Church Contributions, Budgets Recede in Poor Economy

A national survey of 1,002 Protestant pastors in November by Nashville-based LifeWay Research found:

•28% reported raising less money than in 2008.

•57% said the poor economy was hurting their church.

•70% reported increased requests from people outside their congregation for assistance.

•43% budgeted more money to help more needy people.

•3% were considering closing down their churches.