Faithlife Survey Shows Effect of Online Platforms to Protect Against Severe Drops in Giving
New survey data from Faithlife, the church technology company behind Logos Bible Software, reveals an increase in both technology use and stress among church leaders since the COVID-19 pandemic began and highlights the surprising difference an online financial platform makes in combating declining church giving.
It’s no surprise that churches have increased their technological uses since the start of COVID-19. Of the 300 leaders surveyed, only 23% reported having a live-streaming solution prior to the pandemic, but an additional 52% say they have now implemented live streaming as a result of social gathering restrictions.
“Over the last month, church leaders have been forced to not only adapt but adapt quickly to meeting the needs of their congregation while maintaining social distancing,” said Bob Pritchett, founder and CEO of Faithlife. “This data can better help us understand the impact coronavirus is having on churches across the country but also assist us in identifying trends that will help churches plan for their new normal.”
While Faithlife’s study confirmed a decrease among giving across the board, the results pointed to the difference online giving platforms make in financial sustainability.
According to the data, starting the week of March 15, 21% of churches without an online giving solution experienced between a 10% and 50% decrease in giving with 25% experiencing a decrease of 50% or more.
Comparatively, 20% of churches with an online giving solution reported a decrease of giving by more than 10% the week of March 15, which rose to 58% during the last week of March.
However, 42% of churches with an online giving solution, compared to only 27% without a web-based system, had about the same or an increase in giving during this time.
Still, the true impact on church giving may not be fully understood until the end of April, because weekly gifts vary for churches even when there is not a pandemic.
For this reason, Faithlife reviewed how monthly giving relative to the average for each church has shifted in recent months. It found that churches with an online giving platform were more protected from severe drops in giving (>50% drop) than churches with no online giving platform. Additionally, 4% of churches without an online giving platform saw a 50% decrease or greater in total monthly gifts in March.
Additionally, Faithlife’s survey revealed growing worry among church leaders with 18% surveyed saying they are concerned about where this is all headed and not sure they’ll be able to keep up with the needs of their community as COVID-19 progresses.
“COVID-19 has put unprecedented stress on pastors, many of whom are having to quickly navigate the new realities of the world in which we live,” Pritchett said. “Thankfully, technology such as online giving and live streaming can help free up church staff to do the truly difficult ministry work that might be ahead and focus on what’s most important -- people.”
Faithlife’s data was gathered both from a survey of church leaders as well as internal research based on Faithlife’s aggregated church customer insights. Response rates came from churches of varying sizes including 1-49 congregants (24%), 50-149 congregants (43%), 150-349 congregants (18%) and 350 or more congregants (12%).
For more information, visit https://faithlife.com/newsroom.
About Faithlife
Faithlife Corporation, based in Bellingham, Washington, has been using technology to equip the Church to grow in the light of the Bible for more than 25 years. Since 1992, Faithlife has developed multiple tools including church presentation software, academic study resources, e-books, and Logos Bible Software. For more information, visit https://faithlife.com.