I wonder how much money, or the lack of it, has been talked about in your churches in the last few months? A great deal? Not much? Never? Of course, there have been many other pressing priorities and issues to occupy us, quite apart from the fact that money is not a subject we always find easy to discuss, even in ‘ordinary’ times. Perhaps, then, it might be best to begin by publicly acknowledging that, for quite a few of our churches, there is a financial problem that we need to discuss?
In common with other charities and organisations, large numbers of churches are currently finding themselves facing significant financial pressures. Lockdown and the suspension of services in our buildings has reduced giving, particularly in churches where much comes via ‘the plate’. Meanwhile, other sources of revenue, such as donations by visitors to our buildings, wedding and other fees or building hire, have also taken a ‘hit’. Even as restrictions begin to lift, the grim national economic outlook seems likely to reduce future giving and other income. [1]
And this comes at a time when many of our churches are seeing increasing workloads & consequent pressure on our financial and other resources. Whether it is connecting with new contacts made during lockdown, planning for programmes, events and activities ‘put on hold’ in recent months or responding to increasing demand for services that we run such as foodbanks or debt advice clinics; it nearly all needs money.
So how might we respond? Sadly, the following offers no easy answers or simple steps to solve all your church’s money worries, but does suggest three things for churches to consider as we reflect on church finances in a time of pandemic:
Firstly, let us keep our financial needs and issues as an important part of the church’s prayer and teaching, as well as our planning process. As hinted at above, we tend to have an instinctive, deeply rooted cultural aversion to talking about such things, one however, not shared by Jesus and the writers of the New Testament, who regularly spoke about stewardship, the need for and right uses of money[2]. Could we overcome our cultural reticence and include our church’s finances as a matter for corporate prayer and whole church teaching? Can we ensure that we consider the financial resources needed and where they may come from as an integral part of our planning? This may well feel uncomfortable and will, in all probability, prompt a ‘reaction’ from some members of your church community. However, I want to encourage you to persevere. Quite apart from the need to respond to any immediate financial needs, how we handle our money individually and as a Christian community is an important spiritual issue and one that deserves to be as much part of what we pray, teach and talk about as any other aspect of our life and witness.
If we find we can pray, teach and talk about money, dare we then go one step further and be specific in sharing the current need for it in our churches? Of course, churches are not alone in facing tough financial times. To give just one other example of many that you may have seen, the Small International Development Charity Network undertook research amongst its’ members which indicated, amongst other sobering statistics, that nearly half will have to close this year without additional funding[3]. In response, many charities are launching specific appeals, asking their supporters to raise their giving. Our response should undoubtedly be different and distinctive; but if we do not find ways to share with our members, prayerfully and pastorally, the reality of our financial needs, how will they know that we, like many other organisations they will also be hearing from, are in need of their financial support?
Finally, let me offer an encouragement to use this season to explore new approaches to giving and new sources of finance for your work and ministry. We have all had to discover different ways of doing things in recent months and why not let this also be true of our finances? New ways of giving may include signing up to online platforms or other mechanisms that allow worshippers to give digitally, perhaps during a ‘Zoom’ or livestream service or, should they prefer, via a contactless giving point in a service in your buildings. Technological innovation offers a wealth of options, whilst the months of lockdown and restrictions have meant many in our communities have become more proficient and confident operating financially in the digital world[4]. Beyond the financial support of our members, there are also many other, alternative sources of funding available to churches. These include managing local authority contracts or increasing revenue from future tourism or building hire. However, I particularly want to highlight here the opportunities offered by trusts and foundations. Many of these have set up dedicated Covid 19 related ‘emergency’ funding, to which churches are often eligible to apply for aspects of their ministry[5]. Opportunities also exist to secure significant, multi-year funding for longer term projects and programmes you may be running or planning. Accessing trust income can be time consuming and complex, but substantial sums are available for the right proposal presented in the right way to the right funder.
Securing sufficient finances in a time of pandemic will remain a challenge for many of us, but my prayer is this article will encourage you as you consider what your church might do in response.
Kevin Lawrence, a former Church Operations Manager and Director of UCAN, now works as a freelance consultant helping churches and charities to raise funds and grow (see www.kevinlawrenceconsulting.com). He is based in Somerset, where his wife, Ana, is Rector of an Anglican benefice.
[1] Charities Aid Foundation research suggested, for example, that overall giving to charities dropped 11% during the last recession in 2009/9 see https://www.cafonline.org/about-us/publications/2009-publications/uk-giving-2009
[2] For a helpful, brief introduction on Christian teaching on money, try Keith Tondeur, Your Money and your life, published by SPCK
[3] https://www.institute-of-fundraising.org.uk/guidance/coronavirus/round-up-coronavirus-impact-on-charities/
[4] An excellent introduction to what is on offer can be found at https://www.parishresources.org.uk/digital-giving/
[5] See https://www.charityexcellence.co.uk/ as one free source listing a number of these funds (you will need to register).