Most of the folks I know that have started para-church ministries have done so out of frustration. Either their own local church/denomination couldn't see the need or didn't have the time or were unwilling to extend a saction as it were. If the church sees a need for that ministry and it is embraced by the congregation then its not para. Has the church failed to meet needs? Undoubtably. Do Parachurch ministries meet some of those needs? Indeed.

In spite of these things I believe that they are not, overall, healthy endeavors. Even sprawling and successful ministries like Billy Graham's leave jillions of folks--arbitrarily labeled New Christians--unattended in spite of great efforts to work with local churches. Most of them, at least in my experience, end up disillusioned and separated from the church.

This is a bit off topic, but I'm not even really sure if (and I have to use the Baptist church for an example here) Denominational offices are biblical. I think they have leeched a great deal of talent and cash that could have been put to use inside individual churches.

That said, folks should give as the Lord leads them. I've dropped a few dollars in the offering plates of many Crusades. Given to the odd missionary that came through. You do what you can or feel you must.

Josh
"...the word of God is not bound."--2 Timothy 2:9