Pastoring in Today's Economy

By Charles Scott
LifeWay Research found that almost two-thirds of all pastors say they've seen an increase in people outside their church asking for help. In addition, 31 percent of pastors have experienced a similar surge among those within their congregations.

Among the study’s other notable findings:

• 35 percent of pastors say their church staff is more cautious about trying new things that cost money.
• 40 percent of churches say they've had an unusually high number of congregants lose their jobs.
• Among pastors whose salaries dipped from last year due to the economy, 55 percent still paid for ministry items out of their own pocket.
• Only 1 percent of all pastors have seriously considered leaving the ministry as a result of the current financial crunch.
• The study found that the average church saw giving increase 4 percent in 2008, while more than a quarter of churches are currently receiving at least 10 percent more than they'd budgeted for. Overall, 71 percent of churches are either meeting or exceeding their budgets.