Distance Learning Course: ‘The Work of a Church Administrator’
UCAN operates the accredited Distance Learning Course: ‘The Work of a Church Administrator’ in partnership with Cliff College. Cliff College is a unique community of worship, study and mission located in the Peak District, just outside Sheffield. We share a great synergy and passion with the college for recognising and valuing the spiritual gift of Administration.
Read below to find our course handbook and answers to frequently asked questions.
Places available on the next cohort - starting 20th January 2025!
The work of a Church Administrator
A ten-unit distance learning course by John Truscott and run by a team of UCAN Tutors. Launched: February 2014.
A nationally recognised course of study prepared for Christians employed by a local church as a Church Administrator in some form.
This course has been prepared to offer a rigorous but highly practical foundation in the subject of office-based local church administration in the UK.
Students who complete the course will have a qualification that shows their church, and any future churches they move to, that they understand and can apply principles of organisational management within a theological understanding of a local church context.
Download the course handbook here to find out more information about the course specifics.
FAQs
Do I need to be a member of UCAN?
No but you might find the support a membership provides a help to you as you undertake the course. Course fees are also discounted for UCAN Administrator and Manager Members (see below for more details).
Find out more information about a UCAN membership and apply to join here.
What does the course involve?
This is a ten-unit course and each unit takes one topic of relevance to working for a church as an Administrator and provides:
a study section with vital input relating to your work or the church office plus some exercises to complete;
recommendations for background reading in both secular and church-based spheres;
a range of personal applications: Bible study, meditations, practical exercises, visits, working with a mentor.
Download the course handbook here for more information on the topics and assignments.
How much time do I need to set aside?
Students are expected to complete the course within 12-15 months and each unit is expected to take you at least 12 hours in study, background reading and personal application. Based on completing the course and assignments in 12 months, you might like to set aside 5 hours a week to it, with holiday breaks.
For those employed by their church, we hope that you will be allowed to undertake some of the material within work time (though perhaps not in the church office with all its interruptions!).
When can I start?
From 2024 onwards, we are trialing 3 mid-year start points of January, April and September. The assignment submission dates are pre-set, and we expect participants to adhere to the deadlines (of course, should circumstances arise that mean a deadline cannot be met, please get in touch with your tutor).
Is it just for Anglicans?
Not at all – the material does not assume a single denominational base and so does not go into detail on issues that might affect one denomination rather than others, such as graveyard administration, faculty applications, etc. One of the units gives scope for exploration within areas of special relevance to your own church or denomination.
Will I be able to cope?
The material does not assume any tertiary education qualifications but to complete the course you will need determination and discipline to set aside the time for study, reading and note-taking. However, if you already work as a Church Administrator, you should find real excitement in learning more about the kind of issues that you deal with day to day.
Will I be on my own?
Your tutor will be available throughout the course and you might also decide to take the course at the same time as another local Administrator so you can share your experiences. There are three termly start dates each year, so there will be other administrators studying alongside you. This means that there will be others in the same study group who can provide peer support as you move throughout the course.
Why should I bother?
Because as a result of completing these ten units you can expect to:
Be energised and encouraged in your work.
Be better equipped to fulfil your responsibilities in a professional way.
Understand your work as Christian service, not just daily employment.
Be enabled to work collaboratively with church leaders to free them for their ministry.
What’s the cost?
The course costs £318.75 for UCAN Administrator and Manager Members (just email info@churchadministrators.net for a discount code!) and £375 for non-members and UCAN Connect Members. Why not sign up for an Administrator or Manager Membership today and save on this course!
The cost includes registration, course materials, the marking of the three projects you submit and the involvement of a tutor throughout.
In addition, you will need to purchase Heinemann's 'Business & Administration' by Nigel Parton and Bernadette Watkins for Level 3 NVQ/SVQ which costs about £31 new (or alternatively, you can obtain a nearly new copy for a significantly lower price).
What if my church can’t afford it?
We very much hope that your church will pay for you to take the course as they will undoubtedly receive the benefit of all that it gives. As for all our courses and training, UCAN maintains a small bursary fund to help support individual post-holders or churches who do not have sufficient resources to pay the fee in full. Get in touch with us via info@churchadministrators.net if you wish to discuss this further.
Can I talk it over with you and ask questions?
Absolutely! If you want to discuss the content before coming to a decision or if you have questions about the course, contact info@churchadministrators.net for a chat!
So how do I apply?
Click here to apply to and pay for the course. Payment is either via credit or debit card or you can request an invoice by using the discount code PAYBYINVOICE at checkout (once you add the course to your basket, you may need to click in the top right of the screen to complete the checkout process).
UCAN Administrator and Manager Members! Don’t forget to email info@churchadministrators.net for your discount code to apply at checkout!
This nationally recognised course is now celebrating it's 10th anniversary, having equipped and encouraged many administrators along the way. Hear from some of them below!
Nina McMahon | Church Administrator | St John’s, Ealing
“The UCAN course was both stimulating and beneficial. It enabled me to look deeper into the role of being a Church Administrator, especially from a theological perspective.
It is designed to use the skillset that you already have whilst providing the tools you need to work smarter and more efficiently. I felt a real sense of achievement when I passed.”
Patricia Prescott | Administrator | The United Parish of Chinnor, Sydenham, Aston Rowant & Crowell
“I found the course extremely helpful; I had been a teacher for over 30 years and had no experience of working in an office environment. However, the course helped me to apply the experience I had previously gained in teaching to my new role as Church Administrator. I also developed new skills and my confidence increased.”
John Truscott (Author of Course), 24 High Grove, St Albans AL3 5SU
01727 832176 john@john-truscott.co.uk