Hybrid Course — Self-paced plus scheduled Zoom sessions
 
This course may be taken à la carte or as part of the Lewis Center Church Leadership Certificate Program.
 
Nov. 30-Dec. 20, 2025, and Jan. 4-24, 2026
Rev. Dr. Daryl L. Williams, Senior Pastor, St. Paul United Methodist Church of Oxon Hill, Maryland 
 
This course considers what it means to lead effectively in the realm of money and faith, particularly in today’s post-attractional, post-pandemic environment. The focus is less on the nuts and bolts of church finances and more on the high-level leadership tasks and perspectives required to foster generosity, promote a healthier dialogue around issues of faith and money, and develop new strategies for economic sustainability.
 
Course objectives
 
By the end of the course, participants should
Be more comfortable and confident addressing issues of money and faith in the church.
Understand how a proper theology of stewardship and biblical generosity can positively shape congregational practices.
Be able to start developing new strategies for giving that will enhance congregational generosity.
Better understand the ever-changing financial realities of ministry.
Think more carefully and creatively about what new approaches to economic sustainability the 21st century might require. 
 
About this course
 
This course is comprised of six self-paced asynchronous learning modules and three synchronous Zoom sessions. Before the course begins, participants should purchase Preaching & Stewardship: Proclaiming God's Invitation to Grow by Craig Satterlee. Each learning module involves a combination of readings, videos, podcasts, and online discussion board posts, and participants are expected to complete all the assignments and tasks within the allotted time frame. In the Zoom sessions, participants join the instructor and others in the course for a live discussion of the material. 
 
Course schedule
 
Nov. 30-Dec. 20, 2025, and Jan. 4-24, 2026
Zoom sessions: TBD
 
Learning Module One: Thinking about money and the church
Learning Module Two: Church giving and finances in a post-pandemic world
Learning Module Three: Motivating generosity
Learning Module Four: Preaching and Stewardship
Learning Module Five: Money and Mission
Learning Module Six: Toward a new Paradigm for Financial Stewardship
 
If you have any questions or problems, please email pathways@wesleyseminary.edu.