I have observed that here in Africa continent, especially Nigeria we worship God of man not men of God. What do I mean? The so-called men of God have greedingly turned themselves to God. Thereby, no member of their denomination dare them. In this generation, many God of men want to become prophet and own a church just because of many. No wonder why we have many white herbalists prophets (Pseudo churches) who gave themselves to ritual and all sorts of spiritism. The G.O (founder) will be the treasury, secretary and the spokeman of the church. They will not be too big to tax members and drain their pockets but will be ashamed to give account how the money is been spent. In Nigeria churches, people are not asking their pastors questions how their hardearn is been spent. Somebody may say, I think they give it to God. Is it God that will spent the money? The G.O will be living in mansions and ride big cars with heavy security. They will collect money in every program throughout the year, the money will not be spent in church development but rather stomach development. Members are living in adject poverty, yet, not financial support from the so-called G.Os. They have turned to Money winner instead of soul winner. One day they will account for how many souls they win with talents God gave them to trade with. They monetize the talent instead of using it to win souls to God. Nigeria, it is not a sin to ask how your money is being spent in church. Let's fight corruption in the church first and then we can win the societal war against corruption. The floor is opened for addition and comments. May we end well in this race.

Akin33,
Perhaps there should be some sort of hierarchical structure where pastors are held accountable financially.
Money allocated for specific things.
They should have a "set" annual salary..regardless of the money that's collected every week at church.
That would probably cut down on a lot of problems.

MZLady39:
Akin33,
Perhaps there should be some sort of hierarchical structure where pastors are held accountable financially.
Money allocated for specific things.
They should have a "set" annual salary..regardless of the money that's collected every week at church.
That would probably cut down on a lot of problems.

Yes, they are few sincere denomination that do that whereby, a pastor act as a manager of the branch of the church. The elders choice those that Holy Spirit and wisdom to handle finance while pastor is placed on Monthly stipend or salaries.

Thank for pastors like WF Kumuyi, Dr. D. K Olukoya, daddy E.A Adeboye and few others who never handle money by themselves. The operatiinal structures put in place allow accountability. Unlike other emergency prayer centre prophets that occupy all.

In 2 Corinthians 8, Paul advises the church at Corinth about the proper handling and distribution of church funds—and the need to do so in an aboveboard and accountable fashion. The Corinthians were collecting a substantial offering to be distributed to the poor in distant Jerusalem. Paul assures them that Titus, whom they knew to be a man of integrity, and another highly regarded man (unnamed in the text) had been "chosen by the churches to accompany us as we carry the offering" (2 Corinthians 8:19 ).
Paul also mentions a third Christian brother, a man with equally impeccable credentials, who would watch over the carrying of the funds. Titus and these two men, who were to join Paul and his group, formed a company to be trusted in handling and distributing the offerings (2 Corinthians 8:22-23 ).
Paul assures the Corinthians that his group would administer the funds "in order to honor the Lord himself and to show our eagerness to help" (2 Corinthians 8:19 ). Paul did not resent the direct participation of the other two character-approved men in this process of watching over the funds. On the contrary, he welcomed it. In fact, it is likely he initiated their involvement.
Any Christian leaders who resist financial accountability make themselves suspect. Leaders who put too much trust in themselves should not be trusted by others.
I spoke with a Christian leader who had been caught embezzling funds. His downfall came when he was in a personal financial crisis. Because of a lack of checks and balances, he was able to "borrow" money easily from an account that didn't belong to him. He rationalized that he would pay it back later. Many financial disasters could be avoided by setting up careful procedures that take into account our natural tendency to sin.
I know of a large church where all contributors' checks are stamped: "Pay to the order of Grace Church, or John Smith, pastor" (not real names). At best, this procedure generates suspicion. At some point, it will almost certainly present a serious temptation to this pastor. Someday, it may result in his downfall, heartache to the church, and damage to Christ's reputation. All unnecessary, if only proper precautions had been taken.
Paul says, "We want to avoid any criticism of the way we administer this liberal gift" (2 Corinthians 8:20 ). He went out of his way to include other character-approved men—both from inside and outside his own group.
Paul also says, "We are taking pains to do what is right, not only in the eyes of the Lord but also in the eyes of men" (2 Corinthians 8:21 ). Here are two important safeguards for preserving financial integrity and accountability:
First, we need to take pains to do what is right. A system of financial accountability may seem awkward, time-consuming, or a nuisance. At times it may seem unnecessary. But it is right, and therefore we must take pains to establish proper checks and balances.
Second, it's not enough for a leader to say, "My conscience is clear before the Lord." Our actions must be above reproach, "not only in the eyes of the Lord but also in the eyes of men." Whatever system of collecting and distributing funds we choose, it must involve awareness and accountability, with a plurality of character-approved men or women (preferably not chosen by each other but by a church or constituency). Although two character-qualified family members might appropriately sit together on a board, there's no place for the sort of nepotism that makes some organizations top-heavy with underqualified relatives and childhood friends who look the other way instead of fostering accountability.
One of the most telling questions to ask in any church or ministry is this: Who has the courage and authority to tell the decision makers that what they are doing is unbiblical?
According to global missions researcher David B. Barrett, an estimated $16 billion was embezzled by the world's Christian churches in the year 2000, with an estimated $75 billion embezzled between 1980 and 2000. Barrett recommends that "Christians need to tighten up the scrutinizing of all funds holding their monies and to insist on all the accepted safeguards and controls and on all the strictest procedures."1
How financially transparent is a ministry? Do the leaders conceal salaries, expenditures, and sources of income? When they make bad decisions, do they admit and correct their mistakes or cover them up?