Resources

A 2017 course by Timothy O'Brien at North Park University Chicago "addresses the knowledge and skills necessary to provide financial leadership in a nonprofit organization. . . . the emphasis is on leading the financial function. Included in this course are appropriate financial and management strategies, GAAP, management control, long and short range planning, financial statement analysis, financial resource management, compliance and financial decision making tools.

A 2015 course by DeForest Soaries, Jr. at New Brunswick Theological Seminary "offers an historical, cultural, Biblical and social overview of consumer debt in Western society. The evolution and impact of marketing and advertising as contributors to the culture of debt will be explored.The relationship between Christian faith, clergy and consumerism will also be considered.The impact of debt on clergy and congregational ministry will be studied."

A 2017 course by Bill Kirkemo at Nazarene Theological Seminary offers a "study of Christian financial management from three perspectives. First, the course focuses on all aspects of local church finance including budgeting, financial record keeping, receiving and disbursing funds, developing accounting systems, and planning for building projects. Second, the course helps the ministers-in-training to develop sound personal financial processes including personal budgeting, tax-wise ministerial compensation planning, and retirement planning. Finally, students are exposed to tools that can be used in promoting stewardship among congregants."

A 2016 course by Jay Earheart-Brown and Debra Matthews at Memphis Seminary considers "biblical and theological resources for developing a theology of finance, along with developing the tools needed for personal financial planning and the management of finances in a church setting."

A course by Gary Skeen at Mercer University "is designed for ministry leaders to study personal and church business concepts and basic administrative practices in order to enhance the vision and ministry of the church. Emphases include organizational structure, policies and procedures, financial processes, budgets, personnel issues, tax and legal issues, risk management, facilities management, church debt, social media, personal finances, donor issues, and stewardship philosophies."

A 2017 course by Adam Copeland at Luther Seminary "includes a study of biblical texts related to giving and stewardship of resources, the meaning of money, one’s own attitudes regarding money and stewardship, theological undergirdings for financial stewardship, the importance of pastoral leadership in a congregation’s stewardship, analysis of stewardship programs, engagement with church leaders, and discussion of practical application to contemporary congregational life and preaching."

A course by Gary Hoag "helps leaders understand biblical stewardship principles as a basis for encouraging Christian generosity."

A course by Gary Hoag pitched at multiple levels of higher education analyzes Christian perspectives on money and stewardship.

A course by Gary Hoag explores "the Scriptures to deepen . . . understanding of Christian generosity. . . . [And] the issues leaders face professionally and consider practices that are not formulaic, but rather, formational, for raising up stewards . . . .

A 2017 course by Steve Lawler at Eden Theological Seminary "focuses on key elements of management and how these support effective leadership and organizational success."