Free Math Course
Designed for those wanting a practical and biblical approach to numbers, this free math course blends foundational math skills with real-world applications in finance, business, and ministry. You'll gain confidence in working with numbers, creating simple spreadsheets, and making wise decisions grounded in Scripture. Whether you're managing a household budget or serving in ministry leadership, this course equips you to steward resources with clarity and integrity.
Course Overview:
This course aims to teach basic mathematical calculations, including those that are used in financial and business activities. It also aims to aid in building enough familiarity with spreadsheets to be able to build a spreadsheet that will track income and expenditures, produce invoices and purchase orders, and allow tracking of expenses by categories. This will all be done with an emphasis on what the Bible has to say about the issues involved, as well as some basic teaching in the area of economics. The material is intended to be basic, and more a platform on which to build as needed.
Meet Your Professor:

Jim Ausfahl - Professor of Practical Mathematics
Jim grew up in a home that was outwardly religious but with little other than an outward religion, though his maternal grandparents had a living faith. As a child, his parents were transferred to the British Isles, and at a Saturday outreach event, he was born again. At college, Jim was involved with IVCF which strengthened his faith. Returning to the Peoria area, he sat under the ministry of Dr. Bruce Dunn, which strengthened his faith. Jim is not just an ordinary doctor. He is also passionate about the matters of the soul. For instance, he authored the book, The Brightstar Epistles, which is the mirror image of C. S. Lewis’ The Screwtape Letters, an experienced angel guiding another angel ministering to and overseeing a church on Earth. At 65, Jim has no plans to retire at as a physician or no plans to slow down in his ministry dream. Jim is willing to assist Christian Leaders Institute graduates to take their next step in ministry.
You will Learn and Grow in the Following Topics:
- Understand basic mathematical principles and how to apply them to financial, ministry and business situations
- Understand basic principles of using spreadsheets, as exemplified by EXCEL, for simple financial, ministry and business activities
- Understand basic concepts of money and economics and be able to use that understanding in ministry and business activity
- Understand the Scriptural teachings about a Christian's attitude toward and use of money and material goods
- Understand what the Scriptures say about ethical principles in business
What Other Students Are Saying....
“In this class, I have gained a deeper understanding of how mathematics plays a role in ministry, particularly in areas such as financial stewardship, budgeting for church activities, and managing ministry resources effectively. Learning about percentages, ratios, and basic financial calculations has equipped me to handle church finances responsibly and ensure transparency in tithes and offerings. Additionally, problem-solving skills developed in this course will help me in strategic planning for ministry growth and organizing events efficiently. I appreciated how this course made mathematics practical and relevant to real-life ministry scenarios. It was engaging to see how numbers and calculations are not just theoretical concepts but essential tools for effective ministry management. The course was structured in a way that made complex topics easy to understand, and I enjoyed the practical examples provided. Overall, it has been a valuable learning experience that will support me in both my personal life and ministry work.”
Adriaan Roberts
“Through this course, I have gained practical skills in basic mathematical calculations, spreadsheet management using EXCEL, and understanding fundamental economic concepts. These skills will help me in my ministry as they will enable me to effectively manage finances, track expenses, and make informed decisions. Additionally, the biblical perspective on money and material goods has deepened my understanding of the Scriptural teachings, allowing me to approach financial management with a Christian worldview. I liked the course's emphasis on applying mathematical and economic principles to real-world ministry and business scenarios. The use of EXCEL for spreadsheet management was also a valuable skillset to acquire. Moreover, the integration of biblical teachings on money and material goods added a unique and meaningful dimension to the course.”
Chawanangwa Michael Ngwira
“In this class, I have learned how to handle and manage finances, which will be crucial in budgeting for ministry activities and events. I also learned about statistical analysis, which can be helpful when tracking progress and making data-driven decisions for outreach programs and church growth. I liked how the course emphasized practical applications of math. It wasn’t just about theory but how to use mathematical concepts in real-world scenarios, including managing budgets and analyzing data. This is directly applicable to my ministry work where financial planning and organizational efficiency are important.”
Haryanto Wijaya
Number of Students Who Have Completed This Course
0
Join over 900,000 enrolled CLI students online and take the next step in your spiritual formation.
Build Practical Math Skills for Everyday Life and Ministry
Looking to grow your confidence with numbers? This free math course is ideal for beginners or anyone looking to refresh their skills in a biblical context.
In this course, you’ll explore:
- Basic math operations for everyday use
- Practical applications in budgeting, business, and ministry
- How to use spreadsheets to track finances and generate documents
- Biblical perspectives on money, stewardship, and ethics
- Foundational economic principles for ministry and leadership
Whether you’re launching a ministry, managing your household, or supporting your church’s finances, this free math course offers the tools and insights you need to make wise, informed decisions rooted in Scripture.

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