deuteronomy 6:4; Isaiah 43:10-13; 45:21-22; Matthew 3:16-17; 28:19-20; John 4:23-24; Rom 1:19-20; 2 Corinthians 13:14; Ephesians 4:3-6)
The Scripture
We believe that the Bible consists of the sixty-six (66) books of the Old and New Testaments. The Bible is fully inspired by the Holy Spirit. This inspiration extends to the words of the Bible, not just the concepts. We believe the Bible is entirely true and never false in all it affirms. It alone is the only authoritative word of God and is worthy of our trust and obedience.
(Psalms 12:6; 19:7-11; 119:89;160; Matthew 4:4; 5:17-19; John 10:35; 2 Timothy 3:16; Hebrews 4:12; 2 Peter 1:20-21)
God the Father
We believe that God the Father loves the world and gave His Son to be its Savior. He is the Father of all who trust in Jesus Christ for their salvation. He is rightly passionate about His glory and desires and delights in the praise of His glory by the nations. His will is for man to firstly know, then worship, trust, love and obey Him. His plan for fulfilling this purpose involves the restoration of creation and man to His original creation purpose and under the headship of Christ. God's completion of this plan includes the witness of His people in every age.
(Genesis 1:26-28; Psalms 67 and 96; Isaiah 43:10-13; John 3:16-17; Acts 1:8; Romans 8:15-17; Ephesians 1:10; 2:4-8; Galatians 3:26; 4:6)
God the Son
We believe that God the Son became human in the person of Jesus Christ, through the work of the Holy Spirit. He was born of a virgin named Mary. He is truly and fully God, truly and fully man. He lived a perfect, sinless, obedient life. All His teachings are true.
(Luke 1:34-37; John 1:14-18; Philippians 2:5-11; Colossians 1:15-19; Hebrews 1:1-8; 7:26; 1 Timothy 3:16)
We believe that Jesus Christ died for the sins of the whole world on the cross, according to the Scriptures. His death was a sacrifice in the place of sinful human beings and was entirely sufficient to deal with sin.
(Mark 10:45; John 3:16; 1 Corinthians 15:3; 2 Corinthians 5:18-21; Galatians 3:13; Ephesians 1:7; Hebrews 2:9; 1 Peter 3:18; 2 Peter 2:1; 1 John 2:2)
We believe that the dead and buried body of Christ was raised from the grave, according to the Scriptures, and is a proof of the effectiveness of His sacrifcial death. He ascended into heaven, and He sits at the right hand of God the Father as our High Priest and Advocate.
(1 Corinthians 15:4; 12-20; Hebrews 2:17-18; 7:24-25; 10:12; 1 John 2:1-2)
God the Holy Spirit
We believe that God the Holy Spirit is personal, not just a force. He is the author of the Scriptures. He convicts the world of sin, righteousness and judgment. He is the agent of regeneration. He indwells, seals and baptizes all believers into Christ. This baptism of the Spirit also places believers into the Universal Church called the body of Christ. All these works of the Spirit occur at the time of the believer's conversion. The Holy Spirit enables the believer to understand and apply the Scriptures. He empowers believers for godly living, and He equips them for witness and service.
(John 16:7-11; Acts 1:8; Romans 8:4-16; 1 Corinthians 2:12-13; 6:19; 12:4-7; 12:13; Ephesians 1:13-14; Titus 3:5; 2 Peter 1:21)
Humanity
We believe that the human race was created in the image of God, with dignity and for fellowship with God, each other and with nature. Although marred by sin, mankind's status as God's image is retained. God's goal for mankind is their worship of Him, their effective management of the world and their living in unity, love and respect with other humans. Due to sin, mankind can reach these goals only after being created anew through God's grace.
(Genesis 1:26-28; Psalms 8:3-8; James 3:9)
Sin
Adam sinned and, as a result, died spiritually. This means his fellowship with God was broken. In addition, physical death entered creation through Adam's sin. Consequently, all people, as descendants of Adam, are considered sinners and enemies by God and have a sinful nature. Every human being is sinful in thought, word and deed, and absolutely in need of salvation. Sin manifests itself in the lives of people through stubbornness, pride, violence, shame, greed, evil intemperate desire and broken relationships with others. Sin affects mankind individually and corporately, even nationally.
(Genesis 3:16-19; Romans 3:23; 5:12; Ephesians 2:1-3; 4:17-19; James 3:13-16)
Satan
We believe in the existence of a personal Satan and evil angelic powers and that they all have been judged by God in the death and resurrection of Christ. They are powerful and intelligent beings whose goal is marring God's glory in the world. Temptation, intimidation, deceit and fear are the main weapons Satan and demons use to tempt Christians to sin. The believer needs to be alert and enter into spiritual warfare against Satan and demons. This spiritual warfare is fought with God's weapons and armor. Believers most clearly face spiritual warfare in evangelism.
(Matthew 25:41; Luke 4:1-13; John 16:11; 2 Corinthians 10:4-5; Ephesians 6:10-20; Revelation 12:9; 20:10)
Angels
Angels are created beings and are therefore not to be worshiped. Although they are a higher order of creation than man, they are created to serve God and to worship Him and minister to those who are saved.
(Luke 2:9-14; Hebrews 1:6-7;14; 2:6-7; Revelation 5:11-14; 19:10; 22:9)
Salvation
We believe that salvation is only by grace, through faith. All who by faith trust in the Lord Jesus Christ as their personal savior are united with Him, are given spiritual life by the Holy Spirit, are restored to a peaceful relationship with God and are declared righteous in God's sight. Jesus Christ is the only savior of the world; trusting in Christ is the only way for anyone to be saved. People's good/religious works or wisdom are all insufficient to save. All who are truly born again have been given eternal life, can never lose that salvation by any sin (including doubt) and shall never face God's eternal punishment in hell. God's salvation plan includes the restoration of creation, not just salvation of people.
(John 3:16; 10:28; Acts 4:12; Romans 5:8-9; 8:18-39; Galatians 2:16; Ephesians 1:10; 2:8-9; 4:30)
The Church and Ordinances
We believe that the Church is the focus of God's redemptive plan for this period of time. The Church's purpose includes the worship of God, the growth of believers and evangelism of the lost. The Church exists as a universal body, including all believers in Christ from Pentecost forward and from every nation. It also exists as a local group of baptized believers under God-called and equipped leadership. The Church, although diverse in gifts, social and economic status, nationality and race, is wholly one in purpose and character. It is the responsibility of the members of the Church to participate in making disciples of Jesus Christ from every people group and to live out their faith with good works, such as justice and mercy. The metaphors of the Church in the New Testament (i.e., temple, body) emphasize the unity in purpose, diversity in background and gifting and mutual support and help for growth and encouragement.
There are two ordinances, baptism and the Lord's Supper. Neither baptism nor the Lord's Supper are a part of or add to the salvation of believers. Taking part in these ordinances is commanded of all believers. They provide an expression of faith regarding the believer's identification and fellowship with Christ and are opportunities to celebrate the unity of the Church.
(Matthew 16:18; 28:18-20; Romans 15:20-21; 1 Corinthians 11:23-26; 12:12-26; Ephesians 1:22-23; 2:8-9; 2:19-22; 3:10;21; Titus 2:14; 3:8;14; James 1:27)
The Return of Christ
We believe that Jesus Christ will return personally and bodily to take believers in Jesus to be with Him. Christ will return to establish His physically visible kingdom upon the earth and reign in righteousness, justice and peace over the world in fulfillment of Old Testament promises.
(Isaiah 9:6-7; 60; Daniel 2:44-45; 7:13,14; Zechariah 12-14; Romans 11:12-32; 1 Corinthians 15:51-52; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18; Titus 2:13; Revelation 3:10; 20:1-10)
Resurrection
We believe that both believers and unbelievers will be raised from the dead with renewed bodies. The redeemed in Christ will enjoy eternal blessedness in heaven. Those who have not trusted in Christ for salvation will suffer eternal, conscious punishment in hell.
(Daniel 12:2; Mark 9:47-48; John 5:28-29; 1 Corinthians 15:51-58; 2 Thessalonians 1:7-9; Revelation 20:11-15; 21:3-4)
Christian Life
We believe that the Christian life is to be lived by faith, trusting the Lord to meet all needs. All believers are new creatures in Christ and have been given all they need to live godly lives, in victory over the flesh and Satan. These provisions include the indwelling Holy Spirit, prayer, the Scriptures and the local church. Believers are holy through their union with Christ and are called to live holy lives and to discipline themselves for the purpose of godliness.
(Matthew 6:31-34; John 17:17; Romans 6:8; 7:8; Gal 2:20-3:5; Ephesians 6:10-20; Philippians 2:13; 3:16: Hebrews 10:10;14; 1 Peter 1:13-15; 5:8-11; 2 Peter 3:11-14; 2 Timothy 2:3-6; Titus 2:11-12; Hebrews 12:14)
Donor confidence score
Transparency grade
A
To understand our transparency grade, click here.
Financial efficiency ratings
Sector: Foreign Missions
| Category | Rating | Overall rank | Sector rank |
| Overall efficiency rating | | 873 of 1104 | 113 of 143 |
| Fund acquisition rating | | 360 of 1105 | 54 of 143 |
| Resource allocation rating | | 1038 of 1105 | 138 of 143 |
| Asset utilization rating | | 820 of 1104 | 99 of 143 |
Financial ratios
| Funding ratios | Sector median | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 |
Return on fundraising efforts Return on fundraising efforts = Fundraising expense / Total contributions | 6% | 0% | 0% | 0% | 0% | 0% |
Fundraising cost ratio Fundraising cost ratio = Fundraising expense / Total revenue | 5% | 0% | 0% | 0% | 0% | 0% |
Contributions reliance Contributions reliance = Total contributions / Total revenue | 99% | 24% | 4% | 13% | 21% | 15% |
Fundraising expense ratio Fundraising expense ratio = Fundraising expense / Total expenses | 5% | 0% | 0% | 0% | 0% | 0% |
Other revenue reliance Other revenue reliance = Total other revenue / Total revenue | 1% | 76% | 96% | 87% | 79% | 85% |
| Operating ratios | Sector median | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 |
Program expense ratio Program expense ratio = Program services / Total expenses | 84% | 66% | 0% | 88% | 92% | 86% |
Spending ratio Spending ratio = Total expenses / Total revenue | 99% | 80% | 82% | 77% | 88% | 100% |
Program output ratio Program output ratio = Program services / Total revenue | 82% | 53% | 0% | 68% | 82% | 86% |
Savings ratio Savings ratio = Surplus (deficit) / Total revenue | 1% | 20% | 18% | 23% | 12% | 0% |
Reserve accumulation rate Reserve accumulation rate = Surplus (deficit) / Net assets | 2% | 18% | 13% | 23% | 19% | 0% |
General and admin ratio General and admin ratio = Management and general expense / Total expenses | 8% | 34% | 100% | 12% | 8% | 14% |
| Investing ratios | Sector median | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 |
Total asset turnover Total asset turnover = Total expenses / Total assets | 1.32 | 0.68 | 0.56 | 0.73 | 1.36 | 1.73 |
Degree of long-term investment Degree of long-term investment = Total assets / Total current assets | 1.21 | 1.00 | 1.00 | 1.00 | 1.00 | 1.00 |
Current asset turnover Current asset turnover = Total expenses / Total current assets | 1.96 | 0.68 | 0.56 | 0.73 | 1.36 | 1.73 |
| Liquidity ratios | Sector median | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 |
Current ratio Current ratio = Total current assets / Total current liabilities | 18.81 | 17.40 | 17.45 | 15.99 | 18.06 | 20.13 |
Current liabilities ratio Current liabilities ratio = Total current liabilities / Total current assets | 0.05 | 0.06 | 0.06 | 0.06 | 0.06 | 0.05 |
Liquid reserve level Liquid reserve level = (Total current assets - Total current liabilities) / (Total expenses / 12) | 5.67 | 16.67 | 20.19 | 15.48 | 8.36 | 6.60 |
| Solvency ratios | Sector median | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 |
Liabilities ratio Liabilities ratio = Total liabilities / Total assets | 7% | 6% | 6% | 6% | 6% | 5% |
Debt ratio Debt ratio = Debt / Total assets | 0% | 0% | 0% | 0% | 0% | 0% |
Reserve coverage ratio Reserve coverage ratio = Net assets / Total expenses | 68% | 139% | 168% | 129% | 70% | 55% |
Financials
| Balance sheet | |||||
| Assets | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 |
| Cash | $597,672 | $520,472 | $449,228 | $334,905 | $264,423 |
| Receivables, inventories, prepaids | $108,664 | $60,184 | $58,866 | $53,930 | $48,663 |
| Short-term investments | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Other current assets | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Total current assets | $706,336 | $580,656 | $508,094 | $388,835 | $313,086 |
| Long-term investments | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Fixed assets | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Other long-term assets | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Total long-term assets | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Total assets | $706,336 | $580,656 | $508,094 | $388,835 | $313,086 |
| Liabilities | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 |
| Payables and accrued expenses | $40,595 | $33,282 | $31,779 | $21,530 | $15,556 |
| Other current liabilities | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Total current liabilities | $40,595 | $33,282 | $31,779 | $21,530 | $15,556 |
| Debt | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Due to (from) affiliates | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Other long-term liabilities | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $6 |
| Total long-term liabilities | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $6 |
| Total liabilities | $40,595 | $33,282 | $31,779 | $21,530 | $15,562 |
| Net assets | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 |
| Without donor restrictions | $665,741 | $547,374 | $476,315 | $367,305 | $297,524 |
| With donor restrictions | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Net assets | $665,741 | $547,374 | $476,315 | $367,305 | $297,524 |
| Revenues and expenses | |||||
| Revenue | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 |
| Total contributions | $141,225 | $15,146 | $61,984 | $127,144 | $81,312 |
| Program service revenue | $450,303 | $365,311 | $421,153 | $440,239 | $445,159 |
| Membership dues | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Investment income | $0 | $11,620 | ($4,955) | $22,194 | $12,570 |
| Other revenue | $5,666 | $5,320 | $127 | $7,200 | $2,889 |
| Total other revenue | $455,969 | $382,251 | $416,325 | $469,633 | $460,618 |
| Total revenue | $597,194 | $397,397 | $478,309 | $596,777 | $541,930 |
| Expenses | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 |
| Program services | $317,944 | $246 | $324,587 | $486,602 | $464,197 |
| Management and general | $161,349 | $325,151 | $44,712 | $40,394 | $76,535 |
| Fundraising | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Total expenses | $479,293 | $325,397 | $369,299 | $526,996 | $540,732 |
| Change in net assets | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 |
| Surplus (deficit) | $117,901 | $72,000 | $109,010 | $69,781 | $1,198 |
| Other changes in net assets | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Total change in net assets | $117,901 | $72,000 | $109,010 | $69,781 | $1,198 |
Compensation
Compensation data for this ministry has not been collected.
Response from ministry
No response has been provided by this ministry.
The information below was provided to MinistryWatch by the ministry itself. It was last updated 9/28/2023. To update the information below, please email: [email protected]
History
CHRISTAR (formerly International Missions) began on January 1, 1930 in Southern India. Founded by a seventy-year-old Scotsman, Benjamin Davidson, the original focus was an outreach to unreached Hindus. After Pakistan separated from India in 1947, CHRISTAR began a ministry among Muslims. Since then, it has expanded to over 20 countries and targeted 27 people groups. In 1970 CHRISTAR began a pioneer tentmaking effort in Turkey.
Program accomplishments
Needs
Specific project information can be found at: christar.org/give