The emergency government financial assistance keeping some churches afloat is about to run out in 4 out of every 10 churches across the country.
This news comes as two-thirds of churches nationwide have experienced a drop in giving.
Older Americans are among the most faithful in church attendance and in giving to their local congregations. But many seniors are reluctant to go back to church to be around others during the pandemic, and they’re not always comfortable with online church services and digital giving.
According to the National Association of Evangelicals (NAE), 80 percent of America’s churches have fewer than 200 people, and tens of thousands of these smaller churches will be forced to reduce staff, hours, and compensation over the next few months.
During an interview with CBN News’ Faith Nation, Brian Kluth, national spokesperson for the NAE Financial Health and the Bless Your Pastor Movement, said it’s going to be challenging for churches because many churches are still not back in session.
Kluth told CBN News he thinks churches in the future will have to be prepared to present worship services both onsite and online.
He also noted that the local pastor is probably under more stress than he’s ever been — saying — “They work 50 to 70 hours a week. Many of them are not paid very well. So it’s going to be more important than ever for pastors to be loved by their congregation, especially with October Pastor Appreciation Month coming up in just a few months. Churches really need to get ready to bless and care for their pastors.”