Hello Reader ,
Last week, The Church Attorney hosted a successful and fruitful webinar regarding Future Risks For Churches. We had a great turnout and even better discussion!
During our Q&A portion, one attendee asked, “Should Churches Accept Zelle donations?”
This was a fantastic question, and a question that we will address in our upcoming Church Law & Leadership Summit.
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So, here is a breakdown on the main issues and reasons for concerns. . .
Learning the Financial Risks
A major risk of giving apps comes from the convenience these apps are designed to produce. When apps are designed to move money from accounts very quickly, the documentation can become scarce which may lead to problems such as:
- Missing Gifts
- “Mysterrious Money” without Donor Information
- Undocumented Intent for Specific Donations such as Missions or Building Fund
These concerns run the risk of complicating year-end donation statements, internal accounting procedures, and creating risks during potential IRS audits.
Which Payment Apps Create Risks
As payment apps are on the rise, we are seeing these risks with:
In this digital age, there are constantly new applications to prioritize convenience of the user. Churches can feel stuck in the stone ages and concerned about losing donations by skipping this conversation. However, convenience does not always convey hidden risks.
Preventing the Risks
Considering the risks, ACH payments provide a safer and quick alternative. ACH transfers are also known as ACH Debits or “Direct Payments.” These are similar to the “Direct Deposits” that places your paycheck straight into your bank account.
The donor uses the Church’s primary integrated giving platform and sets up a one-step or recurring gift. This improves reporting consistency and strengthens financial protocols.
Other perks to this method is it can reduce transaction fees associated with card-based donations.
What This Means for You
- Know the Down Sides of Quick Transaction Giving— don’t settle for unmarked donations out of concern for turning away donors.
- Educate Yourself on Which Apps Pose these Risks— knowing the risks allows you to position your Church for automatic donations before being chased down in the sanctuary!
- Find Safer Alternatives To Protect The Church Accounting Procedures — providing alternatives provides convenience without sacrificing the necessary giving information.
Where the Conversation Is Headed
At the Church Law and Leadership Summit, we will address topics like this and many others. Our speaker, Tim Samuel, wrote the following on this topic:
“Regulators, prosecutors, and consumer protection agencies continue issuing warnings about increased fraudulent activities tied to digital payment applications.
In 2025, the New York Attorney General sued Early Warning Services, the operator behind Zelle, alleging widespread fraud connected to the platform over multiple years. The lawsuit alleges that scammers exploited weaknesses in verification and transaction controls while consumers and organizations absorbed substantial financial losses.
Churches can be particularly vulnerable because ministry environments are built on trust and personal relationships.”
The Bottom Line
Knowing the risks for online, instant giving can protect your Church from accounting disasters and floating “mysterious money.” Making informed decisions after learning of these risks can position your Church to receive safe donations and mitigate the negative effects of the digital age of currency.
🎤 Speaker Spotlight: Tim Samuel, CPA
We’re pleased to highlight Tim Samuel, CPA, Chief Financial Officer of Bridgeway Community Church, as an upcoming conference speaker. Tim brings a valuable perspective to the conversation around church finance, digital giving, financial controls, and responsible stewardship.
The information in this email references a recent article from Tim Samuel, CPA in Church Law & Tax, “Should Churches Accept Donations Through Venmo, Zelle, and Cash App?”, offers a timely look at the challenges churches face as digital payment tools become increasingly common. Samuel notes that while platforms such as Venmo, Zelle, and Cash App offer convenience for donors, churches must also consider fraud risk, donor intent, contribution tracking, financial controls, and administrative complexity.
Founder of Creating Future Opportunities, LLC
With nearly 20 years of church finance experience, Tim Samuel helps churches build healthy budgets, improve financial reporting, and plan for long-term sustainability. He brings practical strategies for making sound financial decisions that support ministry today and into the future.
The Fireside Chat will be moderated by Erika E. Cole, Esq., The Church Attorney®, who will guide this practical discussion on the leadership challenges churches are navigating right now.
Together, our panel will offer practical insights on managing risk, stewarding resources well, planning for the future, strengthening leadership, and making informed decisions that protect your ministry.
You'll also have the opportunity to submit your questions during the live Q&A and hear directly from experts who work alongside churches every day.
The 19th Annual Church Law & Leadership Summit is fully virtual and takes place September 17–18 from 11:00 AM–2:00 PM ET each day.
Reserve your seat today and join church leaders from across the country for two afternoons of practical, trusted guidance designed to help your ministry move forward with confidence.
