by David Washburn, BGAV Treasurer

‍

Every church treasurer knows the feeling: you’re reviewing the books and notice something odd. Maybe it’s a checking account that hasn’t been reconciled in months. Perhaps it’s cash offerings being counted by one person alone. Or it could be the discovery that your church has been operating without directors and officers insurance for years.

When you mention it, someone inevitably says, “We’ve always done it this way, and we’ve never had a problem.”

Until you do.

The truth is, most financial problems in churches don’t announce themselves with flashing lights. They develop slowly, hidden in the gap between “what we should do” and “what we’ve gotten away with so far.” And when they surface—through theft, lawsuit, or audit—the damage extends far beyond dollars and cents. Trust erodes. Ministries suffer. Reputations built over decades can crumble in weeks.

Consider these common vulnerabilities:

Single-person control. When one individual handles offerings from collection to deposit without oversight, you’re not just risking theft; you’re putting that person in a position where they could be falsely accused with no way to prove their innocence. Dual control protects everyone.

Inadequate insurance. Your church leaders make decisions that affect people’s lives, employment, and resources. Without proper liability coverage, a single lawsuit could devastate your ministry budget for years. This isn’t pessimism; it’s prudence.

Poor recordkeeping. Many treasurers and bookkeepers are volunteers doing their best. Make it a priority to maintain proper documentation about donor funds.

Unclear policies. When expectations aren’t written down, every financial decision becomes subjective. Who can approve expenses? What requires board approval? How are conflicts of interest handled? Ambiguity invites problems.

The good news? Most financial disasters are preventable. Strong internal controls, regular reviews, appropriate insurance, and clear policies don’t require a large budget—just intentionality.

Start small. This month, review one area: Are offerings counted by at least two unrelated people? Does someone reconcile bank statements who doesn’t write checks? Is your insurance adequate for your current activities?

Good stewardship isn’t just about using God’s resources wisely; it’s about protecting your church’s witness and mission. The congregation who entrusted you with their offerings deserves to know you’re managing them with integrity and wisdom.

“We’ve always done it this way” isn’t a strategy. It’s a prayer that your luck won’t run out.

Rev. David Washburn is BGAV’s treasurer.

‍