This is the final article in a series about local church finances. Previous articles have dealt with the state of church finances and the impact they have made on church ministry.

By Michael Wacht

LAKELAND — As churches deal with a sagging economy, reduced giving on Sunday mornings and increasing costs, several are turning to the Bible for ideas on improving their finances, while others are using business principles.

Nearly 30 churches responded to an informal survey conducted by e-mail that asked about the current state of their church’s finances, the reason for the growth or decline, and the impact finances were having on the ministry and mission of the church.

Almost 20 percent said they are emphasizing stewardship and tithing among their members as a way to increase giving. Many of those churches said they are also honest and open with members about the financial situation.

The Rev. Stephen Binkley, pastor of Grace United Methodist Church in Lake Mary, near Orlando, said the church is setting an example of tithing for its members to follow.

“Our church has adopted a tithing mentality,” he said. “We tithe our weekly offering for connectional giving. Every Monday, the first check we write is 10 percent of the gross offering, including designated gifts, not just operating budget receipts. We are on-track to meeting 100 percent of our connectional giving this year—the first time in a long time. And we believe that because we are faithful with that tithe, God is strengthening our local, as well as global, church with his abundant blessing.”

The Rev. Jim O’Hara, pastor of Old Town United Methodist Church in the Gainesville District, said his church uses giving principles from Paul’s letters to the Corinthians, rather than emphasizing a tithe.

“For 16 years I have not taken an offering except for love offerings in accordance with I Corinthians 16:2, and we have always operated in the black,” O’Hara said. “We use an offering box to enable God’s people to give, according to II Corinthians 9:7. Even in these turbulent economic times, we have paid all our apportionments, an 80 percent property insurance increase, and continue to operate in the black.”

I Corinthians 16:2 (RSV) says, “On the first day of every week, each of you is to put something aside and store it up, as he may prosper…” II Corinthians 9:7 (RSV) says, “Each one must do as he has made up his mind, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.”

The Rev. Owen Stricklin, pastor of First United Methodist Church, DeLand, introduced the “ministry of the ‘talent’ ” last year to augment the church’s stewardship campaign and help it retire a $50,000 debt.

“Each member was given a dollar and told to use it for God and let it multiply,” Stricklin said. “We received enough to erase the debt and ended the year supporting selected missions projects.”

Two churches are asking people to give an extra 10 percent on top of what they are currently giving to help meet year-end expenses or their connectional giving goal.

“We have initiated a campaign for each giving unit to pledge an increase on their current giving by 10 percent,” said Betty Cracolici, finance committee chairwoman at Holiday’s Community United Methodist Church. The campaign is called “mini-tithing” and is intended to “keep the increase more realistic to the giver.” The church is recognizing those who increase their pledge by posting “giving certificates” on a bulletin board.

Two churches have refinanced church debt in order to improve their financial situations.

The Rev. Mary Beth Packard, pastor of Ocala’s Druid Hills United Methodist Church, said one of the first things she did at the church after being appointed was renegotiate the interest on the church mortgage to almost 2 percent.

The Rev. Craig Nelson, pastor of Miami’s Perrine-Peters United Methodist Church, said his church refinanced its loan with the Florida United Methodist Foundation. “While they have a variable rate, their rates have consistently been reasonable, and it makes good financial sense,” he said, adding Perrine-Peters is also holding its first pledge campaign in seven years.

Several churches responded that they are finding ways outside the church to raise money, including applying for grants, partnering with other groups to fill unused space at the church or selling goods or refreshments at events.

The Rev. Deborah Galtere, pastor of Glynlea Grace United Methodist Church in Jacksonville, said the church has opened a Christian book and gift store Sunday mornings and a few weeknights and is seeing a profit. Members are also working on plans for businesses in the church that will offer employment to local people and a monthly flea market at the church.

A few churches said the key to meeting their financial obligations was not a program, campaign or unusual idea, but the people’s response to the ministry of the church.