Financial crisis

Having my student debt forgiven helps me believe there is another way

Instead of defaulting to individual responsibility, shouldn’t we forgive one another’s debts?

By Melissa Florer-Bixler Pastor, Raleigh Mennonite Church

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Laura Ullrich and David Brown: Why pastors should understand economics

Economists live in a world of scarcity. Christians believe in God’s abundance. In this conversation, an economist and a pastor talk about the ways in which that tension plays out in ministry and life.

‘Crisis and Care: Meditations on Faith and Philanthropy’

In this excerpt from an edited volume, Aimée Laramore describes the difficulties of the diverse economic problems facing congregations — and the opportunities that adapting to them could provide.

By Aimée Laramore Philanthropic strategist

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Melissa Florer-Bixler: What does it mean to forgive our debtors?

Debt is a crushing issue for many in our congregations, but creative churches are offering a path to freedom, a pastor writes.

By Melissa Florer-Bixler Pastor, Raleigh Mennonite Church

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Melissa Spas: How do you fundraise and ask for major gifts? Don't pitch. Nurture relationships first.

Fundraising is about forming relationships, sharing the mission of your organization, and inviting others to participate, writes the managing director for the Lake Institute on Faith & Giving.

By Melissa Spas Vice president of religion, Chautauqua Institution

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Will the church financially survive the COVID-19 pandemic?

Twelve Christian leaders share their thoughts on how the coronavirus pandemic might affect the financial health and sustainability of American churches.

By Ken Garfield Journalist

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Questions to guide organizational change during tough economic times

Sometimes institutional leaders are focused on survival. These questions can help shift thinking toward thriving, even in a climate of scarcity.

By Gretchen E. Ziegenhals Spiritual director and retreat leader

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Quiz: How to fill the collection plate

By David Briggs Journalist

Nurturing cheerful givers is more challenging than ever during an economic downturn. New research provides important insights that could boost the financial and spiritual health of congregations. Take our quiz to test your knowledge of church giving trends.

William G. Enright: Money is like a vital sign

Three and a half years after the beginning of the Great Recession, data are beginning to show the toll it has taken on congregations, says the executive director of the Lake Institute on Faith & Giving.

Quiz: Investing for sustainability

By David Briggs Journalist

Many congregations have endured staff cutbacks, salary freezes and deferred maintenance in response to the recession. But one budget area that may need to be increased, even in hard economic times, is programming, recent research suggests. Take our quiz to test your knowledge of the relationship between economics and congregational health.

Prince Rivers: Rethinking generosity

By Prince Raney Rivers Senior pastor, Union Baptist Church

Many congregations have less money coming in now than five years ago. But in the wake of a double-dip recession, can churches still create new ways to give the money they do have?