The National Institute and the Certification Program
of the National Institute program fulfills the academic requirement for achieving certification in church finance and administration in The United Methodist Church and other denominations as well.

The program encompasses three components:

* Seminar I: Planning for Mission in the Local Church
* Seminar II: Church Administration, Leadership and Stewardship
   Development
* Church Finance and Administration Project

Satisfactory completion of the three components allows the participant to apply for certification as a Church Business Administrator (CBA).

Professional training standards for the National Institute are established in cooperation with:

• Candler School of Theology;
• The General Council on Finance and Administration (GCFA) of the United Methodist Church;
• The United Methodist Association of Church Business Administrators (UMACBA);
• The National Association of Church Business Administration (NACBA).

In accord with NACBA standards, the Spring Seminar is Seminar II, and the Summer Seminar is Seminar I.

Upon completion of the three components of the Institute program, graduates may apply for certification through the GCFA, the NACBA and/or other denominational associations.  Certification guidelines and applications should be obtained from those organizations.  Any person wishing to be certified by the GCFA must attend both National Institute seminars and complete their project with the Institute.

The National Institute seminars are intentionally ecumenical in course content, teaching approach and enrollment.  Persons from all denominations are welcome and cordially invited to attend.  In order to be certified in the United Methodist Church, attendance at Candler is required (rather than attending another certification center).