Summary
CRISTA Ministries encompasses nine distinct ministries, (1) World Concern, (2) Intercristo,(3) King’s Schools, (4)CRISTA Broadcasting, (5)CRISTA Camps and Conferences, (6)Christian Veterinary Mission, (7)Seattle Urban Academy, (8)Women’s Ministries, and (9)CRISTA Senior Living.
In the sphere of Christian ministry, CRISTA is unique in the breadth, depth, and range of influence and assistance it provides every day, everywhere. They have the look and feel of a national or international community development organization. Generally "community development" is thought of as only a "local" activity, but CRISTA has pushed the boundaries.
CRISTA delivers practical services to people locally and internationally helping them live independent, transformational lives and calling them to do the same for others. With a deep commitment to their Christian faith and belief in the redeeming power of Jesus Christ, they express their love for God by serving people.
Contact Information: [ Back to top ]
| Mailing Address: | 19303 Fremont Ave. N
Seattle, WA
98133-9703 |
| Website: | www.crista.org |
| Phone: | (206) 546-7272, (800) 755-5022 |
| Email: | You need to enable javascript to see the email |
Organization Details [ Back to top ]
EIN: 916012289
| CEO/President: |
Mr. Robert Lonac |
Tax Deductible: |
Yes |
| Chairman: |
Mr. Fred Stabbert |
Fiscal Year End: |
June 30 |
| Board Size: |
21 |
Financial info from: |
Audit |
| Founder: |
|
Member of ECFA: |
Yes |
| Year Founded: |
1948 |
Member of ECFA since: |
1979 |
CRISTA Ministries encompasses nine distinct ministries with one common purpose. They deliver practical services to people locally and internationally helping them live independent, transformational lives and calling them to do the same for others. With a deep commitment to their Christian faith and belief in the redeeming power of Jesus Christ, they express their love for God by serving people.
The nine ministries are (1) World Concern, (2) Intercristo,(3) King’s Schools, (4)CRISTA Broadcasting, (5)CRISTA Camps and Conferences, (6)Christian Veterinary Mission, (7)Seattle Urban Academy, (8)Women’s Ministries, and (9)CRISTA Senior Living.
In the sphere of Christian ministry, CRISTA is unique in the breadth, depth, and range of influence and assistance it provides every day, everywhere. They have the look and feel of a national or international community development organization. Generally "community development" is thought of as only a "local" activity, but CRISTA has pushed the boundaries. They have one overriding desire in all they do – to love God by serving people.
CRISTA 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).
CRISTA Ministries uses the following to communicate its mission:
To overcome human suffering through emergency relief, rehabilitation and long-term development so that individuals and families can be in right relationships with God, one another and creation.
Program Accomplishments [ Back to top ]
- Broadcasting, a ministry of CRISTA, uses radio, special events, and the internet to draw people of all ages to Christ and to encourage Christians to grow in their faith. CRISTA Broadcasting's three radio stations (Spirit 105.3 KCMS-FM, Praise 106.5 KWPZ-FM, and KCIS-AM 630) serve Western Washington and Southwestern British Columbia locally and worldwide over the internet. With each station presenting a distinct format, CRISTA Broadcasting offers an appealing blend of contemporary Christian music, praise music, traditional hymns, Biblical teaching, prayer and daily encouragement.
- Christian Veterinary Mission (CVM), a ministry of CRISTA, encourages and enables veterinarians to live out their Christian faith by serving others through their profession. CVM provides animal care and education to rural communities in the developing world. In so doing, we express Christ's love, foster economic viability and transform communities by attending to individuals' physical, spiritual, mental, social and ecological needs.
- Intercristo, a ministry of CRISTA, provides a connection between employers and job seekers holding Christian values. We strive to help employers worldwide holding Christian values make the best hire. We encourage job seekers during a potentially discouraging time with job searches and career counseling.
- Island Lake and Miracle Ranch Camps, a ministry of CRISTA, are two camps with one mission: Proclaiming Christ through exceptional camp experiences! Awesome locations and a host of amazing things to do are just the beginning. Authentic relationships develop at camp in an environment that is fun and filled with outdoor adventure.
- King's Schools, a ministry of CRISTA, provide a program of academic excellence that encourages a lifelong commitment to Christian faith and service. Outstanding teachers prepare students to engage a diverse and changing world, delivering an excellent academic program from a Biblical perspective. Optimal class sizes encourage learning and relationship-building. To help develop lifelong commitment to Christ and a passion for service, King's Schools extend the classroom to the world where students live by encouraging involvement in other CRISTA ministries including World Concern, CRISTA Senior Living and Camps. More than 1,700 students attend preschool through grade 12 at our two campuses: King's Schools in Shoreline, and King's West in Bremerton.
- Seattle Urban Academy, a ministry of CRISTA, provides a safe, alternative high school education for at-risk youth from grades 9 through 12. Seattle Urban Academy prepares young people for life, encouraging and equipping students to achieve academically, succeed socially, develop emotionally and grow spiritually. A state-approved private school, Seattle Urban Academy bestows earned high school diplomas and prepares students to enter college or vocations.
- CRISTA Senior Living, a ministry of CRISTA, fosters an environment in which seniors experience dignity, joy and purpose. We offer two accredited non-profit continuing care retirement communities: CRISTA Senior Community in Seattle and CRISTA Shores in Silverdale, Washington. Amidst beautiful settings, both campuses offer Christian fellowship and opportunities for spiritual growth, intergenerational and volunteer programs, vibrant activities, health and wellness programs, educational opportunities, and lovely amenities.
- CRISTA Women's Ministries, a ministry of CRISTA, seeks to strengthen and enlarge Christ's Kingdom by engaging women in Christian leadership. Through workshops, seminars, special events, leadership enrichment and training, relationship development, networking, mutual encouragement and prayer, we equip women to make disciples, equip other believers, multiply leaders, and win the lost to Christ. Women's Ministries focuses primarily on women's ministry leaders and pastors' wives, but we desire all women, everywhere, to have a growing love relationship with Jesus Christ.
- World Concern, a ministry of CRISTA, is a Christian humanitarian organization that provides emergency relief and community development in some of the most neglected areas of the world. Out of a heart of servanthood and an expression of Christ's love in culturally sensitive ways, a network of 900 skilled staff workers, 1300 volunteers, several hundred international partners, and thousands of donors and child sponsors teaches local communities to help themselves. World Concern invests in people and regions for the long term, partnering with other organizations and government agencies to help ensure the greatest impact. The organization itself is an interdenominational organization that serves people in need regardless of their creed or religious beliefs. World Concern is committed to encouraging the Christian church and strengthening local institutions in communities where it works. World Concern strengthens families and helps poor people help themselves by providing life-saving food, opportunities for a more secure future through meaningful work, and the hope that comes from a healing relationship with God through Jesus Christ.
Statement of Faith [ Back to top ]
CRISTA communicates its statement of faith as the following:
It is CRISTA’s intent to encourage people, by our actions and our service, to seek and know Jesus Christ personally. CRISTA Ministries is Christianity in Action, conveying Christ’s love by meeting people’s needs and helping them find new and more abundant life in Christ, through unity of purpose and diversity of method. Our work is firmly grounded in Biblical truth, with faith integrated into all we do. The ministries of CRISTA strengthen the church community by serving and complementing their efforts.
- We believe in the Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments as verbally inspired by God, and inerrant in the original writings, and that they are of supreme and final authority in faith and life.
- We believe in one God, eternally existing in three persons: Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
- We believe that Jesus Christ was begotten by the Holy Spirit and born of the virgin Mary, and is true God and true man.
- We believe that man was created in the image of God; that he sinned, and thereby incurred, not only physical death, but also that spiritual death which is separation from God; and that all human beings are born with a sinful nature.
- We believe that the Lord Jesus Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, as a representative and substitutionary sacrifice; and all that truly repent of their sins and believe in Him are justified on the ground of His shed blood.
- We believe in the present ministry of the Holy Spirit by whose indwelling the Christian is enabled to live a godly life.
- We believe in the resurrection of the crucified body of our Lord, and His ascension into heaven and in His present life there for us, as High Priest and Advocate.
- We believe in that blessed hope, the personal, bodily return of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Crista expresses its history as follows:
Alvin B. "Mike" Martin was a man of God who had a vision for reaching out with the love of Christ to high school boys and girls from broken homes. Mike and his wife, Vivian, started King's Teen Club in 1944. The ministry grew to where 80 to 100 teens were attending meetings for Bible study and fellowship.
Sensing that these teenagers needed more than a weekly meeting, Mike began looking for a farm large enough to allow them to take a few teenagers into their home.
The Lord had other plans. He led Mike to an abandoned tuberculosis sanitarium called Firlands. The 53-acre site included 35 buildings. With no money and lots of faith, Mike ended up leasing Firlands for $1 a month. The Martins later purchased the entire site for $100,001. "King's Garden" was born and incorporated in 1949. The school was founded in 1950.
For 40 years King's grew. King's Garden, Inc. quickly became more than a school. It also operated two radio stations, a printing press, a missionary letter-writing service, and a rest home for senior citizens.
As the Christian ministry kept expanding to include other areas, the name was changed in 1979 to "CRISTA Ministries". The campus also increased to 55 acres. As the Lord led, the ministry was expanded to partner with nine individual ministries focused in the following areas: Broadcast, Education, Senior Living, Humanitarian Relief & Development, Veterinary Missions, Job Search, Camps & Conferences, Alternative Education, and Women's Ministries.
This organization has not offered MinistryWatch.com with specific needs to be posted on the profile. At such a time that MinistryWatch.com receives a response from the ministry, it will be posted immediately.
Research Analysis
Transparency Grade [ Back to top ]
| Transparency Grade of : A |
| Criteria category | Grade | Other Comments |
| Timeliness: | 100 | 11/12/2008 2:10:45 PM: Crista Ministries posts its audits and IRS form 990s on its website (along with lots of other informative information). They should be commended for this very good practice and other ministries should follow their example. |
| Financial Information: | 100 | 11/12/2008 2:12:22 PM: Organization provided all financial information requested. Information was clear and thorough. |
| Foundational Clarity: | 100 | 11/12/2008 2:12:29 PM: Descriptive information was abundant and thorough. |
| Level of Cooperation: | 100 | 11/12/2008 2:12:41 PM: Answers to questions were thorough. |
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MinistryWatch.com 5 Star Financial Efficiency Ratings [ Back to top ]
| Ranking Category | Rating | Overall Rank | Community Development Sector |
|---|
| Overall Efficiency Rating |  | 133 of 353 | 5 of 23 |
| Fund Acquisition Decision |  | 151 of 353 | 5 of 23 |
| Resource Allocation Decision | | 33 of 353 | 2 of 23 |
| Asset Utilization Decision | | 277 of 353 | 16 of 23 |
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2008 MinistryWatch.com Shining Light top ministry list
Crista Ministries listed by MinistryWatch.com as a 2008 Shining Light ‘Top 30’ Exemplary Ministry.
MinistryWatch.com desires to see overall giving to Biblical Christian values increase and as such we developed this format to highlight those ministries which are exemplary.
This ministry is one of the “best ministries” and outstanding examples when we consider Philippians 4:8 and weigh and take account of those ministries that are excellent and worthy of praise.
Identifying a diversity of the best ministries is challenging given the selfless work that so many do for the cause of Christ. No one is able to give to every ministry that one values as we are not possessed of unlimited resources. It is best to make an assessment of our options and make discerning decisions. MinistryWatch.com’s assessment looked at the following seven areas when considering those to make the list:
- Transparency
- Truth Claims
- Values/ Worldview
- Sectors/Functions
- Resourcefulness
- Red Flag Issues
- Consultation
A fuller explanation of our evaluation criteria is on the front page of MinistryWatch.com. A foundational premise was to shine a figurative light on those ministries that were "Christian" more than in name only. Ministries were chosen that were not just marketing to Christians as a market segment for "Christian donor money", but ministries that had theological underpinnings and Biblical values that determined their actions. Organizations that relied more on a secular motivation and means were excluded as well as those “ministries” that seem to view the organization as their own vehicle as a business to make money rather than a love to maximize ministry to others and to let their light shine for the glory of God.
Inclusion on this Shining Light list does not mean this ministry or other listed ministries are perfect. No ministry is perfect and any that look long and hard enough may find areas for improvement; as no doubt most legitimate ministries are aware of areas to improve and have their own to-do list. Only you can decide for yourself with confidence if a ministry shares your values and with your giving plan. As far as MinistryWatch.com’s assessment, given the criteria that we followed, this ministry rose to the top.
This is just another step in our mission of encouraging Christians to give more of their talents and resources to Kingdom-building efforts. In short, we wish to help spread the Gospel of Christ by helping Christians give more and more effectively to the works of the Lord. If the Lord uses our list as part of that process, we will have been a blessing to both those ministries who have been ‘good and faithful servants’ with the Lord’s resources and to Christian donors who are seeking to be good stewards of their giving.
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MinistryWatch.com’s Take
August 2003
By Andy Preslar
Christians in Action
CRISTA Ministries is a family of ten ministries that exists in order to share the love of Christ with people in the Pacific Northwest, and through them to the world. “CRISTA” means “Christians in Action.” The “actions” of CRISTA ministries include building up the local community of believers, reaching out to the secular community at home, offering assistance to Christians throughout the country, and bringing aid to needy people all over the world The hub of CRISTA’s ministry activities is its 55-acre campus located in Seattle, Wash. CRISTA serves the Christian community in the Pacific Northwest in a variety of ways, including: operating two Christian schools (K-12), four Christian radio stations, two Christian camps, and a women’s ministries program. CRISTA also serves the broader Seattle community through its two senior citizen communities, adoption program, urban academy, and a related counseling ministry. Christians and non-profit organizations throughout the U. S. and in various parts of the world benefit from CRISTA’s job-referral service. Finally, through its international relief and development organization, CRISTA’s sphere of ministry reaches to the poor and destitute living in third world countries in Asia, Africa, and Latin America.
CRISTA considers each of its ministries to be, in one way or another, “Christian” ministries, in that the mission of sharing the love of Christ with others motivates all. CRISTA as a whole is overseen by a 24-member board of trustees, which meets three times a year.
A Family of Ministries
CRISTA Ministries to the Pacific Northwest
- Senior Ministries: CRISTA owns and operates two continuing care retirement communities, CRISTA Senior Community (located on CRISTA campus) and CRISTA Shores. CRISTA’s retirement communities feature three levels of care: independent living, assisted living, or nursing center. CRISTA currently ministers to 600 senior citizens living in these communities. CRISTA’s Senior Ministries’ mission is to provide seniors with quality care and retirement living in a Christian environment. This includes intra-community Bible studies, prayer groups, and regular chapel services. Under the Fair Housing Act, seniors of all faiths are welcome at CRISTA’s senior communities. Funding for CRISTA Senior Ministries is provided for almost entirely (99 percent) by means of service fees.
- King’s Schools: CRISTA offers a quality, Christian education for children in the Seattle area and the Kitsap Peninsula through its two private schools, King’s (CRISTA campus) and King’s West. Each of these schools features classes for grades K-12, strong academics where Christian philosophy is integrated with the curriculum, and a college prep program. A combined total of almost 2,000 students are being educated at King’s Schools. The vast majority (more than 90 percent) of funding for King’s Schools comes from tuition.
- CRISTA Broadcasting: CRISTA operates three radio stations which broadcast in the Seattle area. Spirit 105.3 FM is a family radio station featuring contemporary Christian music, traffic and weather reports, and news. Praise 106.5 FM features Bible-teaching programs, Christian music, and a weekday-morning show. KCIS 630 AM has the distinction of being the first full-time Christian radio station in the Seattle area. This station features Christian music, news, and teaching.
- Camps and Conferences: CRISTA runs two full-fledged campsites: Island Lake and Miracle Ranch. Both sites are located on lakefront property. CRISTA camps hosted more than 26,000 people in 2002. Island Lake Summer Camps feature a nationally recognized trail bike instructional program, while Miracle Ranch Summer Camps have a Western theme, offering children the opportunity to learn and enjoy Western and English horsemanship. CRISTA camp facilities are staffed year-round, and the non-summer season at CRISTA camps affords opportunities for retreats, conferences, banquets, and meetings. The express purpose of CRISTA camps and conferences is to help people meet and grow in Jesus Christ. The majority of funding (more than 80 percent) for this ministry is provided by fees for services.
- New Hope Family Agency: CRISTA’s New Hope Child and Family Agency is a private, state-licensed adoption and foster care agency. New Hope provides individuals and families with services such as: birth and pregnancy counseling, domestic adoption preparation and facilitation, international adoption preparation and facilitation, and foster licensing and placement of children (short-term and long-term). New Hope’s mission is to provide children with safe, stable, and nurturing homes. New Hope operates on the basis of a Christian foundation, and works primarily with Christian families. Those who do not share New Hope’s Christian convictions will not be denied service, but the agency does recommend that such couples inquire into secular agencies as well. Funding for New Hope comes primarily (90 percent) from fees for services.
- Urban Ministries: CRISTA’s Seattle Urban Academy (SUA) is designed to provide a safe, alternative high school education for at-risk students. At-risk students are defined as those who have consistently failed in, or been failed by, traditional school settings. SUA’s goal is to help its students achieve academic, social, spiritual, and emotional stability while earning credits towards a high school diploma. 95 percent of SUA students are minorities, and 85 percent come from single-parent homes. SUA educators serve in partnership with youth agencies, businesses, law enforcement personnel, and civic groups. This collaboration is designed to fortify the school’s efforts to redirect young lives. SUA is funded primarily (more than 90 percent) by donations.
- Women’s Ministries: CRISTA’s Women’s Ministries is a program of education and edification designed to train women to engage in leadership and ministry. The goal of this program is to help build the Body of Christ by equipping women for the work of the ministry. Women’s Ministry directors organize workshops and seminars and foster mentoring relationships. CRISTA Women’s Ministries also features a consulting ministry for women in leadership roles as well as other resources, such as books, speakers, and recommended sites for conferences.
- Counseling: CRISTA Counseling is now Capstone Counseling Service, an independent counseling ministry comprised of former CRISTA staff. Capstone’s mission is to provide quality-counseling services to the CRISTA community as well as the community at large.
CRISTA Ministries Online
- Intercristo: Intercristo is CRISTA’s comprehensive Christian job-referral service. For a nominal fee, non-profit agencies can post job openings at Intercristo. Individuals looking for work in the non-profit sector can submit an online application (also for a nominal fee), which Intercristo will quickly match with suitable job openings. Intercristo helps employers tailor their search for candidates by identifying those applicants with the proper qualifications for the job offered. Intercristo delineates 220 vocational categories, and refers applicants to particular jobs in at least one of those categories based upon kind of work desired, qualifications, and geographical specifications. Intercristo helped some 5,000 believers find work in 2002. Intercristo’s computer database for Christian job seekers is accessible online 24 hours a day. Intercristo is almost completely funded (more than 99 percent) by fees for services.
- Online Radio: In addition to its radio broadcasts, CRISTA operates an online music station, crossrock.com, which features Christian rock and alternative music, as well as other interactive features.
CRISTA Ministries to the World
- World Concern: World Concern (WC) is CRISTA’s relief and development ministry. The mission of WC is to bring physical and spiritual aid to the world’s poorest people. There are three main aspects to this mission: life-giving food, life-saving work, and life-transforming Gospel. WC distributes food to people living in Third World countries by means of its feeding centers, food-for-work programs, and training programs for farmers. Examples of the accomplishments of WC’s food programs include: providing daily food for 500 Ethiopians, providing 190 tons of food and supplies in Kosovo, and working to drill wells to provide clean water for war refugees living in arid regions of Sudan. WC also provides vocational training in these regions, which includes agricultural training, teaching livestock management skills, promoting literacy, and providing small loans for small businesses. Finally, WC works to promote the Gospel in the countries where it ministers. WC advocates ‘lifestyle evangelism,” that is, sharing the Gospel by one’s life example. WC also promotes direct evangelism through its pastor-training programs and by capitalizing on naturally arising opportunities for one-to-one sharing. WC is committed to respecting and working within the restrictions which local and national governments may place upon evangelistic efforts and other forms of overt religious activity. There are numerous volunteer positions available through WC. Positions open for long-term work are numerous, and include argriculturalists, veterinarians, teachers, health workers, and social workers. Those applying for full-time work must be committed Christians willing to raise 100 percent of their own support (full-time work usually entails a two- to three-year commitment). WC is funded primarily (80 percent) by donations (with a large portion – 70 percent – of such being donated supplies).
Summary
CRISTA is a network of Christian ministries whose center is a pristine 55-acre campus in Seattle, Washington. Because many of CRISTA’s ministries operate on this campus or relatively nearby, there is a mutual benefit that pertains to each, with various levels of support and services provided by one ministry for another. This arrangement makes for a strong sense of a Christian community. CRISTA is not, however, an isolated family. Ministries such as Seattle Urban Academy and New Hope Family Agency give CRISTA a solid ministry presence in the community at-large. CRISTA also serves people throughout the country via its online job-referral agency (Intercristo) and online radio station. The CRISTA family also extends its services to the needy people of the world, via the work of World Concern. One might imagine CRISTA as consisting of several concentric circles of ministry radiating from CRISTA campus. Thus it seems that CRISTA’s family of ministries do indeed serve to uphold and promote the organization’s mission to share the love of Christ with people in the Pacific Northwest, and through them to the world.