Economic Crisis: Is the Church Ready?

The United States has enjoyed many years of economic prosperity. However, some might observe that the nation’s economic prosperity has not translated into more faithful church membership. Additionally, George Barna’s research indicates that the prosperity of Christians less than 40 years of age does not necessarily translate into proportionate church offerings. As secular prosperity increased, so has individual, corporate, and government debt. Many churches also joined the economic party by building and borrowing, which may be justified as long as the offerings are received. During this September we hear of increased job losses and virtual collapse of financial markets. The D word has even been whispered. What would happen if the worst occurred?

Churches that have debt may be impacted first, especially those that are autonomous congregational churches without support of denominational financial rescue available. As church members lose their jobs and cannot give, those with jobs may severely reduce their giving, even if they possess a strong core value of tithing. It does not stop there. Many pastors have mortgages and carry significant amounts of debt just like many church members. Let’s face it, many churches expect their pastor to be educated and able to converse on an equal level with the well to do secular people in the community, but pastors do not generally make what a similarly educated person would. The point in a severe economic crisis similar to The Great Depression, many churches would be without a pastor. Hopefully there would be someone who would fill his responsibilities. Churches with tremendous debt relative to equity value might find themselves without a building or property. The consolidation within the faith community might occur at the same time the masses turn to the church since they have nowhere else to turn.

Lessons from The Great Depression

That period lasted several years and impacted people for a lifetime. People who lived through it became very careful about debt. Fewer every day truly remember experiencing the period. Most people of working age have little or no knowledge of it, perhaps to their peril. It seems that every several generations has to learn hard lessons by experience. Indeed, greed has been the hallmark of some while most have simply enjoyed prosperity. We have either been naïve, over trusting, or turning a blind eye knowing someone someday would have to pay. Now it may be here. No, we are nowhere near experiencing economic crisis on the level of The Great Depression. That period saw investors lose most of their wealth, citizens lose their life’s savings, and as many as 1 in 4 men were unemployed. This time it would be more harsh since almost as many women are in the workplace. Families are dependent upon both incomes just to make ends meet.

A Run on the Banks May Lead to a Run on the Church

The primary point of this article is this: Are churches prepared to care for their pastors who are called to preach at a time when they might be needed most. When and if banks fail, jobs are lost, and people lose their homes, they will first turn to government for help. However, at such a time as this the same government that is antagonistic to the church may also need the faith communities to help. Are churches ready? Ready to feed the masses instead of a few homeless; ready to do personal soul-winning in their Family life Centers that are converted to shelters; ready to provide ministry for the masses that just might turn to the church as a last resort. I fear we are not ready. Like many, instead of caring for the masses, I might also be one of the masses with nowhere to turn. Yes, we would all be in the same boat.

I recall a passage from the Bible where the disciples were in the same boat together. In fact I remember several instances in which the disciples learned great lessons when they were in the same boat together. Perhaps we can prepare for what we hope does not happen. My reading of history suggests that discerning people could have predicted the catastrophic economic crisis since it was preceded by several smaller ones that people thought the government had fixed. Unfortunately we have seen history repeat itself several times. In fact God may use these unfortunate events to spread faith in Jesus Christ. The church needs to get ready. Perhaps some hard core discipleship would be the prescription.

SD Blessings,

Dr. Tom Cocklereece

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