FINANCIAL POLICIES AND SUSTAINABILITY IN CHURCHES: A MIXED-METHODS STUDY OF SUB-SAHARAN AFRICA AND NORTH AMERICA

Abstract

Abstract

Background and Aim: Faith-based organisations increasingly face financial mismanagement, weak governance and under-prepared leadership that threaten sustainability and credibility. This study examined how financial stewardship, governance structures and leadership models jointly influence church sustainability in Sub-Saharan Africa and North America, and proposed an Integrated Ecclesiastical Sustainability Model (IESM).

Materials and Methods: A convergent mixed-methods design was employed. Quantitative data were collected from 428 respondents across 35 churches using structured surveys, the Multifactor Leadership Questionnaire and the Servant Leadership Scale; data were analysed using descriptive statistics, correlation, regression and structural equation modelling (SEM). Qualitative data were gathered through semi-structured interviews with 30 church leaders and analysed thematically using NVivo.

Results: Sixty-eight percent of churches lacked formal written financial policies. Financial management structure correlated strongly with sustainability (*r* = .82, *p* < .001), and transparency correlated strongly with congregational trust (*r* = .76, *p* < .001). Regression and SEM analyses confirmed financial structure, transparency, accountability and leadership effectiveness as significant predictors, jointly explaining 73% of sustainability variance (R² = .73, *p* < .001). Qualitative findings revealed tensions between faith and accountability, governance gaps, and leadership style effects that reinforced quantitative results.

Conclusion: Findings support a four-pillar Integrated Ecclesiastical Sustainability Model governance structure, transparency, professional development, and strategic planning offering churches a pathway to combine biblical stewardship with sound financial and organisational practice.