It was a pretty simply ploy according to prosecutors. Set up a separate account called with “Ministry” in the name of it; forge your treasurer’s signature, and you’re off to the races.
Not sure how he got the money into the account without being caught…
… for TEN YEARS.
Lessons:
1. If you’re a pastor… DON’T TOUCH THE MONEY
2. If you’re a pastor… DON’T TOUCH THE MONEY… EVER.
3. If you’re in a position of authority, make sure you don’t let the pastor touch the money… ever.
4. Set up safeguards when counting and accounting for the money… every cent of it.
QUESTION: is there ever, EVER a way that this kind of thing could go on in a church for ten years and not be discovered by anyone? I think not… if the proper accountability methods would have been in place.
What think you?
I find it hard to define this person as “pastor” Somewhere along the line, he forgot his true calling and the church failed in its duty to protect the assets of the church. I agree, that no pastor should ever touch the money, even if he is not a thief…..it eliminates the possibility of being accused of improper conduct.
This is definitely possible because many churches and Pastors preach about how you should submit to the authority in the church and if you question anything you are considered rebellious. That gives Pastors in churches the freedom to do whatever they want without being caught. Sadly this is what’s going on in our churches now.
I absolutely agree with Carlos – having seen this attitude in the past, I am positive that there are churches where the pastor is essentially an absolute authority, has all the fiscal responsibility, and any questioning of his/her oversight is considered rebellion against God-appointed authority.