Church Administration Course

Lesson 1 • Historical Development of Church Governance

Traces governance structures from the early church through the Reformation to modern practice. Provides historical context for current administrative models.

Lesson 2 • Theology of Servant Leadership

Examines servant leadership as the theological core of church administration. Connects leadership philosophy to administrative decision-making.

Lesson 3 • The Administrator's Calling and Character

Identifies personal qualities and spiritual disciplines essential for effective church administrators. Grounds professional competence in character formation.

Lesson 1 • Roles of Elders, Deacons, and Staff

Defines biblical offices and their administrative responsibilities within each polity. Clarifies authority boundaries to prevent role confusion.

Lesson 2 • Board Governance and Meeting Procedures

Covers effective board operations, agenda design, and parliamentary procedure. Ensures meetings produce clear decisions and documented outcomes.

Lesson 3 • Major Models of Church Polity

Compares episcopal, presbyterian, and congregational governance models. Builds vocabulary for analysing any church's authority structure.

Lesson 4 • Bylaws, Constitutions, and Governing Documents

Explains the purpose and structure of foundational governing documents. Students learn to read, draft, and amend church bylaws effectively.

Lesson 1 • Evaluating Ministry Effectiveness

Establishes qualitative and quantitative metrics for assessing ministry outcomes. Closes the planning cycle with evidence-based review and learning.

Lesson 2 • Mission, Vision, and Core Values

Distinguishes mission, vision, and values as distinct planning tools. Grounds strategic direction in theological conviction rather than trend-following.

Lesson 3 • Implementation Planning and Milestones

Converts strategic goals into operational action plans with assigned responsibilities. Builds accountability structures that keep plans on track.

Lesson 4 • Environmental Assessment for Ministry

Applies situational analysis tools to the church context. Equips administrators to assess internal strengths and external community needs accurately.

Lesson 1 • Accounting Principles and Internal Controls

Introduces fund accounting concepts and essential internal control practices. Protects the church from financial error and misappropriation.

Lesson 2 • Financial Reporting and Transparency

Teaches how to produce and communicate financial statements to boards and congregations. Builds congregational trust through consistent, clear reporting.

Lesson 3 • Budgeting for Ministry

Covers the full budget development cycle from ministry input to board approval. Connects financial planning directly to strategic priorities established earlier.

Lesson 4 • Tax Compliance and Regulatory Obligations

Surveys the tax-exempt status requirements and employment tax obligations churches face. Prepares administrators to maintain compliance without legal expertise.

Lesson 1 • Termination, Discipline, and Employment Law

Covers disciplinary procedures and lawful termination practices for church employers. Protects the church from liability while treating staff with dignity.

Lesson 2 • Staffing Philosophy and Organisational Design

Establishes a theology-informed approach to building a ministry team. Connects organisational structure to the church's mission and polity.

Lesson 3 • Recruitment, Hiring, and Onboarding

Guides administrators through legally sound and mission-aligned hiring practices. Ensures new staff are integrated effectively into the church culture.

Lesson 4 • Performance Management and Staff Development

Introduces evaluation frameworks and professional development planning for church staff. Builds a culture of growth and accountability within the ministry team.

Lesson 1 • Legal Structures and Nonprofit Compliance

Explains the legal entity options for churches and ongoing compliance obligations. Ensures administrators understand their fiduciary and regulatory duties.

Lesson 2 • Facilities Planning and Maintenance

Covers preventive maintenance, capital improvement planning, and space utilisation. Connects physical stewardship to the church's ministry capacity.

Lesson 3 • Insurance and Risk Management

Identifies the insurance coverages churches need and the risks they must manage. Builds a proactive risk management culture across ministry areas.

Lesson 4 • Data Privacy and Digital Security

Covers member data protection obligations and cybersecurity basics for churches. Prepares administrators to handle sensitive information responsibly.

Lesson 1 • Volunteer Training and Equipping

Designs training pathways that prepare volunteers for effective, safe ministry service. Builds volunteer confidence and reduces ministry errors.

Lesson 2 • Congregational Communication and Engagement

Covers multi-channel communication strategies that keep the congregation informed and involved. Strengthens the relational fabric of the church community.

Lesson 3 • Volunteer Retention and Recognition

Identifies the motivational factors that keep volunteers engaged long-term. Builds recognition systems that honour service without creating entitlement.

Lesson 4 • Volunteer Recruitment and Placement

Provides practical tools for identifying, recruiting, and placing volunteers in suitable roles. Connects individual gifts to specific ministry needs.

Lesson 1 • Managing Church Growth and Multisite Expansion

Addresses the administrative challenges of rapid growth and multisite ministry models. Builds scalable systems that preserve culture and quality across locations.

Lesson 2 • Crisis Management and Communication

Develops crisis response plans covering pastoral, financial, and reputational emergencies. Prepares administrators to act decisively while protecting the congregation.

Lesson 3 • Leading Organisational Change

Applies change management frameworks to the unique dynamics of church culture. Equips administrators to guide congregations through transition with minimal disruption.

Lesson 4 • Conflict Resolution in the Church

Provides biblical and practical frameworks for resolving interpersonal and organisational conflict. Restores relational health while maintaining institutional integrity.