Resources

A 2014 course by John Senior at Wake Forest University "examines the structure of modern markets and evaluates their moral meaning in Christian theological perspective."

A 2016 course by Ched Myers at United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities "examines . . . [economic justice] through the biblical lens of “Sabbath Economics,” which identifies relational sufficiency as the divine vision for human life, and structural socio-economic disparity as an essential characteristic of human sin."

A 2014 course by Jan Cason at Baylor University "is designed for church leaders to study church business concepts and basic administrative practices in order to enhance the vision and ministry of the church. Major emphases include constitution and bylaws, 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 Mary Lederleitner at Trinity International University "helps students, ministry staff and pastors grow in sensitivity and knowledge about how to navigate financial challenges common in a variety of ministry settings."

A 2017 course by Rick Bee at Biola University "seeks to explore key theological themes and biblical texts related to personal use of money and possessions . . . . Attention will be placed on practical implementation of biblical financial principles in the students’ life development and vocation. Topics to be covered: materialism & spirituality, eternity, honesty, work/vocation, giving & spirituality, counsel, saving, and debt."

A course by Courtney Wiley-Harris at New York Theological Seminary "is designed to understand fundraising as a ministry. It will provide the perspectives of biblical stewardship; insights on creating generous congregants and constituents; and explore the practical steps in crafting a Theology of Development."

A 2016 course by Ginny Olson at North Park University Chicago "provides an overview of the fundamentals of church administration including aspects of church management such as: servant leadership, volunteer management, finances, fundraising, strategic planning, risk management, government regulations, legal issues, and pastoral/staff compensation and benefits."

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."