Enhancing Financial Management Practices of Selected Baptist Fellowship of Zambia Churches in Lusaka

This study examined the financial management practices of churches in Zambia, with a particular focus on Baptist Fellowship churches located in Lusaka. The study concentrated on critical challenges encountered, such as inadequate financial literacy, cultural attitudes towards money, economic stability, and a lack of effective internal control mechanisms. An important concern that was recognized is the over-reliance on tithes and offerings, which hinders the capacity to maintain financial stability in times of economic instability. In addition, only a few churches exhibited a significant degree of transparency concerning their fund usage, leading to challenges related to trust and accountability among the congregation. According to the research results of the study, Accounting Information Systems has the potential to enhance the transparency, efficiency, and accountability of organizational financial processes. Accounting Information Systems (AIS) can be used to create improved financial management in the church by encouraging higher accountability among church leaders and assuring continuous adherence to recognized best practices. This study employed a combination of quantitative and qualitative methodologies concurrently, gathering data from 77 churches and ultimately attaining a response rate of 89.6%. The analysis utilized was statistical techniques including frequencies and percentages to interpret the findings. The findings indicate a necessity for structured financial education and training to address the knowledge gap in financial management, which is crucial for ensuring transparency and sustainability in the financial practices of the church. This research employed contingency theory, resource based view and the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) as the theoretical framework to better understand church leaders’ perceptions and adoption of technology in financial management. The framework identifies perceived usefulness and ease of use as essential factors influencing the acceptance of AIS. The significance of establishing robust financial management systems and integrating AIS for enhanced financial oversight in Zambian churches is underscored. Therefore, by addressing these issues and adopting AIS, the church can enhance its efficiency, accountability, and financial sustainability, ultimately allowing it to serve the community more effectively. The study concluded that the financial management practices in Zambian churches face significant challenges due to a variety of factors, including limited financial literacy, cultural influences, and economic instability. It is recommended that AIS systems should serve as the main solution to tackle the core challenges and enhance financial accountability, efficiency, and sustainability.