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How Well Does Your Church Prevent Financial Misconduct?

What we learned from a recent survey—with expert guidance on how to protect the church.

The Editors

A nationwide survey of more than 700 church leaders conducted by Church Law & Tax showed that nearly one-third have served in congregations that suffered from some form of financial misconduct. Half occurred within just the past 10 years.

Those victimized by some type of fraud said their congregations didn’t utilize internal controls and other precautions necessary to prevent misconduct, often because there was a belief such misconduct “couldn’t happen to us.”

Below is a collection of articles, webinars, and training designed to increase your church’s awareness of how financial misconduct happens, red flags to watch for, ways to prevent malfeasance, and steps to take when suspected or actual fraud arises.

May this collection help your church wisely steward its resources.

Safeguarding Your Church’s Finances

NEW! Online training to prevent fraud.

Fraud in the Church: What We Learned from 700 Church Leaders

Discover the results of our 2021 church fraud survey and the best practices for reducing vulnerabilities.

CPA Vonna Laue and Content Editor Matthew Branaugh

Every Church Is at Risk for Fraud. Here’s Why.

Church Law & Tax’s nationwide survey shows churches of all sizes, ages, and locations are susceptible to financial misconduct.

Matthew Branaugh

Loved and Trusted: What Shocks Us Most About Fraud Perpetrators

A closer look at the men and women who steal from churches—and the red flags leaders should watch for.

Matthew Branaugh

Man in black suit putting cash in his coat pocket.

Reporting Financial Crime as a Matter of Stewardship

Reporting financial crime in your church is a matter of stewardship, yet many church leaders report not doing so, or even knowing how.

Richard R. Hammar

Protect Your Church’s Financial Health

How internal controls disrupt the fraud triangle.

Vonna Laue

How Fraud Happens in Churches

Preventing financial malfeasance in God’s treasury.

Interview by Bobby Ross Jr.

Financial Integrity Starts with the Right Team

Reduce the risk of fraud by creating a team that incorporates solid internal control.

Chris Lutes

Whistleblower Policies and Church Culture

Whistleblower policies protect financial strength and integrity by creating a culture of openness.

Samuel Ogles

How a Church Responded When a Trusted Minister Embezzled Funds

Experts weigh in during a panel discussion on what happened.

Lee A. Dean

This content is designed to provide accurate and authoritative information in regard to the subject matter covered. It is sold with the understanding that the publisher is not engaged in rendering legal, accounting, or other professional service. If legal advice or other expert assistance is required, the services of a competent professional person should be sought. "From a Declaration of Principles jointly adopted by a Committee of the American Bar Association and a Committee of Publishers and Associations." Due to the nature of the U.S. legal system, laws and regulations constantly change. The editors encourage readers to carefully search the site for all content related to the topic of interest and consult qualified local counsel to verify the status of specific statutes, laws, regulations, and precedential court holdings.