After several years on the board of Scripture Union/USA, Mark Elliott had questions about the ministry’s strategy and capital campaign.

The ministry is the American affiliate of Scripture Union International – a huge 100+-year old organization spread around the world. In many countries, it is the largest and most established parachurch ministry. But in the U.S. – faced with a multitude of competing organizations – SU has remained much less prominent.

It delivers two primary outreaches: beach and urban missions to children, and an array of Bible reading products for people of all ages. In recent years, it has innovated with new products, fresh marketing efforts, and a partnership with the American Bible Society.

A capital campaign had been launched to fund these and other expansion efforts. As a result, Mark wanted to know, in clear businesslike terms, what the current strategy was, and how an independent analyst would evaluate it. He wondered about the likelihood that the capital campaign would move from mid-way to completion, and whether marketing and distribution could be more effective.

These issues required a degree of research and analysis that went beyond what a board would typically do. It was the kind of evaluation he would typically do in considering a business deal.

Mark Elliott has a thriving investment banking business that sells and finances hotels. His life is a whirl of buyers and sellers, properties spread across North America, and complex terms and conditions. He serves as the “conductor of the orchestra,” if you will, bringing together all the elements to make big transactions happen and keep all parties happy.

Because Mark’s time is limited as he juggles family life, an active role in his church, and non-stop business demands, he engaged our firm to prepare three studies on SU covering strategy, marketing, and development. We met with the board twice, spent a few days with the president, and reviewed ministry materials. We probed and explored. We reflected on our assessment and shaped careful answers to the questions.

“In three months, you’ve got a handle on this organization that I didn’t have in three years,” Mark said. “Your reports are invaluable to me as I determine how and where I’ll be involved in the future. Not only that, they contain excellent recommendations that I’ll pass along to the president and board.”

Even a board member can benefit from in-depth, independent analysis of a charity. Between selling hotels, it transformed Mark’s involvement with SU/USA.