Ankerberg Theological Research Institute

Analyst Comments [ Back to top ]

Prior MinistryWatch.com Shining Light ‘Top 30’ Exemplary Ministry. Previously listed from 2005 - 2007.

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. The list is a sampling 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.

These ministries are called ‘Shining Lights’ because they are indeed models of letting their Christian light shine before men so that the Gospel may be proclaimed and God be glorified. Consequently, we are shining a figurative light on them so that donors may be aware of their good works and other ministries may learn from their examples.

While identifying the best ministries is challenging given the selfless work that so many do for the cause of Christ, MinistryWatch.com believes that the list of 30 excellent ministries will be helpful to many. Each of the ministries has the following important features in common:

• Legitimate nonprofit ministry and purpose.
• Have shown a willingness to treat donors fairly via a Transparency Grade of “A”.
• Are unashamed of being identified as an evangelical Christian ministry.
• MinistryWatch.com researchers knows of no significant issues that would be of concern to donors.

A high MinistryWatch.com Financial Efficiency Rating was not a requirement for inclusion on this list although most do have good ratings. Many factors were reviewed and strengths in other areas can offset weakness in financial efficiency when determining whether a ministry should be of interest to donors seeking to be good stewards of their giving. Only you can decide for yourself with confidence if a ministry shares your values and with your giving plan.

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

Ankerberg Theological Research Institute is a dissemination of contemporary Christian information as seen through the lens of John Ankerberg’s Christian worldview. It operates in about as resourceful a manner as other ministries in directing financial resources towards programs. In addition, the ministry has ultimately exhibited transparency with regard to its faith perspective and finances.

The Ankerberg Theological Research Institute (ATRI) reaches people primarily through its weekly, half-hour television broadcast. The purpose of this show is to demonstrate that Christianity is true so that its viewers will embrace it for themselves and learn to share it effectively with others. The shows generally take the form of debates between representatives of different worldviews (sometimes representatives of the same worldview debate each other on significant “in-house” differences), or else documentaries on some subject relevant to the defense of the faith.

Dr. John Ankerberg is the founder and current president of ATRI. Dr. Ankerberg was educated at the University of Illinois (B.A.), Trinity Evangelical Divinity School (M.A., M.Div.), and Luther Rice Seminary (D.Min.). He is an ordained minister and pastor. Dr. Ankerberg produces and hosts “The John Ankerberg Show.” He was awarded the “Television Program Producer of the Year Award” by the National Religious Broadcasters in 1992 for his work on “The John Ankerberg Show.” Dr. Ankerberg has authored or co-authored 65 books, including: Darwin’s Leap of Faith, Encyclopedia of New Age Beliefs, and The Case for Jesus the Messiah: Incredible Prophecies that Prove God Exists.

In addition to “The John Ankerberg Show,” ATRI produces a weekly radio show and maintains the web site www.johnankerberg.org, where the television show can be viewed 24 hours a day seven days a week. The website contains numerous articles from Christian scholars. These programs deal with a wide array of issues, including science, cults, prophecy, theology, new age, practical advice on discipleship. A wide array of publications are made available for purchase at ATRI’s web site, including some of the best works on apologetics in print.

ATRI received an overall financial efficiency rating of 3 stars, out of a possible 5 stars, from MinistryWatch.com. This middle rating indicates that ATRI acquires funds, allocates resources, and utilizes assets in proportions that are generally consistent with the middle 35% of organizations in the MinistryWatch.com database. It ranked near the middle in the Educational Media sector as well.

There were a few significant financial items to note. ATRI has relied almost exclusively on contributions. Its trend has been one of increasing contributions and decreasing “other revenue” sources. It experienced a 30% increase in revenue from 1999 to 2000. ATRI uses a smaller portion of spending to support administrative activities than the average organization. Overall, ATRI expended fewer resources in 2000 than it did in the previous year; thus, ATRI has increased the strength of its balance sheet, but it has invested a smaller portion of its total assets in long-term items than the average organization. The combination of its revenue increase and spending decrease produced a much-needed surplus. The year 2000 was the first surplus in the last three years.

Ankerberg Theological Research Institute has shown reluctance at times to sending copies of its financial statements when asked; however, they ultimately demonstrated superior transparency with regard to their finances and received the highest possible Transparency Grade, “A”, from MinistryWatch.com at the time of this report. ATRI’s website contains a wealth of information from the Christian worldview perspective, but very little information about ATRI itself.

Ankerberg Theological Research Institute is an extension of John Ankerberg’s Christian perspective on important topics and desires to inform others about this perspective. MinistryWatch.com is able to conclude that ATRI accomplishes its mission with a relatively average investment in fundraising, infrastructure, but lower administrative costs. It has been at times reluctant to send copies of its financial statements, but ultimately demonstrated openness about its finances.