How can you be sure the donations you made to your church for special projects is actually spent for them?

Here in the Kansas City area, we have one of the mega churches called First Family Church. Evidence is emerging that donations made for special projects did not make it to them. This seems to be becoming a trend in the mega churches. They get so large that no one knows what is going on at the top.

So, how can one be sure that the money their church is collecting for so called special projects is really being spent on them?

http://www.kansascity.com/mld/kansascity/news/front/16877951.htm

If it is your tithe that you are asking about. Than it should be given in Faith. You are in Faith giving back to God a portion of what He has given to you. In this case, than you need to have faith that the leaders of your church are Christ filled people who are seeking God's will in all aspects including finances. If you do not think that your church leadership is being faithful stewards in this area than I would talk to your pastor. If it the pastor that you are questioning than I would pray and ask for God's guidance as to whether you should stay in this church or not.

If the money is above and beyond your tithe and you want it to go to a specific cause than you need to designate it as such. Write in the memo of your check and write on an envelope what this money is to go for -VBS,World mission ect.... If money is designated in this way than LEGALLY and MORALLY leadership MUST use it in the way that it is designated. If this is not happening and you go to a church that has a general conference than I would speak to those at district levels and ask for an audit to be done.

You start your own home church and make your donations directly to where you want them to go.

It's called trust. In my experience of my church, I trust they are people who love God and desire to be good stewards.

I am sorry that that happened in the church in Kansas City.

Their finical records should be open for members to see by request. This is what my Church does an it is a Mega church.

Donate the money there only if you feel peaceful and comfortable with your church :)

oh.. and dont worry about where the money goes, its not yours.

all charities have this same, or at least the same potential to have such a problem. You're mixing charity with spiritual guidance and maybe you don't have to (like if you give directly to responsible charities and only contribute to the church for upkeep of the church facilities and specific lessons you receive).

Volunteer to be on the committee for the special project.

If you have to question your church, you're at wrong church. I never question mine.

Well at my Church the Church is a small country Church and there fore we all know where all the money goes.

I wouldn't get too caught up in making sure that the people you "trust" to get your finances going toward the right project or the stated plan. I have been in the same church for 13 years and I truly believe in the integrity of my pastors. There have been times where we have raised money for a certain cause or project and it never seems to happen, now if I get bitter or question the man of God, that just comes back at me. I believe that the $ must have needed to go to a better place at that time. It is the right of my leaders to make those decisions, I just need to give in love and know that If I sow my seed in seven directions it will return to me when I need it.

It is illegal to do otherwise if your cheque or donation is put in expressly for that purpose.

You give in faith and Gods leader will be accountable to God alone!