If you know someone is taking church money, what do you do?

1. 61

   glmclendonposted 12 years ago

   If you know someone is taking church money, what do you do?

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2. 90

   ecogginsposted 12 years ago

   This is obviously a very difficult and sensitive matter. In 2002 I worked as a Christian adviser to a church in a developing country. In March of that year, I discovered that the pastor was taking some of the church money for his own personal use. Of course, I was very dismayed by this revelation. Gently and privately, I asked the pastor if he had taken the money and he readily confessed that he had done so. We called a meeting of the elders including two American missionaries and four nationals. In fear and trembling before the Lord we discussed what we should do. Together we decided to ask the pastor to confess before the congregation. He did, but he never returned as pastor. Now, 10 years later, I believe that the offense should have been handled privately only. If however he refused to change his ways, then we would have had to deal with it publicly. In the end, I think the best way is to follow the pattern outlined in Matthew 18. First, quietly one-on-one; second, with one or two witnesses; and finally publicly, but only if absolutely necessary.

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3. 60

   Mac31posted 12 years ago

   This is a very interesting topic and think that this is a great topic of discussion.  I think it depends on the person that is taking the money.  If the money being taken from the church and the money is not being used for church functions I think the problem should be addressed as soon as possible. 
   
   The funny thing about this topic is that this is not the only church that money is being taken from for personal use.  Sometimes I wonder if these types of church's are where you are at most likely they are everywhere.  How many of these church's are being used more as a business than an actual place of worship?  I can almost bet you that more than 50% of church's today are being used for business purposes. 
   
   Let's have a little example and tell me what you think!
   
   If you were a business owner and you had a church what would be the best way to get more help than by donating to a charity for example your very own church!  The more money you make the more you have to pay on taxes, so what better way to get a little break than by donating right! 
   
   I think that this is one of our biggest problems today.  I think that places like this should not be considered a church and that any donations to these types of places should automatically be watched by auditors to make sure that the money for charity is actually being used in the church's best interest and not so that the pastor can drive his fancy car and dress in nice suits.
   
   What is you take on this?

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4. 61

   glmclendonposted 12 years ago

   I think you should go to the person, if they will not hear, Next time take  a witness. This person must be taken off anything that would permit him to handle money. Sometimes these people need not  only love, but they may need professional help.

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5. 59

   okaygraceposted 12 years ago

   Ecoggins,
   
   Really great to hear how a person would change their views on life over the course of time.
   
   Personally, I do agree that the matter should be handled privately and that person should be given the choice with how they feel it would be best to handle to matter.
   
   If you are anyone else were to ever see the matter happen again then taking it to the public realm would be the necessary step.
   
   This has happened to me with employees stealing from my business and I chose to ignore it at the time, but I never allowed the person to handle money again. It really is a difficult situation.

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