Word Count: 418 – Est Read Time: ~2 Minutes
What’s Up?
Church giving is on the rise, but so is financial crime in the church. The church theft of funds is reaching epidemic levels. (LifeWay Research)
So What?
Churches are hemorrhaging money – not just from poor giving, but from mismanagement, theft, and outright fraud. If your church hasn’t put safeguards in place, you could be next.
The Point Is …
1. The Two-Person Rule: No Solo Access
Never let one person handle, count, or deposit money alone. Offerings should always be counted and secured by at least two unrelated individuals, and the people rotating should change regularly. This is your first and strongest line of defense. (This should be a “Duh!” moment for you, but I’m surprised at how lax some churches are.)
2. Checks and Balances for Counters
If your church has a second round of counting, the same rule applies: Two people, unrelated, must be present at all times. Every deposit slip should have two signatures to ensure accountability. Take a photo of the funds, checks, etc. for increased security.
3. Keep the Cash and the Checks Separate
Whoever writes the checks (likely your treasurer) should never touch incoming cash or any other funds. This prevents anyone from having unchecked access to church finances.
4. External Audits: An Annual Must-Do
Yes, audits can be expensive, but they’re far cheaper than the alternative – embezzlement. A third-party review not only catches innocent mistakes but serves as a powerful deterrent for anyone considering financial misconduct.
And … ?
The statistics don’t lie: Financial crime in the church is surging. LifeWay Research reports that global church financial fraud reached $92 billion in 2025 and is expected to balloon to nearly $400 billion by 2050. Here in the U.S., one in 13 Protestant churches has already experienced embezzlement.
Yet, most financial crimes in churches are not committed by external hackers or high-level executives … they’re committed by trusted members. It’s the long-time treasurer, the well-loved deacon, the friendly usher. Not because churches are full of criminals, but because a lack of safeguards creates easy opportunities.
Action!
Don’t wait until your church becomes a statistic. Start implementing these financial safeguards today, and if your church doesn’t yet require external audits, make that change now. It could save your ministry from a world of hurt.
