Coping with Hard Times: Contributions to churches declining

May 25, 2009 02:02 am

— Anderson churches are feeling the effects of an economic recession, but what about churches in the rest of the country? Here are statistics from the Barna Group that give an idea of the impact the economy is having nationwide:
• 52 percent of Christian churches have shown an increase in resources made available for the needy such as food, clothing and other basic resources.
• 31 percent of adults said they have reduced the amount they give to social organizations.
• Among those who are reducing their giving to non-profits, 53 percent are also reducing their giving to churches or other religiously affiliated organizations.
• Most churches will experience at least a 4-6 percent loss in revenue this year.
• Giving patterns suggest that churches will receive $3 billion to $6 billion less this year.
• 22 percent of churchgoers said they have stopped their giving altogether.
Source: http://www.barna.org