Church Finance and Stewardship Systems
Leading Structures and Stewardship
About this course
POL 201 provides a practical foundation for financial governance in congregational and presbytery contexts. Students learn how money functions as a theological and organizational reality—shaping trust, mission capacity, and organizational health. The course introduces core financial systems and controls (budgeting, cash flow, internal controls, restricted funds, designated giving, audits/reviews, and reporting), with attention to transparency and compliance.
Students examine the financial responsibilities of sessions/boards, treasurers, finance committees, and pastors—especially how leaders communicate financial realities without shame, manipulation, or avoidance. The course also addresses risk management, ethical decision-making, and the mechanics of building sustainable ministry models in changing congregational environments.
Who may participate?
All church leaders unless a prerequisite or a particular offering states otherwise.