Listen
to a podcast with Dan Hotchkiss about this topic.
When churches reach a certain size, their budgets, investment strategies, and overall financial planning can suddenly seem to require at the very least the skills of an MBA if not the wisdom of Solomon!
Part of faithful stewardship is about taking seriously the fiduciary duties of a congregation’s leaders. This Large Congregations Seminar is specially designed to help show how congregational clergy, board members, and administrative staff all play necessary and distinct roles in the financial affairs of a church.
Drawing on the extensive experience of Dan Hotchkiss, author of
Ministry and Money: A Guide for Clergy and Their Friends
, you will go away from this seminar able to
• Articulate the financial side of a congregation's mission
• Carry out congregational Financial Self-Assessment
• Formulate necessary policies and processes regarding budgeting
• Engage in more responsible fiscal management
• Be better stewards of gifts and donors
• Make decisions about compensation and benefits
• Understand how to handle major purchases and debt
• Manage endowments and investment
• Undertake audits and reports
• Keep and retain important financial records
This course will help participants to clarify who should make what financial decisions in a congregation, and to identify the specific topics congregational leaders must address in order to fulfill their duties as caretakers and as leaders regarding a church's finances.
Alban’s Large Congregation Seminars are primarily aimed at churches with over 400 total Sunday attendance. If you are a leader in a congregation smaller than this, you are welcome provided you understand that the seminar leader will make some assumptions that may not apply directly to your current situation.
About Dan Hotchkiss
Prior to coming to work as a consultant for the Alban Institute, the Rev. Dan Hotchkiss served congregations for twelve years and the Unitarian Universalist Association for seven. His areas of special interest include strategic and financial planning, congregational governance, clergy leadership, and social justice ministries. He is the author of
Ministry and Money: A Guide for Clergy and Their Friends
, as well as numerous articles on fundraising, mediation, planning, ministry, and technology.
LINKS
Printable Event Flyer (PDF format)