Church Administration

Course Code
BDIV423
Level
Undergraduate
Credit Hours
3

Instructor(s)

Dr. Gloria Clarissa O. Dzeha
Dr. Albert Benjamin Rockson, III
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Course Description

Introduction to church administration and management of non- profit organizations. It is designed to inform and educate students regarding management principles, procedures, techniques, theory, and practice for leading and managing churches and non-profit organizations. The course applies a problem-solving approach to the subjects of management, administration, supervision, organization, leadership, church government, finance, and legal issues relevant to ministers and lay leaders.

Course Objectives

Upon completion of the course, students will be able to: 

  1. Find, interpret, and apply relevant Bible passages, (especially from Pauline letters) that form a theological basis for good management, administration, and supervision of the local church and related ministries. 
  2. Identify the roles and responsibilities of the pastor, board, and officers for the financial management of the local church. 
  3. Understand, state and apply administration and management theory and principles. 
  4. Implement management and administration ideas, procedures, and techniques to improve the effectiveness of the local church’s operations.

Course Content

Topics

A. Introductions

  • Introduction to Church Administration [Definitions, Theories, Theology]
  • Introduction to Pauline Pastoral Epistles [Purpose, Themes, Lessons]

B. Legal Matters

  • Legal Status of the Church and Management of Non-Profit Organizations

C. Governance

  • The Headship of Christ and Church Polity [organization and governance]

D. Leadership

  • Leadership Theories, Styles and Types
  • Church Leadership Qualities and Ministry
  • Leadership, Management and Team Ministry

E. Management

  • Administrative Structures, Systems, Policies and Procedures
  • Strategic Planning for the Local Church
  • Human Resource Management Structures, Systems, Policies and Procedures
  • Financial Management Structures, Systems, Policies and Procedures [Church Accounts, Financial Statements, Budgeting]

F. Open Forum

  • Discussions on Teamwork
  • Discussions on Financial Fraud in the Church

Methods of Delivery

Through lectures, demonstrated examples, class interaction, group discussion, reading and assignments.

Reading Materials

  1. Batts, M. E. (2019). Church Finance. Carol Stream, IL.: Christianity Today International.
  2. Donnellan M. L. and A. P. Naumann (2012). A Complete Guide to Church Management. Maitland, FL. Xulon Press.
  3. London, L. and V. Boatright (2019). Church Accounting. Sanford, NC.: Deep Rivers Press.
  4. Malphurs, A. (2013). Advanced Strategic Planning: A 21st Century Model for Church and Ministry Leaders. Grand Rapids, MI.: Baker Books.
  5. Robert III Henry M. et al. (2011). Robert’s Rules of Order Revised, 11th ed. Public Affairs.
  6. Welch, R. H. (2011). Church Administration. Nashville, TN.: B & H Academic.

Evaluation of Student Performance

Grading System

Letter Grade Mark% (Credit Points)

A 80-100 (4.0): Excellent

B+ 75-79 (3.5): Very Good

B 70-74 (3.0): Good

C+ 65-69 (2.5): Satisfactory

F Below 65 (0.0): Fail


Assessment

Students will be assessed in a variety of ways, including examinations, quizzes, take-home assignments, term papers, participation in classes and seminars, field reports, video-recorded demonstrations, etc.


Distribution of the Marks

  • Examination (End of course/semester): 60%
  • Course work, continuous assessment and attendance: 40%


Class Attendance

For Campus students and those receiving lectures via Zoom, due to the concentrated nature of the lectures, three unexcused class absence will reduce final grade by a letter grade. A 4th unexcused absence will result in an additional research assignment required for a passing grade. A 5th unexcused absence will result in a failing grade.


Writing Guidelines

All research papers and theses are to follow: (i) Kate L. Turabian A Manual for Writers of Term Papers, Theses, and Dissertations OR (ii) American Psychological Association (APA) Style.

1. Font & Font Size: Times New Roman, 12 point

2. Double space

3. 1-inch margins (File – Page Setup – Margins)

4. Indent paragraphs 0.5 inch (Format– Paragraph – Indent left)

5. Page numbers – lower center or upper right –beginning with the first page of text, but not on title page; Arabic numbers only (e.g., 1, 2; not Roman numerals); no other header or footer

6. Title page; then title again on page one (for formal papers)

7. In essay-type papers, ALWAYS write logically, persuasively, focused on the assigned topic; include a succinct introduction that informs the reader concerning the subject of your paper, and a succinct conclusion that summarizes your main points and expresses your resulting conclusion.

8. Use footnotes rather than endnotes, except in dissertation/thesis, where section endnotes are also acceptable.

9. All work should be proofread, as errors in spelling, grammar, and syntax will reduce assignment grade.


Plagiarism Policy

Plagiarism is against Daniel Institute policy, and any act of plagiarism will result in disciplinary action up to student dismissal from further study at Daniel Institute. Plagiarism includes but is not limited to quoting materials without proper citing or reference, cutting and pasting of online and other materials requires proper citing via quotation marks and footnote.


Final Examination

The final exam will consist of short answer questions as well as semi-essay questions. The reading and the classes are your means of preparation.

For candidates writing their examinations outside the main Daniel Institute campus, a proctor will be required. A proctor is a person who oversees an exam. He or she will typically verify a student’s identity by checking a photo ID and then ensures academic integrity guidelines are followed during the exam. The exam will be mailed to the proctor in PDF format. The proctor will need to print your exam, and preferably have access to a scanner to submit your exam. 3. When you have completed your exam, your proctor may either 1) scan and upload your exam to the DI Learning platform or mail to the relevant address provided. This format requires you handwrite your responses on the exam itself.


Submitting Assignments

Assignments can be submitted electronically through the Drop Box tool in Triport (or any other means endorsed by the lecturer). Paper submissions should be in either .doc, .docx or .pdf format. Submitting your work through drop box (or any other means prescribed by the lecturer) is considered a formal (and final) submission. Assignments may be returned to you electronically, in most cases via email. If your assignment was graded by hand, it will be scanned and delivered to you as a PDF file. Remember to use a full heading, including your name, professor, course, and date.


Biblical references

Always give biblical references in the text of your paper. For example, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning.” (John 1:1; NRSV) Include the translation only if you are quoting a scripture that is different than NIV. For example, John pointed men to the Messiah (John 1:7).


Essay and Term Paper Cover Format

All essays and term paper must start with the required cover format. A single page number starts on the first page of the paper on the right side of the upper header.