Megachurches thriving in tough economic times

[cbayer]

http://www.religionnews.com/2013/02/19/report-megachurches-thriving-in-tough-economic-times/

Adelle M. Banks | Feb 19, 2013

(RNS) Despite the tough economy, many of the nation’s largest churches are thriving, with increased offerings and plans to hire more staff, a new survey shows.

Just 3 percent of churches with 2,000 or more attendance surveyed by Leadership Network, a Dallas-based church think tank, said they were affected “very negatively” by the economy in recent years. Close to half – 47 percent – said they were affected “somewhat negatively,” but one-third said they were not affected at all.

The vast majority – 83 percent – of large churches expected to meet their budgets in 2012 or their current fiscal year. A majority of large churches also reported that offerings during worship services were higher last year than in 2011.

Even though some churches have ministries that provide other income, such as schools or wedding chapel rentals, an average of 96 percent of their budget comes from members’ donations.

more at link

[TygrBright]

1. They always do. Grifters and shamans (OK, redundant) exploit fear/anxiety with great skill. n/t

[backscatter712]

2. Look in the deepest parts of the Bible belt...

You'll see all the signs of poverty: broken down houses, bad schools, empty towns & storefronts, people with health problems, addictions, broken families.

But you'll see the most beautiful churches...

[cbayer]

3. Don't those tend to be relatively small churches, though.

I know that in small communities in the deep south, the congregations really go out of their way to maintain their churches. For many, it's their community center, their escape, the place they all share.

I could be wrong, but I don't think these megachurches are full of impoverished people.

[white_wolf]

4. I agree.

All the large churches near me seem to be attended by the relatively wealthy. Not necessarily rich but upper middle class.