Expert: Rev. Robert Woods - 10/16/2009

Question
Is there a site where the laws pertaining to church records being off of church premises as well as church tithings/offerings leaving the premises(with exception of going to the bank)?

Answer
Blessings and thank you for your question.

I'm not sure what you are asking.  There is no website that I know of that will tell you your state's laws on this subject.

Now I am not an attorney so I am NOT giving you legal advice.  But I can tell you a few things.  It is never a good practice for the church offerings to go anywhere but from the church to the bank.  A church either needs a secure place at the church to store the offerings before deposit or needs a bank bag to place it in a deposit box until deposit.  Taking money to a church member's home, creates an easy temptation or can create a distrust (even if unwarranted).  

Church records are a different matter completely.  Most churches still do all records by hand, but it is a good idea to go digital.  

Let me tell you how our church does it.  First, two trustees or deacons count the morning offering immediately after church.  They record how much came in cash (even telling how much of each denomination) and in checks.  They also record any special destinations (like missions or special projects).  Then total it and sign it.   They move the money to our secure location.  On Monday morning, the financial secretary comes in and recounts the money.   If an error or discrepancy is noticed, that is recorded.  Then she records each contribution to the appropriate givers record.  All of our record keeping is kept in Quickbooks Non-profit edition.  Paper copies are made and secured.   A backup of the computer program is made on CD and placed in the secure location.  A second copy is made and taken OFF site.  You should always have an OFF site copy of your church records in case of fire or other disaster.

If you want to know anything else just ask.