What is fraud as it relates to the church? Fraud encompasses a broad range of corrupt activities. It is generally defined as a misappropriation of assets through mishandling of assets, fraudulent reporting and corrupt acts. Fraud is a crime. Yet, many of our churches have faced this issue in silence. They have chosen to “extend…
During my corporate career, I was provided with a hands-on, trial-by-fire education in seeking financing, analyzing loan documentation and a clear understanding of how for-profit organizations deal with and manage their banking relationships. This background has proven invaluable as I serve churches in a banking environment frequently hostile to churches. We unknowingly contribute to this…
In a recent article, “Reporting Financial Crime as a Matter of Stewardship,” attorney, and C.P.A. Richard Hammar discusses why we should report financial crime. A study of financial misconduct of 706 church leaders, found that one-third of them had experienced fraud and 70% of those chose not to report the incident to the authorities. The…
In my consulting practice, I have found that many Pastor use the church credit card for business as well as some expenses that could easily be determined to be personal in nature. As a church financial secretary for 25 years, I fully understand the lure of providing the Pastor with a credit card so that his/her…
I am a member of a wonderful church school class that has open up Bible study to me in a way that has changed my life and my perspective immensely. I have studied the Bible for all of our life literally but we truly don’t understand the Bible until we routinely apply it to ourselves…