MSc, Church Financial Management and Administration
Advancing Financial Leadership, Faithful Stewardship and Institutional Integrity
About This Program
Program Description
The Master of Science in Church Financial Management and Administration provides advanced academic and professional preparation for individuals responsible for the financial, administrative and resource-management functions of churches, ministries and faith-based institutions.
The programme responds to the growing need for Christian organisations to maintain sound financial systems, transparent governance, regulatory compliance and sustainable approaches to ministry resourcing. It brings professional financial and administrative practice into constructive engagement with biblical theology, Christian ethics and the principles of faithful stewardship.
Students develop advanced competence in financial strategy, budgeting, accounting, risk management, governance, internal control, auditing, fundraising, resource mobilisation and organisational accountability. They also examine the legal, ethical and social responsibilities of churches and Christian institutions operating in increasingly complex regulatory and economic environments.
The programme develops leaders who can interpret financial information, advise governing boards, design effective control systems, lead financial teams and formulate sustainable strategies for ministry growth. Particular attention is given to responsible stewardship, donor accountability, institutional integrity and the alignment of financial decisions with organisational mission.
Advanced research training enables students to investigate significant issues in church finance, stewardship, governance and administration. The programme culminates in a 30-credit master’s thesis through which students undertake an independent and methodologically rigorous study relevant to the financial or organisational life of Christian institutions.
Graduates are prepared for senior financial leadership, governance, consultancy, institutional administration and research roles. The degree also provides a strong foundation for doctoral study in church administration, financial management, Christian leadership, theology or a related field.
Specializations
- Church Financial Strategy and Leadership
- Biblical Stewardship and Resource Development
- Church Governance, Risk and Compliance
- Christian Nonprofit Accounting and Administration
- Ministry Fundraising and Sustainable Resourcing
Core Courses
- RES 501 — Research design and methods for theology and ministry studies
- FIN 301 — Biblical stewardship and ministry resource development
- BUS 201 — Church business management and organisational administration
- ADM 301 — Institutional leadership, policy and administrative decision-making
- ETH 201 — Christian ethics and responsible financial decision-making
- GEN 301 — Christianity and contemporary social and economic issues
- RES 601 — Advanced research methods and theological methodology
- FIN 501 — Advanced church financial management and strategy
- FIN 502 — Financial accounting and reporting for Christian organisations
- FIN 503 — Strategic budgeting and ministry financial planning
- FIN 504 — Church auditing, assurance and financial accountability
- FIN 505 — Internal controls, fraud prevention and financial integrity
- FIN 506 — Taxation, regulation and compliance for faith-based organisations
- FIN 507 — Financial risk management for churches and ministries
- FIN 508 — Investment, reserves and long-term ministry sustainability
- FIN 509 — Grant management and restricted fund administration
- FIN 510 — Donor accountability and financial communication
- FIN 511 — Fundraising strategy and sustainable resource mobilisation
- FIN 512 — Advanced stewardship theology and practice
- GOV 501 — Church governance and board financial responsibility
- GOV 502 — Policy development, compliance and institutional accountability
- BUS 501 — Strategic management for churches and Christian organisations
- BUS 502 — Ministry operations and organisational performance
- LDR 501 — Executive leadership and financial team development
- ECO 501 — Economics, development and the financial environment of ministry
- RES 602 — Quantitative and qualitative analysis for organisational research
- RES 610 — Postgraduate research seminar and thesis preparation
- RES 690 — Independent 30-credit master’s thesis in church financial management and administration
Admissions
Entry Requirements
A relevant bachelor’s degree or recognized equivalent
Academic references demonstrating readiness for postgraduate study
A statement of purpose outlining the applicant’s academic, professional and ministry objectives
Relevant ministry, financial, administrative or organisational experience where applicable
A research proposal for applicants pursuing a research-based route
Evidence of competence in academic English where required
Successful completion of an interview where required
What You'll Achieve
Learning Outcomes
Lead financial strategy within churches and Christian organisations
Integrate biblical stewardship with advanced financial management practice
Prepare, analyse and interpret complex financial reports
Develop sustainable budgets and long-term ministry financial plans
Design effective internal controls and accountability systems
Evaluate financial, operational and governance risks
Advise church boards and ministry leaders on financial decisions
Develop ethical fundraising and resource-mobilisation strategies
Manage donor funds, grants and restricted financial resources responsibly
Apply relevant accounting, auditing and compliance principles
Lead financial and administrative teams effectively
Strengthen transparency and accountability within Christian institutions
Evaluate the financial sustainability of ministry programmes and projects
Apply Christian ethics to financial leadership and organisational governance
Formulate policies for church finance, procurement and resource management
Assess contemporary economic and social issues affecting Christian organisations
Conduct advanced research in church finance, stewardship or administration
Apply quantitative and qualitative methods to financial and organisational research
Communicate research findings to academic, professional and ministry audiences
Produce an independent master’s thesis that contributes to knowledge and practice
After Graduation
Career Opportunities
A Closer Look
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