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                              TO:   All Interested Christian Ministries                                                                          FROM: Jim Bramer. Retired CPA-Auditor
                                                                                                                                                                                FILE:  0915-03/fwi

                               RE:  Ministry Finance Integrity Vow                                                                               Originated in March 2002

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    "Today's "Ax to Grind"   

        In a meeting last week I learned again of some money that was stolen by seemingly reputable people from a local Church.  Of course,  this is so very sad.  It could also be embarrassing for those in charge if such matters as described below are NOT in place.
        The Ministry Finance community must have some ways to reduce, or make every attempt to eliminate,  this sort of thing from happening. 
        Please particularly note the Ministry Finance self exam resource found in the  0039-77  recommended process ... as it is designed to wave applicable "red flags" that a Ministry should immediately address. Also note other related resources within this web site that are identified within this 0039-77 tool.

   Ministry Finance Integrity Pledge

        What about some type of Ministry Finance Integrity Pledge?.  I know you have to be realistic about such an effort.  But it seems you need to take as many steps as possible in order to "be safe and not sorry".  Maybe Ministry officials responsible for handling money should be required to regularly take an oath that says something like the following: 

    "Some of my responsibilities at this Christian Ministry involves receiving or spending money.  I recognize that people can be tempted to steal financial and fiscal resources in a variety of ways. 
      I hereby pledge that, as the all knowing Lord Almighty is my witness,  I have not, and will not, steal money or fiscal resources from this Christian Ministry, so help me God."

         This suggested "Ministry Finance Integrity Pledge Process" may sound a little harsh as we presume everyone is honest, but it may serve as a reminder that any "hanky panky" is a matter between the individual and the Lord Almighty. 
        The recommended financial internal controls, see  0039-01 for some specifics, or procedural checks and balances,  may be in place, but they can be circumvented by wily people.  As someone shared at the meeting referenced above, people are very clever and come up with all sorts of deception/tricks that men do not detect. 
        However, they can not fool the omniscient Lord that we serve. It is a spiritual issue with the culprit ... especially in a Christian Ministry setting.

K E E P   L O O K I N G   U P !!

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UPTD: April 27, 2008

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