Episode 82: Is someone (on the inside) stealing from your church? (Dr. Todd Johnson)

How much should you trust the people in your own congregation to not steal money? This may seem like an almost offensive question, but in this episode we explore the astonishing increase in embezzlement in congregations and ministries around the world. According to data from our guest, 1 in 3 churches will become victims of embezzlement at some point and 6 percent of all Christian giving worldwide is lost to internal theft.Churches of Christ are not immune. In the last few years, several trusted members and ministers stole enormous amounts of money from congregations in several states. What is at the root of this problem and what might congregational leaders do to prevent their own members from succumbing to the temptation to steal from the church and its ministries?Our guest, Dr. Todd Johnson, co-director of the Center for the Study of Global Christianity at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, shares the latest research on financial crimes among Christian congregations and organizations and what the future may hold. He explains how congregations often make themselves prone to financial crime and offers suggestions for closing the lapses and loopholes that tempt Christians to steal.Click here for access to the Center for the Study of Global Christianity research on embezzlement (and other facts about Christianity worldwide)Find more news and stories at christianchronicle.orgDonate to support this ministry of "information and inspiration" at christianchronicle.org/donateSend your comments, ideas, and suggestions to [email protected]