Majority of Protestant pastors blame poor economy for negative impact on offerings: study

[Michie]

A majority of Protestant pastors are blaming a poor economy for their struggling bottom lines after experiencing double-digit declines to zero improvement in financial offerings from churchgoers over the last year, data from a new study released by Lifeway Research show — but the sentiment is divided along political lines.

“National trends of a favorable stock market along with unfavorable inflation and interest can influence a local congregation’s finances, but so do more local factors that contribute to economic problems or prosperity in the church’s community,” Scott McConnell, executive director of Lifeway Research, said in a statement on the study. “In general, pastors have turned a little more negative in describing economic forces impacting their church this year.”

The study, which is based on a phone survey of 1,003 Protestant pastors conducted Aug. 8–Sept. 3, included participants who described themselves as senior pastor, minister or priest.

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Majority of Protestant pastors blame poor economy for negative impact on offerings: study

A majority of Protestant pastors are blaming a poor economy for their struggling bottom lines after experiencing double-digit declines to zero improvement in financial offerings from churchgoers over

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[JustaPewFiller]

Hmm.. I would think the economy certainly plays a part, but isn't the entire cause.

Church attendance is down. Less people in the pews = less tithes and offerings.

Speaking of, it has been a long time since I've heard a sermon on tithing.