International Journal of Applied Information Systems (IJAIS) – ISSN : 2249-0868 Foundation of Computer Science FCS, New York, USA Volume 12– No.23, September 2019– www.ijais.org 20 Evaluation of the usage of ICT in Faith-based Organizations: A Case of Selected Churches in AKURE South-North Metropolis B. M. Kuboye Federal, University of Technology Akure, Nigeria S. V. Oloja University Medical Sciences Ondo, Nigeria O. A. Obolo University Medical Sciences Ondo, Nigeria ABSTRACT The use of Information Technology (IT) based services within the structured of church management is rapidly progressing and is now becoming the hub of church administration. However, the IT adoption varies across different denominations, departments and church groups. This paper examines the adoption of IT in church financial management for proper accountability and integrity. It analyzes the perception of church leaders, ushers and bursary on IT usage for church financial management. It also, examines the adoption of accounting software, electronic banking in this critical sections. Questionnaires were administered to church leaders, ushers accountant, account clerk and members. Thereafter, the questionnaires were analyzed and evaluated via Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS). Chi-square was utilized in the tests if the hypotheses propounded. The results were interpreted and conclusion and recommendation were drawn. Keywords Finance, Questionnaires, Chi-square, ICT, Church 1. INTRODUCTION The trend towards ICT based services within the structure of church management is progressing rapidly. It has become the central hub of church administration. This has led to a dramatic increase in our daily interactions with highly specialized service systems. Services science towards ICT is an emerging discipline that charged itself with the responsibility to understand service and innovative service systems. Service increases value from some sophisticated forms of cooperation that is it is a value co-creation mechanism, [1]; [2]. However, knowing the impact of ICT in a given service department(s) with the church may be unnecessary; if there is no formal procedure or guidelines for improvement; particularly where the value is below target. The last two decades has seen the adoption of information and communication technology (ICT) Usage in church for better financial management. Contemporary church communications for growth is taking phenomenally great strides. However, adoption levels vary across countries, church groups, church budgets, and with the increasing threat to mass gathering by insurgencies, the rate of adoption will further increase. This paper examines the adoption of ICT in church financial management for proper accountability and integrity. It analyzes the perception of church leaders (bursary and ushering departments) on ICT usage for church finance and accounting system programs, adoption of electronic banking, and its services such as internet banking, mobile, e- transact, Point of Service (POS), use of Automated Teller Machines (ATM) for churches as well as the deployment of church ICT infrastructure for church administration and financial management. The paper attempts to identify potential structural shift in church finance and communication strategy. The research covers the southern parts and northern part of Akure metropolis churches. These areas were considered because they are the major areas under the coverage of Akure churches where ICT is being used. 2. RESEARCH METHODOLOGY A survey approach was used in carrying out the research. The processes involved in carrying out the research include the following: i. Literature of related material to the topic was consulted. ii. A structured questionnaire was designed to elicit responses from respondents. iii. Observation and relevant questions were carried out from various churches whose cases are being used to gather facts. iv. The questionnaires were administered to a sampled population of the churches selected which include; their workers, members, deacons, ministers and pastors v. The data and information obtained from the questionnaires was analyzed and evaluated using Chi- Square and Statistical Package for Social Science 20.0 version (SPSS). 3. OVERVIEW OF ICT IN CHURCH Information Communication Technologies (ICTs) has some great benefits. They enable global contact and, enhance life, development and global consciousness. This use may not become widespread except some concrete steps are taken. The church must embrace these ICT revolutions if they want be relevant in this new era. The first communication revolution church adopted was the invention of the printing press and used the printed word to disseminate the word of God and to teach millions who were considered unfit to learn thereby empowering them to fully engage in the mission to the unreached in the world. The Church carries a responsibility for helping its members achieve media literacy, not only to read and understand the gospel but also to discern from the flood of information an understanding of the events of our world today, other revolution like usage of digital calculator, computer, and banks.