Four Trends Impacting the Financial Reality of the Church

Trend 1: Many people within your congregation are financially stressed. It is one of the most common, and mostly hidden struggles facing church members today. A recent study indicated that over 70% of Americans say they are financially stressed and 38% say they are “very stressed”. What is new is that higher income earners (people with incomes over $100,000) are also indicating stress with over 29% of sharing that sentiment. Higer costs in housing, childcare, groceries and health care along with increased debt are causing more households to feel further behind in their finances. For example, it takes $117 today to buy what would have cost $100 in January 2022. While clear Biblical teaching, classes and coaching can offer tremendous help (see Trend 2) church leaders should also remember to lead with hope. Financial stress can make people feel trapped, isolated and sometimes forgotten. The more artificial and algorithm-driven the world gets, the more authentic, and Spirit-driven the church must become. Church leaders can create environments where people can listen to one another, share burdens, pray and support one another. By God’s grace and the power of the gospel, moments of stress and despair can be transformed into growth, healing and trust in God’s provision.

Key Question for Leadership:

• How can our church provide hope and support for people who are financially stressed?
  
• What intentional environments (groups, classes, care teams) are we offering where financially stressed members can be honest, receive guidance, and experience gospel-centered community?

Trend 2: The financial reality of your church will be increasingly determined by younger people. The research is clear - younger people are showing up to church more often. According to Barna, Gen Z is leading the rise in church attendance. During 2025, they were the generation with the highest average worship attendance at 1.9 times per month. This is a positive trend, but it means that the church is going to be increasingly attended by people under 30. Within this trend is how younger men are leading the way back to church attendance. The financial implication of this trend is that while younger generations are just as generous as their predecessors, they are not as inclined to give to or through the local church. The priority of teaching biblical stewardship regularly is more essential than ever as most young adults have not been taught at home both in terms of the Biblical basis for giving and the practical aspects of household financial management. Classes that inform their understanding of what God’s word says about money as well as practically how to budget, save and spend are an essential part of your overall discipleship pathway. Of course, this can begin with the preaching experience each week, but it does not stop there. Beyond the pulpit, facilitating opportunities to be taught and counseled in finances will be increasingly important.

Key Question for Leadership:

• How does our congregation model, teach and coach younger members to practice Biblical stewardship and generosity?
  
• What is our intentional plan over the next 12–24 months to disciple Gen Z and young adults in giving, budgeting and long-term generosity as part of our core ministry strategy?

Trend 3: Rising operating costs: Church budgets are being increasingly squeezed by rising operating costs including insurance premiums, health care costs and facility maintenance. This is placing a challenge on maximizing the use of current facilities and how to best allocate limited resources on staffing and programming. Over 32% of churches reported cutting their ministry budget to maintain staffing levels. Church leaders are faced with being wise shoppers when it comes to securing insurance and making decisions where and how to best invest in your existing facilities. Get multiple bids and be sure to compare coverages. Considering these operational pressures, here are a few other things to consider:

• Evaluate your budget to check for alignment with your mission. Church leaders must ask how each expense supports the overall mission of the church. Mission, not tradition must be the budgetary priority. Mission & strategy should drive the budget, not the other way around.
• Operate with a real “zero-based” budget each year rather than a “copy and paste” of last year’s budget approach. This will challenge you to inspect each line item to evaluate necessity, seek savings or alternative approaches.
• Conduct a staff audit to evaluate roles for clarity, overlap and sustainability.
• Create a facilities maintenance schedule to help anticipate needed repairs and predictable projects for upkeep and to lengthen the useable life of your buildings and grounds.

Key Question for Leadership:

• How can we maximize our limited resources to make the biggest Kingdom impact through effectiveness and efficiency?
  
• If we rebuilt our budget from zero around our God-given mission today, what would change in how we allocate people, programs and property over the next three years?

Trend 4:  We are currently witnessing the largest generational transfer of wealth in history.  The importance of thoughtful estate planning cannot be overstated. In the United States alone, experts estimate that over $100 trillion in assets will be passed from older generations to their heirs and chosen causes between now and the next few decades. 

Estate planning is an act of responsibility and love. Without a clear plan, families may face unnecessary confusion, conflict, or financial hardship at a time of grief. Church leaders can encourage members to prepare wills, trusts, and beneficiary designations that reflect their values and protect their loved ones. By normalizing these conversations, leaders help remove fear and avoidance surrounding end-of-life planning and replace them with peace, clarity, and intentionality.

In addition, estate planning offers a meaningful way for believers to extend their faith legacy through charitable giving. Many members desire to support their church or other ministries but are unaware that planned gifts—such as bequests, charitable trusts, or beneficiary designations—can be powerful and flexible tools. Church leaders who educate members about these options help them align their financial decisions with their spiritual commitments, allowing generosity to continue beyond their lifetime.

Facilitating estate planning and charitable giving is not about pressure or fundraising; it is about discipleship and stewardship. When leaders provide resources, host educational sessions, or connect members with trusted advisors, they empower individuals to make informed, prayerful decisions. These efforts strengthen families, support ministry sustainability, and honor the biblical principle of faithful stewardship.

Ultimately, when pastors and church leaders help members prepare their estates and consider charitable giving, they foster a culture of foresight, generosity, and lasting impact—ensuring that faith continues to bear fruit for generations to come.  We would’ve to come alongside you and your church to help implement a plan to educate your church members and facilitate estate gifts to your church on an ongoing basis.  

Key Question for Leadership:

• How are we helping our members prepare their estates and consider charitable giving so their faith can bear fruit for generations to come?
  
• What specific steps will we take in the next year to educate our church about wills, trusts and planned gifts, and how will we partner with Florida Baptist Financial Services to implement an ongoing legacy giving strategy?

There are many other trends impacting the church these days, but these four seem to rise to the surface of the conversations we are regularly having with pastors and church leaders. Be encouraged! While these times bring unique challenges, they are filled with hope and promise of all it means to be the Bride of Christ! We are also here to help. We have many resources to offer and counsel to walk with you and your team as you navigate these trends.