Churches Find Giving Spirit Still Exists In Spite of Down Economy

In spite of the down economy, a couple of churches are finding the giving spirit still exists, even if it’s not always in traditional ways.

"Our giving this year is up, over last year, by close to 3 percent, which isn’t a lot," said Rev. Jason Auringer of in Wentzville. "But the argument is that we have more people."

At Wentzville , giving has declined noticeably.

"We have noticed a drop the past year and a half even though attendance is actually up," Pastor Scott McNees of First Assembly said.

Still, a bad economy doesn’t mean church giving, goals and projects come to a screeching halt.

"The seminary I went to in Clayton – – the majority of that campus was built during the Depression and, if I recall correctly, was paid for in cash," Auringer said. "Basically they raised enough funds during that time to pay for the facilities – at least the opening section of facilities. So sometimes people step up."

That is happening in a big way at First Assembly, in spite of the drop in giving.

"We have actually been proactive in moving forward," McNees said.

First Assembly also has a school, and the school furniture "is in desperate need of upgrading," he said. "We found some quality furniture from a school in Oklahoma that was no longer using it. The asking price was $10,000. Through negotiating we agreed on $5,000, way below its value. When I presented the matter to our school and church families they said they would give (the needed money), and they are. We will pick up the furniture in April and refurnish our school."

While admitting that some of the church’s business people "wouldn’t necessarily be excited about the statement," Auringer said "our school and our church are actually running a profit this far."

General operating expenses are separated from the building mortgage, he said.

"So we’re paying our mortgage, but we’re running behind in that giving," Auringer said. "But our general operating (donations) are exceeding our expenditures. It’s unusual, in a sense."

Immanuel Lutheran is preparing to break ground on a new gymnasium, a big facility that may well be able to accommodate the needs of the community as well as the congregation. So while the economy could be better, Immanuel isn’t having the money issues many churches, particularly those with schools, are facing.

"We’re seeing an increase in enrollment, even though our tuition rate, obviously, has to go up," he said. "And we’ve seen an increase in giving, despite the economic (climate). So I’m not complaining. I know there are some that are having the opposite problem."

Money issues had prevented First Assembly from making a much needed upgrade.

"For several years we have been wanting to remodel our sanctuary," McNees said. "It still had the 1970's look. We just didn't feel like we could spend the money."

The answer to their prayers came from Mike Horstmeier, owner of Creation Builders in Mexico, MO.

"I received a call from Mike, who told me he wanted to help our church instead of going out of country," McNees said. "He wanted to do his giving projects locally this year."

This week, McNees said, "We have redesigned our platform and built it out, sheet rocked the entire sanctuary, added a few new doors, and have already ordered new windows for the sanctuary. They should be replaced within the next few weeks."

Horstmeier’s donation of free labor has been invaluable.

"It’s unbelievable to me – it’s beyond description," McNees said. "We had planned on doing this for years, but the cost, and the knowledge to do it, in a way, it was beyond our ability. We could have done it, but it would have taken us several years’ time, because we’re so busy. ... But these guys know what they’re doing. They came in, and they did it all in four days. It’s not done yet, but they did the majority of the work in four days.

"They’re expert carpenters," he said. "They’ve got the knowledge, the tools. I can’t even begin to put into words how grateful we are, especially at a time of financial downturn. He came at the right time for us. We are just blessed beyond measure by Mike. Mike attends a Baptist church in Mexico. He’s a good Christian man. ... The people of our church have just thanked the Lord."

First Assembly has other projects planned, including remodeling the church lobby, doing some landscaping and adding a rear screen projector to the sanctuary.

"In spite of being affected economically we are still moving forward," McNees said. "We still have three services per week, worshiping around all the construction."

In good economic times and bad, people have always made choices about how to spend, including their church giving.

"Stewardship in the church world is a funny business," Auringer said. "We call it an 80-20 rule – 80 percent of the people do nothing, 20 percent of the people do everything, including giving. So the vast majority of our funds come from a small number of people, in comparison to the number of family units we have."

Giving, whether to the church or to other worthy charities and organizations, is a decision of conscience.

"Once they get it, that’s a priority for them," Auringer said. "Scripture calls it ‘first first giving.’ That’s the first thing you do, is you give back. Then you save, then you spend. A lot of people in our culture decide how they want to live first, then spend the money even if it means going into debt to get that lifestyle. Then they start to realize, ‘Maybe I should save for the future.’ Then maybe they’ll give some, from a pastoral perspective I call it leftovers, instead of first firsts. I think the economy doesn’t really affect those who get it from a biblical standpoint. They’re going to give regardless."