Church finances can be daunting. This course offers tools, support.

A course starting in March welcomes treasurers, bookkeepers, financial secretaries, and business administrators to learn about best practices for managing local church finances.

The Certificate Program in Church Treasury has proven valuable for those who do the behind-the-scenes work of financial ministry. We invite the appropriate lay and/or staff persons on your team to join us.

Over four sessions, speakers from the WNCC Office of Treasury Services and Foundation will share tools for budgeting, reporting, tax compliance, insurance, and more. Guest experts will drop in with insights and helpful resources.

“United Methodism is founded on accountability,” Treasurer Mark King said. “In today’s world, it is probably more important than ever. People want to know their church is keeping track — and doing the best it can — with the gifts they’re giving.”

Graduates of the program attest to its value. Mark Sutton, Class of 2024, noted the importance of trustworthiness and relationships to his work. Mark serves as Business Administrator at First UMC of Belmont.

“It makes members feel more confident that their funds are being handled by someone with appropriate training and experience,” he said of the course. “It also gave me networking opportunities to confirm we’re doing things as efficiently as we can.”

Participants who complete all four sessions and related requirements receive framed certificates to display in the church office.

Dates:

The course consists of four sessions from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Two sessions are in-person and two are virtual. An exam is given at the end of each session. There is a $25 registration fee.

• Saturdays, March 1 and March 29: In-person at the United Methodist Foundation, 13816 Professional Center Drive, Huntersville, NC 28078
• Saturdays, March 8 and March 22: Live via Zoom

Areas of focus:

• Integrity and fiduciary responsibility for church financial management
• Sound financial practices and controls of accounting from the perspective of GAAP and the UMC Book of Discipline
• United Methodist apportionment system and funding
• Clergy compensation, taxation, and benefits
• Resources and networks for further training and support
• Church legal, property, insurance, and tax issues relevant to local church financial management

Have a question? Click here to reach the Foundation team.

Register today: Please click below for an online registration form.