Churches Adapting to Ailing Economy

Although churchgoers have been generous in their offerings amid economic woes, churches have still had to make major adjustments to respond to community needs and adapt to the challenging times, according to results from a new survey of 1,000 Protestant pastors conducted by LifeWay Research.

The survey found that 62 percent of churches have received more requests from people outside their congregations for financial assistance in the last year than in previous years. To meet the demand, 37 percent of churches say they increased their spending to help the needy and 31 percent are exploring the idea of starting a new ministry to help people who are disadvantaged. Half of the surveyed churches said they have a greater sense of excitement, however, about the opportunities to minister to those in need.

Results also showed that giving in churches increased by an average of four percent in the last year; 26 percent of churches saw a 10 percent or more increase in offerings while 12 percent of churches saw their giving decline by 10 percent or more in 2008. Also, 70 percent of Protestant churches are either meeting or exceeding their budget.

Even though offerings have been generous, more than half of the surveyed pastors say the current economy is negatively impacting their churches, with seven percent reporting being "very negatively" impacted. Incredibly, 30 percent say the economy has had no impact on their churches.

Among the findings, 35 percent of churches say they held salaries for the new year at last year's levels, six percent reduced staff salaries, four percent laid off one or more employees, and 12 percent delayed construction or other large capital expenses that were planned.

Some pastors, according to the results, have had to personally invest in their ministry with 27 percent reporting that they paid for more ministry items out of their own pocket than normal. And in some cases, pastors have had to take on a second job to generate more income. Five percent recently added a non-ministry job for more income, five percent asked their spouses to add a non-ministry job and three percent of pastors have sought writing or speaking opportunities that provide royalties or honoraria.

"When times are tough, the church can be at its best — being, doing and telling the good news of the Gospel," said Ed Stetzer, director of LifeWay Research. [ChristianPost.com]

(from FotF's Pastor's Weekly Briefing)