The News
Tracey Jorgensen, an administrative assistant at an Arizona church, is facing criminal charges after being accused of stealing more than $335,000 from her employer. The theft represents one of the larger embezzlement cases affecting a small-to-mid-size church in recent memory.
Why It Matters
Financial safeguards aren't just accounting best practices—they're essential protection for your congregation's trust and resources. This case highlights how even trusted, long-standing staff members can exploit weak internal controls. Whether you're managing donations, tithes, or operational funds, you need clear financial protocols: segregation of duties (no single person handling money from receipt to deposit), regular reconciliations reviewed by different people, and transparent reporting to leadership.
The Takeaway
Implement the "two-person rule" for all financial transactions and conduct quarterly financial audits—even in small churches.
Source: Church Leaders