Presbyterian Church (USA) Faces Decline in Donations: Survey Insights Revealed
The Presbyterian Church (USA) has been grappling with a significant decrease in financial contributions from its members. A recent survey sheds light on the reasons behind this trend, offering insights into the motivations of former donors.
PC(USA), A Corporation, the entity responsible for managing the denomination’s business affairs, recently received a presentation by Sean Payne from Research Services. Payne shared findings on why a number of church members have stopped contributing financially.
The survey reached out to more than 17,000 individuals who last donated to the denomination between January 2019 and September 2024. Conducted in the final months of last year, it gathered 1,275 responses by posing two main questions: the reasons for ceasing donations and what might encourage contributions in the future.
A significant 43% of respondents cited a preference for supporting their local church as the primary reason for halting donations. Moreover, 21% indicated that they had chosen to back other causes or organizations instead.
Economic challenges also played a role, with 11% pointing to changes in personal or family circumstances, and 7% stating they could no longer afford to give.
Some respondents expressed dissatisfaction with the denomination’s direction, with 7% disagreeing with decisions by the General Assembly and 8% uncertain about restructuring plans within the church.
As for what might prompt donors to resume their support, the survey highlighted interest in greater transparency, more storytelling, enhanced personal capacity, changes in denominational positions, and opportunities for designated giving.
The Rev. John Wilkinson, director of PC(USA) Stewardship and Funds Development, praised the survey process. “There is goodwill, and that reminder about storytelling is driving a lot of our strategy right now, with more stories of impact,” he stated, as reported by Presbyterian News Service.
In response to dwindling membership and donations over decades, PC(USA) announced a major restructuring in 2024. The Rev. Jihyun Oh, stated clerk of the General Assembly, emphasized the need for alignment with current church and societal needs, citing the denomination’s reduced size and evolving demographic landscapes.
Rev. Oh noted, “We are at most half the size compared to when the current structures were set up. Migration patterns are bringing global neighbors into our communities, so that the global is local and the local is global.” He further emphasized collaboration with various groups to create sustainable ministries that reflect the denomination’s vision and priorities.
This article was originally written by www.christianpost.com
