NACBA conducts Third Economic Survey

In an ongoing effort to understand the economic impact of the current recession on congregations NACBA has conducted a 2009 follow-up survey to its August 2008 release. More than 800 responded to questions about how their churches are faring in the recession. This represented a 36% percent return of the members polled. Members of NACBA are men and women who serve in administrative roles in congregations throughout the US and Canada. They represent all faith groups in the Christian Community. Although the survey found a less-than-dire affect there seems to be a worsening condition than in August of 2008. In spite of the worsening conditions many churches saw a strong 2008 with 37% saying their operating budget in 2008 compared to 2007 was up with 26% saying it was about the same. Although many congregations are taking caution with spending most are focusing on the need for more ministry opportunities in the needs of the community. 26% responded say they have seen an increase in attendance as a result of the economy indicating that people are looking to the faith community for support.

32 percent said their church was definitely having economy-related financial difficulties, up from 14 percent in an August survey.
63 percent said their church saw giving stay the same or climb in 2008 over the previous year.
Only 24 percent said had curtailed mission activities because of the economy. But that’s up from10 percent in the August survey.
47 percent said their church had frozen or reduced staff benefits, up from 18 percent in August.
20 percent said they had staff layoffs, and 26 percent reported postponing a major capital project. Those were up from August as well.