6 days Ago By Isak Dinesen
WEST FARGO — Faith Journey Lutheran Church leaders say they are working to recover more than $600,000 in funds allegedly misused by a former employee over multiple years. In an email obtained by WDAY News, church leaders told the congregation they were unsure if the money would be recovered. The email claimed a church employee had used the church’s credit card and other accounts for personal purchases and had allegedly falsified expense reports to leadership.
Concerns about the church’s finances first arose in November, prompting an internal investigation. The church has since hired an attorney and is working with its insurance provider to recover as much money as possible. The former employee has not been formally charged but left the church in December.
Leaders said the individual was locked out of church computers and accounts at that time. West Fargo police confirmed an investigation is ongoing but did not provide additional details. Faith Journey’s pastor declined to comment, citing the active investigation.
Church leaders said they plan to implement safeguards to prevent similar incidents in the future. WDAY News reached out to the Eastern North Dakota Lutheran Synod and the church’s attorney for comment but has not received a response..
