By Michael Wacht

LAKELAND — Most of the more than 30 churches that responded to a recent e-mail survey about their finances reported this year has been as good as or better than previous years. Despite that, most said the economy has caused them to take steps to be more fiscally responsible. Some said the cuts they’ve made are causing serious concerns about their church’s future.

The survey was conducted in response to news that the Florida Conference treasurer and Council on Finance and Administration are preparing for the possibility of a prolonged financial slump.

Churches reported the most common result of efforts to meet the financial situation head on has been reductions in staff, ministry or both. There is also fear of starting new ministries.

Betty Cracolici, finance committee chairwoman at Community United Methodist Church in Holiday, said her church’s finances are poor and have caused “a major reduction in staff,” specifically its music, visitation and nursery staff.

“At the beginning of the year, we had paid staff of six,” she said. “Now we have paid staff of two full-time and one part-time employees.”

Other churches are holding off on filling vacancies or adding new staff.

Mims United Methodist Church in the Melbourne District is one of them. “They [finances] have a large impact in limiting us in what we can do,” the Rev. David Harris, pastor of the church, said. “We need to add a youth director and other staff, but the church will continue with only a part-time secretary and a pastor.”

The Rev. Jim Govatos, pastor of Indian River City United Methodist Church in Titusville, said his church’s income is ahead of last year, due in part to an 8 percent increase in giving. That increase does not offset the increase in its budget.

“However, because of an unfilled staff vacancy and excellent financial management, we are meeting our financial responsibilities,” he said. “In order to remain fiscally responsible, we did delay some ministry efforts, but not essentials.”

Other churches also reported the need to reduce ministry efforts.

The Rev. Frank Fitzsimmons, pastor of Parkway Community Church United Methodist in Pompano Beach, said finances are making it harder “to do an effective job in maintaining the levels of ministry we have in the past.” He said donations to the church’s food pantry are down and supplies for children’s ministry are short.

The Rev. Tom Otto, pastor of Flagler Beach United Methodist Church, said he “did not request nor receive a pay raise this year” and has cut some supply expenses. Church members are also fearful of doing new evangelistic ministries that have not been budgeted.

The Rev. Robert Hornback, pastor of Beymer Memorial United Methodist Church in the Lakeland District, said his church has not canceled ministry programs, but “our fall budgeting is getting a very close review.”

Several churches said they were afraid the current financial situation would lead to more dire situations.

“We have reduced staff,” the Rev. John Harrington, pastor of First United Methodist Church, Coral Gables, said. “That reduces program. That will lead to shrinking membership. That will lead to…”

The Rev. Deborah Galtere, pastor of Glynlea Grace United Methodist Church in Jacksonville, said the lack of funds has created a domino effect of negative consequences. An “aging building” that needs “hundreds of thousands of dollars” in upgrades and repairs has caused hopelessness in the congregation.

“Curb appeal is very important to the young families in our area,” she said. “We have been affected by parents not wanting to leave children in hot rooms, because the air chiller system is not functioning properly. Why worship with us in discomfort when they can go less than a mile away to a facility that is maintained and cool?”

The lack of funds has also prohibited the church from buying literature or generating marketing material it can use to attract new visitors.

In the midst of a poor economy and financial troubles, some churches are finding comfort in their faith.

The Rev. Bill Fisackerly IV, pastor of Estero United Methodist Church in the Fort Myers District, said his church’s income is up, but not as high as expected.

“We would like to have more money, but more important is the emphasis upon prayer and faith,” he said. “Money is not the central deciding factor of whether ministry gets done. We believe that if God has called it, the resources will be there.”