Inflation in America: Churches report decline in donations

From the supermarket checkout to the gas pump to the church pew, Americans are paying close attention to their spending, and that puts some churches in a difficult position.

“Churches are struggling in some cases,” Robert Blair of Ministry Brands told CBN News. “They can't keep up with inflation. Donations are down. In some cases, attendance is down.”

Ministry Brands' latest study shows that giving has not kept pace with inflation in 2023. 55 percent of churches saw a decline in giving. The smallest churches were hit hardest, with only 36 percent reporting an increase. In addition, cash and check donations declined at 33 percent of all churches included in the study.

But there are things churches can do. Blair says it starts with good communication from church leaders.

“One of the most important things is the conversation that the pastor or church leader has with the congregation,” he explained. “Talk about donations, why it's important and be open about what it's for. What will the money be used for?”

He believes that church members will donate more and more frequently if they are given transparency about what their money is being used for.

A further advantage can arise from offering different donation options, for example through digital form.

“I have a 21-year-old son. He will never write a check. My mother just writes checks,” Blair said. “As leaders of the church, as leaders trying to build healthy churches, we have to be able to accommodate all of the congregants.”

Pastor Solomon Adair leads Inspired to Live Church in Arlington, Texas. He says digitalization has made a difference in the growth of his church.

“I can tell you that digital giving has been a catalyst for our ability to increase our giving across the board,” Adair told CBN News.

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He says that giving to the church at Inspired to Live has actually increased during the Covid pandemic and amid high inflation.

“This is because of our strong focus on evangelism,” he explained. “We always invite someone to church and share the gospel. It's part of our culture.”

And that is in line with their goal of “asking more people to do a lot, with everyone helping a little bit.”

Inspired to Live is currently in the process of purchasing and renovating its own building.

“We see him as a leader in the way he engages with his community,” Blair said. “He talks about giving and about digital.”

Blair describes Adair's approach as a model worth emulating: communicate well, offer many opportunities to give and be courageous.

“The Bible says we don't have because we don't ask, and one way to ask is to make it easier for those who ask,” Adair said.