New Poll Reveals Almost Two-Thirds of Churches See Drop in Giving

A new State of the Plate poll involving more than 1,000 churches across all 50 states shows that more than six out of 10 churches have seen a decline in offerings since the coronavirus outbreak began.

The news comes as the National Association of Evangelicals (NAE)—a national organization serving 40 denominations and representing 45,000 churches—prepares to launch its annual Bless Your Pastor campaign, encouraging congregations to “show and share God’s love” for pastors and church staff.

Conducted April 8–20, 2020, the State of the Plate constituency-based survey of leaders from over 1,000 churches revealed 65% have seen giving decrease since mid-March as churches stopped holding in-person services.

“For pastors and church staff, there will be difficult days ahead as more church families are laid off or experience reduced incomes,” said Brian Kluth, who originally launched the State of the Plate research following the 2008 financial crisis.

The State of the Plate poll, organized by Kluth with the participation of organizations such as Christianity Today’s Church Law & Tax and NAE Financial Health, revealed:

• 34% of churches reported giving had fallen by 10–20+ percent
• 22% reported a decline of 30–50%
• 9% said they’d seen a drop of 75% or more in their church offerings
• 27% churches reported that offerings were steady, and 8% reported giving had increased

For more information, visit StateOfThePlate.info.

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