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Many congregations cut expenses in anticipation of drop-off in donations
By Tom Breen
Associated Press
Published on Thursday, Oct 30, 2008
CHARLESTON, W.VA.: On a recent Sunday, the Rev. Richard Mahan scrapped a sermon on forgiveness. He felt compelled instead to address the economic turmoil battering the nation.
''Everybody's facing hard times,'' he told worshippers at St. Timothy Lutheran Church in Charleston. ''If you're not, you're going to.''
Include churches in that dismal forecast.
With the economy in crisis, congregations around the country are cutting expenses at the very moment many members need help with food, heating bills and gasoline.
Some members of the clergy say their fundraising has remained steady despite the economic downturn, but how long that will last is unclear. Some are postponing building plans and delaying new programs just in case.
Among the congregations faring best are those with a strong tradition of tithing — the biblical mandate to give at least 10 percent of one's income to the church.
At Stevens Creek Community Church in Augusta, Ga., which practices tithing, ''you would never know that things are taking a nose dive in terms of the economy,'' said Dave Willis, a pastor.
''It's part of the DNA here, so we have seen some consistency even in rough times,'' said Willis, whose church draws an average of 1,300 worshippers each Sunday.
Mahan said there has been no dip in tithing or contributions so far at St. Timothy's. In fact, he has seen congregants donating more than usual to a small discretionary fund that covers grocery and utility bills for needy members.
''If we've got a little more than others, then we as the body of Christ ought to reach out and offer some of that to people,'' Mahan said.
Rob Peters, senior pastor with First Baptist Church in Weston, Fla., said his church has delayed plans for a new $4 million building. Before the economy began to sour in the spring, the 2,500-member church was receiving about $40,000 a week in donations. Now, it averages around $36,000, Peters said.
''We want to continue to build, but we don't want to jeopardize our church ministry,'' Peters said.
CHARLESTON, W.VA.: On a recent Sunday, the Rev. Richard Mahan scrapped a sermon on forgiveness. He felt compelled instead to address the economic turmoil battering the nation.
Get the full article here.
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