With nine out of every 10 pastors in America under “financial pressure,” and six out of 10 churches facing giving declines during the COVID-19 pandemic, the National Association of Evangelicals has launched its second annual Bless Your Pastor campaign.
Last year, thousands of churches received free grant-funded materials to help them participate in the first national Bless Your Pastor campaign. Spokesperson Brian Kluth said the goal this year is to “create an even bigger wave of sharing and caring for pastors, church staff, and their families.”
Funded by a multi-million dollar grant, the campaign aims to ignite generosity and equip congregations to “show and share God’s love” for their pastors in creative and practical ways.
Churches participating in this year’s campaign will share a list of “50 Creative Ways to Bless Your Pastor” with their congregation, take up an appreciation offering for their pastor, and receive a free $250 Amazon gift card for their senior pastor.
Kluth added – “Even before this crisis, the majority of pastors and their families were walking a financial tightrope — teetering on the edge of serious debt and wondering how they could pay essential bills.”
According to NAE’s research, half of America’s pastors earn less than $50,000 per year and work 50-70 hours per week.