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…
Many times in the past when I am teaching a financial training session for Pastors or church leaders, they are amazed that I list as my first Financial Best Practice “having a biblically-sound basis for giving”. I am a CPA and of course, the expectation is that I will focus on tax and financial methods…
It’s amazing when you start to actually study – I mean really seek Him through studying – the Word of God, how He will continue to reveal Himself to you. I’ve been a tither for many years and teach on it frequently but as I have delved into the Word more for a clear understanding of…
I spend quite a bit of time reviewing tax returns and advising as best I can on tax strategy and helping Pastors find new ways to conquer their various tax situations. I don’t believe this is a time to lose it! Tax planning is for real and understanding how to structure your income and expenses…
I sometimes find it amazing how everything continues to change and evolve. Even though we don’t really like change, no one cares because life continually evolves and we are forced to change – whether we like it or not. This is a season of change for me and I’m trying not to buck against progress (smile)…
Each year, I approach Ash Wednesday and the Lenten Season as a time of serious, character-building, soul-searching, come-to-Jesus-and-tell-it-all opportunity. Time just seems to fly by with all of the responsibiities of just living but each year I have become more and more determined to slow it down and reflect. This season has been really good…
I find it amazing the lengths that certain people will go to get their hands on money! Even in the Body of Believers, we find those who really seem to believe that God is mocked – that you won’t reap what you sow! But I truly believe that if we spend our God-given time here…
Of course, its December 13th and I’m barely aware that the Christmas Season is quickly approaching. I have too much work to do for shopping. I say that every year but now that my children are young adults and the desire to make this time of year special for them, I find that I’ve lost…
Have you ever been in a season where it seems you are getting blessing after blessing and you are wondering how is it possible that flawed and challenged me could continue to be so blessed. I have always been a recipient of far more blessings than I could have ever asked for or thought of.…
It’s Holy Week and I woke up this morning praising The Father for the continuous miracles I am blessed to witness! His death and resurrection was THE MIRACLE that saved you and me from death and destruction. He gave us a door to SALVATION and He even opened the door for us to simply walk…
… the songwriter says that “His Favor is More Precious than Gold”! How very true. I was in two church services today and came away from both feeling “favored”. Simply because how blessed I am just to know Him! How blessed I am to be His Child. How very favored I am yet I’m simply…
I was watching a popular investor today talk about how the stock market is literally a guaranteed good investment if you are prepared to stay in it long enough to reap the benefit. I was thinking “you gotta be kidding me?”. How could someone say that after the crash we experienced in 2008. We all…
Many of us choose to give charitably to those things that matter to us. We have faithfully given to causes and to our churches where we are being spiritually fed. My question today is regarding what is really in our hearts as we give to our church or ministry. Are we really in a spirit…
How wonderful to receive the blessing of living to see a new year? There are many who started this journey but were not destined to see this day. This is the Lord’s day and I will rejoice, sing and shout His praises and be glad in it. This new presents of course new challenges since…