Giving Patterns in Recession Times

Based on past recessions, church members will keep giving to their congregations, at least for now, said Sylvia Ronsvalle of Empty Tomb Inc.

Decreasing giving is not the first thing church people do in tough economic times, she says. In an extended downturn, congregations might begin to see a retraction in church-member giving the second year, she predicts.

Research shows church giving as a percentage of income was higher during the early years of the Great Depression (3.5%) than at any point since. Data from the last 6 recessions show reduced giving in 3 and increased giving in 3, but only in 1970 did it go down in the first year. Traditionally, people view the church second only to family in terms of accountability. General giving outside the church is spottier, although people tend to give to an immediate need.

For additional research and analysis of giving data, click here for the research section of “Empty Tomb, Inc.”
Also read an earlier post "Giving in a Time of Financial Crisis" (october 28) below or in the October archives.