How Recession Proof is Your Church?

By Margaret Feinberg

Published: April 20, 2009

Few areas of our economy are recession proof these days including the church. I have friends who are taking 20 to 30 percent pay cuts and even higher. Still others have lost their paychecks completely.

What can church leaders and their members do to prepare for economic challenges?

1. Recognize that God is still in control. While foreclosure and unemployment rates may seem to be spiraling out of control, make no mistake that God is still on the throne. No matter what economic challenges your church faces, remember that God remains faithful.

2. Recognize that economic challenges provide an opportunity to reassess what's most effective and meaningful in your church. When financial difficulties arise, everything has the opportunity to be reevaluated. You may discover that your church is top-heavy and needs less staff. You may discover that outsourcing is costing you more than you anticipated. Areas of over expenditure can be trimmed while areas of under expenditure can be increased when the economy turns around. Like pruning, cutbacks hurt, but in the long-term they can be extremely healthy.

3. Recognize that financial difficulties remind the Church that every member is meant to be an able and active member. Economic tough times remind the church that we all have a role to play in the Body. We were never meant to be spectators but actively engaged and living our faith out. As staff members transition from full-time to part-time, and the new needs for volunteers are effectively communicated, people have an unprecedented opportunity to put their talents and gifts to use.

4. Recognize that financially tough times provide an opportunity for the church and the people of God to shine the brightest. Today, more than ever, your dollar can go further and make a bigger difference in the life of another. As Christians, we are called to be the people who run in when everyone else is running out.

5. Recognize that when it comes to giving you have to get specific. Unfortunately, all too many leaders are shying away from talking to their congregations about cutbacks for fear of having to give "the money talk". And rightly so, few people want to listen to the old-school "send-your-check" plea. When giving is talked about as an active, vibrant expression of our faith that ignites change not only in our hearts but in our communities... When giving is discussed in terms of specific needs within a congregation and local area...When giving is given a face, a name, a tangible expression, then people are not only willing to give but do it joyfully.

I know one church who had planned on purchasing a much needed play area for their children. When the economy turned, the pastor simply let the church know of the need and that afternoon they received a check to cover the new play area.

I know of another church who has looked at every line item in order to cut expenses but save staff positions (one of any churches most valuable resources). They've cut back on everything from color copies to the bug exterminator opting for black and white copies and do-it-yourself sprays.

I know of another church that decided that in the face of economic hardship the message of giving was more important than ever. They decided to give their members cash and encouraged them to make a difference in the life of someone else.

What kind of action is your church taking?

Margaret Feinberg is author of the upcoming Scouting The Divine: My Search for God in Wine, Wool, & Wild Honey. For more information about Margaret, log onto http://www.margaretfeinberg.com.

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