Mega Church Suspends Fundraising Amid Economic Strain from Federal Shutdown
As the federal government shutdown continues to impact millions of Americans, a large congregation in Lithonia, Georgia has taken a notable stand. Pastor Jamal Bryant of New Birth Missionary Baptist Church has chosen to halt the church’s Exceedingly Giving Campaign amidst the economic turmoil, delaying the initiative until the government resumes full operations.
During a recent service, Bryant, a vocal critic of President Donald Trump, expressed his viewpoint to the assembly. He accused Trump of being the first president to “starve his own citizens,” as the government shutdown threatens the food assistance benefits of millions reliant on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).
With approximately one in eight Americans depending on SNAP for an average of $187 monthly food aid, this shutdown, which commenced on October 1, 2025, has exacerbated uncertainty. The political deadlock prevents Congress from passing necessary fiscal appropriations.
Pastor Bryant shared his conviction with the congregation, stating, “I was arrested by the Holy Spirit in prayer on Friday. And it really shook me, but I got peace knowing that I was hearing the voice of the Holy Spirit and what God was calling us to do, and I hope that you’ll come in agreement with me in prayer and in faith.” His reflection comes amid rising unemployment rates, particularly affecting black communities, and furloughed government workers left without paychecks.
The Exceedingly Giving Campaign typically encourages supporters to pledge between $250 to $5,000 annually, with the flexibility to contribute outside this range through an “Other” option. The campaign aims to collect $1,000,000 for church improvements, including debt reduction and facility upgrades.
Despite the suspension, Bryant’s mention of the campaign stirred some congregants to continue their contributions. He noted, “I didn’t feel like it would be right to ask people to march down with $5,000, $2,000 $3,000 and $1,000, when people don’t know how they going to pay their rent, they don’t know how they’ going to take care of their kids, don’t know how it is that they gonna eat.”
Beyond halting the fundraising campaign, the church is also focusing on immediate relief efforts. Pastor Bryant called on members to donate canned goods for the church’s food initiative, The King’s Table. The ministry, operational even during the shutdown, recently served 120 Federal Bureau of Investigation employees, who are working without pay. The church anticipates serving an increased number of around 2,000 individuals due to the shutdown’s prolonged impact.
Facing this unprecedented situation, Bryant highlighted the challenge, stating, “We are looking really as a church in dire straits, because we did not see this happening. This is going to be the largest, the longest government shutdown in American history. … As a consequence, we’re going to need somewhere in the orbit of $75,000 to $100,000 just to keep up with the need because it wasn’t a budgetary items.”
Meanwhile, political tensions continue as Democratic attorneys general and governors have filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration for suspending SNAP benefits. The administration attributes the halt to Senate Democrats, highlighting the political gridlock. The USDA, in a statement on its website, emphasized the exhaustion of funds, citing, “Bottom line, the well has run dry.”
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