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Is the Economy Hurting Your Church?
Orginally published on Monday, March 10, 2008 at 8:05 AM
by Todd Rhoades
Here's the premise: "Churches could see charitable donations decrease if our current economic trend continues." Chris Goff, Director of Outreach & Discipleship at First United Methodist Church in Thomasville, GA says its clear members of their congregation are struggling financially. But they say so far it hasn't effected tithing. Their members are sticking to the donations they've pledged. "I can see if things continue to get worse, people do have to make hard choices about where there money's going to go so it could certainly effect us," said Goff. So here's the question of the day: Is the high price of gas, increasing food costs, higher unemployment, or other aspects of a slowing economy impacting your church's giving in any way?
I’d love to hear your input either way? Yes, it is impacting us, or No, it’s not.
Have you noticed any trend one way or the other?
Thanks,
Todd
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Post Your Comments:I don’t think it is affecting us yet. But I’ll be surprised if it doesn’t soon in some form or fashion.
It is effecting us right now in a big way.
The short answer is “yes.” THe long answer is, “yes, it’s affecting us.”
Absolutely. It is impacting us in a BIG way.
No. Is it affecting our families, yes. Who isn’t affected by $3 + gas? But our church finances have never been stronger. First 2 months of 08 are up 18% over 2007. This is not because of a large increase in attendance either. I have often found that the church finances have more to do with attitude than with economy. When people are happy and excited the giving is there. When they are not happy, the economy can be an excuse.
Yep. Had to immediately cut staff positions (worship leader, sr pastor, director of womens ministrys) but that was because the church doesn’t have a vision after building a new campus plus spending like there’s no tomorrow. I think even the church could learn from credit conselors in how to deal with finances. Being in an area where there are 200+ foreclosures a day, the church isn’t an exception to recession. Walking and living in faith doesn’t mean being irresponsible with what God has entrusted you with. Hopefully the church will take advantage of “the times” and truly educate what the Bible says about money issues.
Being a church with a lot of young believers in Christ this has impacted us greatly. One reason is that over half our people have not yet learned much about stewardship.
We are retired and yes it is affecting us. What we Give to the church is not ours, it is Gods so it will not change our giving habits if that changes it will affect us even more
It is hurting us tremendously - so much so that we are having a hard time meeting our financial obligations. I can see small churches like ours in areas where wages are low going through particularly hard times as people struggle to make ends meet.
We are struggling, and I think it’s due in large part to a recent split from which we are recovering, but our economy is definitely not helping matters. While I don’t endorse beating people over the head with giving sermons, I think clear biblical teaching and the example of the church being faithful in giving and management of finances, will encourage people to take giving seriously regardless of their circumstances. I’m not proud to admit that there have been times that I did not tithe because of debt, but my priority is eliminating the debt so that my responsibility to the kingdom does not become secondary. Let’s not forget the widow’s mite. She had very little and gave what she had. I think in our society, we don’t know what it is to sacrifice, so the thought of not giving in to our impulses and going without something that’s not needed, is not popular. We need more people with convictions like Jerry’s.
I’m very glad my faith isn’t dependent on the economy.
Haven’t felt the heat here, and don’t expect to.
We’ve never had the big bucks, but God continues to miraculously provide.
We are seeing a deep spiritual hunger throughout our community. All the evangelical churches are experiencing an interest in not just spiritual things, but Godly spiritual things.
That may be due to the economy. So, I say Praise God!
Yep, it’s effecting us. I go back to driving school bus full time in the morning because the church can no longer afford to pay me. It sucks.
Yes, our giving has been affected on the heels of our strongest year financially (2007). After many conversations, it seems as if rather than receiving the “first-fruits”, God is now receiving “left-overs”! If not tied to the construction industry, all our business owners are thriving. Could a caution from “perceived” tightening of family budgets be settling in to people’s giving patterns? Oh well, back to teaching on giving as “obedience” in any economic environment!
Raising funds has definitely been harder because of this economic crisis. After all, people have to make sure their families don’t starve. It’s only understandable that they spend on necessities before spending on new church constructions.
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