4. Investigate.
See if you can find out the problem. If your community is on the decline and the economy is headed south, or people are upset at something and are dropping out, then at least you know what you’re dealing with.
The tough part is when you cannot find a reason.
5. Ask around.
Find out if other churches in your community are hurting financially also.
I recall being surprised that the church two miles up our street was going through the same hardships we were. When I made a few calls, other pastors in the area voiced the same concern.
That told me it was not something unique to our fellowship, but more than likely some economic thing was occurring in the community. (At this point, my problem became how to get certain people off my back and convince them this financial crisis was not the judgment of God!)
6. Pray more.
Keep this on the front burner with the Lord. None of this has caught Him by surprise. He knows the problems, loves the people, possesses the answers and has seen it all from the beginning. When we bring Him our problems, we go to the all-seeing, all-knowing Source of all wisdom.
7. Teach your people.
Every church needs a strong stewardship emphasis at least annually. Each new generation must be taught to give generously.
We pastors tend to think that because we had such an emphasis five years ago, the congregation is well-taught and up to date. However, typically, nearly half the membership has turned over in that time. Your college students have graduated and taken jobs and are earning incomes. Newlyweds are now having children and buying homes. Everything has changed.
