How today’s economy is affecting the church and missions

Over the past few years our economy has seen some tough times. Car dealerships, realtors, restaurants, stores, and banks are going under. The downturn in our economy is affecting nearly everyone to some degree. The importance and reliance on the American dollar in our culture makes this a struggle for some and an emergency for others. It can be expected then, that the American church is not exempt from the wave of recession flooding our culture.
 
A George Barna study was published in January and February of 2010 covering the implications that our economic struggle has on the church. Take a look a the numbers:

• Three out of four adults say that they have personally affected by this economy
• 48% of adults have reduced their giving to non-profits (excluding churches)
• 29% of adults have reduced their giving to churches
• 1/4 of those who reduced their giving to churches, reduced it by 20% or more

The church is not exempt from the hard financial situation in America. Many pastors and leaders are being laid off or asked to find other jobs simply because the church cannot pay their employees. With less giving comes less money for operations, payroll and ministries. It should be recognized that money does not drive the church, love does. With that said, most churches rely on tithes and giving to support their leaders, pay off church buildings, pay bills, and fund effective and much needed ministries, such as mission trips. Many churches are using new and fresh ways of fundraising to support the life impacting mission trips that they send their members on.
 
The study offers this advise, already learned by many churches out of necessity and experience:
“The implication is that church and non-profit leaders should prepare for another lean year. Response to this reality suggests avoiding high-risk and untested fundraising efforts and communicating effectively with constituents. In addition, consider proactive financial management, including adjusting income expectations. Avoid using traditional financial projections as reluctant donors are likely to cut back on the number of organizations and frequency of their support. One of the fundamentals is relentlessly addressing six donor motivations including: operating efficiently, featuring the compelling cause at the core of your work, communicating the urgency of the need, nurturing personal relationships with donors, demonstrating transformational impact, and helping contributors feel a sense of personal benefit from giving. These appear to be as important as ever as donors scale back their giving.”

Information gathered from:
www.barna.org